The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson
Sailing Yacht Truce
We departed Ketu Bay early on Tuesday, motoring out of Pelorus Sound as the dawn began to break. All was very quiet after the thunderstorm of last night and everything on deck was wet from the rain. We motored on for a couple of hours before a breeze set in and sail could be set. ... Continue Reading →
The visitors berth at the Napier Sailing Club has been wonderfully comfortable and the facilities enjoyable. Numerous bars, cafes and restaurants along West Quay have enjoyed our patronage but it really is time to move on, further south. Napier City is a delightful place, very clean and well organised. After coming from Auckland it is... Continue Reading →
Last night was a shocker. Not much sleep possible as very strong 50 knot plus gusts hit us from all sides. Wind bombs blasted down from the surrounding hills into the anchorage. A real wind bowl. Oh, and it rained all night as well. The rain has done a good job of washing the salt... Continue Reading →
Gentle rain, dark, calm and cold when I stuck my head outside the hatch this morning. I quickly ducked back inside to put the kettle on and listened to the morning weather forecast. The S’ly storm was coming, now was the perfect time to head around, through Tory Channel and into the inner sounds. At... Continue Reading →
Stuck in Port Levy in a N’ly gale was depressing and I was feeling a bit despondent. I have given myself a mental talking to, snap out of it and harden up. After studying the weather, it looked like I had an opportunity to head for Wellington or the Marlborough Sounds. The forecast indicated I... Continue Reading →
Wow it was cold this morning. I awoke around four shivering, for the first time this year I put on a second blanket . I was up again at six for an early start. By six thirty we were clear of Cherry Tree bay, in morning twilight, motoring towards Clay Point. The tide was against... Continue Reading →
At 03:30 this morning we were only eight miles from Wellington Harbour entrance, the light S’ly wind died and a vigorous N’ly wind set in. Without motor it was impossible to make Wellington. The forecast was for 25 knot N’ly winds in Cook Strait gusting to 30 knots. My options were to run down to... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 