The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson
Sailing Yacht Truce
Truce is tucked up in the Town Basin at Whangarei. A secure spot right in the centre of town close to all facilities, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. This must be one of the best temporary stops in New Zealand. He forecast is for high winds - I have put out a couple of extra... Continue Reading →
I had a nice peaceful night at Tutakaka anchorage. A low swell coming over the reef making Truce roll gently. I had an early start, departing before sunrise, relying on the leading lights to guide me out of the harbour entrance past the outlaying reef. My early start was driven by the forecast of south... Continue Reading →
I awoke early this morning - because I was cold - must find out where I stowed the blankets many months ago. It’s surprising that things can be hard to find on such a small boat. As today is a moving day an early start was not a bad thing. After a life restoring cup... Continue Reading →
Today was dedicated to clean up and chores on board Truce and taking it easy. In beautiful calm sunny weather, I set about tidying the boat. Stowing all the bits and bobs that I had been using on passage and stashed in the quarter berth for convenience and ease of access from the cockpit. On... Continue Reading →
What a beautiful sleep, I set my alarm for six but the phone battery expired overnight, the alarm didn’t and I awoke at seven. Outside the sun was just coming up and it was a beautiful calm morning, such a contrast to the wet windy evening before. Shortly after my first fresh cup of coffee... Continue Reading →
The wind overnight was not as strong as forecast so in was a little slower than anticipated, I really wanted to make some miles and reduce the time in the strong winds closer to the Bay of Islands. It turned out fine the wind picked up in the morning and I had a good thirty... Continue Reading →
No wind this last twenty-four hours and the engine has been running constantly. The diesel bunker is getting low now so I was grateful when the wind finally showed up just after noon. Since then we have been sailing nicely straight down the track to Opua in beautify weather. In anticipation of the big blow this... Continue Reading →
This morning the wind finally died at ten, just ripples on the water. We now have a huge spreading calm patch to get through before picking up the strong north westerly winds that will take us the final step to Opua. The Yanmar engine has been running since the wind left us. Maybe it will... Continue Reading →
Banging to windward all last night and today on starboard tack. Getting to New Zealand is a battle, every mile must be won. I am not complaining – some are still in the north waiting for a break in the weather and one yachtsman is sheltering at Raoul Island. The daybreak this morning was beautiful... Continue Reading →
It’s a good job I made muffins yesterday – it would never have happened today, conditions are far too boisterous. The day started out with a rain squall and front just after midnight. Then a strong south west wind and swell set in and we have been using it all day make our way south the... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 