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.
Sailing season opened on the 1st January. Unfortunately the weather forecast was atrocious for the week, so we delayed departure. This decision turned out to be correct, nasty easterly winds and plenty of rain made the first week of the New Year a wash out.
From Tutukaka to Parua Bay in Whangarei Harbour was another short hop down the coast, again under motor as the lingering high pressure over New Zealand continued. Before eight on Wednesday morning we were clear of Tutukaka Harbour and motoring on glassy calm waters down the coast towards Bream Head. Bream Head is a high... Continue Reading →
Tuesday morning in Tutakaka Marina opened overcast and calm, although everywhere is still wet from the storm. Today I will head south again and see how far I can get and what the weather will throw at us. The forecast is calling for westerly winds that gradually decrease towards the evening. After letting go from... 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 →
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 →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 