The start of 2017 finds me standing on the bridge of a vessel steaming up the Malacca Strait, passing Port Dickson. It’s a beautiful balmy night with a faint offshore breeze bringing out the smells of vegetation and wood smoke wafting the water. There’s searchlights ashore piercing the sky, must be part of the New... Continue Reading →
Voyage Logs
AROUND THE WORLD IN 35 DAYS
Back in Auckland again after circling the globe in a westerly direction. So nice to be back in Auckland, bright sunshine and clear sky’s to welcome me. Auckland Airport is one of the worlds easiest to arrive in, so quick to get through immigration and the baggage is usually on the belt ready for collection. ... Continue Reading →
SPECTACULAR ARRIVAL AT ST JOHNS
After what seemed like weeks rolling through the North Atlantic – in reality it was only a few days - we arrived at the St. Johns Pilot Station at seven in the morning. The sea became calm and the swell subsided, a full moon set ahead of us into the harbour entrance as the sun... Continue Reading →
AZORES HIGH
Since leaving Gibraltar we have travelled a thousand miles. During that time, we have rolled relentlessly accompanied by squeaking and creaking, moaning and groaning, rattling and shaking, and a cacophony of other noises. This vessel loves to roll. She is so enthusiastic; the speed and severity leaves you with a headache. I would love to... Continue Reading →
PIT STOP IN GIBRALTAR
Approaching Gibraltar from the Mediterranean side in the early morning is always a special occasion. As you get closer the rock rises above the horizon and features become visible and the Europa Point light house provides a reference for entering Gibraltar Bay. Many generations of British Sailors must have felt relief in the past on... Continue Reading →
DARDANELLES IN DAYLIGHT
I have transited the Dardanelles many times but always at night. Today I had the opportunity to make the passage in daylight and bright sunshine. Wonderful. We entered the northern end of the Dardanelles from the Sea of Marmara at daybreak and the blinking lights on shore gradually turned into recognisable structures and landmarks. The... Continue Reading →
HEADED TO NEWFOUNDLAND
One week ago I boarded a plane in Auckland and now find myself heading down the Bosporus with a long voyage ahead. This time I have no heated bathroom floor – a hardship I will have to live with. A 30 hour trip from Auckland brought me to Galati in Romania where a new build... Continue Reading →
CARLESS
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 →
REFLECTIONS ON ALASKA TRIP
The trip was a wonderful opportunity to get to know the boat and the systems on board. In the early days of the trip I had to undertake a lot of maintenance as the boat hadn’t been in use full time. During the trip I suffered no major failures and am confident the boat is... Continue Reading →
BACK IN NEW ZEALAND
I have been back in New Zealand for ten days now. So good to see family again, but It’s difficult to transition from being a freewheeling sailor to the role of domestic slave, taking orders from the ‘Boss’ wife. The creature comforts of home are however a welcome change, having a hot shower on tap... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 