CRUISE NEWS
In this issue
October 2024
Lots of Awesome Boats for Sale
From the Helm
The latest update from Viki
Go East & Pacific Rally 2024
Lots of photos of our adventures
Citizens of the Sea
Creating a Smart Boat
Diving in Tonga
Upcoming Events
Boating Etiquette
ask our Pirate panelist your curly questions
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From the Helm
September has been an incredible month up in the South Pacific. Firstly the Musket Cove Regatta 40th anniversary event which is always lots of fun, and also the Vava’u Sailing Festival in Tonga
We’ve been having a wonderful social time in the South Pacific recently with these two very popular events creating an opportunity for everyone to get together for some fun events.
Thanks so much to the team at Musket Cove and the Opua Business Assn for putting on such an incredible event Everyone had a fantastic time along with some great sailing, awesome costumes and fun times together.
The Vava’u Sailing Festival is another great opportunity to connect with cruisers who have come across from French Polynesia before they head south to New Zealand.
Many of the international boats cruising through the Pacific have joined the Pacific Rally to either Sail South or Go West to Australia. As well as all the important information we provide, we are very grateful to all our partner businesses who offer some fantastic deals to all our rally participants, meaning some excellent discounts they can quickly recoup their rally entry fee.
` If you have a marine business and would like to promote your products or services to the incoming rally participants or those planning to head offshore please get in touch.
I am also excited to announce that Gemma Dooley has come on board the Island Cruising team to provide me with some extra marketing, sales & admin support. You can read more about Gemma later in the newsletter.
I am now cruising through the Yasawa Islands on board Bella Vita and enjoying catching up with some of the other rally boats up this way.
At this time of the year we all start watching the weather, thanks to our PredictWind weather routing software, and the additional support of our weather advisors we are hoping for some nice sailing weather for the next leg of our Pacific Rally adventure.
Our plans for 2025 are already well underway and we now have over 60 yachts registered. They are currently undertaking all our pre-departure training modules and taking advantage of the fantastic deals and expertise that our partner businesses offer. If you’d like to join us to cruise the Pacific in 2025, I encourage you to join up early. This gives you the best chance of getting you, your crew and your vessel prepared for the adventures ahead, and getting you to the start line feeling relaxed and ready If for any reason you can’t depart next year, we are happy to transfer your deposit to a future rally.
If you are keen for some summer adventures, please check out our South Island Rally. We’ve got 10 boats registered so far for this iconic cruising event. You can choose to explore Abel Tasman, Fiordland, Stewart Island, Otago, Banks Peninsula and the Marlborough Sounds Choose your own dates & destinations, get connected with the others heading your way, access all our pre-departure content and access a comprehensive rally pack, guides, resources and all our local contacts as you cruise the South Island.
If you have a Beneteau or Lagoon you might also enjoy joining us on the 36 Degrees cruise to Kawau in the Hauraki Gulf on the 23rd of November This is going to be lots of fun, and I hope you can join us, please see the invitation later in the magazine
I am also planning to visit Australia in November. The dates & details for this are still coming together, but I hope to connect up with you along the way.
If you aren’t already a member of Island Cruising & Down Under Rally, please consider signing up to our awesome cruising community! It is just NZD$129 00 per annum We have so many other fun things going on in between our monthly magazines, and there are heaps of great benefits that come with your membership too, read some testimonials from our members and rally participants here. Check out more information about all the benefits here.
I look forward to catching up with many of you in Fiji over the next few weeks! I’ll be cruising with Richard & Libby on Bella Vita, so if you see us, please come say Bula!
Introducing Gemma Dooley
ThenewestmemberoftheIslandCruisingteam!
Havingcometosailingalittlelaterinlife,Gemmaembarkedonhersailingjourneyfouryearsagowhen sheandherpartnerrescuedawritten-offCoast34inBluff,NewZealand.Sincethen,they’velived aboard,exploringthestunningcoastlinesofNewZealandwhilededicatingthemselvestorebuildingthe boattoitsformerglory.
Aftertwoyearsofhardwork,GemmaandherpartnersetsailfortheSouthPacific,eagertodiscover newhorizonsandembracetheadventuresthatawait.
Withastrongbackgroundineventsplanning,Gemmacombinesherorganisationalskillswithherlove forsailing,bringingafreshperspectivetotheIslandCruisingteam.
She’sexcitedtocontributeherpassionandknowledge,helpingfellowsailorscreateunforgettable experiencesonthewater.
Welcome to Tauranga Bridge Marina
CruiseintoconvenienceandcomfortatTaurangaBridgeMarina,locatedinbetweenTaurangaandMount Maunganui-acoastalsunshineparadisewithplentyforeveryone.
Weoffer:
•Full-ServiceBerths–yourvesselisincapablehandswithshorepowerandfreshwateravailable.Monoand multihullberthsavailable.
•FriendlyandExperiencedTeam–Ourstaffaren’tjustskilledprofessionals;they’repassionateboaters themselves.Whetheryouneedassistancedocking,localtipsforexploringtheBayofPlenty,orhelp coordinatingrepairs,ourteamisheretosupportyoueverystepoftheway.Withdecadesofcombined experience,weprideourselvesondeliveringexceptionalcustomerserviceandensuringthatyourvisitis smoothandstress-free.
• Modern Onshore Facilities – Access well-maintained amenities including showers and laundry.
• Exclusive Overseas Visitors Lounge – A relaxing space for you to unwind, work, and connect with fellow travellers offering complimentary WiFi.
• Hardstand and 35 Tonne Travelift with a 5.5m beam – Professional haulout service providing a hub for marine contractors to service all your vessel requirements. Boaties are welcome work on their own vessel and can stay onboard whilst on the hardstand.
• Café & Restaurant Onsite – Indulge in local cuisine and breathtaking waterfront views without leaving the marina or enjoy great coffee and delicious snacks from the café.
· World Class beach break – one of New Zealand's well-known surfing/foiling destinations. White sand beaches and easily accessible surf breaks line this beautiful coastline including a unique surf experience at Matakana Island. Raglan is an easy 2 ½ hour drive, situated on the West Coast - one of the most consistent places to surf or foil anywhere in the world.
• Close to Domestic Airport – Only a 5-minute drive to Tauranga Airport for international travel connections.
At Tauranga Bridge Marina, we don’t just offer a place to dock – we offer a home away from home. Our team is dedicated to making your stay a memorable one, with personalised service that meets your needs.
Dock with us and experience New Zealand’s friendliest marina!
Visit our website or contact us direct to book your berth today.
Our rally pre-departure content is just getting underway!
Yacht Manual - A printed manual to help you record all the details of your vessel and safety equipment on board.
An invitation to join our Pacific Rally 2025 WhatsApp Group. You will also find sub-groups inside the main community where you can chat about Tech Talk, connect with the other boats with children on board, boats starting in Australia & boats starting in NZ.
Module on Preparing the Vessel - in this update we talk through some of the common issues we've had on various boats in previous rallies, and things you can do to help avoid those issues on your boat.
Module on Preparing the Crew - in this update we talk about preparing a sailing CV which is useful for both your Insurance company and for NZ registered boats to show their Inspector. We also detail some great discounts you can get with our various suppliers on some extra training.
Module on Documentation & Administration - in this update we work through all the paperwork required for going offshore, passports, boat registration, filing systems, insurance, vessel details & crew list template and more.
Module on Communications - in this update we take a closer look at satellite & radio communications and ways of keeping in touch when you head offshore.
Check out all the other rally inclusions here
Sail South to New Zealand!
Join us to Sail South to New Zealand this summer!
Our Sail South Rally package contains all you need to know to make the passage to New Zealand, support with navigating all the immigration, customs & biosecurity formalities, passage planning, weather routing and great discounts and information to help you enjoy your stay in New Zealand.
Check out all the inclusions on our website. Or watch our information webinar here:
Safeguarding Rangitāhua, the Kermadec Islands
Rangitahua, Kermadec Islands, is an archipelago lying about 1000km northeast of New Zealand.Thisgroupofislandsisinternationallyrecognised,andholdsnatureandmarine reservestatus,ahighleveloflegalprotectioninNewZealand.Theislandsandwatersare hosttogloballysignificantandfragileecosystems,andbiotafoundnowhereelseonEarth. Thisplaceisoneofonlyfourpristinemarineecosystemsontheplanet.Suchistheneedfor thisplacetoberigorouslysafeguarded.
Alltheislandswithinthereserveareextremelydelicateandevenlownumbersofvisitors canresultinunintendedconsequenceswithinthefragileecosystem.Accesstotheislands andthewatersisstrictlycontrolled.Enteringthewatersorlandingontheislandsisonlyby permitwhich,currently,islimitedtoresearchexpeditionsonly.Wherepermitsaregranted, thevesselhullmustbecleanedandinspected,andtherequiredcertificationofinspection approvedinadvance.
Theislandsandsurroundingterritorialwatersareunderconstantsurveillanceandvessel trackingisundertaken.Anyunauthorisedapproachtotheislandscreatesasignificantrisk ofdestroyingtheverynatureofthisuniqueplace.
IfyouhaveavalidneedtoapproachtheIslands,pleaseensureyouhavetheappropriate permitsandinspectionscompletedbeforeyourdeparturebycontactingtheDepartmentof Conservation,K
+ Special offers for Sail South Rally Participants!
Sail to Japan
We have a number of our Pacific Rally 2024 participants who are heading towards Japan at the end of this season, so we have put together a special package for those going in that direction which includes:
The Japan rally guide book - updated with the extra content from what we learned last year (Postage at additional cost). 1
Access to our PredictWind Japan Rally tracker for the boats heading in that direction. 2. A WhatsApp group where you can connect together to share information and ideas. 3. A Document Library on our website where I will load all the paperwork for entering Japan and other destinations along the way and other useful information - which we can also add to at any time with any other things you learn or find that may be useful for others 4. North Pacific Ocean chart.
5.
Please note that this is an independent rally, and Island Cruising will act as a hub for resources and to connect you all together and with the others who have sailed that way previously, so that ideas can be shared among the group
This is not a fully supported rally, so you will need to:
Arrange your own weather routing if you wish to use a router 1.
Have your boat well set up for a long offshore passage, along with all the equipment needed to potentially ride out a cyclone at sea, a very good handle on your water/fuel/power consumption - you will have long periods at sea, so you can't just turn the engine on when you run out of wind or are low on power (Our online learning resources can help with this) 2. I'll provide the paperwork that I have for Japan and the places along the way, but you will need to do your own due diligence on how and where to submit it and also all the places you are sailing via.
4.
3. To support & share any content you find with others heading in the same direction - I can add any extra content into our Document library too so it is a useful resource for everyone to be able to access any useful content
Cost
The cost of the Japan Information Package is NZD$200.00 per vessel (plus membership of Island Cruising if not already a member - NZD$129 per person).
Dates
This is an independent rally, so you can sail at your own pace and via any destinations along the way. We will do our best to connect you to others heading in the same direction so you can connect and coordinate to sail together if you wish
How to enter?
We have an online entry form. Please enter online here
Optional Extra:
If you are thinking of heading off in future years and are not already up in the Pacific and would like all our pre-departure support and Pacific content that we offer to boats heading offshore for the first time, you could join the Pacific Rally 2025 for the first part of your trip
Other cool resources:
Sailing to the Heart of Japan - by Nicholas Coghlan I've just finished reading this book about their voyage to Japan. It is excellent, and there are some very useful resources in the back of the book about the ports they visited. Highly recommended You can purchase on Amazon here
Konpira Consulting
If you'd like some additional personal support from a local yacht agent based in Japan, Kirk Patterson is based in Japan and offers all kinds of services to support cruisers. There are two Japan Rallies in 2025 and his website has got lots of useful resources. Konpira Consulting website
Go West to Australia!
Join us to Go West to Australia this summer!
Our Go West package contains all you need to know to make the passage to Australia, support navigating all the formalities, tips on all the best places to cruise, and great discounts and support during your stay.
Check out all the inclusions on our website. Or watch our information webinar here:
Welcome to the Bundaberg Region to all Down Under Rally participants!
We are thrilled to host such a vibrant and adventurous group of sailors, explorers, and enthusiasts from around the world.
The Bundaberg Region is known for its rich history and its vast and varying landscapes.
As an access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef we are well situated for a range of coastal pursuits whether that be at the Port of Bundaberg launching to nearby reefs or island or snorkelling right off the shoreline.
From the coastline to our rich hinterland and every community in between you will find agricultural enterprises from sugarcane to cattle farms which have earnt us our food bowl reputation.
Delicious food and drink coupled with warm and welcoming people is what we are proud to be known for.
From the iconic Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, there is something here for everyone. I encourage you to immerse yourselves in all that the Bundaberg Region has to offer.
The Down Under Rally embodies the spirit of adventure and camaraderie, values that are at the heart of the Bundaberg community. While visiting you can learn about the history of our famous, intrepid explorer and pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, located within our lush Botanic Gardens.
On behalf of Bundaberg Regional Council and the entire Bundaberg community, I extend my heartfelt welcome to you all.
Thank you for choosing our region as a stop on your incredible journey. We wish you the best for all your adventures.
Mayor Helen Blackburn Bundaberg Regional Council
MilbiFestival2024
A 10 day celebration of culture, connection, and conservation on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, say g’day, or yee’gee (hello in Taribelang language) to Bundaberg’s Milbi Festival!
With so many captivating events, illuminating experiences and native feasts to pick and choose from, here’s our must do’s and more for you to explore.
MustDo:SunsetLaunch
When? Friday 25 October, 4:30pm – 6pm Where? Nielson Park, Bargara
With the glistening ocean as his backdrop, Australia’s Got Talent star Mitch Tambo will take to the stage for the ever-spectacular Sunset Launch
A proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production, sharing a soulful and captivating connection to Country.
Roll out your picnic rug, grab a feed from the local street food trucks and let the laid back vibes and ocean breeze do the rest at this free event.
More?BeautifulBeaches
If you’re a beach lover at heart, or simply crave a peaceful escape, take the time to explore the pristine beaches that lace our Coral Coast
From the golden sands of Kellys Beach to the hidden gems along the Turtle Trail, each beach offers its own unique charm. Pack a picnic of local produce and make a day of it – beach hopping from the surf patrolled shores of Oaks Beach, to the mermaid lagoons of Elliott Heads
MustDo:RiverCruise
When? Various dates & times in October Where? Departing Riverside Parklands, Quay Street $45 per person | Click here to book Set sail through the beating heart of Bundaberg, and immerse yourself in history and heritage Wind your way down the mighty Burnett River aboard the iconic Bundy Belle, with insightful commentary from local hosts and illuminating Dreamtime stories from the Taribelang Bunda people on this relaxing river cruise. Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours also offer half-day bus tours year-round, sharing the region’s rich history and sacred sites of significance with visitors, and engaging in meaningful yarns over a morning tea infused with native flavors.
More?SeafoodFeasts
Keep the good times and riverside vibes flowing with a visit to Grunske’s by the River Restaurant. Just a stone’s throw from the dock, this waterfront gem is perfect for savouring the freshest local seafood, from trawler to table eats at it’s finest! Whether you’re in the mood for a casual fish and chips or a decadent seafood platter, dining here gives you a true taste of the region.
MustDo:Crystals&Craters
When? Saturday 2 November, 10am-1pm Where? Mystery Craters, 15 Lines Road, South Kolan $65 per person | Click here to book Nestled in the heart of South Kolan, awaits a day of holistic healing and artistic discovery, and grounding craftsmanship amongst the sanctuary of nature at Mystery Craters. This 3-part workshop is all about connection, creation and crystals, with a Sound Healing and Grounding session, a natural art experience and a Crystal Craftsmanship workshop
More?SwimwithTurtles
Ready to dive deeper into your connection with Mother Nature? Head to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, where you can snorkel and swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their crystal-clear reef home year-round Just a short scenic flight from Bundaberg, this eco-paradise offers you the chance to get up close with turtles in their natural habitat, surrounded by vibrant coral and marine life. Make it an unforgettable day trip or stay overnight to fully immerse yourself in this island paradise
MustDo:SunsetSounds
When? Friday 1 November, 5pm-9pm Where? Alexandra Park, Quay Street
$39 per person | Click here to book Iconic 2000’s group Sneaky Sound System, will take to the stage for crowd-favourite Sunset Sounds, and get the banks of the Burnett River beating with their funky electro-pop hits. The dancefloor’s cleared, the food trucks are prepping and the bar is stocked to the rafters with local tipples – we’re ready to get this party started!
More?TippleTours
Now you have a taste for the region, why not keep the party going on with a tipple tour of our artisan cellar doors? Start with a tasting at the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery, then sip artisanal gins at Kalki Moon Distillery Swing by Bundaberg Brewed Drinks for their famous ginger beer, and finish with craft beers at Ballistic Bargara. It’s the perfect way to toast your Bundaberg adventure!
Citizens of the Sea
The Island Cruising Pacific Rally participants who volunteered to be part of the Citizens of the Sea project gathered at Musket Cove for a conference in September to learn about the eDNA they’d collected on passage up to the Islands.
Citizens of the Sea is a new conservation charity that empowers sailors to map marine biodiversity in the Pacific using eDNA sequencing technology that can identify thousands of species from a cup of water, create a 3D model of a coral reef using the camera on their mobile phone, or build a dataset of environmental variables using information on their instruments.
Citizens of the Sea, a charity co-founded by Cawthron Institute (NZ) and New Zealand Geographic, recruited sailors in the 2024 Pacific Rally to help understand the health and function of the world’s biggest ocean. Through a partnership with global genomics leader Illumina, samples collected by the sailors were analysed to provide an unprecedented amount of data about biodiversity in the Pacific, and the impact of climate change.
“We’re empowering Pacific Rally sailors to become citizen scientists by equipping them with digital tools and state-of-the-art devices that enable them to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) data during their voyages,” said Erin Bomati, Field Operations Lead for Citizens of the Sea. “The boats taking part in the rally will tow Cawthron’s cutting edge ‘TorpeDNA’sampling devices on offshore passages, collecting eDNA samples at up to 12 knots (22 kilometres per hour). We’re running this project in partnership with leading local scientists and conservation groups in each island.”
The samples are analysed using the latest genomic sequencing technology from Illumina. This is a more comprehensive and considerably faster way of assessing biodiversity in marine environments than the physical surveys traditionally used to map and sample species.
“Collecting physical samples at ocean scale has always been an impossible endeavour for science. It’s also prohibitively expensive. But understanding this massive ecosystem and the effect it has on our climate and maritime economies is a more urgent priority than ever," says James Frankham, publisher of New Zealand Geographic. “Citizens of the Sea produced a set of sophisticated tools that were easy for sailors to deploy, and separated the tasks of data acquisition and data analysis.”
Cawthron Institute’s Dr Xavier Pochon, Citizens of the Sea’s Founding Scientist, said one of the best ways to survey the world’s oceans at scale is to collect and analyse eDNA data—the traces of biological material that all species leave behind in the environment.
“If we continually collect hundreds of water samples across large geographic scales, we can quickly isolate this eDNA in the laboratory, analyse it, and identify which species are present and how that distribution shifts in space and time due to climate change.
“With over 10,000 boats traversing our oceans at any given time, sailors on board cruisers, racers and commercial vessels represent an enormous untapped resource to help map ocean health.”
Therallyparticipantswhovolunteeredtobepartofthe CitizensoftheSeaprojectgatheredatMusketCovefora conferenceinSeptembertolearnabouttheeDNA they’dcollectedonpassageuptotheIslands.
Weareproudtobepartofthisfantasticinitiative, combiningthewidereachoftherallywithscienceto learnmoreandhelpbetterprotectouroceansinthe future.
CheckouttheCitizensoftheSeawebsitehere.
“The Pacific Rally is the starting point for Citizens of the Sea’s vision, but with the support of new partners and funders, we’d like to take this initiative global so that we can provide a new level of data for scientists, conservationists and decision-makers worldwide.”
Evgeny Glazov, Regional Manager at Illumina said as leaders in the development of next-generation sequencing technology, samples can now be analysed very quickly.
“Before the arrival of eDNA and metabarcoding methods, obtaining the same information would have been very laborious and cost-prohibitive,” Glazov said. “We’re proud to be partnering with Island Cruising & Citizens of the Sea, which will help to provide humanity with data to inform decision making about how we protect and manage our precious oceans in the face of a changing climate.”
Yachts are also equipped with technology for modelling the diversity and health of coral reefs using photogrammetric apps on mobile phones, and will be continuously logging environmental data available on boat networks.
We are proud to be part of this fantastic initiative, combining the wide reach of the rally with science to learn more and help better protect our oceans in the future.
The data we have collected will be publicly accessible via www.citizensofthesea.org in late 2024.
Join the Island Cruising Pacific Rally 2025 to participate in this fantastic initiative next year.
WatchthelatestParlayRevivalvideowithour adventuresonthePacificOceanonthePacific Rally
Owning a boat is not just about having fun and traveling to the most beautiful destinations in the world. While that is the main reason why people go into the boating life, there is also the same level of responsibility attached to it, as there is enjoyment.
As a boat owner or manager, you have to look after your vessel to ensure that it is in good shape and fully stocked to leave the dock and get you and your group to your next destination safe and sound. As such, you need to plan ahead and create a list of tasks to accomplish.
Use a task management software to help you navigate the maintenance system of a boat
The best boat management tool TheBoatApp, by Marine Data Cloud, is a boat management tool designed with task monitoring in mind What it does is provide you with all your boating life in one place Through the app you can have access to your marine life, fully cataloged and backed up so you never lose track of what is going on with your boat at any time of the day and year This information is accessible on any device, whether you have an active internet connection or not
Most importantly, this is a boat management software that allows you to plan, assign tasks to other members of your team such as skippers, marina personnel, or technicians, and place deadlines so you can be ahead of the game.
The advantages of TheBoatApp
The major advantage of using TheBoatApp is that you can always access information in real-time. So if a task has been completed you can just check on the app if it has been marked as such or if you need to assign someone else to help.
You can also register a task to be done on a certain date and get a notification when it is checked off the list If you are not the most organized person when it comes to remembering to do a task, just add a prealert to get notified ahead of time
Last but not least, share this information with whoever you believe needs to be in the loop and get your boat in good shape before a trip
Check out more features of TheBoatApp online and register for the free version to get a personal look at how the app may help you in task monitoring.
This is the new and most improved way of managing your tasks and helping you enjoy your boat as much as you can.
THE PACIFIC CROSSING GUIDE
4TH Edition by
Francis Hawkings
(Adlard Coles | USD$80.00 | Hardback| 9781399407014| 304 pages | November 5, 2024)
The Pacific Crossing Guide is a complete reference for anyone contemplating sailing the Pacific. From ideal timing, suitable boats, routes, methods of communication, health and provisioning to seasonal weather, departure and arrival ports, facilities, likely costs and dangers, this comprehensive new edition will both inspire dreamers and instill confidence in those about to depart. Completely updated, expanded and refreshed for the new generation of Pacific cruisers, this is the definitive reference relied upon by many thousands of cruisers.
The first part provides thorough preparation for both East-to-West and West-to-East crossings, and the second part covers Pacific weather patterns, major routes and landfall ports, with useful website links throughout. There are sections on rallies, coral atolls and atoll navigation, the cyclone season and laying up, use of electronic charts, satellite phones versus HF radio, ongoing maintenance, and Pacific festivals.
Updated with new charts and photographs, the new 4th edition focuses on ports of entry rather than secondary anchorages, and expands the North Pacific coverage, making it a valuable resource for sailors doing a North Pacific circuit, particularly US and Canadian sailors from the Pacific North.
About the Author: Francis Hawkings has been sailing in the Pacific for over thirty years. His cruises have taken him from his home base in California to Chile, Hawaii, Japan, and Alaska.
THE PACIFIC CROSSING GUIDE by Francis Hawkings will be published, as a hardback, by Adlard Coles, on November 5, 2024. (ISBN: 9781399407014| $80.00 | 304 Pages)
Purchase online here.
MORE RESTRICTIONS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA FOR VISITING YACHTS FROM 2025
TheislandsofFrenchPolynesiaareastunningandpopulararchipelagoforcruisingyachts.However,fromearly2025,thenumberofspots availableinsomeofthemorepopularanchorageswillbeseverelyrestrictedwiththeimplementationofanewbookingsystem. “BeforecomingtoTahiti,boatersmustmakesuretheyhaveaplacetoberth/anchor,becausemoreandmoreregulationswillbeapplied,”says Jean-PaulLeCailldirectorofthePortofPapeete“Intheory,itwillnotbepossibletocometotheportdistrictofTahitiwithoutaplaceina marinaorlegalanchorage”
ReadallthedetailsonNoonsitehere.
Cruising Preparation Online Course Content
Our Comprehensive Offshore Cruising Preparation Course is available online for just NZD$129.00 and on demand.
The course content is broken down into easy to digest 1 hr sessions, View the course content as often as you wish.
View when it suits you.
Learn at your own pace.
Pause / Rewind at any time.
Contact the course presenters via email or telephone at any time with questions.
Preparing the Vessel
Ship Registration: Guide to ships registry
Category 1: What is ‘Cat 1’and how does it apply to you and your vessel
Safety Gear: Vessel specific – EPIRBS, MOB devices
Rigging: Tips for extended cruising & safety including deck layout, preventers and more.
Sails: Selection, balance, tuning, maintenance, furling systems.
Anchors & Anchoring: How many, types, warps, windlass
Water treatment: Filtration, purification, disinfectant, watermakers.
Vessel Systems: Plumbing, gas, fuel
Battery Systems: Capacity, measuring power consumption, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and charging systems
Power generation: How much do you need to generate and the pros and cons of various options including wind, solar and mechanical
Electronics: Radios, charting, GPS, Radar, autopilot, AIS, etc.
Steering: Tiller, wheel, wind vanes, autopilots & emergency systems
Diesel Engines: Troubleshooting, spares
Fuel systems: Filters, injectors, avoiding ‘bugs & bad fuel’
Navigation: Basic equipment requirements
Charts: Tables, filing, requirements
Preparing the People
Sea Survival: Coastal and Offshore
Watchkeeping & safety protocols
Safety Gear: Personal EPIRBS and MOB devices, personal AIS
Seasickness: Remedies, management & avoidance
Log Keeping: How to keep a ship log and why plus basic record keeping
To Crew or not to crew: Pros and cons of having crew aboard, where to find crew and your responsibilities.
Sailing to a schedule: A recipe for disaster
Medical Kits and medicines
Money Matters: Credit cards, foreign currency, Power of Attorney
Insurance: Vessel & Travel
Staying Sane: Identifying roles, communicating aboard & sharing small spaces
Offshore Communications
Voice Communication options including Satellite, Radios – VHF/ SSB/ HAM & Radio Schedules
Electronic communications including email at sea: why is it important?
Vessel tracking and position reporting
Computer’s, Tablets, Phones and apps
Weather Forecasting: Coastal & Offshore
Weather information: Sources of weather info, how to interpret and use weather info.
Weather routing for Passage Planning & Passage Management
Personal Health
Preparing and maintaining the Mind & Body
Search and Rescue
How to Contact, Response times, authority & scope of SAR.
Provisioning
What to take, where to put it & what is available when you get where we are going.
Sourcing Products & Services
Where to get great discounts and deals on marine and cruising lifestyle products and services
Cruising Guides & Reference Books: Recommended, pilots, reference manuals, cruising guides
The2024 WhangareiMaritimeFestival
isBackwithaSplash!
Followingthetremendoussuccessofitsinauguralevent,theWhangareiMaritimeFestivalisreturningfora secondyearofmaritimeadventures.SetagainstthebeautifulbackdropoftheTownBasinonOctober12-13, 2024,thisfreefestivalcelebratesWhangarei’srichmaritimehistoryandoffersahostofexcitingactivitiesforall ages.
Thisyear’sfestivalwillonceagainwelcomethelegendarytallshipRTuckerThompson,andforthefirsttime,the NewZealandNavywillbejoiningthecelebrationswithspecialdisplaysandinteractiveevents.Familiescanalso learnaboutcareerpathwaysinthemaritimesectorfromMASTAcademywiththeirinformativetalksontheir school-to-workprogram.
Festivalhighlightsinclude:
Livemusicperformancesfromlocalartists
Fascinatingmaritimetalksonsubjectsrangingfromboatbuildingtomarineecology
Interactiveflareandliferaftdemonstrations
Scenicsteamboatrides,backfortheirsecondyear
Abustlingnauticalmarketfeaturingartisangoodsandcrafts
Interactivestallsontopicslikescubadiving,marinereserves,andthehistoryofvesselssuchasTheDaring Afun-filledKids’Zonewithactivitiesforchildrenofallages
Inaddition,WhangareiFilmSocietywillhostascreeningofPhilosopheroftheSeaonTuesday,October8th, andtheWhangareiCruisingClubwillshowcasethedocumentaryOneOutstanding,aboutthefamous Steinlageryacht,onSaturdaynight,October12th—bothpartofthefestival’sextendedprogramming.
LocalinstitutionssuchasReyburnHouse,theClockMuseum,andHihiauaCulturalCentrearealsoparticipating, reflectingtheculturaldepthoftheregion.
Thiseventwouldn’tbepossiblewithoutthegeneroussupportofoursponsors,includingNorthlandInc.,More FM,WhangareiDistrictCouncil,CheersWeddings&Events,WhangareiMarina,VitalSigns,SubZero,CRCNZ,and manyotherlocalbusinesses.Theircombinedeffortshavemadethisyear’sfestivalbiggerandbetterthanever.
Markyourcalendarsforanunforgettableweekend!Whetheryou’realocaloravisitor,there’ssomethingfor everyoneatthe2024WhangareiMaritimeFestival.
Formoredetails,visitwhangareimaritimefestival.co.nzorfollowusonFacebookforupdates.Don’tmissouton theNorthlandeventoftheyear!
NewZealand2024BayofIslandsCruisersFestival:
November18th–23rd2024.
UpdatedwithnewEventsandticketsareavailableforpurchasedonlinehere:
TheR.TuckerThompsonintheMarina(newevent)
18thNovember2024
TheR.TuckerThompson,themuch-admiredtallshipandnot-for-profitcharitabletrust,taking Northland’syoungpeopleonlife-changing7-dayvoyages-willbeintheMarina
Openshipfrom11am,thenthehighlighteventat4pmwithTheSmallAdult(5–12-year-old)Treasure Hunt.At6pmTheOpuaCommunityGatheringallaboardthefamousR.TuckerThompson.Thisisa communityevent,however,ifthereisroomaboardCruisersarewelcome
Opua-Russell-Paihia-Opua:RoundtheBayHike/Walk/Stroll 4hours,or6hoursatyourleisure(newevent).
19thNovember2024
ExperiencethebestofNewZealandinaday!
Thisisanincrediblejourneyforadayofcontrasts,fromboardwalksamongstmangroves,intopremium NewZealandbushforests,alongbeautifulbeaches,lookoutsacrosstheBayofIslands,andtothequaint touristtownsofRussellandferryridetoPaihia
Startingat9amfromtheOpuaGeneral Store(5minwalkfromtheMarina).
ThisisaperfectintroductiontoNew Zealandinadaythathasitallmoderatefitnessisrecommended.
Guaranteedtobeagreatdayout!
New Zealand’s festival on the water is back in 2025
Dates have been released for the Auckland Boat Show in 2025. Bringing a festival on the water to the heart of central Auckland, it will showcase all things boating from 6-9 March.
The Auckland Boat Show, scheduled to run as part of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, is timed to allow boating enthusiasts to enjoy a feast of March marine activities
Making the most of an Auckland summer on the water, the show gathers together 2025’s latest releases from boatbuilders and brokers across New Zealand and the world It’s a show which has become known throughout the region for the spectacular sight of the central city filling with hundreds of boats
The Auckland Boat Show is one of the key events of Moana Auckland and runs after the NZ Millennium Cup superyacht regatta in February to give visitors plenty to enjoy on the water.
A large marina display will spread through Jellicoe Harbour, filling the space outside the former America’s Cup bases with newly-released yachts, motoryachts, multihulls, superyachts, amphibious vessels and trailer boats. On-land exhibits will complement the on-water component of the show, taking up a Viaduct Events Centre spot in central Auckland’s buzzing Wynyard Quarter.
“There’s nothing like an Auckland summer on the water,” says show organiser, Stacey Cook.
“Which is why we stage the show in early March. It’s such a pleasure to showcase New Zealand’s marine industry where it’s at its best; on the water, enjoying the sun and lifestyle that boating brings ”
Uniquely in this part of the world, sea trials are a crucial component of the event With the Waitematā Harbour as the show’s neighbour, manufacturers and brokers are able to demonstrate vessels in their element to buyers, allowing them to bring performance, sea-kindliness and handling to the forefront
For 24 years the Auckland Boat Show has also provided an important stage for regional and international parts and services providers. With a large on-land component of the show, the event has become a launching point each year for annual releases of innovative products and new developments.
Beyond the Basics: Unexpected Gear That Can Save Your Sailing Day
By Nico Curbishley Yacht Delivery Solutions
Asaseasonedyachtdeliveryskipperwithover25,000nauticalmilesundermybeltinthelasttwoyearsalone(andmyteamatYDScollectively boastingover60,000inthesameperiod),I'veencounteredmyfairshareofunexpectedsituationsatsea
Whilestandardsafetyequipmentisundeniablycrucial,there'satreasuretroveoflessobviousitemsthathaveproventheirworthtimeandagainthingsIsometimeswishwerealreadyonboard,orthatIalwaysmakeapointofaddingtomykitInthisblogpost,we'lldelveintosomeofthese unusual'day-savers,'theunconventionaltoolsthatmightjustmakeallthedifferencewhenyou'refacingtheunpredictablenatureoftheopen waterFromrepurposedeverydayobjectstospecializedgearyoumightnothaveconsidered,thesearetheitemsthathavesavedourbaconon countlessyachtdeliveriesSo,buckleupandpreparetobesurprisedbytheingenuityandresourcefulnessthatsailingoftendemands!
1ABicycleHelmet
Thismightraiseafeweyebrows,buthearmeoutGoingupthemastatsea,ataskI'vehadtodofartoooften,isinherentlyriskyThemost treacherouspartisn'tatthetop,butratherhalfwayupwhenthemast'sswaybecomespronouncedandthehalyardisstillquitelongIfyouwere toloseyourgrip,theresultingswingcouldbedevastatingAsimplebicyclehelmetcanoffersignificantprotectionagainstaseriousheadinjury, safeguardingnotjustyourselfbutalsothecrewifyouhappentobetheskipper
2ARatTrap
Ioncehadthemisfortuneofsharingalongpassagewithanunwelcomestowaway–aratItallstartedinnocentlyenoughwithafewmysterious droppings,leadingustoassumewehadamouseonboardLittledidweknow,itwasactuallyababyrat,andacleveroneatthat!
Wesetatrap,butafterhisinitialclosecall,heneverwentnearitagainThislittlegeniusquicklygrewupandturnedintoafour-leggedfood bandit,chewingthroughbagsofrice,pasta,andanythingelsehecouldgethisteethonWesoonlearnedthehardwaythatleavinganyfood unattendedwasaninvitationforafurryfeastThere'snothingquitelikethedishearteningexperienceofmakingyourselfahotchocolateona chillynightwatch,onlytofindarat'sheadburiedinitwhenyouturnyourback!
Afterlosingafewpreciousbagsofsuppliestoourrodentroommate,wehadtoresorttostoringallourfoodinairtightcontainersandsecure lockersWeevenmanagedtocatchhimafewtimeswithhomemadetraps,buthealwayswriggledfreebeforewecould"dealwithhim"One particularlymemorabletrapinvolvedfoodintheheadsinktiedtoapencilholdingupapieceofplywood–hechewedaholeintheplywood beforedaylight!Thetakeaway?Agoodrattrapisworthitsweightingold,andneverunderestimatetheresourcefulnessofahungrystowaway
3Glow-in-the-DarkBracelets
TheseinexpensiveandwaterproofbraceletscanprovideasurprisingsenseofsecurityIfyouneedtocrawltothebowatnight,thoseinthe cockpitcaneasilytrackyourprogressAndifyouweretofalloverboard,you'dbeinstantlyilluminated,makingrescueeffortsmucheasierIt'sa smallinvestmentforpotentiallyhugepeaceofmind
4.ABicycleHelmet(continued)...
Asidefrommastclimbs,ahelmetisinvaluablewhenfreeinganobstaclefromthepropellerorrudderatseaWiththeboatpitchingandrolling, there'sarealriskofbangingyourheadagainstthehullor,evenworse,havingabarnaclescrapeacrossyourskullThethoughtaloneisenoughto makeanyoneshudderPlus,evenabasichelmethasalayerofclosed-cellfoamthataddsabitofbuoyancyWhileit'snosubstituteforalife jacket,thatextraflotationonyourheadcertainlywon'thurtinaworst-casescenario
5.ASelfieStick
Whileyoumightassociateselfiestickswithtouristsandsocialmediainfluencers,theycanserveasurprisinglypracticalpurposeonayachtWe've usedthemmultipletimeswithaGoProtogetaclose-uplookatafouledpropellerorrudderwithouthavingtoimmediatelyjumpintothewater
Ononememorablecatamaranpassage,wekeptexperiencingsubtlevibrationsfromoneoftheenginesItwassointermittentthatwealmost questionedwhetheritwasevenhappeningThenitwouldstop,leavinguswonderingifwehadimagineditFrustratedandunabletopinpointthe cause,wedecidedtodeploytheGoProonaselfiestickwhilemotoringTheculpritwasrevealed:clumpsofseaweedweregettingcaughtonthe prop,causingthevibration,andthendislodgingonlytobereplacedbyanother
TheselfiestickallowedustoquicklydiagnosetheproblemwithoutanyonehavingtotakeanunnecessarydipintheoceanWhilemostsailors likelyhaveaGoProonboard,aselfiestickmightnotbeascommonIt'sasimple,inexpensivetoolthatcanhelpyouassessasituationandmake informeddecisionsbeforetakingtheplunge
6Diapers
Whiletheymightseemoutofplaceonayacht,diaperscanbesurprisinglyhandyfortacklingmessyjobsTheirabsorbentdesignmakesthemideal forsoakingupspills,leaks,orotherunpleasantmesses
WediscoveredtheirtruepotentialduringadeliveryofayachtownedbyayoungfamilyWeencounteredeverysailor'sworstnightmare-a blockedheadRememberingabagofdiaperswe'dspottedduringthevesselinspection,wehadalightbulbmomentAfterall,they'redesignedfora verysimilartask!Weputthemtoworkandtheyperformedadmirably
Eversincethen,we'vefoundthatdiapersaregreatforallsortsofmessyjobsonboard,fromcleaningupspillstoevenhelpingwithoilchanges andothermaintenancetasksthatinvolvefluidsSo,nexttimeyou'restockingupforasailingtrip,consideraddingapackofdiaperstoyourlist
Youmightbesurprisedathowoftentheycomeinhandy!
Thereyouhaveit!
AfewunconventionalitemsthatcanmakeaworldofdifferenceoutontheopenwaterAndremember,whenitcomestotacklingtheunexpected, alittleingenuityandtherightgearcangoalongwayAsforYachtDeliverySolutions?Well,let'sjustsaywe'reprettydarngoodatnavigating theunexpectedtoo
The countdown to the Go East & Pacific Rally is on and the Pacific Rally participants will be participating in the Sea Lovers Gin "Why Are You A Sea Lover? Competition"
A reminder that we’d also like to offer special goodies exclusively to crew taking part in the rally. If you use the code ‘PacificRally’ on our website it will be noted on our side that you are a crew member and you receive a free goodie!
1x bottle of gin = A stainless steel reusable straw pack. 3x bottles of gin = A special burgee flag to use during the rally.
The Sea Lovers Gin Burgee for crew members can be used at anchor - fly your burgee flag to show other rally members that you are open for socialising! i.e. when the burgee is flying, other crews are welcome to come aboard for a drink/sundowners Cheers to that!
How To Enter the "Why Are You A Sea Lover? Competition"
Whilst docked for the day, perhaps enjoying a glass of Sea Lovers Gin, we challenge the crew to simply take a snap of what's going on, tagging us @sealoversgin and answering the question "Why Are You A Sea Lover?". The photo or video can be of anything you like - from enjoying sea lovers gin, a snap of big smiles from your crew at the end of a big day or anything you think captures the wonder that is being out at open sea! We'll be keeping a firm eye out on socials we're tagged into on Instagram (entries are valid via Instagram story or Instagram post!), no limits on entries. Enter as many times as you like. The lucky winner will score their boat a branded chilly bin full of exclusive Sea Lovers Gin merch. RRP over $400 NZD. *T&Cs.
GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES:
SLG branded chilly bin
Beach towels
East Imperial Tonic
SLG tote bags
SLG t-shirt
Stainless steel straw sets
Boat expressions of interest for 2025 AWBF now open
Embark on a maritime odyssey unlike any other as the Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF) announces the opening of expressions of interest for the prestigious showcase of vessels ashore and afloat at the AWBF 2025. Held 7 - 10 February 2025, this grand event, held in Tasmania, stands as the largest celebration of maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere.
The AWBF, renowned for its magnitude and cultural significance, transforms the historical Hobart Waterfront into a bustling hub of maritime festivities over four captivating days. Notably, the 2023 edition of the festival witnessed an attendance of 60,000 patrons, while garnering expressions of interest from over 450 wooden boat owners.
The 2025 theme is 'New Zealand and the Pacific Ocean', and the AWBF 2025 aims to shine a spotlight on the rich maritime legacy spanning from Japan to the west coast of the USA, and across the vast expanse of Pacific Islands leading to Australia. Anticipating an international influx of vessel expressions of interest, the organisers have already begun fielding inquiries, with 49% of expressions in 2023 originating from beyond the borders of Tasmania.
Organisers extend an invitation to wooden boat owners of all classifications to submit their expressions of interest by September, as berthing opportunities are limited.
Once again, vessels ashore will be thoughtfully curated across the festival grounds, including within the stunning City Hall, which, following its successful integration in the 2023 program, offers a secure venue for the exhibition of dinghies, kayaks, and sailboats in all their rigging.
The AWBF 2025 promises to be an exceptional gathering of maritime heritage, culture and community. Organisers encourage enthusiasts to seize this opportunity to partake in the celebrations. For further details and registration of expressions of interest, please visit the official website.
The next Australian Wooden Boat Festival will be 7 – 10 February 2025.
For more information please visit the AWBF website – awbf.org.au
Pacific Rally boats enjoy Half price beer for the first drink when visiting Mounu. Have a night ashore! 3 Course fine dining experience dinner, accommodation in beach side fale and yummy breakfast - Special for Cruising yacht group only TOP$380 per person. Contact: mounuislandvavau@gmail.com
Sea Survival Course
Offshore Marine Medic
Two-dayOffshoreMedicalCoursecustomisedtoprovidestudentswiththebasicsrequiredfor OffshoreCruisingCoursealsocoversahandoveroftheOffshoreMedicalKit(CAT1)andhowto useit.
Upcomingdates:
21-22November-Auckland
30November-1December-Auckland
22-23March-Christchurch
8-9March-Whangārei
MarchTBA-Auckland
HYDROVANE IS BOTH:
A Self Steering Windvane System:
A completely independent mechanical system (ie. non-electrical) that steers the boat on a wind-based course. Easiest to operate, with no lines in the cockpit, and excellent on all points of sail and in all conditions.
It is an Auxiliary Rudder type of windvane system – the Vane drives its own Rudder via a sophisticated Drive Unit linkage.
An Emergency Rudder/ Steering System
Inherently a second Rudder and Steering System for your boat.
It is the strongest Emergency Rudder and Steering System available today. Always in place, nothing to set-up – takes the fear out of losing your rudder or breaking your vessel’s steering mid passage or close to shore.
UpgradingMyClassicBoatintoaModernSmartVesselwith SmartBoatAssistant
ByRob-SmartBoatInnovations
Haveyoueverconsideredbringingyourboatintothedigitalagewithremotemonitoringandcontrol,allwithout needingadvancedtechnicalskillsorbreakingthebank?That'sexactlywhatIdidwithmy1986boat, transformingitintothemostadvancedyachtintheanchorageusingstraightforwardmethodsthatanyonecan replicate.
WhatIsaRaspberryPi?
ARaspberryPiisatiny,affordablecomputer—aboutthesizeofadeckofcards—that'sperfectforDIYprojects. Despiteitssmallsize,itfunctionslikearegularcomputerandcanrunvarioussoftwareapplications.Inthis project,theRaspberryPiservesasthebrainofthesmartboatsystem,handlingalldataprocessingand communicationwithouttheneedforamonitororkeyboard.
LeveragingHomeAssistanttoCreateSmartBoatAssistant
ByutilizingaRaspberryPiandHomeAssistant(HA)—anopen-sourceplatformwithavastcommunityanda dedicateddevelopmentteam—IdevelopedtheSmartBoatAssistant,amarinesystemthatbuildsuponHA's robustcapabilities.HomeAssistantreleasesupdatesmonthly,ensuringtheplatformisalwaysevolvingand future-proofed.
Withaninvestmentoflessthan$350coveringthecomputer,router,andaffordablesensors,Imodernizedmy boatefficiently.OneofthebiggestadvantagesofthissetupisthatHomeAssistantmanagestheRaspberryPifor you.Thismeansyouwon'thavetointeractwithLinuxorworryaboutsystemupdates.TheRaspberryPifits neatlyintoastylishcase,withallcomponentsconnectingviaUSBorwirelessly—noextrahardwareattachments needed.
HomeAssistantisdesignedtoruninheadlessmode,eliminatingtheneedforawireddisplayorkeyboard.You canaccessandcontrolyourboatfromanydevice,whetheryou'reonboardormilesaway,offeringexceptional flexibilityandconvenience.
WhySmartBoatAssistantIsRevolutionizingBoating
TherearecountlessreasonstostartusingtheSmartBoatAssistantforyourmarineneeds:
-CustomMarineIntegrations:I'vedevelopedintegrationsforNMEA0183,NMEA2000,boattracking,andanchor watch,makingiteasierthanevertoconnectallyourmarineinstruments.
-ExtensiveFunctionality:BuiltonHomeAssistant,theplatformoffersthousandsofintegrations,providing immensefunctionalityandadaptability.Thisfuture-proofsyoursmartboatsetupasnewtechnologiesbecome available.
-User-FriendlyExperience:TheintegrationofESPHomesimplifiesincorporatingvariouscomponentsonyour boatwithoutcomplexcoding.SinceHomeAssistantmanagestheRaspberryPiandhandlesallupdates seamlessly,you'llneverhavetodealwithLinux.
-RobustCommunitySupport:Withhundredsofthousandsofactiveusersandadedicateddevelopmentteam, HomeAssistantcontinuallyevolvestomeetusers'needs,ensuringyoursystemstaysatthecuttingedgeof marinetechnology.
WhatI'veAchievedwithMySmartBoat
1.RemoteMonitoringandControl
Icannowoverseeandmanagevariousaspectsofmyboatfromanywhereintheworld.Usingmy smartphone,Ihavereal-timeaccesstoallonboardinstruments.
2.InstantAlerts
Ireceiveimmediatenotificationsonmyphoneforcriticalevents,suchas:
-Leavingadesignatedanchorzone
-Unexpectedchangesinwaterdepth
-Suddenincreasesinwindspeed
-Detectionofwaterinthebilgeorsmokeonboard
-Abnormaltemperaturereadingsindifferentareasoftheboat
3.RemoteOperations
Fromland,Icancontrolfunctionslike:
-Turningontheanchorlight
-Activatingdecklights
-Startingthebilgepump
-Soundingtheboathorn
4.Automations
I'vesetuproutinestostreamlinetasks,suchas:
-Automaticallyturningontheanchorlightatsunset
-Runningthewatermakerforroutineflushingdaily
-UsingExcessSolarenergy
5.DigitalGaugesandAlerts
Allmyboat'senginegaugesaredigitized,withalertsystemsnotifyingmeofanyabnormalreadings,like temperatureoroilpressuredeviations.
UnlockingtheFullPotentialofSmartBoatAssistant
WhiletheSmartBoatAssistantdoesn'tincludeanavigationsystem,youcaneasilyintegratenavigationsoftware likeOpenCPNorNavionicsonanydeviceyouprefer.Forthebestexperience,
IrecommenddedicatingaRaspberryPiexclusivelytotheSmartBoatAssistant.Sharingitwithothersystemsis possiblebutmightreducesomebenefitsofhavingaself-managingsetup.
ByleveragingtheHomeAssistantplatform,yoursmartboatsetupisfuture-proofed.Asnewupdatesand integrationsarereleased,yoursystemcaneffortlesslyadapt,ensuringitremainsattheforefrontofmarine technology.
StartYourSmartBoatJourneyToday
Ifyou'reintriguedbythepossibilitiesandwanttotransformyourboatintoasmartvessel,I'vedocumented numerousprojectstoconnectalmosteverythingonyourboattotheSmartBoatAssistant.Withfreeopen-source softwareandaffordablesensors,youtoocanachieveremarkableresultswithoutbreakingthebank.
Visitsmartboatinnovations.comorcheckoutmyYouTubechannel.togetstarted.Join meinembracingthisaccessibleandaffordablewaytoenhanceyourboating experiencethroughtechnology.
We are very proud to be a part of the South Pacific Sailing Network - a group of like minded businesses and countries around the South Pacific who are all committed to promoting sustainable yachting tourism and advocating on behalf of cruisers exploring the South Pacific.
Our Pacific rally is the pathway that connects the islands and sailors together
Read more about the aims of the SPSN here.
Provisioning Coaching
We love helping cruisers start the sustainable journey with our coaching sessions. We absolutely love to help you get the best out of your galley and already have some more coaching clients booked in this month. We are looking forward to helping them towards a more sustainable and plant-based galley.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with our coaching sessions, I thought it would be good to share here with you some of our FAQs to give you a better idea of what it entails.
How long will the coaching session last?
Your session will last approximately 1 hour.
How can I prepare for the session?
Once you have booked and paid for your session you will receive a Small Vegan Kitchen coaching information pack in pdf format.
What topics will be covered during the session?
This is totally up to you. I am here to guide you and help you navigate your way to your goals, they could be sustainable practices, plant-based onboard, provisioning for passage, feeding your family or crew in remote areas, etc.
Will I receive follow-up support after the session?
Of course! Help is at hand. Around 30 days after your session I will contact you and ask you how you are getting on, celebrate your success and help you overcome any challenges that arose along the way.
How much does it cost?
Our Coaching session is 60 euros which is approx 64 USD and 97 AUD.
How do I purchase a coaching session with you?
Please send us an email and, we will give you all the information you need.
Can I ask questions about specific sustainability practices or plant-based cooking techniques? Yes! Please do all your questions are very welcome.
Feel free to reach out if you would like to have a coaching session with us or have any other questions
We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey towards a more sustainable and healthconscious galley.
A Saviour For Mooring Owners and Sailors Alike
Mooringbnb is a new platform designed to allow mooring owners to maximise their earnings while making it easy for sailors to book a mooring from anywhere. It’s the ultimate win-win set to take off this summer.
Mooringbnb for mooring owners
Often,mooringssitunusedforextendedperiodsoftime. Mooringbnb.co.nzmakesiteasytohireyourmooring outwheneveryou’renotusingit.Itworksalongsimilar linestoAirBnB,allowingsailorstosearchforan availablemooring,bookitandpayforitonthespot.
Mooringbnbautomatesalltheadminwork,from marketingtotakingpaymentsandevennotifyingthe harbourmasterwhenthemooringisbeingused.It’sfully customisable,soyoucancontrolitsavailability,and chargewhateverrateyouwish.
Registeringyourmooringcostsnothing,andyouget paidtherateyouset.
It’savailableinNewZealandatthemoment,butissetto expandintoAustraliaandthePacificIslandsin2024.
Formooringowners,it’sauniqueopportunityto generateincomethatrequiresminimaleffort.Itmakes morelocationsavailabletosailors,includingwhenthe weatherturnsbadandtheyneedasafeplacetostayat shortnotice.
Thenumberofmooringsareincreasingmonthlyand sailorsarealreadymakingbookingsforthenextfew months.Withthesummersailingseasononthehorizon, it’stheperfecttimetolistamooringandgenerateextra incomewhileyousailoffelsewhereyourself.
AX- Factor Dive, Vava’u Tonga
MaloELeleifellowSalties,OceanLoversandAdventurers!
MynameisAxelandIstartedthefirstSSIDiveCenterin Tonga.ItisasmallDiveShopuniquelylocatedinKokoBay, thesouthernpartoftheNeiafuHarbour.Ivisitedasso manyasatouristin2015toswimwiththeHumpback Whales.AtthattimeIwasanAdvancedScubaInstructor since1996withapprox4500divesandhadaresortand diveoperationinExmouth(NingalooReef)1300kmnorth ofPerth.Unfortunatelyourleasewasnotrenewedandwe wereaskedtodestroyour4starResort,fornoreason…
Afterthatemotionalrollercoaterourthoughtswandered backtoKokoBayandin2017wedecidedtolookforsome land.Wefoundanamazingblockrightwherewewantedit, withahousereefandtheNo1historicDiveWreckinTonga justmetersinfrontofourproprty!Sothedecisionwas madetostartadiveoperationandseeifwecandevelopit intoabusinesstolivethewinterinVava’uandthesummer homeinWesternAustralia.
Webuildatinyhouse,ajettyandstartedAX-FactorDivein 2019.Allsetupandreadytogofor2020wereturnedfor ChrismanstoWAandthenwewereforcedtohavea4year CovidBreak.Nothingwasstoredforlongtermstorage,asI expectedtoreturnwithin4monthnotyears.Soin2023we foundalotofdamagedstuff,adestroyedjetty,whichwas hitbyadrifting15mfishingvessel,brokendowncarsand boat.
WegotitallupandrunningagainandfinallyinJune2024I arrivedtomakethedreamcometrue.
Istraightawaywasofftoagoodstartwithdailytoursand smallnumbersofguests,whichgraduallyincreasedand evenranmyfirstdiveandfirstaidcourses.Wepride ourselvesinprovidingfriendlyandprofessionalcustomer service,offeralmostallnewdivegear,safedivetripsand personalservicewherewecan.
Thelastcoupleofweeksapatternemergedtodivethe amazingClanMcWIlliamfirstasitisthedeepestdivewe offer,22-35m,thengototheislandstodivetheafternoon andreturnintimetodoaDiscoNightDivewithUVlight!
Seeingthesmileonmyguestsfascesandlistentotheirenthusiasticchatteraftereachdive,ismypersonalfeel goodmomentandmakesmehappythatIamabletosharemyexperienceandskillswithothers. Ionlytakeamaxof4diversonmysmallboatcalledRedDog,whichistheperfectdivingplatformandquickest waytogettothedivesites.
LetmesharemyfavouriteDiveswithyou,butkeepitasecretwillyou?!!;-)
ClanMcWilliam
This130mlongfreighterwasloadedattheNeiafuharbouronChristmas1927withCopra(CoconutFlesh)and caughtfireonChristmasEve!AlleffortstostopthefireonChristmasDayfailed!InthemorningonBoxingDay theCaptainand1stEngineerdecidedtorescuetheshipbyrunningheragroundonthesandbaratthebottomof KokoBay.Unfortunatelytheyleftitanhourtoolongandtheshiplastsintsintegrityatthejustpastthebowand sankrightinfrontofourproperty!SadlyshetooktheCaptainandthe1stEngineerwithher.
Nowsome100yearslater,theoceanhasreclaimedherandcreatedabreathtakingartificialcoralreef in22-40m.Diverscanpenetratethewreck,butitisnotrecommendedasverysoftfinesiltisveryfast destroyinganyvisibilityandatthatdepthcanbequitedangerous.Wedousually2differentdives,thesternand theboweachtothecenterandback,
Uponrequestandwiththerightqualificationswedodivethewreckatnighttoo.
ThisisaMUSTDOdivewhilstinVava’uforeveryadvancedandwreckdiver.
IslandDives
Either1or2tankdivesareanoptionandlocationvaryduetoweatherconditions.FromlargeCavestowalls andCoralGardensofferingeverythingforourdivers,macrophotographyheavenstoscenicdives.Thevisibility isusually30mplusinthesedives.
DISCODive
NamedbyourfellowCruisersLukeandAmyfrom“Crusoe”,thisdivecanonlybedescribedasan80thDISCO underwaterwithoutthemusic!Thebrownboringcoralstructureschangeintothemostamazingfluorescent marinelifeyouhaveeverseen.
ItisafluorescentCoralGarden,whichrevealsthemostspectacularcoloursinyellow,green,blue,pinkand purple.
Amustdiveforeverydiver!(IamtakingOpenWaterDiversasitisveryprotected,shallowandsafe.) Whenpeopletellmethattheyonlywannahaveaquicklookandtheygetcoldveryquicklyandwannahavea quickdive,Ismileinternallyandthink,“YeahRight!IbetIwillnotgetyououtofthewaterwithinanhour! ;-)”andsoitis.
Peopleare“Tripp’n”themomenttheyturnontheUVlightandforgetaboutthisworld,whiletheyenter anotherone.
Theyusuallydon’twanttoleaveandgetofthewater.
Soforallyourdivingneeds,IamhappytooffermyserviceandIamreadytohavesomefundivingwithyou! Havesafejourneys,alwaysenoughwaterunderyourkeelandIhopetoseeyousooninVava’u.
AxelPasseck AX-FactorDive
UPDATED CRUISING GUIDE FOR QUEENSLAND
Greg Luck has been a frequent contributor to the Down Under Rally Magazine He has released a new third edition of Cruising the Queensland Coast, his guide for yachts cruising from the Gold Coast to Lizard Island.
While cruising in 2023, Greg was struck by the number of cruisers who had adopted Starlink. The cheapest way to use it is on the Roam plan, designed to work over land. At sea, the very expensive Maritime plan must be used. Starlink “land” includes many islands and some reefs using a hexagonal tiling system. It can be hit and miss as to whether an anchorage or mooring is on “land” or sea for Starlink. New in the 3rd edition, each anchorage and mooring includes a Starlink icon to indicate land or sea.
Along with a print edition, the book comes as an eBook for tablets. However, the big players support a limited number of countries, and usually not the overseas territories of those countries such as Noumea or Tahiti. This has been a problem for some cruisers. The 3rd edition adds Rakuten Kobo, which supports 244 countries and overseas territories with excellent coverage for the Pacific.
The third edition is fully updated with:
•many new public moorings for the Townsville, Discovery and Cassowary coasts and the Whitsundays
•new anchorages, taking the total to 503 anchorages and moorings
•new public pontoons
•updates to the K’Gari Coast for the new Great Sandy Marine Park management plan
•Starlink land versus ocean status for each anchorage, mooring and marina along with the Telstra mobile reception
•digital TV reception strength for each anchorage
•latest marina changes including comprehensive information on super yacht berths and resultant marina berth layout changes
•S63 official Hydrographic chart references for each coast and how to use Australian
Hydrographic charts on apps and chart plotters along with other navigation data sources
•expanded coverage of the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay
•recalculated wave roses for recent Waverider buoy placements such as the Wide Bay Bar
•higher-resolution aerial images and photos in the print version
•numerous other changes and updates
Down Under Rally and Island Cruising members get a 10% discount on the print book and a 20% discount on the Google Play Books eBook. Contact Greg at book@curlewescape.com.au with your member number to get a discount.
The Ultimate SOUTH PACIFIC SAILING ROUTE
TherearesomanyoptionsforInternationalCruiserswhenitcomestocruisingtheSouthPacific.Oftenwesee peoplewhozoomstraightthroughandmissoutonsomeofthebestbits!Ourrecommendation-don’trushand makethemostoftheprevailingwinds.Here’sasuggestedSouthWestPacificitineraryforboatsheadingfrom Panamainthisdirection-Watchthevideoanimationhere
Year 1
March CrossfromPanamatoFrenchPolynesia
April ArriveFrenchPolynesia(unlessyou’vegotalongstayvisaoranEUpassportyou’veonlygot 90daystoexplorethisincredibledestination).
JointhePacificRallyforheapsofinclusionsasyoustartyourpassagewest.
July CookIslands
August SamoaandorNiue
September Vava’u-Tonga-checkouttheBlueWaterCruisersFestival
October Ha’apai,Tongatapu,Minerva,NewZealand
Stop in NZ to escape cyclone season - enjoy tax free repairs on your boat, Or Join the South Island Rally to sail south to explore incredible Fiordland or head home for Christmas.
The Ultimate SOUTH PACIFIC SAILING ROUTE
Year 2
May JointhePacificRallytosailbacktoFijiorbacktoTonga
August Vanuatu-jointherallyeventsthroughoutVanuatu
September NewCaledonia
October BundabergAustraliaontheGoWestRally.
December SydneyHarbourtowatchthestartoftheSydneyHobartRaceandfireworksonNewYears Eve
Australia is another great place to stop for a while with great boat repairs and places to leave the boat while you explore ashore or head home and of course some excellent cruising grounds too!
Year 3
January Tasmania-JointheVDL-CCruise
February CruiseslowlybackuptheEastcoastofAustralia,enjoythestunningWhitsundaysandthen OnwardstoAsiaoralternativelycrosstheTasmanandheadbacktoNewZealandto enjoyexploringwiththeSouthIslandRally
May OrreturntothePacificontheGoEast-PacificRallytorevisittheplacesyoumissedor . enjoyedthefirsttimeround.
October BacktoNewZealandorAustralia-bothgreatplacestoendyourjourneyandsellyourboat. Or carry on doing circles in the Pacific or continuing on around the world!
Love great wine?
Say goodbye to heavy, breakable bottles onboard!
Greenskin Wine presents a premium wine experience in a convenient 750ml soft pouch, ideal for those who want to enjoy fine wine without the hassle of cruising with heavy, bulky, breakable bottles onboard.
With 8 varieties to choose from, they have a superb choice of whites and reds from the worldrenowned Margaret River and Great Southern wine regions of Western Australia. You can pre-order through their website and nominate to have your wine delivered anywhere within Australia for just $4.95 per 6-pack (3 or more cases FREE delivery).
Greenskin Wine pouches hold 750ml but are around half the size and weight of a standard bottle of wine, which will save on weight and loads of fridge and storage space onboard. They are also unbreakable, making them ideal when on the water. And once the joy is over, they fold flat, so you do not have to lug bulky empties with you!
Another fab bonus. If you just want a glass or two, simply squeeze all the air from the pouch and reseal, and your wine will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, saving on wasted wine and money!
Sip Sustainably
Not only is the wine great quality, but Greenskin Wine pouches take 80% less energy to produce than a glass bottle, and due to their lightweight, compact nature, they take a lot less energy to transport.
The ultimate kicker is that the pouches are 100% recyclable. They even take care of the recycling. Every 6-pack comes with a postage-paid satchel, making it super easy to return your empties via AusPost for recycling.
SPECIAL OFFER - Enhance your sundowners with Greenskin WIne! Greenskin Wine generously offers our Island Cruising & Down Under Members 10% OFF all orders.
Simply visit: https://greenskinwine.com/
Use your member's discount code for use at the checkout to receive 10% OFF each, and every six-pack of Greenskin Wine ordered.
Dear Captain Jack,
BOATING BOATING ETIQUETTE! ETIQUETTE!
Got a question? Ask a Pirate...
What is the appropriate behaviour when cruising around Fiji?
Yours Mr Hook
Ahoy there Mr Hook,
When cruisers are exploring the islands of Fiji it is very important that they understand and adhere to the cultural protocol of Sevusevu. If you don’t do Sevusevu then you are being VERY rude and we all want to ensure that cruisers are continued to be warmly welcomed to these friendly islands
There is perhaps nothing that captures the essence of Fijian culture better than the ‘sevusevu’. It is the central component of all life-cycle rituals, social gatherings, healing ceremonies and community meetings A half kilo bundle of kava is the appropriate (and required – you should never show up in a village without it!) offering, and this should cost you in the region of FJ$25.
When you arrive at a village, after dropping anchor, you should immediately head ashore and ask for the Turaga ni Koro (pronounced too-ranga nee koro) who is the appointed village headman. It is his duty to greet you and ascertain your intentions before presenting you and your gift to his chiefs and village elder.
You will be taken to the chief to present your kava and request permission to anchor and stay in their bay or village.
Everyone participating in the ceremony should be dressed accordingly in a sulu Women are also expected to have their shoulders covered and everything should be removed from your head (for example, hat, sunglasses). You can read more about Sevusevu here.
Happy sailing!
YoursCaptJack
DBY Boat Sales suggests Coffs Harbour as your port of entry to Australia
Midway between Sydney and Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is a friendly beachside city on the NSW North Coast with a fantastic easy entry harbour that has an international friendly yacht Club and a bay for great anchoring. The harbour has no bar to cross, plenty of deep water, full slipway and a full import customs and immigration facility. Australia Border Force are based at the marina and accommodate many vessels leaving or arriving on international journeys.
Bryce and Cameron are the local crew and can be contacted on +61 2 6656 8500.
Alfresco dining spots are in abundance at the bottom strip of Harbour Drive near the marina, along with hip cafés and lively bars, making the area a delight for food lovers Coffs Harbour also has nine amazing golf courses, beautiful coastal walks and some fabulous local beaches
The idyllic Coffs Coast is wonderfully diverse and packed with great attractions, uncrowded beaches and mountain escarpments. So much natural splendour and ancient rainforests, plus the Solitary islands marine park is home to coral reefs and a diverse population of marine life. The temperature is beautiful all year with no nasties you may get up north such as stingers, sand flies and crocodiles!
Plus supermarkets, chandleries, hardware shops are all in walking distance from the marina which also has modern travel lift facilities. There is a great airport which is 6.9 km away or 11 min drive. Also the train and bus lines are very close as well to get you up or down the coast.
Coffs Harbour is a great stop when you are cruising up and down the East Coast of Australia and is also an official Port of entry for yachts heading to Australia from the South West Pacific.
• SAFE transit from Queensland, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji to Newport, Sydney with regular weather windows.
• Beautiful and extensive cruising grounds 365 days a year.
• Three hours sail to or from Sydney Harbour, one of the world’s most spectacular waterways, showcasing the famous Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• The waterways of Sydney Harbour and particularly nearby Pittwater abound in safe free anchorages.
• Deep water cruising with anchorages in sand, mud 3-10 metres in depth.
• Multiple slipping facilities by travelift or trolley including multihulls to 60 feet.
• Large network of marine trades for all types of repair, maintenance and upgrades.
• Pittwater in particular is home to many of the big yacht and multihull importers including Beneteau, Lagoon, Dufour, Bavaria, Jeanneau, Hanse, Catalina and of course, Hallberg-Rassy (DBY are the sole agents for Australia).
• Free anchorages, marina berthing and low cost moorings available all year round.
• Many of our customers have chosen to sell their boat and choose terra firma for a change by renting or buying a campervan and enjoying our beautiful country by road.
• It has grown to be a multihull hotspot with Lagoon, Fontaine Pajot and Leopard well represented as well as Seawind, Catana, also very prominent.
• Pittwater is just 40 minutes north of the CBD of Sydney by bus or car. Great public transport from here to anywhere in Australia. Handy to the airport, trains and plus easy to ship home any equipment.
• Low cost supermarket shopping, chandlery services with local transport all within easy reach.
• Friendly yacht clubs with many great restaurants and local entertainment to suit all budgets.
SELLING?
• Newport/Pittwater is a major Australian hub for selling used boats and has a high concentation of brokerages in Australia. All major new brands are represented here.
• International Money transfers – We offer bankbeating exchange rates through our trusted WorldFirst account.
• DBY Boat Sales head office is situated adjacent to two major yacht clubs and sits centrally within Pittwater - one of the world’s most beautiful and high density boating waterways in Australia.
• Prices achieved are firmer and turnover faster in Newport, Sydney compared to all other major Australian centres. Population size, location and wealth ensure this 365 days per year.
www.dbyboatsales.com.au/sell-your-boat
For Sailors
Thefreedomofbeingabletosailwhereveryou wantisoneofthegreatestthingsabout cruisingthissummer.Youcanfollowweather patternsorcoastlines,meanderyourwaytoa setdestinationorjustfollowyournoseandsee whereyouendup.
Justaslongasyoucanfindamooringora placetoanchor...
ForPeterKershaw,atriparoundtheBayof Islandspiecingtogetheravailablemooringson thefly,postingonFacebookpagesandasking localsforhelp,madehimthinktheremustbea betterway.
Peterdecidedtocreateanonlinebooking platformthattookcareofallthedetailsand madeiteasierforyachtiestoplansailingtrips.
WithMooringbnb,youcanseeavailable mooringsanywhereinNewZealand,andbook themwithoutneedingtogoonshore.It’sa much-neededupgradeofthetraditional bookingsystem,givingsailorscertainty, convenienceandcompliance.
There’snoneedtocheckmooringsizelimitsor notifytheharbourmaster-alltheconditions andlogisticsaretakencareofwithinthe bookingplatform.
With a friendly boating mad team always on hand to offer practical advice, tips, and make product recommendations, we’ve got the answer for you. Our chandlery will ensure you get back out on the water, faster!
For any boating problems, come see the team at All Marine.
Always on hand find that hard-to-find boat part you’ve been searching for – even if it’s not on our shelves – we’re sure to know where to find it. Priding ourselves on stocking our great product range and having fantastic service, shop online or come on down in store and have a yarn. Don’t see what you need? Give us a call, we’ll be happy to help. 09 438 4499 Check out our website here.
Caulerpa Newsletter Update - 19 September 2024
In this update – Controlled areas at Aotea Great Barrier Island, Ahuahu Great Mercury Island and Te Rawhiti Inlet to continue for another year; and project reports from the Exotic Caulerpa Accelerated Programmenowavailableonthecaulerpawebpage.
ControlledAreaNoticestoremaininplaceandunchanged
LegalcontrolsbanningsomeanchoringandfishingactivitiesatAotea,AhuahuandTeRawhitiInletwillbe extendedforanotheryear.
TheControlledAreaNotices(CANs)weresettoexpireon30September2024andarenowrolledoveruntil 30September2025.
The decision to leave the controls in place follows considerable discussion with affected people and communities,aswellasanonlinesurvey.
MakingthiscallforAoteawasparticularlychallengingasweunderstandtheimpacttheCANishavingon manawhenuaandresidents.However,Aoteaisthemostsignificantareaofexoticcaulerpainfestationand thereforeposesahighriskofspread.
Wehavereceivedstrongfeedback,includingfromtheisland,abouttheneedtocontinuetoworktocontain itandtostopspreadtotherestoftheHaurakiGulfandwider.
Thereissignificantinvestmentandworkgoingintodevelopmethodstoremoveexoticcaulerpaatscalefor locationslikeAotea.
We are working with the Aotea Exotic Caulerpa Action group on a plan to manage the exotic caulerpa incursiontheretoallowareturntonormaluseoftheisland'sharboursandcoastlinesinthefuture.
YoucanseetheCANanditsrequirementsat:www.biosecurity.govt.nz/caulerpa
InadditiontotheCANextensionabove,considerationisbeinggiventoplacingaCANatWaihekeIsland wherecaulerpacoversawidegeographicalarea,butatalowerdensitythanatAoteaandTeRawhitiinlet. Wewilldiscussthisfurtherwiththecommunitythereinthecomingweeks.
CANs are a measure to prevent or slow the spread of exotic caulerpa from areas of highest density infestationandwherethereisconsiderablevesseltraffic.
Exoticcaulerpacaneasilybespreadbysmallfragmentsbeingcaughtuponanchorsandmarineequipment. Limitinganchoringandfishingmethodsthatmakecontactwiththeseabedhelpreducetheriskofthis happening.
Science reports now on exotic caulerpa webpage
SincetheoutsetoftheresponsetoexoticcaulerpainJuly2021,therehasbeenover$20millioninvested($15 millionthisyear)inworktounderstandthepestanditsdistribution,waystopotentiallycontrolit,and measurestopreventitsspread.
Muchofthisinvestmenthasbeenonarangeofscientificresearch,includingprojectscarriedoutunderthe ExoticCaulerpaAcceleratedProgramme.Thisprogrammewasfundedfromaboostof$5millionannouncedin Februarythisyear.
Nineresearchreports,fourfromtheprogramme,arenowavailableonourwebpage.
Exotic Caulerpa National Advisory Group
TheExoticCaulerpaNationalAdvisoryGrouprecentlyhelditsthirdmeeting. Informationaboutthegroupincludingmeetingminutescanbefoundhere. Thegroup’scurrentfocusisonthedevelopmentofanationalstrategyfortheon-goingbattleagainstexotic caulerpaandonprovidingadvicetoBiosecurityNewZealandontheallocationoftherecentlyannounced additional$10millionfundingforPhaseTwoontheExoticCaulerpaAcceleratedProgramme.Seethemedia releaseannouncingthenewprogrammefunding.
Nakunoa,na
Theexoticcaulerparesponseteam
Receiving these updates
Ifyouwouldliketosubscribetotheseregularupdates,pleasesignuphere.
FlagsforSale
mainly30cmx60cm(1ftx2ft)
Canada
Venuzela
Mexico
USA
France
Panama Samoa
Fiji
Tonga
Spain
Vanuatu
NorfolkIsland
NZx2-oneredbackgroundandonebluebackground
NZlarge
Blueandwhitediveflagnz
Yellowsmallx3
Yellow43x30
Greensmall
Orangesmall
Greensmall
PacificandNZflagsusedbutstilluseable.OtherflagsnewNZD$50ono Contact-brumarg23@gmail.com
Feeling
52
"Elvira" is a innovative deck saloon designed to sail far away with a short handed crew; twin engines, hydraulic centerboard lifting system, all lines coming back to the helm stations on electric winches. Her building construction, equipment and volumes, energy and water self sufficiency make "Elvira" an ultimate compromise between sailing ability and luxury liveaboard.
For Sale
Archer
This is a rare opportunity to own an award winning Outremer 51, available in the South Pacific. Enjoy cruising the islands with friends and family this season! This fully loaded 2014 model is extensively equipped and has been loved by families for years. Sail to the islands in comfort and safety gained from a light, fast catamaran, and do it in less than 6 days from NZ (well within most weather forecast ranges).
View online here
East of the Lizard
The Sundeer & Deerfoot designed boats from Steve Dashew are regarded as the best short handed cruising boats in the world, bar none. With a solidly built GRP / Kevlar hull, easily managed sail plan, shallow draft and moveable water ballast they make 200+ mile days easy for a crew of 2 or more in comfort and safety.It is very rare for one of these boats to come on the market.
She had a major refit in 2018 and another smaller one in 2022 and again in 2023-2024. The Owner can't help himselft to make her perfect.
The current owner has owned 'East of the Lizard' 3 times now over the last 10 years and sailed many miles around the Pacific. Right now in Fiji.
View online here
For Sale
Drawn by the legendary Bill Dixon, mastermind of such incredibly respected designs as the Moody, the Hylas, and such magnificent vessels as the 100' Antares III, or the 147' Heureka, the Taswell 56 is instantly recognisable as Dixon design, a serious offshore cruising vessel with the most beautiful lines. Built for strength, balance and sea kindliness, as well as easily delivering an excellent turn of speed, the Taswell 56 is in every way the perfect ocean voyager, capable of all latitudes sailing and to withstand difficult ocean condition with ease and safety for her passengers. Dash is a veritable head turner, always treated with the care and respect such a yacht inspires by her two consecutive owners. Handed to you after religious upkeep and regular upgrades, this beautiful yacht is presented to you ready to begin your journey. Her owners are on board and available to welcome you for your inspection, assist with sea trial and a detailed handover to ensure that you feel safe from the very beginning of your ownership.
Island Packet 38
2008Leopard46CatamaranCountingStars isaverywellmaintainedOwnersversion Leopard46ftCat,thecurrentownershave spentalotoverthelast4yearsincatchingup ondeferredmaintenanceandupgrades.The ownershave2hauloutsandmaintenance periodseachyear.WithCat12023,2024the wintermonthshavebeenintheIslandsthe NZsummermonthsNZwaterscruising.
Contact-greg.mann@indprop.co.nz
For sale - Hydrovane windvane selfsteering
New out of the UK 2016, been to the tropics and back to NZ 2018-2023. Was sitting unused over COVID period in Vanuatu from Nov 2019- Sept 2023 during which time it was covered, and the boat was on the hardstand. The unit was mounted offset on a walk-through transom Beale 33.
It is a very reluctant sale due to ill health and therefore no further offshore sailing for the boat. This extra crew named ‘Albi’ on our 2 handed adventures was our best investment for open water passage making, so simple and totally reliable
This unit has a ‘stubby’ windvane which suited the backstay set up We also had the autohelm able to be attached to its tiller for motoring
‘Albi’ comes complete with pictured brackets and unit cover plus new spare pins and the original red Hydrovane vane cover which we didn’t use. Instead, I made one and kept this as a spare.
www.hydrovane.com are super supportive and will give advice all the way. You can also check out www.hydrovane.com/our-product/specifications/ for more details.
$5,500 ono, unit is in Waikawa Marina This price is for pick up
Contact: felicityloncar@gmail com
Catana 431
Based on the innovative and highly successful Catana 471 model, the Catana 431 design features include asymmetrical hulls, tulip shaped bows, daggerboards for improved windward performance, and extremely high bridgedeck clearance. The 431 is small enough to be handled by a couple, easy to reef and dock, yet large enough to handle big seas and turn nice speeds in most conditions under both sail and power.
SvAlizeIIisanAustralianregisteredLeopard46,designedforcomfortablecruisingorjust moseyingaroundtheislands.
Thesaloonisbrightandairyandhasoperableportsforwardtoletthefreshaircirculate. Thelargedinettewithwraparoundseatingandagalleywithafold-outcountertopthat extendsintothespacious,coveredcockpit.
Theraisedhelmstationislocatedinthehardtoproofwithopenaccesstothecockpit,and allcontrolsleadaftforexcellentvisibilityandeaseofmanoeuvre.
Theportandstarboardhullshavefourspaciousair-conditionedcabins,eachwithanen suitetoiletandseparateshower.
Alizewassetuptooperateasacrewedchartervessel,withextrasafetyequipmentand small personal touches added. Such as forward-looking sonar, AIS, automatic fire extinguisherforenginebays,doubleUSBpointsinallcabins,stand-uppaddleboards,and somuchmore.
Alizewaspainted,anti-fouled,and2newbatteriesinstalledinApril23.
Unfortunately, the owner was injured at work and has not been able to keep up her maintenance.Assuch,theengineisfine,butcouldwithsomeTLC,thegeneratorneedsan alternator,andthevesselcoulddowithagoodclean.
TheismooredinVava’u,Tonga,andwellbelowmarketvalueat$380k(AUD).
Pleaseemailmemoredetailsandfullinventory:codswollip@gmail.com
This2019HHCatamaranwascustomizedforcomfortablelivability,withperformance foroptimalcruising.Ownedbyonecouplewhohaslivedonboardandmeticulously caredforthisbeautifulcat.Threestaterooms,includingamasterhull,twoheadsand twoshowers,plusoneoutdoorrainshower.Largegalleywithanislandthateasily allowsformorethanonecook.
Boatincludesmanyextraslike:divecompressor,2fullsize29"wheelmountainbikes,4 scubatanks,multiplespares(pumps,electrical,runningrigging,etc),brandnew/never usedhighoutputRainmanwatermaker(touseasbackup),completekitchengear,etc.
**Thepricingwillincludecurrentownerscompletionoftheseitems:newstanding rigging(perOEMspecs),newcoppercoatbottompaint,newportlightsduetoLewmar paintbubbling,newhatchframesduetoLewmarpaintbubbling,2,000hourengine maintenancecompleted,gensetenginemaintenancecompletedandcompletemast, boomandsailinspection.
Thisboatiscompletelycruiseready.
FOR SALE
I have an Iridium 9500 Sat Phone. I'd like it to go to a new home. I'm now using Starlink and Iridium GO.
I think the target buyer might be somebody w/o a satellite system on their boat, or that has Starlink, but no Iridium GO, and they realize they aren't going to put their Starlink in their ditch bag :-)
For a voice call, you just use the 9500 it like a (very big) cell phone. In that regard, it's actually easier and less error prone than connecting your smartphone to an Iridium GO
For data, it's the old ancient way, and requires a serial port connection to a PC.
There is one for sale on eBay AU for AU $799. https://www.ebay.com/itm/166901735026 Lots of good photos there
There is an online PDF user manual here https://satellitephonestore.com/files/support/iridium support/9500 phone user guide.pdf
Here is my offer: I'll ship it to the buyer I last tested it a couple years back. It worked fine. The buyer can test it anew and make sure it works for them I'll support them in that process If they don't like it, for whatever reason, they can just send it back to me. If they do like it, the buyer can make a hopefully not ridiculous offer, which I will accept, and the deal is done
Their only risk is their time testing it, and return shipping if they don't like it The upside for me is that a perfectly good device doesn't end up in the dump, and perhaps it goes to a good use as well.
Contact: Glenn: glenn.andert@gmail.com
I have been based in New Zealand for the past 5 years after cruising on and off for 8 years, having sailed the East Coast of Africa, the West and East Coasts of Australia as well as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. My wife and I live on our boat and are still fully involved in the cruising lifestyle. I am a Licensed Immigration Adviser for New Zealand and, as a yachtie, have a particular interest in helping yachties with their immigration issues. Island Cruising NZ Members get a 30% discount
Radix makes delicious meals, ideal for when it's rough or when you need to refuel on the go. Quick, easy, nutritious, delicious. Discounts for Island Cruising members
Click here to order - discount code SAILNZ10
ARE YOU OFFSHORE READY?
Island Cruising & Down Under Rally members receive weekly emails with tips and suggestions on how to go about getting prepared for a long coastal or offshore voyage. There are webinars, videos, templates, downloads, and in person get togethers.
Suitable for boat owners or crew members, experienced sailors or beginners alike
You can start any time, and work through the topics at your own pace. Join in any time. Just NZD$129.00 per year and take advantage of our great sponsors deals too!
Workshop topics include:
Getting organised - a system for storing all the information for your Passage Plan, Safety
Manual, Maintenance log, Important
Documents, Boating Qualifications and more
Your vessel information - a template for collating all the specifications of your boat
The Cat 1 & 2 Regulations
Boat Registration
Reporting Incidents
Insuring your boat
VHF & MMSI
Meteorology - Forecasts
Communication options at Sea
Rig - rules for Cat 1 & 2
Sails for offshore - the Cruising Wardrobe
Fire Safety
Anchoring
Your Maintenance Records
Provisioning
EPIRB's
Your sailing resumé
Navigation
COLREGS
Passage planning
Provisioning
Safety gear
Diesel engine basics
Fuel systems
Servicing winches
Checking your rig
Anchoring tips
Sailing at night
EPIRBs
VHF/AIS
Communications
Man Over Board
Fire
Flooding
Abandon Ship
Preparing a Grab Bag
Meteorology
Tides
Docking
Plumbing
Electrics
Batteries
Charging systems
Keeping healthy
Sail trim & new sails
Boat registration
Taking on crew
Dinghy tips
Fog signals
Biosecurity
Seasickness
Coping in emergencies
Security
Skipper responsibility
Log keeping
Search and Rescue
Steering
Heavy Weather Sailing AND MUCH MORE!
Island Cruising
Providing cruisers with support, education & connection
SocialConnection
RunningyachtralliesaroundNewZealandandtheSouthPacific Organisingsocialevents,activitiesandsocialmedianetworks
Learningaboutandbeingrespectfulofthecultureswevisit
· Promotingpositivesocialimpact,communityengagementand long-lastingconnectionswiththepeoplewemeet
Support
Beinganinclusive,diverseandsupportivecommunity
· Advocatingforandassistingsailorsinneed
· Adviceonimmigrationclearances&formalities
· Yachttrackingandshorecrewsupport
Education
· Assistingsailorstopreparethemselves,theirvessel andcrewforlongcoastaloroffshorevoyages
PromotingSaferBoatinginitiatives
Beingarichpoolofknowledge,supportand resourcesforcruisers
Encouragingupskillingandgoodseamanship
Collaboration
·
· Formingstrongrelationshipswithyachtclubstopromotelongcoastalandoffshoreraces,ralliesandcruisingeventsandactivities
Environmemt
Runningasustainableandenvironmentally sensitiveorganisation
Supportinglocalandglobalenvironmental initiativestoprotecttheOceanandtheplaceswevisit
· PromotingSaferBoatingandgoodseamanshipalongside Coastguard,AMSA&MaritimeNewZealand
PartneringwiththeSouthPacificSailingNetworktopromote sustainableyachtingtourism
Encouragingsailorstobeeco-consciousand reducetheirimpactontheenvironment
PromotingCitizenScienceprojectsaimedat oceanhealth
Communication
Producingaregularnewslettertokeepcruisers informedonthelatestcruisenews,upcomingevents andpromotingpartnerproducts&businesses.
PromotingtheNewZealand&AustralianMarine industryandprovidingapositiveandmutually beneficialconnectiontotheirtargetmarket
Encouragingandwelcominginternationalsailors toNewZealand