The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson
Sailing Yacht Truce
Friday 12th May, departed from Auckland and headed North towards the Bay of Islands. Steven, my son is with me and eager to undertake his first offshore passage. In the early afternoon we took the outgoing tide from Hobsonville Marina, motoring under the Auckland Harbour bridge and then sailing with headsails up to Kawau Island. We anchored in Mansion House Bay in the early evening and had a quiet and peaceful night at anchor, awaking to flat calm in the morning.
The end of January. From the logbook it appears that we have only had three days without rain this year – most unusual. Also, it appears that we have only had three days good sailing this year. Summer is a dud.
This year I completed the New Zealand cruise that was interrupted last year by covid and a long period of lockdown in the Marlborough sounds area. So, a year later I finally completed my adventure, sailing around New Zealand and visiting many places that are only easily accessible by boat. Last year I tried not... Continue Reading →
For many months I have been painting, maintaining and refurbishing Truce. Now, we are both ready to venture out again, this time for a New Zealand cruise. After so many months of stationary activity it’s wonderful to be moving again. This cruise will be different as I have no set timetable or itinerary planned. I... Continue Reading →
21st June and the shortest day of the year. Its wet and cold in Auckland and work on Truce has declined to a snail’s pace. My casual job at Burnsco, travel for Marine Consultancy work and the short daylight hours all conspire to keep me off the boat for days at a time. From now on... Continue Reading →
My arrival back in Auckland was a quiet affair, the wind disappeared and I motored into the harbour in sunny calm conditions. Truce is now berthed in Bayswater Marina where she will spend a couple of months until I find a more permanent berth in the New Year. It was good to settle back into... Continue Reading →
After a couple of peaceful days in Whangarei whilst the wind blew outside I sailed this morning, passing under the lifting bridge at eight forty-five - the first opening after the rush hour. I rode the ebb tide down the river, past Marsden Point and out the shipping channel, passing the fairway buoy three hours... Continue Reading →
I have been back in New Zealand since the end of January. Living the good life, eating, drinking and enjoying the warm summer weather. Generally getting fat, contented and too comfortable. Apart from a couple of mammoth record breaking rain events the weather has been beautiful, real Kiwi summer. Ngozi and I had a few... Continue Reading →
For the first time I can remember I am without car. As a family we are now down to a single car. This is a voluntary situation brought about by my desire to be free of objects and encumbrances that don’t add to my quality of life. In reality my car has only been used... Continue Reading →
I left home in Auckland on the 26th March, one day before my sixty fifth birthday and official retirement and flew into Vancouver on the same day thanks to the date line. Then I hired a car and took the ferry over to Vancouver Island where the pre purchase inspection was to take place at... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 