Island Cruising Cruise News June 2021

issue 01

30 June 2021

Cruise News Newsletter of Island Cruising NZ

Inside: Under New Ownership!, History of Island Cruising, upcoming events, Holding tank horror stories, Rally South, Rally to Japan, Update from the Pacific

Island Cruising NZ Contact Us Email Website Phone Facebook

Viki Moore info@islandcruising.nz www.islandcruising.nz +64 21 438 977 www.facebook.com/islandcruising.nz

on the cover Lyttelton yachts rafted up in Queen Charlotte Sound Photograph by Viki Moore

photos and news contributions are welcome

issue 01

contents June 2021

From the Helm The latest update from Island Cruising NZ's new owner

Upcoming Events Check out what is coming up for cruisers around the country.

Pacific COVID Update The latest news relating to the maritime border closures.

The History of Island Cruising A brief run down of the last 30 years of ICNZ.

Preparing for a Passage An upcoming online workshop for people with offshore sailing plans.

Rally Update Plans afoot for upcoming rallies.

Sustainable Sailing Tips on how to be a greener yachtie.

Holding Tank Horror Stories Some light bedtime reading.

Club Connection ICNZ links around NZ & the Pacific

features

From the helm Kia Ora koutou, my name is Viki Moore and I am excited to be the new owner of Island Cruising NZ. I am looking forward to continuing all the hard work that Nigel and Amanda Richards have put in to Island Cruising over the years and I'd like to acknowledge and thank them for all the advice and encouragement they have given me during the handover period. They will still be around assisting me in the background while I get settled in.

A bit of background about me: I have

I hope to be able to use all these

I plan to produce this monthly

been sailing for most of my life and

sailing, logistical, communications

newsletter providing you with the

am based in Lyttelton where I enjoy

skills and life experiences to the

latest cruising & long distance

cruising my Young88 Wildwood up

benefit of Island Cruising.

coastal racing news from around New

and down the coast to Marlborough and around Banks Peninsula.

Zealand and the Pacific. If you'd like The border closures have made

to contribute any news, stories,

running the regular Island Cruising

photos etc please send it through. I'd

In 2017 I was elected to the board of

rallies to the Pacific a bit tricky in

love to feature your articles and

Yachting New Zealand, where I enjoy

recent times, but we have got plans

photos.

representing the interests of cruisers,

in place to run a rally in 2022 should

women and South Island sailors

the borders reopen.

around the board table.

We will be showcasing the best products and services to meet the

We are also continuing to lobby the

needs of the cruising sailor. If your

I am also the President of a cruising

Government to allow cruisers

company would like to be a partner

club called the Little Ship Club of

currently in the Pacific to enter NZ a

please get in touch with me for more

Canterbury. We run regular social and

little easier, and we have a plan in

details.

educational events and have a

place to welcome them here when

growing membership and lots of fun. I

the border restrictions are relaxed.

also founded the Women Who Sail

In addition to the newsletter, you can become a member of Island Cruising

New Zealand Facebook group in

Over the summer period we will be

NZ. For just NZD$75 per annum,

2014 which now has over 1600

running a rally to the South Island to

members will receive special

members.

explore the stunning Marlborough

discounts from our partners, tips on

Sounds and then down to Banks

preparing for a longer voyage,

Peninsula to enjoy the SailGP event.

including working through all the Cat

My work background was in the Travel Industry where I enjoyed expoloring

1 or 2 safety requirements, the

the world and lots of the Pacific

If you've ever considered sailing to

opportunity to participate in social

Islands, and more recently I worked in

Asia, in 2023 we have plans for a

events and training courses, online

politics. Over the last 18 months I

rally to Japan which is shaping up to

webinars, help and advice when

have been lobbying and advocating

be an amazing event.

sailing offshore, assistance with all

who have been stuck in NZ and the

If you are considering a long coastal

international destinations, and much

Pacific or away from their boats due

or offshore voyage sometime, you'll

more.

to COVID border closures.

appreciate all the preparation

on behalf of the International sailors

the entry requirements to NZ or other

required to get yourself, your crew

In addition we will be working

Earlier this year I gained my Offshore

and your vessel ready to sail.

to encourage international sailors to

Yachtmaster qualification. I also

Navigating not only oceans but also

visit our amazing country, supporting

write a sailing blog and own a public

obtaining Cat 1 along with all the

hard

the efforts of organisations helping

relations company that specialises in

changes in entry requirements,

protect our precious marine

promoting the marine industry.

COVID & border restrictions can all

environment and doing good things

seem a bit overwhelming. Well, Island

for the communities in the Pacific

Cruising NZ is here to help!

who so warmly welcome cruising sailors.

I am really excited about the future of Island Cruising New Zealand and I look forward to meeting you all at some stage. I have got lots of plans for events and activities and helping you get out on the water more often.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any feedback or suggestions on what you'd like to see in the newsletter and any other events you'd like us to organise.

Many thanks

Viki

PredictWind is excited to announce a new feature called “Local Knowledge”. This is a community resource where you can share your knowledge with all PredictWind users or just your private friend group. It is a wealth of information, so you can find the “Local Knowledge” wherever you are, you may even learn about some spots in your own local area!

Check it out www.predictwind.com

t s e t a L

NEWS

Featuring the latest news in cruising in New Zealand and the Pacific.

Yachting New Zealand YNZ ran an article which also featured in their briefings newsletter updating everyone on the change of ownership of Island Cruising NZ. You can read the article here.

Sailing Nikau in Fiji The Sailing Nikau family are currently sailing in Fiji and attended the Copra Shed Marina cruisers festival recently. Check out videos of their adventures on their YouTube channel.

Central Triangle Race Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club is pleased to announce the return of the Central Triangle race in 2022 starting Friday March 4. First run as a two handed event in 2013, then as a fully crewed event in 2015, the 2022 event will be a combined fully crewed and two handed inclusive event. For the two handed entrants it’s an ideal qualifier race for RNI 2023 especially for boats south of the Bombays.

Live Sail Die Live Sail Die is the place to go for all your local sailing news as it comes to hand. They also did an article on the ICNZ change of helm.

Check out their article here.

We also featured on Marine Business World

The approximately 730nm race starts from Wellington and boats head south on the 190nm leg to Akaroa. After a short stopover, experiencing the fabulous local hospitality, boats head north on the longest leg (350nm) to Napier. With an opportunity to visit the local wineries, complete some repairs or rest up, the boats then complete the triangle with the return 200nm leg to Wellington.

Entries are now open! All the information you need can be found on the Central Triangle website here.

This event is bought to you by RPNYC, with support from Napier Sailing Club, SSANZ and Akaroa Yacht Club.

Beyond the Barrier Rally

New Biofouling Rules for Auckland Vessels

Our Down Under Rally friends across the ditch have just returned from a 'Beyond the Barrier' rally, visiting exotic tropical destinations without even leaving the country! Check out their YouTube clip of some of the fun they had along the way.

Auckland has been found to have a wider range of harmful marine organisms than any other region in New Zealand and is a key source region for hull fouling organisms that can reach other areas of NZ. The Auckland Council is using education and regulation and has stepped up regional surveillance.

They say that “Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is highly connected to other regions of Aotearoa/New Zealand through the movement of both commercial and recreational vessels, and it is likely that new species will continue to be introduced and spread.

However, effective management systems would reduce the rate of spread and prevent some new species from establishing.” The new rules are largely aligned with a number of other regional and territorial authorities, to assist in reducing the human-mediated spread of pests between regions, as well as within Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland itself.

They say that “Aligned rules will also make compliance easier for vessels moving between regions. “ In summary the new rules say that: All owners or person in charge of any craft in the Auckland region must ensure that the level of fouling on the hull and in niches of the craft does not exceed ‘light fouling’.

Any craft entering any marine water body in the Auckland region from the land must be free of all ballast water, bilge water, holding tank water or sea water held in any other container.

No more than “light fouling” means: Slime: a hull can be partially or completely covered in biofilm (aka slime). You can “write” with your finger through slime.

Macro-fouling (barnacles, worms, weed etc): can cover no more than 5% of the hull, including niches such as inlets, outlets, rudders, propellers etc. The species of fouling doesn’t matter to this measurement: total coverage must be no more than 5%. However, if pest species are present then you must not move the craft to a new location as this will involve communicating the pest.

The Council has also made it unlawful to allow a hull to become so heavily fouled in its region that passive discharges occur, without obtaining a Resource Consent. All of this means that all vessels leaving from Auckland will now be required on leaving to meet higher standards than are set by other regions.

Island Cruising NZ is all about offering the cruising community "peace of mind" – through the help, guidance and support they give to boat owners wanting to venture offshore. For this same reason, the ICNZ is aligned to Baileys Insurance, as we feel comfortable with the first class insurance cover and claims support they can provide to our members.

"Blue water" insurance cover is a specialist area, and the team at Baileys have the knowledge, skill and first hand experience to ensure you have the right cover for your particular circumstances – whether it be cruising the Pacific, or around the world, short handed or with a full crew. We achieve this by using quality insurers from local and overseas markets, all with "A" rated financial security as a minimum requirement. Our true independence and access to a choice of Insurers enables us to provide you with very competitive premium and excess terms.

But most importantly, we are involved first hand with every claim to ensure it is settled as it should be.

Contact Baileys Insurance for more information and get a quote for Island Cruising NZ Members.

https://www.baileysinsurance.co.nz BAILEYS INSURANCE LTD Phone: 09 444 8860 or 0800 898585 Email: enquiries@baileysinsurance.co.nz

How about a crew member who spends endless hours on the wheel, doesn’t eat or sleep, and never complains?

A self steering windvane will steer your sailboat for short distances or across oceans with absolutely no power consumption.

Having an emergency rudder is another consideration, and should be high on every offshore sailor’s list; second only to keeping the boat afloat, is keeping her pointed in the right direction.

Will and Sarah Curry provide an overview of the different windvane systems, how they work, and what they can do for you.

Get a sense of what offshore sailing is really like with video, stories, and other tips too.

Click the picture to watch their webinar for cruisers preparing to cross the Atlantic.

Upcoming Events Island Cruising NZ members are spread far and wide, not only in New Zealand but also around the world. Many local yacht clubs run fantastic cruising programmes, events and activities for their members and also welcome the wider sailing community.

My plan is to share these club events with the Island Cruising NZ network, so hopefully no matter where you are based, or if you are cruising around the country you can connect with your local club, get to meet some friendly cruising sailors and join in some of their activities as well as some special Island Cruising NZ events too.

I haven't got around all the clubs at the time of sending out this first newsletter, but if you know of some cruising events coming up that you'd like me to feature in the newsletter, please send them through!

Women Who Sail New Zealand

Upcoming Events 1 July 2021 Tides & Currents – causes and application Why oceans have tides & currents Applying this information to cruising the Gulf or crossing oceans Calculating ‘tidal windows’ for safe crossing of bars and entering rivers such as the Tamaki River Gulf Harbour Yacht Club 7pm $5 for visitors 22 July 2021 Cruising to Japan Join us to hear all about this incredible cruising destination and the planned 2023 Sister City 50th Anniversary Rally Little Ship Club @ Naval Point in Lyttelton 7.30pm start 29 July 2021 Our Night Skies – What are we looking at?

Presented by a member of the Hibiscus Coast Astronomical Society, this promises to make ‘star gazing’ a lot more interesting Gulf Harbour Yacht Club 7pm $5 for visitors 30 July 2021 Coastal Classic Starry Night Cocktail Gala More info on their website here.

5 August 2021 Boat Electronics – GPS, chartplotters, radar, AIS, depth sounders What they are and what they can do for you What’s available - features & benefits Gulf Harbour Yacht Club 7pm $5 for visitors 19 August 2021 Batteries on your Boat – Use, care & maintenance Electrical systems in boats Elementary wiring diagrams – why you should have one How to make proper marine standard connections Gulf Harbour Yacht Club 7pm $5 for visitors 19 August 2021 Choosing Courage over Comfort.

Come along to hear about Jane's passage across the Pacific Ocean, whereby 31 days at sea fighting the trades, would be the biggest challenge on her journey - the ultimate test of her mantra, courage and mindset.

Jane uses her sailing story to inspire people to quit sleepwalking through life and instead encourage them to live on the edge of their comfort zone, because that’s where the magic happens … that’s where we learn and grow.

Little Ship Club @ Naval Point in Lyttelton 7.30pm start 23 August 2021 Members night in Auckland Venue TBA - come along for some dinner and a catch up with Viki Moore new owner of Island Cruising

August 2021 Island Cruising NZ Members cruising preparation online workshops Get regular updates on bite sized steps for preparing you, your vessel and your crew to do a long coastal or offshore voyage.

Become a member to participate www.islandcruising.nz

18 - 19 September Evolution Sails, Waikawa Women's Regatta Come to beautiful Waikawa Boating Club for the popular women's regatta. Crews are matched up with boats for a great weekend of racing and socialising.

Upcoming Events 21 October 2021 Feeling Seasick?

Lyttelton sailor Dudley Jackson had his offshore cruising plans thwarted by debilitating sea-sickness.

This lead him to design and develop an innovative way of curing that awful green feeling sailors often get when heading in to rough seas! Come along and hear about how he came up with the idea, how he went about designing and manufacturing his product and try it out! It will be a fun interactive session.

Little Ship Club @Naval Point in Lyttelton. 7.30pm start Friday 22 October Coastal Classic - Cruising Rally More information here.

November 2021 Welcome to New Zealand!

I am ever hopeful that our maritime border restrictions will be relaxed and we can once again welcome sailors to our shores. Watch this space!

18 November 2021 Three Kings Offshore Race The Three Kings Offshore Race is a 500 nautical mile challenge from Auckland up and around the Three Kings Islands and then back to Auckland finishing where you started. The Three Kings Islands is a beautiful, yet rugged place that is a must see, past Cape Reinga with a slice of Ocean Racing.

Check out the RNZYS website for more info

6 December 2021 Members night in Auckland Venue TBA - come along for some dinner and a catch up with Island Cruising NZ members and hear all about sailing in the South Island December 2021 - January 2022 Rally to the South Island Plans are underway for a rally to the South Island including calls at Abel Tasman, Marlborough Sounds, Banks Peninsula to watch Sail GP and then either sail home or on to Stewart Island and Fiordland. More info to come! Watch this space!

March 2022 Central Triangle Short handed or fully crewed race from Wellington to Akaroa, Napier & back to Wellington. Great shakedown for an offshore voyage and some great parties along the way. More info here.

June 2022 Pacific Circuit Rally COVID border restrictions permitting, plans are underway for our famous Pacific Circuit Rally in 2022.

Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia. Contact us to register your interest.

April 2023 Sister City 50th Anniversary Rally to Japan. from Christchurch and Wellington New Zealand to Kurashiki and Sakai Japan. Register your interest now.

Open Ocean Watermakers has been manufacturing watermakers in the beautiful Bay of Islands of New Zealand since 2001. Terry Forsbrey is the owner of Open Ocean. He and his wife Ariel lived aboard their yacht for 22 years and actively cruised offshore for 12 of those years. During their time on the water, Terry discovered that high tech components in a watermaker are not only unnecessary, they are usually the first thing to break down, and most often in remote locations. When helping out other cruisers, he frequently found that by-passing these components would get their watermakers working once again. That's when he realized that a simple, reliable, and affordablewatermaker could be made.

Terry developed the early version of an engine driven model and took it cruising. He put it to the test for five years. He then returned to New Zealand to design and build a reliable watermaker without any superfluous gadgets. Thus was born a revolutionary new concept in watermakers. One that works all the time, is easy to operate, and doesn’t break the bank.

Check out their website

Northland Spars and Rigging Ltd is one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of mast and rigging services. For 15yrs and counting, NSR continues to provide marine services to New Zealand and visiting overseas yacht owners in Northland and the Bay of Island region. Our experienced team in Opua offers expert advice on rigging and marine engineering solutions; supplying everything from a complete replacement mast, new standing and running rigging, through to a simple rig check and tune up.

Check out their website

Oceania Medical provides high quality, robust & logical first aid kits and medical supplies. We offer training packages and provide access to an online customer portal in which you can view, manage and resupply your first aid kits.

Our complete service ensures that our customers are best prepared for a medical emergency. https://www.oceaniamedical.co.nz

CITY OF SAILS MARINE YACHT BROKERS – New and Used Boats For Sale – Motor Yachts – Power and Sail – Classic – Multihulls – Launches – Trailer Boats – Marine Products We are based in Auckland and offer offer a very wide selection of recreational and commercial boats of all types, both new and used.

We are full service yacht and boat brokers – with the emphasis on service. We also offer a number of marine services and products, including loan finance, and market and insurance valuations.

WE’RE SELLING BOATS – AND WE NEED NEW LISTINGS! We get results, so talk to us now about listing your boat for sale – we promote your boat through a number of websites and other outlets, including overseas as appropriate. Phone us any time: Blair Harkness, Mobile 021 245 8809 http://www.cityofsailsmarine.co.nz

DOCKLAND 5 Marine Ltd The perfect place to carry out boat repairs & refresh before your next adventure with haul out & hardstand facilities on the beautiful Whangarei Harbour.

John Peagram Manager Mob: 0274 930 812 | Phone: 09438 8558 | Email: john@dockland5.co.nz

Trans Pacific Marine New Zealand's largest Nautical Bookshop, Chart Agent and Navigation Instrument Supplier - has been serving the Commercial and Recreational Marine Industries since 1963.

Over 25,000 nautical / technical books & charts Worldwide chart coverage from all major chart publishers Extensive range of admiralty publications Navigation instruments, course supplies, marine books and calendars/ Cruising yachts our specialty Same day dispatch on most orders - order online

https://www.transpacific.co.nz

With the combined world-wide experience and technology at UK Sailmakers, we can provide the most advanced sail designs, construction, cloth selection, and hardware for the durability and comfort of your boat together with any custom canvas work you may need.

You can be assured at UK Sailmakers Phil joined by his team that all your needs will be listened to and you will be provided with excellent materials, first class workmanship and service. www.northlandcanvas.co.nz

Seapower are Opua’s dedicated marine engineering, service and repair specialists. Our experienced marine engineers and technicians offer a full range of marine services to boat owners from all over New Zealand and overseas. Whether you have a mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, plumbing or boat repair challenge, we can assist. www.seapower.co.nz

features

Pacific COVID Update While many of the Pacific Borders remain closed, the situation remains fluid. We will aim to keep you updated with news and updates as they come to hand. Please note these updates can change any time! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for extra information.

New Zealand

Fiji

Australia

The New Zealand Maritime border is

Fiji's "Blue Lane" has allowed a

The maritime border is closed. Only

still closed.

number of yachts to enter the country

Australian citizens, residents and

for cruising. We think about 11 boats

immediate family members can enter

New Zealand vessels are able to

from NZ have gone to Fiji this season.

Australia by sea. All crew must be

enter New Zealand provided the

Fiji has recently experienced a

isolated in mandatory quarantine.

skipper is reasonably satisfied that

COVID outbreak and the community

accommodation for 14 days on arrival

every person on board is either a New

was locked down. Restrictions have

You must provide arrival information

Zealand citizen or meets New

recently been relaxed but some

in advance.

Zealand’s visa requirements.

communities are understandably still

People in New Zealand can fly across

concerned about the chances of

the Tasman but the maritime border is

Foreign flagged vessels are not

infection and are not allowing sailors

still closed.

permitted to arrive unless certain

to go ashore. There are currently

We are working with our partners

criteria are met and permission has

around 150 new cases of COVID

Down Under Rally to lobby for the

been granted by New Zealand’s

each day being reported.

Trans-Tasman maritime border to

Director-General of Health.

open as well.

Additionally, any non-New Zealand

Join the Sailing & Cruising Fiji group

citizens on board must meet the

for extra information & advice.

Niue

Vanuatu

The Niue border is closed to all yachts

necessary visa requirements.

Permission must be sought from Immigration New Zealand for non-

until further notice.

New Zealand citizens on board to

All ports of entry are closed until

enter New Zealand.

further notice.

French Polynesia

Vessels may be exempt if there is a

Cook Islands

It is forbidden for any pleasure boat

compelling need for the vessel to arrive in New Zealand for:

arriving in French Polynesia to call, The Cook Islands Maritime border is

anchor or park, or disembark at sea

reprovisioning and/or refuelling

closed. People who have been in New

any person in the internal waters and

OR

Zealand for 14 days can fly in to the

territorial sea of French Polynesia

the purpose of delivering the

Cook Islands without quarantine. We

until further notice.

vessel to a business which

have heard of one yacht sailing from

includes for the purpose of

Tahiti to NZ that was permitted to

Tonga

repairing or refitting the vessel

stop in Aitutaki to take on extra kiwi

AND

crew and spare parts. The sailors

Tonga's maritime border is closed

the Director-General has granted

were unable to go ashore.

until further notice.

New Caledonia

Samoa

Director-General has granted

The borders to New Caledonia remain

International borders remain closed

permission for the vessel to arrive in

closed until further notice. No

until further notice.

New Zealand for humanitarian

commercial passenger flights or

reasons or other compelling needs.

vessels are allowed in to the country.

the vessel permission to arrive in New Zealand.

A vessel may also be exempt if the

Contact us for more information if you are planning on coming to NZ.

International cruisers in New Zealand International cruisers that are stuck here in New Zealand have had to extend their visitor visas a number of times. While many cruisers are still here,

International Cruisers In Europe with Boats in NZ

International Cruisers in the Pacific

I am currently working with

A number of international vessels in the

a group of

cruisers who are stuck back in Europe or

Pacific have been given exemptions to

North America while their boats remain

enter New Zealand under the refit &

here in NZ.

repairs exemption. This requires owners

some have chosen to sell their boats in New Zealand and fly home, some have sailed to the Pacific and others have shipped their boats home. It has been wonderful meeting many of you during your stay in Aotearoa!

We have created a group called Sailors with COVID Immigration Issues NZ where we share ideas, information, questions and advice. Please join us if you are in this situation and need some support.

to commit to spending at least The group has appealed to the Prime

NZD$50k on repairs and refit when they

Minister and Minister of Immigration for

reach New Zealand.

an exemption to enter the country and get back to their boats - their homes.

We are happy to help give free advice

However at this stage nothing has been

and assistance should you be

forthcoming. We remain hopeful that

considering coming to New Zealand.

once more New Zealanders have been

Please get in touch so we can help

vaccinated that the border restrictions

guide you through the process.

will be relaxed and more people will be allowed in to the country.

We look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand.

Island Cruising NZ is proud to partner with Rocket Guides Cruising Guides for Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Rocket Cruising Guides have expert local knowledge on Anchorages, Routes, Marine Parks, Marinas, Yacht Agents, slipways, yacht repair facilities, supermarkets, marine hardware stores, welders, fitters, sail makers, internet, mobile phones, and more.

Island Cruising NZ Members get a 10% discount on these amazing cruising resources

Island Cruising NZ

Providing cruisers with support, education & connection Social Connection Environmemt · Running yacht rallies around New Zealand and the South Pacific · Running a sustainable and environmentally · Organising social events, activities and social media networks sensitive organisation · Learning about and being respectful of the cultures we visit · Supporting local and global environmental · Promoting positive social impact, community engagement and initiatives to protect the Ocean and the places we visit long-lasting connections with the people we meet · Encouraging sailors to be eco-conscious and reduce their impact on the environment · Promoting Citizen Science projects aimed at ocean health ·

·

Support Being an inclusive, diverse and supportive community · Advocating for and assisting sailors in need · Advice on immigration clearances & formalities · Yacht tracking and shore crew support

Education Assisting sailors to prepare themselves, their vessel and crew for long coastal or offshore voyages · Promoting Safer Boating initiatives · Being a rich pool of knowledge, support and resources for cruisers · Encouraging upskilling and good seamanship

Collaboration Supporting the strategic direction of Yachting New Zealand · Forming strong relationships with yacht clubs to promote longcoastal and offshore races, rallies and cruising events and activities · Promoting Safer Boating and good seamanship alongside Coastguard and Maritime New Zealand · Partnering with Down Under Rally to promote cruising in the South Pacific ·

Communication · Producing a regular newsletter to keep cruisers informed on the latest cruise news, upcoming events and promoting partner products & businesses. · Promoting the New Zealand Marine industry and providing a positive and mutually beneficial connection to their target market · Encouraging and welcoming international sailors to New Zealand

Island Cruising NZ Become a Member · Whether you own a boat already, are planning on buying one soon, have dreams of sailing offshore someday, or are considering sailing to New Zealand, preparing for a voyage requires that you, your crew and your vessel are knowledgeable, equipped and fully self-sufficient. Island Cruising NZ can help you navigate through all the preparation, administration and coordination of a long coastal or offshore voyage and welcome you to the South West Pacific.

For just NZD$75.00 per annum you will receive: Services, information and advice for long coastal and offshore cruisers and racers.

Newsletters and regular updates.

Exclusive member tips and steps to help you prepare for a long voyage.

Access to exclusive discounts from some of the best marine businesses in New Zealand and the South Pacific. ·Social events, great cruising community connections, activities and rallies.

Mentoring, training seminars and webinars.

Access to our extensive database of local knowledge and advice about sailing in the South Pacific and New Zealand.

Assistance with navigating the ever changing customs, immigration and health requirements for cruisers.

Advocacy and support when things don't go to plan.

Combined knowledge and connections with the Island Cruising community.

Crew matching service for skippers looking for crew or crew looking for a boat.

Join online at www.islandcruising.nz

Island Cruising NZ is proud to partner with Bato Flags who produce high quality hand made linen flags for our adventures in the Pacific.

There is a lot of etiquette to take in to consideration when flying a flag from your yacht.

One such flag is the Q Flag and is quite relevant in this day and age. Yachts arriving in at a maritime border need to show the yellow Q – Quarantine flag, which officially means “my vessel is healthy and I request free pratique”. On a yacht with mast with spreaders, the Q flag should be flown at the starboard spreader. If the yacht has more than one mast, the flag should be flown from the starboard spreader of the forward mast.

Once you have cleared in to the country, you lower your Q flag and then as a gesture of courtesy, yachts should fly the local country flag when they enter and operate in its waters. Not flying the flag of the country you are visiting can be considered very rude in some places, but is even illegal in other countries and you can be fined or have your boat or passports impounded until you comply!

Make sure the flag is in good condition – and flown the right way up. Tatty or faded flags can also cause offence and an upside down flag can mean the country is at war.

Your home country ensign or national flag should be flown from the stern of a yacht. It should be lowered at sunset or 9.00pm, or earlier if you are leaving the boat. You should only fly them at night if there is sufficient light to show them. They will also last much longer if you don’t fly them continuously.

You can order Island Cruising NZ burgee's and other cruising courtesy flags from their website https://www.batoflags.com

The History of Island Cruising NZ The Island Cruising business was started in the 1980’s to provide assistance for sailors wishing to sail from NZ to the Pacific Islands and back. Over the past 30+ years the name Island Cruising has become well known by cruisers not only in New Zealand and the Pacific but also World Wide.

The Island Cruising Association was

John & Lyn Martin were the third

Nigel and Amanda approached Viki

formed by Don and Jenny Mundell

owners. They purchased the business

Moore earlier this year to discuss their

back in the 1980's. The aim at the

in 2007 and escorted rallies all over

plans to sell the business and gauge

time was to attract more cruising sailors to Tonga. Their efforts were

the South West Pacific from on

Viki’s interest.

board their vessel Windflower.

very successful, with many keen

Viki jumped at the opportunity to get

sailors joining them to explore the

John & Lyn enjoyed 10 years running

on board. She plans to continue and

Kingdom and further afield.

rallies throughout the South Pacific.

build on the wonderful work that

During this time they also started

Nigel and Amanda, and other

Brian & Joan Hepburn were next to

writing cruising guides for the South

predecessors of Island Cruising have

take the wheel in the 1995. They

Pacific and building the incredible

achieved over the years.

expanded Island Cruising to take

databases and wealth of information

care of all the documentation and

& resources that Island Cruising has

The business relies on the support of

helping members with everything

on hand to share with members and

marine partners and sailing members,

from checking they are properly

rally participants.

which she hopes to be able to grow

prepared to go offshore to finding

through providing lots of exciting

additional crew. The Hepburns were

John & Lyn sold the business in 2017

opportunities, training, advice,

on hand to see all their cruising

to Nigel and Amanda Richards, who

informative newsletters, discounts,

clients away from New Zealand, and

renamed the business Island Cruising

events and rallies.

they were there at the destination to

NZ.

ensure there are no hassles with officialdom.

Nigel had a lifetime of sailing experience, growing up in the South

The Hepburns, who between them

of England messing about in boats

had more than 100,000 miles of blue-

with his master boatbuilder father.

water experience, introduced

Amanda began sailing when she met

the

comprehensive preparation courses

Nigel 25 years ago. Together they

for their members planning to go

operated Island Cruising from their

offshore for the first time. Courses

vessel Varekai, a Bruce Roberts 53.

included a total how-to-cope exercise that covered everything a

Nigel and Amanda ran two very

would-be sailor could imagine

successful rallies before 2020 and

happening on a bad day at sea.

COVID came along and scuppered

There was even a body-dunking

the Pacific Circuit Rally plans.

session for everyone to show how to get into and out of a liferaft in full

With a house ashore and a horse

wet-weather gear.

riding fan teenage daughter, the Richards family decided a sea-

The Hepburns owned the business for

change shore based life was afoot

11 years and also wrote a number of

and they started putting out the

books about sailing in the South

feelers for someone new to take on

Pacific.

the business to the next leg.

venture 29

Joan & Brian Hepburn

John & Lyn Martin

Viki Moore

Amanda & Nigel Richards

Upcoming for Island Cruising NZ Members

Preparing for a Voyage I am hopeful that the New Zealand and Pacific border restrictions might be more relaxed in 2022. So if you are planning a voyage to the Pacific or perhaps further afield at some stage in the future, there is plenty you can do in now to start preparing and avoid the last minute rush and stress of pulling things together.

We have got a few things planned to

The email 'workshops' will help you

Some of the topics we will cover off

help you start those voyage

make an 'Operations & Maintenance'

include:

preparations, including a Sail South

manual for your vessel and also a

Navigation

rally over our summer season.

Safety Manual - which is

COLREGS

part of the

Cat 1 regulations. We will work

Passage planning

This will be a great opportunity for

through all your on-board systems,

Provisioning

North Island sailors to head South

discuss regular maintenance, and get

Safety gear

and explore the beautiful Abel

you thinking about all the safety gear

Diesel engine basics

Tasman, Marlborough Sounds and

on your boat ensuring it is fit for

Fuel systems

then continuing South for the SailGP

purpose, maintained and stowed

Servicing winches

regatta in Lyttelton at the end of

correctly.

Checking your rig Anchoring tips

January 2022.

As well as the emails we will have

Sailing at night

From there you can sail home again

webinars from our partner suppliers

EPIRBs

or alternatively continue South to

who will give some training and

VHF/AIS

Stewart Island and Fiordland.

advice on their products and

Communications

discounts for those who need to

Man Over Board

purchase or upgrade various items.

Fire

Expressions of interest in this rally are

Flooding

invited and we will be working through all the finer details as we get

In addition to that, members will get

Abandon Ship

a better understanding of who is

the opportunity to participate in

Preparing a Grab Bag

interested and which parts of the

Marine Medic and Advanced Sea

Meteorology

South you'd especially like to explore.

Survival courses and hopefully a

Tides

cruising preparation seminar

Docking

weekend later in the year

Plumbing

We will be providing support with

Electrics

getting prepared for the voyage, including passage planning, local

Crew aren't left out either, we will

Batteries

knowledge on the best places to visit,

help you write a resumé, advertise

Charging systems

and some other fun activities

your services to skippers, and you'll

including wine tasting, social

get an insight in to all the work that

Sail trim & new sails

gatherings

goes on behind the scenes to

Boat registration

along the way should you be

prepare for a voyage and be better

Taking on crew

interested.

prepared to help if something breaks

Dinghy tips

or there is an emergency of some

Fog signals

kind.

Biosecurity

and joining in regatta's

From August onwards, we will start

Keeping healthy

Seasickness

our mentoring programme. Members of Island Cruising NZ will be given

The saying is: "The best way to eat an

Coping in emergencies

tips

elephant is one bite at a time" so if

Security

step preparations for a voyage. This

you are planning a voyage at some

Skipper responsibility

will including working through the

stage and want to avoid the last

Log keeping

Yachting NZ Safety Regulations -

minute stress and rush, I invite you to

Search and Rescue

helping you get your boat ready for

join in.

Steering

and advice for some step-by-

Heavy Weather Sailing

either a long coastal or an offshore voyage.

It will be an interactive and

AND MUCH MORE!

collaborative process allowing people to share their ideas and experiences along the way too.

Become a member now to join in www.islandcruising.nz

Become a member www.islandcruising.nz

Rally Benefits Our rallies are for everyone! Families with children, couples, friends, solo sailors, yacht owners and offshore capable power boat owners. Basically, if you're able to take some time out to cruise, then our rallies are for you.

Social events and activities.

Discounts and expertise from our rally partners - respected marine suppliers.

Assistance navigating the changing customs and immigration paperwork and often access to ports you'd otherwise be unable to clear in and out from.

Local knowledge and connections.

Seminars, advice and passage planning assistance with preparing your vessel, your crew and your self for the rally The safety of travelling in a group, with tracking and weather routing and advice if things don't go to plan.

Stay with the group of do your own thing, the choice is yours.

Crew matching service & management of crew change logistics Technical support

Sustainable Sailing As sailors we are connected to our waterways. We have enjoyed their beauty, been subjected to their power, and have witnessed first hand their degradation. We can help to preserve our local waters is by proactively managing and maintaining our vessels. Sailors for the Sea is an organisation that unites sailors to protect the Ocean. We will be sharing some of their tips for how you can make some small steps which will make a big difference to our Oceans. You can join them on www.sailorsforthesea.org.

Do good things After visiting PNG/Solomons and Vanuatu in role of Naturalist/Guide aboard an expedition ship, Helen Ahern noticed the limited resourcing for schools, with some villages doing without simple items such as paper, pens, and books. With over twenty years experience in education, Helen could see a perfect opportunity to 'make a difference to lives beyond our own". This phrase has since become the driving vision for the Learning Resources for Villages project which is now in its sixth year. The Project sources learning resources from New Zealand schools and ships these to isolated villages in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

In talking with the local headteachers and teachers, their common wish is for paper, writing tools, and reading books. The inside of classrooms vary depending on the isolation, staff and community support – from sparse with no tables or chairs, to rooms with some visual posters on walls. Sometimes there are no bookshelves, texts, and very limited supplies of paper and pens if there are any at all. It is obvious that schools are poorly resourced in comparison to New Zealand and the schools make do with little. Some communities band together to build solid weatherproof structures, such as libraries, utilising funding streams from countries like New Zealand and Australia. Now the schools are hoping to find books for the shelves. Sometimes the building structure is the easy part with a long wait for resources due to funding, general logistics and/or infrequent shipping!

Children are trilingual with their local oral village language, Pidgin and English. The latter being the teaching medium in schools as it is seen to open opportunities and provide access to further knowledge and learning. Village members are acutely aware that the future of their village ultimately relies upon their young people and although this can be a challenge with such limited resourcing, they remain motivated to support their young generation the best way they know how.

Check out the Facebook Page here

Many island villages are infrequently visited by any 'outsiders'. One village learning resources are delivered to had no recollection of visitors in the living memory of their elders. Life is basic and survival is through subsistance living. Not all villages have a primary school and even if they do attendance is a major issue with children often required to support homelife rather than being in class. Some schools require children to make a long journey each day by dug-out canoe or by foot.

Donations have been made from New Zealand schools, individual teachers and authors of instructional reading texts, journals and library books. These are transported to collection schools before being loaded aboard expedition ships bound for the Pacific Islands. This is a team effort from across the country and donations are given in the spirit of generosity knowing that children are the future of all strong communities.

Helen continues to visit the islands annually in her role aboard expedition ships. As well as delivering resources, she has found a niche in growing 'coaching and mentoring' relationships with those working in the village schools. This has added to both the Project vision as well as providing authentic, meaningful experiences for the visitors that visit the islands. A symbiotic partnership in action.

With the contacts we have with island schools, New Zealand schools and with the support of Heritage Expeditions and Noble Caledonia and now also Island Criuising NZ there is the perfect opportunity to collect, ship and distribute learning resources to these villages and 'make a difference to lives beyond our own'.

Holding Tank Horror Stories Keen racing & cruising sailor Craig Edwards, shares his experiences with marine holding tanks.

WORDS BY CRAIG EDWARDS

Like a lot of boat owners, I expect,

Rescue came surprisingly promptly

I paused and contemplated my next

the first time I really got to know my

and took the form of experienced

move. The quickest means of escape

holding tank was when things all went

chandler Aaron Blackmore of Oddies

was to carefully lift each bucket out

horribly wrong.

Marine in Waikawa. “Nah mate, you

through the open forward hatch,

won’t need to haul out” he said, “Just

above my head, to the foredeck. I

For me this happened the day before

bang a softwood plug in from the

thought better of this, realising that I

a major regatta after 2 weeks of

outside and I’ll set you up with a new

only needed to catch a bucket edge

family cruising in the Marlborough

valve”. A simple but effective plan…

on the hatch rim and I would look like

Sounds.

seal the outlet from the outside,

Augustus Gloop after his swim in Mr

holding tank, fully compliant with

disconnect the broken fitting, drain

Wonka’s chocolate lake. So I carefully

Young 88 Class rules, had recently

and dispose of the effluent ashore,

carried each bucket out through the

been installed and had been

reconnect a new fitting and we’re

companionway to the safety of the

preforming well despite a few

back in business.

dock. We were nearly there.

rule of thumb with regard to the size

The bit about draining the holding

But as I made my way to the toilets

of a holding tank should be

tank did take some thought however

ashore I found my path blocked by a

calculated as follows; the size you

and was the part I was least looking

very relaxed gentleman leaning on

think you need x waterline length x

forward to, for obvious reasons. Once

the companionway rail engrossed in a

number of teenagers aboard.

disconnected the contents would

cigarette and conversation with his

Invariably this will equal the size your

“pour” into a bucket with some

mate on the nearby boat. “Excuse

partner told you that you needed but

degree of flow control achieved by

me” I politely asked, seeking to

you didn’t listen because you were

constricting the breather tube to

squeeze past, a bucket in each hand.

trying to save weight/money.

restrict returning air. This was

Ignored, I asked again, a little louder

necessary as my maths has

“Excuse me”. Turning this head this

Anyway, despite the rather frequent

determined that more than one

time he quickly realised the gravity of

need for emptying (yes, 15 litres is too

bucket was required.

the situation, loudly exhaled an

Flying Machine’s new

“capacity” issues. Suffice to say the

small) all was going reasonably well.

expletive that accurately described

That was however until the day

Bracing myself for the odour that was

the hazardous substance I was

before the Lawson’s Regatta when

to envelop me in a stiflingly small

carrying and quickly moved aside. The

the valve handle broke off in my hand

space on a warm Marlborough day, I

offending material was subsequently

during an attempt to drain the

began. What I had not prepared

disposed of and I returned to

holding tank of its contents.

myself for, however, was the sound

complete the task successfully.

that the contents made as it vomited Although no immediate disaster

from the disconnected pipe and

occurred, a moment was required –

gushed violently into the bottom of

severed lever in hand – to consider

the bucket. No noise I can image

the implications; Urgent and

could make me feel quite as sick as

expensive haulout? or race with the

the sound this made. Steeling my

weight of 15 litres of sewage in the

resolve, and swallowing hard, I

bow plus the inevitable

continued and rapidly filled two

inconvenience for the female crew in

buckets.

particular? This was followed by an audible “bugger” or words to that effect.

The principle of a holding tank is

Pressure would mount and a loud

We had two families sharing a

quite simple. Its purpose is to

“pop” would accompany the

modern 44 foot Beneteau with two of

temporarily store your toilet effluent

instantaneous redecoration of the

everything… two wheels, two showers,

so it can be transported away from

interior of your boat in a neutral

two fridges, two heads and even two

sensitive marine environments and

shade of brown. Anyone unfortunate

holding tanks. Luxury beyond

disposed of either in an approved

enough to be in the vicinity would

compare and a significant step up

shore based pumping station or well

find their silhouette printed life size in

from our Young 88. But the most

offshore. For most of us, offshore is

reverse block on the nearest

relaxing aspect of the whole

the easier and often only option. Boat

bulkhead.

experience, or so we thought, was

owners should be aware that

the knowledge that if anything went

regulations about where you can

As the breather will vent unpleasant

wrong it was someone else’s job to fix

dump sewage can vary depending on

odours it pays to think about where

it.

where you are. In Marlborough, our

this goes. Some have a hose that

favourite cruising area, it’s a minimum

takes this up the mast and well away

The turnaround process was

of 500 metres from shore but this is

but in my experience this probably

surprisingly rapid with the boats

currently being reviewed and under

isn’t necessary. In our case I

arriving in and getting a quick clean

the Proposed Marlborough

connected a vent hose to a skin

up before the next group went out.

Environment Plan this is extended to

fitting in the anchor locker on the

Fresh soaps and towels were

1,000 metres from shore or any

bow. This worked well and was

decoratively arranged in each head

marine farm.

sufficiently far away to not be of any

like a five-star hotel bathroom.

nuisance.

However, this didn’t seem to leave

There is no doubt that holding tanks

much time for servicing and

are a very good idea. Not too many

However, I come back to the point

maintenance. As we discovered, the

years ago, rafting up with our sailing

made earlier about the need to

approach seems to be to wait until

friends and their families in a

ensure your holding tank is of

something stops working and then

beautiful anchorage in Queen

sufficient size for your needs. In our

deal with it then. Several of the fleet

Charlotte Sound, the holding tank

case, at 15 litres, it isn’t quite and our

had something go wrong that

issue was always a bit of an elephant

family of four is lucky to last 24 hours.

required a call out at some stage. In

in the room. As I’d glance across the

Of course the way we discovered this

our case it was at the first anchorage

cockpits at our friends enjoying a lazy

was when the tank overflowed out

that we discovered the previous

breakfast, sipping their second cup of

the vent hose and started filling up

charter had blocked one of the

coffee of the day, I’d decide to skip

our anchor locker. This resulted in the

holding tanks. Clearly if you’re near

the morning swim. Fortunately, now,

anchor and warp going over the side

the end of your charter the protocol

holding tanks are the norm not the

and the application of a significant

is to keep quiet about any blockages

exception.

quantity of heavy duty cleaner and

so you don’t get the blame.

numerous buckets of sea water.

There are two general types of

Unfortunately, the exercise was

Not to worry they said, “we’ll be out in

holding tank. One that uses the

repeated all too often to the point

the morning and will sort it out for

toilet’s own (or a separate) pumping

where the joke about someone taking

you”. True to word, next day a couple

system to remove the effluent and a

a dump in the anchor locker started

of young aussies with lots of

gravity based system. Ours is a

to wear thin. The solution in the end,

enthusiasm and a fast RIB turned up

gravity model. The tank is positioned

in addition to more careful

ready and armed to do battle with

above the waterline and the toilet

management, was to put an

our wee holding tank issue.

pumps the nasties up to the tank

extension hose from the skin fitting

The first thing I noticed about their

where it’s held until released by

long enough to reach over the side.

solution was that it involved them

opening the seacock.

So whenever we are moored up the

getting out of their RIB and into ours.

hose comes out of the locker and

The reason for this soon became

over the rail looking like a butterfly

obvious. While one boatman held the

proboscis… just in case.

RIB steady against the hull his mate

All

holding tanks require a breather

to enable gasses to escape. While the chemistry of anaerobic

took our dinghy pump and inserted

fermentation isn’t important here the

One of the best things about a

the hose into the holding tank vent,

simple message is – if you install a

cruising charter holiday overseas is

mounted just below the gunwale. He

holding tank without a breather you’ll

the whole ‘all care, no responsibility’

then proceeded to pump air into the

be fitting a sewage filled time bomb

thing. So when the opportunity came

holding tank system in an obvious

in your boat.

along to join a bunch of our friends to

attempt to clear the offending

explore the Whitsundays in a charter

blockage.

fleet we jumped at it.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I asked from the safety of the foredeck. “Yeah, won’t take a minute, mate”. Considerable pumping ensued and I watched as the process appeared not to be as successful as he was hoping. The pressure was no doubt building somewhere as the pumping rate began to slow. He looked across at his mate as if to say “well, what now?” when suddenly the hose end blasted out of the vent followed by a high pressure stream of raw sewerage which hit our friendly rescuer mid chest. He decided it was a good time for a swim while we nodded our new understanding of the reason the maintenance manual stipulates this procedure be carried out in the client’s dinghy.

Modern, electric macerating pumps seem to be the way to go these days.

There are certainly advantages with these systems but they do use power, require more water, are more complicated and still require servicing and maintenance. Whatever your system there’s one good trick for looking after it. Other than toilet paper in sparing quantity don’t put anything down there you haven’t first eaten.

If you don't fancy sailing down, you can fly instead!

Club Connections Island Cruising NZ collaborates with yacht clubs around New Zealand & the Pacific to promote cruising activities & events to our huge database of sailors, to provide a place of connection for our members when cruising away from home, and organising combined events and seminars about cruising for the sailors in their local area.

The Little Ship Club of Canterbury is one such club.

Based out of Naval Point Club in Lyttelton, the Little Ship Club of Canterbury has monthly social events at Naval Point which are hugely popular.

On the 3rd Thursday of the month the Little Ship Club meets at Naval Point, the bar is open and the kitchen produces mountains of fish & chips and burgers for the hungry sailors.

After a drink and a social catch up, they have a guest speaker, who regales the members with stories of adventures on the high seas. Be it Greenland, Antarctica, across the Pacific, or locally.

They also have splicing lessons, seminars on sail trim, passage planning, book launches, and much more.

Visiting sailors are welcomed with open arms. The Little Ship Club community rallies around to assist with any help they need while staying in port, giving advice on great anchorages in beautiful Banks Peninsula or further South.

One such visitor was solo circumnavigator Bill Norrie who arrived just after the hard lockdown last year. He made many wonderful friends during his stay before sailing home to Canada.

If you are heading through Lyttelton, by car or by sea, please make sure you get in touch. You are welcome to join in any time.

You can find them on Facebook Or online on their website

Clive Bennett clive.bennett@seaboatsbrokers.com +64 27 494 9799

Petersen Yacht / Brigantine 70ft traditional style - in survey A beautifully built and maintained vessel, a brigantine with two square sails on the foremast. Built in steel in 1990. Designed by Hans P Petersen in traditional style and using modern methods – apart from her masts and spars – she has been maintained impeccably by a master mariner to undertake long offshore cruises in comfort and in style.

Currently in MOSS survey for up to 6 passengers overnight or 10 by day, she has a huge inventory and every system needed for safe and comfortable cruising.

View the full specifications here

18.5m Cruising Ketch A beautiful ocean-going cruising ketch, everything you need for extended passage making and comfortable cruising. Top design and custom built in timber and GRP to a very high standard, and fitted out with all the safety, navigation, and equipment you need. Hard dodger and full set of tropical awnings. Electrics all up to NZ and US electrical standard. Carefully maintained with no expense spared, and with a huge inventory, too long to list here. With all controls from both masts leading to the cockpit, this boat has completed many ocean passages with just two crew. A top boat.

Stan Huntingford design, Robert Perry rig, complete refit of interior and all systems 2000-2002 by Legendary Yachts in Washington. Imported into NZ. Completely equipped for offshore passages, ready to go.

View the full specifications here

Publicity, marketing & communications www.marinevoice.net

Island Cruising NZ Become a Partner If you have a quality product or service aimed at the cruising sailor, and you would like to advertise in our next newsletter, we invite you to join us to become a partner of Island Cruising NZ. We will work together to showcase and promote your business to a targeted, qualified audience, and in turn, provide our members with information, training and advice on great deals and the best products to suit their needs.

contact us for more information viki@islandcruising.nz

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