Island Cruising Cruise News July 2021

issue 02

July 2021

Cruise News Newsletter of Island Cruising NZ

Inside: Upcoming Events, South Island Rally, Pacific Circuit Rally, Japan Rally, Recipes, Preparing for a Passage, 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 Dolphins on the bow of Natural Magic in the Marlborough Sounds Photograph by Viki Moore

photos and news contributions are welcome

issue 02

In this issue July 2021

From the Helm The latest update from Viki.

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.

Windvane Installation Sarah Curry from Hydrovane answers your common questions

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

Rally Update Plans afoot for upcoming rallies to the South Island, Pacific & Japan.

Sustainable Sailing Tips on how to be a greener yachtie.

Do Good Things Rosemary in Greenland. Photo by Rebecca Hayter

Tips on making positive connections with the community you visit

Club Connection ICNZ links around NZ & the Pacific

Making the Leap to a Life at Sea Gina de Vere talks about her experience

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

From the helm

Kia ora koutou, thank you so much for all the positive feedback from my first newsletter last month. I confess that I've never laid up a magazine style newsletter like that before so I am pleased it turned out so well. Thanks also for the feedback and suggestions of other things to include. This month you'll see the addition of a recipes section, and some more interesting articles from Island Cruising Members around the world.

I'd like to give a special thank you to all our new members and those who have recently renewed their membership. Island Cruising Members

SailGP is broadcast to an audience of over 350 million people worldwide, so it will be awesome to have a group Island Cruising yachts ringside.

are able to access all sorts of special deals and discounts from our partners as well as access to our CrewSeeker page on our website, and starting in August members will have exclusive access to our cruising preparation

to complete to help you get ready for a long coastal or offshore passage.

There will also be webinars and social get togethers for members as well. If

South to Stewart Island and Fiordland. Or if you are short on time you can join in part or all of the rally stages.

website: www.islandcruising.nz

some more information and joining in the fun and you will be first to know all the details as soon as I have them

partners of Island Cruising. It is great to have such a diverse group of skilled and reputable companies on

great value for our members. Your ongoing support is much appreciated.

on behind the scenes with getting our athletes ready for this incredible competition. I'd like to wish the NZL Sailing team the best of luck and I'll be watching all the races. You can

are local Japan time, but those based in Auckland can join Dave and the YNZ team at the Cloud to watch live too each afternoon.

The Yachting NZ Excellence Awards If you are planning on heading South this summer, remember that you need

certificate to show that you've had a recent haulout. Rally participants will get a reminder about this in one of

nominations are now open as well. If you know someone who has done something above and beyond in the sailing world, including volunteering and cruising, you can nominate them here.

the rally packs.

board who we can recommend with confidence and also providing such

Zealand, I am privileged to see some

finalised.

to have your hull cleaned and bring a Thanks also to all our sponsors and

of the board of Yachting New

check out the schedule here. Times Drop me a line if you are interested in

you'd like to join, it is just $75 per year and you can join any time on our

Olympic Games action. As a member

of the extremely hard work that goes From there the rally will continue

workshops. These will be in the form of weekly emails and suggested tasks

I can't wait to watch the upcoming

Do you know any young people who If you are looking for crew for any upcoming passages, I have recently updated our Crewseeker page on the website.

would be interested in being a Blake Ambassador? They'll get the opportunity to join science and conservation projects around the world. More info here.

Planning is well underway for the South Island rally this summer. I am

I have got a few trips to Auckland

hoping to send out some more details

coming up over the next few months,

in the next couple of weeks. I have

so I am looking forward to meeting

had lots of people interested in

some more of the North Island based

participating and I am in the final

Island Cruising Members and

stages of pulling together an

sponsors. The first date is Monday 23

itinerary.

August. I will advise the venue as soon as that has been finalised.

There are going to be some great inclusions, social events and optional extras of activities and things to do along the way. The highlight will be the SailGP Regatta in Lyttelton, where rally participants will be able to anchor along the racecourse and watch this incredible event.

Some of the participants of previous Pacific Circuit Rallies got together a couple of weeks ago for dinner at Swashies. Looks like a fun evening was had by all, and I look forward to joining in the next one!

Here in Lyttelton on Thursday night we launched the Sister City 50th Anniversary Yacht Rally to Japan.

There has been months of work going on behind the scenes with Rally

So make sure you get your

To quote Dave from the 2019 RNZ -

Director Andrew McGeorge, and he

vaccination when you are able, and

“Being stricken with the incurable

put on a fantastic presentation about

there is also a way of getting a letter

condition of aquaholism from an early

the proposed rally.

to prove that you have been

age, the only reputable medical

vaccinated. I will let you know all the

advice was to get regular doses of

details in an upcoming edition.

salt spray. Recreational sailing and

There are quite a few people

other associated water activities

interested in joining the rally which will depart from New Zealand in April,

I also want to send my thoughts to

assisted in keeping the symptoms at

travel via Fiji or Vanuatu, to Guam

everyone in Fiji who has been

bay, and despite the miles now

and then on to the tropical Japanese

impacted by the COVID outbreak

mounting on my clock, the desire to

Islands before arriving in the Inland

there. Hopefully the sailors who are

go sailing has not diminished. It

Sea and participating in the Sister

up there are keeping safe and fingers

certainly beats sitting in a lazy boy at

City Exchange events.

crossed that the authorities are able

home watching golf on TV, playing

to get the outbreak under control

bowls and trolling farce book and

sometime soon.

other anti social media.”

ability for them to be housed in the

Finally I would like to send my

In recent years Dave has clocked up

moorings/marinas in Guam and

condolences to the friends and family

over 20,000 sailing miles and had

Japan. So we are working on ways

of Dave Ormandy who sadly passed

many special moments both on and

that we might be able to work around

away last week.

off the water with his family. Just this

The main constraint on the number of vessels that can participate is the

year he was a proud member of the

this. If you are interested in any more information please do let me know.

From Japan, some people have plans

SSANZ wrote a lovely tribute to Dave

yellow shirt brigade, volunteering on

which for those who didn't see it, I

the water at the America’s Cup.

thought I would share for you here.

Lyndon, Kenneth, Judy, Chris and Dave’s wider family are all in our

of spending a year or two cruising this incredible country, and others

"SSANZ has lost a true sailing mate

have plans of continuing on to the

and legend this week with the

Aleutians and Alaska, or leaving the

passing of sailor Dave Ormandy.

thoughts at this sad time.

More wise words from Dave “When you're 200 miles from land and there

boat there and returning home via the South Pacific later on. There are

Dave had sailed forever, but nothing

are albatross flying around as you

plenty of options.

he described as too serious until he

look up at the stars lighting the night

competed in the 2017 RNI on

sky, it is pretty special.” So Dave, as

I also have a growing list of people

Rigmarole with Ian Luxford, winning

you take your final sail we wish you

interested in the Pacific Circuit for

the first leg overall.

fair winds and following seas, with an epic send over the horizon to the

2022. We are closely watching for any news on maritime border re-

From there he definitely caught the

openings.

two-handed racing bug and he

albatross’s playground."

competed in the 2019 RNZ and 2020

Sail on Dave from your Island Cruising

Many countries in Europe are moving

RNI aboard Arbitare with Murray

friends too.

in and out of various restrictions and

Hartley.

Cheers

people appear to have to prove that they have been vaccinated to gain

Dave and Murray often crossed the

entry and to move around freely.

finish line in Auckland and then carried on for Leg 5, delivering the Farr 38 back to her home in Wellington.

Viki

Online Workshops for Island Cruising NZ Members

Preparing for a Voyage Our cruising preparation workshops have just started! Island Cruising NZ members will receive weekly emails with tips and suggestions on how to go about getting prepared for a long coastal or offshore voyage. There will also be webinars, downloads, and in person get togethers.

You can start any time, and work through the topics at your own pace. I hope you can join us.

Some of the topics we will cover off include:

The email 'workshops' will help you make an 'Operations & Maintenance' manual for your vessel and also a Safety Manual - which is

part of the Cat 1

Navigation COLREGS Passage planning Provisioning

regulations. We will work through all your on-board

Safety gear

systems, discuss regular maintenance, and get you

Diesel engine basics

thinking about all the safety gear on your boat ensuring it is fit for purpose, maintained and stowed correctly.

Fuel systems Servicing winches Checking your rig Anchoring tips Sailing at night

As well as the emails we will have webinars from our partner suppliers who will give some training and

EPIRBs VHF/AIS Communications

advice on their products and discounts for those who

Man Over Board

need to purchase or upgrade various items.

Fire Flooding Abandon Ship

In addition to that, members will get the opportunity

Preparing a Grab Bag

to participate in Marine Medic and Advanced Sea

Meteorology

Survival courses and hopefully a cruising preparation

Tides

seminar weekend later in the year

Docking Plumbing Electrics

Crew aren't left out either, we will help you write a

Batteries

resumé, advertise

Charging systems

your services to skippers, and you'll

get an insight in to all the work that goes on behind the scenes to prepare for a voyage and be better

Keeping healthy Sail trim & new sails Boat registration

prepared to help if something breaks or there is an

Taking on crew

emergency of some kind.

Dinghy tips Fog signals Biosecurity

The saying is: "The best way to eat an elephant is one

Seasickness

bite at a time" so if you are planning a voyage at

Coping in emergencies

some stage and want to avoid the last minute stress

Security

and rush, I invite you to join in.

Skipper responsibility Log keeping Search and Rescue

It will be an interactive and collaborative process allowing people to share their ideas and experiences along the way too.

Steering Heavy Weather Sailing AND MUCH MORE!

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

TOP FIVE WINDVANE SELF STEERING INSTALLATION QUESTIONS

By Sarah Curry of Hydrovane International Marine

Once upon a time our tight quartered boat show booth was jammed full of sailors holding cocktails, regaling us with exciting past and future sailing plans as we answered installation questions in person. As we haven’t had the chance to attend boat shows in many months, we felt a run down of the common Q’s we are asked at boat shows would be of interest!

I will preface the installation questions with the obvious: “What is a windvane self steering system?”: · A mechanical autopilot (requires no power) · Steers a wind based course (an angle to the wind), rather than a compass based course · This is achieved by setting your course, ie, setting the Vane directly into the wind. As the boat falls off this course, the wind acts on either side of the Vane, pushing it over, and transferring this action through the mechanism below to (most commonly) either 1) an auxiliary rudder or 2) a servo pendulum which acts on the main rudder, to bring boat back on course.

For a clearer overview of these concepts, please connect with my husband Will and I “in-zoom-person” at our Island Cruising NZ webinar and demonstration coming up soon!

1) My boat has dinghy davits. Can I keep them and install a windvane?

Yes. Davits might just be our favorite addition to our boat, Kaiquest, a Jeanneau SO 43. Will and I are now cruising with twin toddler boys in Mexico, and any gear that makes life easier is cheered at every single use!

As long as the Vane can pivot above the dinghy and the auxiliary rudder can turn below, there is no problem to use both at the same time. In fact, the Hydrovane becomes a good lashing point for helping stabilize the dinghy.

Like us, you will probably hoist the dinghy onto the foredeck for long passages.

Traditional servo pendulum systems will not work with your davits but other types, like the direct connect servo style windvane, potentially make it possible to have both.

2) Can I install the windvane off center on the transom?

With boat design moving to swim steps and now dropdown transoms, this is an obvious question for many. The answer is a definitive YES for auxiliary rudder type systems.

Unsure about the concept? It goes way back… The word starboard is historically derived from terms meaning “Steer” and “Side of the boat” – and was the side of the boat steering oars were placed because most sailors were right handed. Whether you mount an auxiliary rudder windvane to port or starboard, you’ll find performance does not change.

A centerline installation is most esthetically pleasing for some boats. Servo pendulum style windvane are only suited to a centerline installation.

3) I just installed an arch. Can I still fit a windvane?

Yes. Arches are common on cruising boats.

Servo pendulum type windvanes are usually lower profile and can fit easily under an arch.

The Hydrovane has a larger Vane than servo systems as that is where it derives its power. We simply configure your unit with a wide, rather than tall, Vane and use a shorter Shaft to ensure there is airspace for the Vane to move freely underneath the arch. Alternatively, we can configure the unit with the Vane above the arch.

4) Can I install and use a windvane on my multihull?

Yes. The reality is that many cruising cats are more about comfort than maximizing speed. What is her displacement? What boat speed is she sailing (relative to wind strength)?

Within these limitations the benefits of a windvane can definitely be enjoyed by a cruising multihull.

The best position for most types of windvane is at end of a pontoon/hull. This is particularly important for the Hydrovane for optimal rudder leverage.

5) I like the idea of steering redundancy, but why wouldn’t I install a second autopilot instead?

Hey, we love our below deck autopilot; it’s great for motoring and short hops, but that comfort changes when a few hours of usage becomes 24 x 7. The power consumption of an electronic autopilot in big seas compounded over days can be astronomical. This is when mechanical self-steering proves so valuable – it requires no power and the windier it gets the better it steers.

Even if the autopilot itself never fails OR if you have a second one, failures of many other systems can stop the flow of electricity and, in turn, render an autopilot useless.

Windvanes are very reliable and steering a wind based course means your sails are always trimmed. With an auxiliary rudder type windvane, you are also gaining a completely separate emergency steering system/rudder which every offshore boat should have high on their priority list.

BONUS: So, can I install one of these things on my powerboat?

Lol. We get this one at every boat show… the answer is No.

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

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

Upcoming Events 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.

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 Sailing Singles Looking for love in all the wrong places?

Join the Sailing Singles New Zealand Group on Facebook. There are lots of last minute get togethers around the country. This is a great way to make some new sailing friends.

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 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.

Women Who Sail New Zealand

Upcoming Events 23 September 2021 Rebecca Hayter - Wild Seas to Greenland talk Waikawa Boating Club 7.30pm 8 October 2021 Island Cruising Catch up in Auckland Venue TBA - watch this space.

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 Division More information here.

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 SailGP and then either sail home or on to Stewart Island and Fiordland. More info to come! Watch this space!

10 - 13 February 2022 Australian Wooden Boat Festival the Australian Wooden Boat Festival will fill Sullivan's Cove, Hobart. More info here.

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.

More info on the Facebook group.

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

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

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.

Island Cruising NZ members get a $300 discount on a new water maker from Open Ocean!

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

Best Boat Recipes

Got any great recipe suggestions for delicious meals on a boat? Please send them through. This month's recipes come from Victoria Murdoch, who has an Elliott 1050 - High Voltage which she enjoys cruising and racing in long coastal events like the RNI and Central Triangle

Sundowner drinks go hand in hand with boating, and a Kiwi ’ staple snack the old chip and dip to join the chilled beverage of choice.

The standard classic of Onion Soup and Reduced Cream is always a favorite, but here are a couple of easy alternatives:

Salsa Finely chop red onion, combine with a tin of chopped tomatoes, add a little tabasco (or other chili sauce) and mix. Can be served with corn chips.

Tzatziki Grate ½ a cucumber, squeeze out excess Tuna Dip Finely chop cucumber, red onion and a

tomato. Put in a bowl and add a tin of drained tuna and a good spoon of mayonnaise. Mix. Can be served with vegetable sticks, chippies or pita bread. .

water, peel and crush a couple of cloves of garlic, add the above to a small bowl and add a tub of natural yogurt, mix to combine. If available add a little finely chopped fresh mint.

Season with salt and pepper and add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

Can be served with pita bread.

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

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

Pacific COVID Update Our thoughts are with our friends in Fiji where COVID cases continue to rise. Fiji has announced an extension to the duty concession period for vessels that are trapped there. No other changes on any of the other Islands. 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 parts of the

accommodation for 14 days on arrival

every person on board is either a New

community are locked down.

You must provide arrival information

Zealand citizen or meets New

Community transmission is

in advance.

Zealand’s visa requirements.

widespread and cases and deaths

People in New Zealand can fly across

are rising. Medical facilities are

the Tasman but the maritime border is

overwhelmed.

still closed.

Foreign flagged vessels are not permitted to arrive unless certain

We are working with our partners

criteria are met and permission has

Join the Sailing & Cruising Fiji group

Down Under Rally to lobby for the

been granted by New Zealand’s

for extra information & advice.

Trans-Tasman maritime border to

Director-General of Health.

Additionally, any non-New Zealand

open as well.

Vanuatu Niue

citizens on board must meet the necessary visa requirements.

All ports of entry are closed until

Permission must be sought from

further notice.

Immigration New Zealand for nonNew Zealand citizens on board to

The Niue border is closed to all yachts until further notice.

Cook Islands French Polynesia

enter New Zealand.

The Cook Islands Maritime border is Vessels may be exempt if there is a

closed. People who have been in New

It is forbidden for any pleasure boat

compelling need for the vessel to

Zealand for 14 days can fly in to the

arriving in French Polynesia to call,

arrive in New Zealand for:

Cook Islands without quarantine. We

anchor or park, or disembark at sea

have heard of one yacht sailing from

any person in the internal waters and

reprovisioning and/or refuelling OR

Tahiti to NZ that was permitted to

territorial sea of French Polynesia

the purpose of delivering the

stop in Aitutaki to take on extra kiwi

vessel to a business which

crew and spare parts. The sailors

until further notice.

includes for the purpose of

were unable to go ashore.

Tonga

New Caledonia

Tonga's maritime border is closed

repairing or refitting the vessel AND the Director-General has granted

until further notice.

the vessel permission to arrive in

The borders to New Caledonia remain

New Zealand.

closed until further notice. No

A vessel may also be exempt if the

commercial passenger flights or

Director-General has granted

vessels are allowed in to the country.

permission for the vessel to arrive in New Zealand for humanitarian reasons or other compelling needs.

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

Samoa International borders remain closed until further notice.

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 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

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

By Richard Chesher - Rocket Guides Kind Cruisers are Happy Guests Villages in remote island areas might have been exactly where they are now for hundreds, even thousands of years. Most of the people living in the villages were born there and will live their lives surrounded by the same people. They have evolved strict social traditions to live together with as little friction as possible.

One of their special social skills is understanding body language. You’ll be amazed how the people of Vanuatu know exactly what you are thinking. It hardly matters what comes out of your mouth. City people block out body language – to us it’s an unconscious and somewhat mysterious dialog going on without our thinking about it. So most of us have no idea what we are actually saying to the villagers with our eyes, nose, eyebrows, head position, body stance, etc.

When you go ashore in a remote island village you are entering the intimacy of their home. It’s very much like going to someone’s house for a party. If you smile and show a happy respect for your hosts when they open the door you’ll have a much better time. Well, going ashore in rural villages requires exactly the same good manners.

If you go ashore with a grim, unhappy look on your face (and I’ve seen lots of yachties do just that) you’ll be greeted with grim, unhappy looks from the people in the village and nobody will have much fun.

Remember: Go ashore with a happy face, filled with respect, joy and anticipation. You’ll see the same expressions reflected back from everyone and have a super great time. You can’t fake it because the villagers will see right through social masks. So… go ashore actually feeling happy and full of respect and anticipation.

Pay your respects to the host, the Chief. If you were going to visit a friend’s house you would bring a little something for your host, too, like desert or sweets, and would present this to the head of the household.

So when you visit the Chief bring a little something – never alcohol – and don’t give anything the Chief could not (if he was so inclined) match in value. Food is usually the best gift for a Chief because (of course) the Chief can almost always match the gift himself.

If you visited someone’s farm in New Zealand you would never wander around their house or garden, swim in the swimming pool or anything else without first asking your host. So when you go ashore in a village, politely ask the Chief’s permission to wander around the village, go for a swim on HIS reefs or from HIS beach.

Never catch fish in the village bay or reefs – village marine resources are strictly “custom” regulated and are usually overfished. Some areas may be set aside by the Chief as reserves to rebuild the stocks. Fishing for pelagic fish offshore is fine, but not shallower than 100m.

Never ever pick fruit or vegetables yourself. Every single fruit tree, coconut tree, garden plant belongs to someone. If you need fruits or vegetables, ask if you can buy or trade for them.

Dress modestly (don’t show off your wealth), don’t wear bathing suits anywhere except on the beach or your yacht and wear modest bathing suits to avoid offending the villagers.

Village men and women treat each other in public with the utmost modesty. Open signs of physical affection (or aggression) to a spouse or partner would embarrass your hosts. This isn’t to say that you should ignore your partner, show respect, but not through physical affection. Couples can go on walks together but they don’t walk hand in hand, kiss or cuddle in public.

Be sensitive to their gender traditions, men off the yachts should socialize with the men of the village, while the women should socialize with the women. If a man sat down with a group of women, or followed them around, the women would be embarrassed.

Use a holding tank when at anchor – villagers harvest shellfish for sustenance.

Never throw rubbish overboard or dump it on the beaches or in the village. Keep your trash aboard until you can dispose of it properly. If you had storage space for the plastics, paper, batteries, cans, cardboard when you left port you have room to bring it back with you.

Respect the people, their land, reefs, property and traditional way of life.

Remember they are the hosts you are their guests.

To read this article and some more of Richards great cultural tips check out the amazing Rocket Guides cruising guides for Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Island Cruising Members get a 10% discount. And you can read more on Richard's blog here. t

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

Making the Leap to a Life at Sea

By Gina de Vere

As I was trying to find a more comfortable way of sitting crosslegged on the hard wooden floor in the Chief’s house a thought entered my head; what would my mother in her twinset and pearls think of me now as I sit enjoying the harmonies of the villagers in a thatched hut in the remote islands of Papua New Guinea.

All the kids we have met who are raised on board sail boats seem to adjust well to a wide variety of cultures and situations plus many are advanced in their school grades.

Now, on our second sailboat Stardancer, we are pretty much self contained. We carry our own water, Three years has become sixteen years now with no end in sight. I was 58

Along with two other couples, my

when we left New Zealand and I

husband Christian and I were on

credit our sailing way of life as being

Gigila island on a boat building

responsible for our continued good

project to teach the islanders how to

health and fitness as we enter our

use fibreglass. This is only one of the

mid 70s.

use for our fridge, freezer and lights.

Luckily for me Christian handles the operational and maintenance side of the boat-work leaving me free to do

own home. So why do not more

the past 16 years of sailing full time.

In my working years as Business and

Christian and I had decided to take

Life Coach I had heard many clients

the road ‘less travelled’ back in the

say they felt their lives were stale and

late 90s to spend our lives on the sea

needed reinvigorating. Not only their

but it took us until 2005 to be ready

lives of work and bringing up families

to explore the world on our sailboat.

but their marriages as well. They found the world of routine boring or

Seven years of working two or three

felt trapped by finances or family and

jobs, dedicating ourselves to the

could see their lives being a

many necessary preparations to go

repetition of the same old things way

sailing for a number of years, as well

into their old age. They were often

as building a sailing kitty were

dreading the end of their working

strenuous but satisfying times as we

lives where they felt useful and were

drew closer to realising our dream.

earning enough to supply some of life’s luxuries to make their leisure

preparing for our new life for me was

time pleasurable. Many women

leaving home, family and many

feared the day their husbands

friends.

stopped work and would be around

We had no idea how long we

stove top, and convert solar power to

the rest, much as you would in your

many adventures we have had over

However, the hardest part of

(800 liters) use gas for the oven and

would be gone. My mother was

the house all day and their ‘freedoms’

adamantly against the idea of this

gone.

women or couples think of having a life at sea?

I wrote my recent book, ‘Blue Water Women; making the leap from landlubber to a life at sea’

to

encourage more women to think of a career or a life, at sea. I interviewed 40 sailing women from around the world from novice to professional asking them what advice they would give to someone about to go cruising.

One of the questions I asked was ‘Why do we go cruising?”

One reply from Captain Pat Mundus speaks for many of the blue water women sailors. She says, ‘My love of going to sea is essentially my love of a direct and straightforward

way of life. I figured she was worried

connection with the natural world

for my safety so later I sent her lots of

These feelings can lead to

photos and videos of our adventures

depression, for both women and men

which I know she loved showing to

as they face the problems of

her friends, but she never did

adjustment to another stage of life.

understand how we could prefer this

and using our latent ability to function off the man-made societal umbilical cord. I love catching, growing, combining my own food and resources. I love having unlimited

watery way of living compared to the

There are many different ways of

comforts of a house.

living a fulfilling life but making the change can be tough no matter what

I had expectations of being away

your age. We rarely enjoy going out

about three to five years, so we left

of our comfort zones but the rewards

all our household belongings in a

can be immense. We see people of

container on the land we still owned.

all ages out sailing, mostly in the middle age bracket, maybe retired or taking a sabbatical from work, as well as many young people who are bringing up their families

on board.

time to read and write on board. I love the knowledge that I’m just a tiny insignificant speck in an awesomely huge universe.’

I have found the sailing life has changed my values; after about ten years we decided we were not likely to return to New Zealand in the foreseeable future and so asked one of our sons to sell the container we had left on our section as well as all the contents. When we heard the news from him that almost none of our belongings was salvageable, we were not overly upset; there had been a rusty leak in the roof of the container and the contents had been sitting in water growing a smelly black mold for many years. We miss the paintings and the books but little else. We have learned to travel light.

My treasures now consist of a bowl that was woven by Aunty Betty in Tonga, a

SV Stardancer under sail, Koro Sea.

magnificent carved spear that was made especially for me in Papua New Guinea, silk I bought in Thailand, hand embroidery I traded for with the hill tribes in Vietnam.

Apart from these, possessions are mostly practical. Life has become more focussed, less structured.

When we are living on the sea the things that were once important to us, as well as the masks we used to get by on land, simply slip away. We become more in touch with our essential being. My belief is that the sailing life is a glorious one, allowing freedoms that are fast disappearing, a life where no two days are the same, a life where we are more self-reliant, more in control of our own time. It is a life that we constantly create anew as we travel. A life of awe and wonder. And most importantly, a life where we feel more alive.

You do not have to sail full time like we do. There are several different ways of enjoying a life on the sea. Many people have a home land-base that they return to at the end of the sailing ‘season’ wherever they are. Some people crew on other people’s boats, others don’t leave their home country and do day hops along the coastline. To experience cruising to see if you would like it or not you can charter boats in most countries in the world.

Gina learning how to weave a basket in PNG

Sharing costs with friends can make this

We did not expect to receive the warmth and

Gina de Vere has been cruising the world full

considerably more cost effective.

friendship we have experienced in the many

time with her husband Christian for the past

Sailing for us means cruising from country to

countries we have visited and now re-visit. It

16 years on their monohull yacht Stardancer.

country to explore the land (by motorbike),

happens along the way, moments when our

meet new people in the countries we visit and

lives touch the lives of others, thereby

to try to understand the way of life in different

enriching our own.Pre Covid 19 we had hoped

cultures.

to be joining a rally across the South China

When you are ‘in the flow’ things

happen along the way you had no previous

Sea to Borneo, then sail onto the Spice

intention of doing.

Islands, but circumstances have lead us

We did not set out to

create a boat building project and live with the

instead to be sailing in Thailand for a few

locals on the island of Gigila in Papua New

months.

Guinea, but we saw an opportunity and made

Gina is a New Zealander by birth and has written several articles about their adventures and misadventures for magazines worldwide. In her land based life she was a university lecturer in Marketing, owned a business consultancy, with degrees in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Recently Gina’s book “Blue Water Women: Making the Leap from Landlubber to a Life at Sea” was published and is now available in Australia

it happen. We did not intend to become

Life in the cruising world is never boring. So, if

and New Zealand as well as USA and

shareholders in a Sorghum growing project in

you feel stuck in a rut, needing a real change

Canada via Inde bookshops, Barnes & Noble

Flores Indonesia but somehow we became

full of wonderful experiences, consider the

and Amazon.

investors through the friends we had made on

cruising life. Move out of your comfort zone.

our first landfall there. We now enjoy a close

Take that Coastal Navigation course, attend a

relationship with an orphanage in Larantuka,

Maritime Radio course, update your first aid

Indonesia and are currently working out how

certificate, learn about diesel engines at

we can help them with fabric for school

night class if you can, join a sailing club, get

uniforms.

experience - go crewing, read all you can, sell

Gina is a Life Coach and popular speaker in women’s associations and believes in supporting people to reach their potential.

Currently she is sailing in Phuket, Thailand

or rent out your house, buy your boat and GO. Make the leap to an unforgettable life at sea, be energised, feel excited and re-create your life! It is never too late.

Gina de Vere’s book ‘Blue Water Women; making the leap from landlubber to a life at sea’ will guide you confidently through your preparations for your voyage of a lifetime or a career at sea. Highly readable and packed with sound advice and information based on interviews with 40 blue water women sailors worldwide, from novices to professionals. You will learn from them how to overcome your fears, become confident in your sailing abilities, buy the right boat for you and deal with everyday life on board so you can happily make that leap to a wonderful life at sea.

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.

Akaroa Yacht Club has a prime position overlooking the stunning sailing waters of Banks Peninsula The Akaroa Cruising Club was established in 1964 for the immediate purpose of promoting a regular Wellington-Akaroa race, and continued more or less sporadically until the mid 1980’s.

At that time and through the generosity of Ces Stevens, a prominent local businessman, a clubhouse was built in its present location, just below the relocated Akaroa Heads lighthouse. In 1992 the Club had 140 members and about 30 yachts on its register.

Today, with the amalgamation with the Akaroa Sailing Club located in the Boatshed a short walk along the beachfront, the newly named Akaroa Yacht Club has over 200 members and over 65 boats on its register.

The members love to welcome visiting sailors, and they can join in the regular Sunday racing programme, use the club bathroom facilities and the kitchen with a microwave and tea and coffee making facilities. A small freezer is available for short-term requirements. Reasonable rubbish disposal is also available. The club also has moorings available for hire.

Akaroa is a wonderful spot to stop and spend some time exploring some local Maori and French history. There are some wonderful walks and lovely shops and restaurants to enjoy. A great stopover on your way down to Stewart Island.

You can find them on Facebook Or online on their website

Book Review Gina de Vere’s book ‘Blue Water Women; making the leap from landlubber to a life at sea’ will guide you confidently through your preparations for your voyage of a lifetime or a career at sea. Highly readable and packed with sound advice and information based on interviews with 40 blue water women sailors worldwide, from novices to professionals. You will learn from them how to overcome your fears, become confident in your sailing abilities, buy the right boat for you and deal with everyday life on board so you can happily make that leap to a wonderful life at sea.

Available as Ebook on Amazon, softback at Boat Books, NZ & Australia.

“I woke to a scream so terrible that icebergs shattered. It was me.”

Wild Seas to Greenland – a sailing adventure with ocean racer Ross Field. “… a spellbinding story of seafaring adventure with a ‘warhorse of the seas’” – Ivor Wilkins, Breeze Magazine $39.95 free shipping within New Zealand to ICA members. Valid to 31 December 2021.

Order your copy from: www.rebeccahayter.co.nz

Publicity, marketing & communications www.marinevoice.net

Available as Ebook on Amazon, softback at Boat Books, NZ & Australia.

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

Sailing yacht Finot 53 This is a stylish comfortable cruising yacht, safe and very easy to handle with a quality finish.

Zahir is from the drawing board of Jean Marie Finot who is one the premiere naval architects in the world. His Goupe Finot includes designs for both Beneteau and Oceanis.

2018 upgrade – new rigging , new Dacron mainsail, new Dacron Jib, new deck with antiskid Kiwigrip, new solar panels, new fabric Bimini and spray hood.

Full specifications can be found 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

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

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 info@islandcruising.nz