Cruise News December 2021

issue 07

December 2021

Cruise News Newsletter of Island Cruising NZ

Inside: Christmas Gifts for You! Packing for a Sailing Trip Upcoming Events South Island Rally Pacific Circuit Rally

Island Cruising NZ Viki Moore

Contact Us Email

info@islandcruising.nz

Website

www.islandcruising.nz

Phone

+64 21 438 977

Facebook

www.facebook.com/islandcruising.nz

on the cover Pixie sailing off Vancouver Island with Island Cruising members Bill & Cathie Norrie Photograph by John Butcher

photos and news contributions are welcome

issue 07

In this issue December 2021

From the Helm The latest update from Viki.

Christmas Present for You! Courtesy of Boating NZ Magazine

Packing to Go Sailing Tips on what to take this summer

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.

Great Barrier Island Restrictions on fishing & anchoring

Are you Offshore Ready?

Online workshops for people with offshore sailing plans.

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

Sustainable Sailing Skipper Training Sea Survival Course participants

Tips on how to be a greener yachtie.

Club Connection ICNZ links around NZ & the Pacific

We hope you enjoy our free monthly newsletter!

We'd love you to join Island Cruising for just $75.00 per year for lots more content, online cruising preparation workshops, social events and fantastic discounts & deals from our sponsors

www.islandcruising.nz

MERRY

Christmas Gift for You! Become a member of Island Cruising for just $75, and get a free digital subscription to Boating New Zealand!

Join online www.islandcruising.nz

Island Cruising NZ

Providing cruisers with support, education & connection Social Connection Running yacht rallies around New Zealand and the South Pacific Environmemt · Organising social events, activities and social media networks · Running a sustainable and environmentally · Learning about and being respectful of the cultures we visit sensitive organisation · Promoting positive social impact, community engagement and · Supporting local and global environmental long-lasting connections with the people we meet initiatives to protect the Ocean and the places we visit

· 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

Partner Clubs

From the helm Life has been a bit of a whirlwind since taking over Island Cruising in June this year and I have loved every minute. I'd like to thank Nigel & Amanda for trusting in me to take over their Island Cruising 'baby', to John & Leanne from Down Under Rally in Australia for their mentoring, thanks to all the people who have joined up as members, to all the advertisers in the newsletter and contributors to our workshops & webinars, and sponsors who offer our members such awesome discounts too. I have very much appreciated getting to know you all.

Since June our membership has grown over 400%!

In November I went up to Nelson to do the 'Skipper

We now have over 5000 people receiving this free

Training' Advanced Sea Survival Course with some

monthly newsletter, and all our members are also

other Island Cruising members. Skipper Training has

getting weekly updates with workshops & webinars

also come on board as a partner to offer discounts

on how to get their boats ready for going offshore.

for Island Cruising members and we have got a couple of courses already lined up for early 2022

We've got 20 boats participating in our South

in the North Island. If you are planning on heading

Island Rally and have some incredible sponsors on

offshore in 2022, at least 30% or no fewer than

board providing all kinds of goodies from plastic

two members of your crew need to have this

free biodegradable shampoo from Spire NZ, King

qualification. If you are hoping to crew to the

salmon, a Boating NZ subscription, free drinks at

Pacific next year, you'll have more chance of

Punga Cove & Furneaux Lodge fishing tackle from

getting a spot if you've got this qualification. Don't

Hunting & Fishing, wine chiller bags from Lawson's

miss out! See later in the newsletter for the course

Dry Hills, chips, peanut butter & juice from Nelson

dates.

Tasman Tourism, caps, T shirts & discounted haulout at Port Whangarei Marine Centre, VHF

Oceania Medical are also running Offshore Medic

Radio handbooks from Gulf Harbour Radio, Rally

courses and have another date lined up for

Tracker with PredictWind, discounted use of

February. Members also get a discount for this and

moorings & free drinks with Waikawa Boating Club,

at least two members of the crew are required to

discounts on charts & cruising guides from

have this training for Cat 1. Your certificate lasts

TransPacific Marine, discounted use of the

for five years.

Marlborough Nelson & Bluff Fishermen's VHF Radio Services, to mention a few...

We have also got some great prizes from Parker Marine Group including boat hooks, oil, cleaning products & hats which will be given away to rally participants as prizes in various categories throughout the rally.

We are departing from Opua with a gathering there on the 27th December before we head off, and we also have a Pirate Party planned in the Sounds - date and venue TBA. If you are in the area we'd love for you to join us! Keep an eye on our Facebook page to keep track of where we are at.

We have had a few social events as well over the last few weeks - a catch up in Nelson for a beer with Island Cruising members on the Sea Survival Course, a pizza night in Lyttelton at Arbour in conjunction with the Little Ship Club of Canterbury, and we also have a Christmas Party for members on the 21st December in Auckland.

Full details are in the members weekly update. I can't wait to see you all!

We've got lots more events lined up for next year too in various places around the country, so I hope to be able to catch up with many more of you then.

Our Pacific Rally plans are just about in place and we've got some amazing inclusions I can't wait to tell you all about it! If you are planning an offshore voyage next year, we'd love to have you come along. Drop me an email to let me know that you're interested and I'll add you to my list of people to be the first to know. In the mean time, it is not too late to start ticking off your Cat 1 jobs and our cruising preparation workshops have heaps of information, templates, discounts and suggestions to help you through the process.

I'll be cruising around the stunning Marlborough Sounds over January with the rally and I'll update you next month with all the details of our adventures.

Send me your summer sailing stories & photos and I can publish them on our Facebook page or in our next newsletter, or tag @Island Cruising NZ in your sailing Facebook posts - we might even have some prizes for the best shots!

I have even got a special Christmas present for you to say thanks for all your support this year courtesy of Boating NZ Magazine - see the following page for more information. I hope you enjoy!

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and summer holiday break and see you in 2022!

Cheers

Viki

Crew

SEEKER

Did you know we have a CrewSeeker page on the members section of our website where members can either add themselves as crew and skippers can have a look for people when they're heading away on a passage.

There will be lots of crewing opportunities to the Pacific next year, so if you are interested in being a crew member, you can fill out the application, join up to Island Cruising and get your details listed: https://www.islandcruising.nz/resources/crewseeker You'll also get access to our cruising preparation workshops where you'll learn all sorts of things like safety, navigation, passage planning, seamanship, how to write a sailing resumé, and more.

To increase your crewing chances, it is also worth doing the Sea Survival, Offshore Medic & VHF courses and other qualifications such as Boatmaster - remember you also get some great discounts with your Island Cruising membership too.

Painting by Laurie Brunot

Our South Island Rally is departing Opua between Christmas & New Year. Rally participants have been getting regular updates helping them prepare for the adventures ahead. Thanks to TransPacific Marine for providing discounted cruising guides, PredictWind for supplying discounts on weather forecasts and providing our rally tracker. Also Nelson Marlborough Radio and Bluff Fishermans Radio for subscriptions to their amazing service and Waikawa Boating Club for their special membership package. Special thanks to Rodney Russ, Derek Brown, Gareth Edwards, Sam MacDonald and Dougall Love for their advice. The goody bags are shortly being sent out and include a detailed rally guide, fishing and VHF radio guides, local tourist information, with special thanks to Nelson Tasman Tourism, fishing gear from Hunting & Fishing, shampoo from Spire NZ, discounts on haulout from Port Whangarei Marine Centre, salmon from King Salmon, chilli bags from Lawson's Dry Hills & some incredible prizes from Parker Marine Group, free drinks at Punga Cove and Furneaux Lodge in Marlborough and a few other surprises. The rally will also run in December 2022. Hope you can join us!

www.parkermarinegroup.co.nz

09 437 7051

info@nzmarinedistribution.co.nz

Proud sponsor of the South Island Rally

Thank you!

To our South Island Rally Sponsors

Thank you!

To our South Island Rally Sponsors

Pacific Rallies 2022

Registrations will shortly open for our rallies to the Pacific for 2022. We are just waiting on a couple of final prices, dates & details to come through. Drop me a line if you'd like to be the first to know.

We will have a couple of options: Rally to New Caledonia Departing in May, cruise to New Caledonia where you'll arrive in time to participate in the racing or cruising division of the Groupama Round New Caledonia Yacht Race. Racers will be welcomed by a local 'Godfather' to help with their check-in and race preparations. From there you can enjoy cruising this incredible destination, including the stunning Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Island Group, and returning to NZ in September. If Vanuatu opens, then you'll have the option of adding on a leg there too.

Rally to Fiji & New Caledonia Departing in May, cruise to Fiji, where we hope to have the option of checking in at the incredible Lau Group where you can enjoy exploring this stunning part of the world, making your way up to Musket Cove for Fiji Regatta Week.

From there, we'll sail to New Caledonia, before heading back to NZ in October. There will hopefully also be the option of adding a stop in Vanuatu if it opens.

Fiji Regatta Week If you are just keen to sail up for the Fiji Regatta, we can help with that too. Let us know if you are interested and we can put something together.

Rally to French Polynesia If there is enough demand we will also run a rally to French Polynesia. Departing in May, sail to French Polynesia and spend three months exploring the stunning archipelagos, before sailing to Fiji and then back to NZ in October Please register your interest by emailing info@islandcruising.nz

Rally Inclusions

Assistance getting prepared to go offshore through our Cruising Preparation Workshops. Helping get you, your crew and your vessel ready for Cat 1. All the content is online with regular webinars and weekly email content.

Assistance with all the administration and paperwork with going offshore. We make sure you know all the current rules and regulations and are there to help.

The services of a Professional Weather Router on the longer passages.

Radio scheds A comprehensive Rally Guide for each destination packed with tips, places to go, local contacts, cultural considerations, and much more to help you get the most out of your voyage.

A rally pack and goody bag with local information, sponsored products, discounts and more.

Discounted charts and cruising guides.

Discounts to help get your boat ready from all our supportive rally partner businesses.

Social events and activities along the way.

A PredictWind Rally Tracker 20% discount on your weather routing subscription with PredictWind Assistance with getting crew and changing crew offshore.

Shore crew support if things go wrong.

The option to participate in environmental and charitable projects.

The flexibility to cruise with your friends or do your own thing - the choice is yours.

Full refund if COVID border closures means you can't go offshore.

Please register your interest

Email: info@islandcruising.nz

Upcoming Events

Offshore Marine Medic

Two-day Offshore Medical Course customised to provide students with the basics required for Offshore Cruising. Course also covers a handover of the Offshore Medical Kit (CAT 1) and how to use it.

10 & 11 February Location: Oceania Medical, Unit 5, 23B westhaven Drive, Auckland Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm $295.00 for Island Cruising members $325.00 for non-members Register online https://www.oceaniamedical.co.nz/collections/offshore-medical-training

Advanced Sea Survival Course

A comprehensive theoretical and practical course for crew requiring an offshore, category 1 certificate.

Nelson 13 & 14 Feb

Whangarei 2-3 April

$360 for Island Cruising members. $400 for non-members.

www.skippertraining.ac.nz 0800 546 9700 info@skippertraining.nz

Hydrovane - install off centre

By Sarah Curry of Hydrovane International Marine

Whether you like mooring stern-to in a marina for the ease of hopping off, or love the platform for donning your mask and flippers at anchor – you don’t have to give that up!

Swim steps and drop down transoms are the norm for modern boats and we encourage off center installations. If you have a sugar scoop transom, a platform, or even a nice boarding ladder, just mount the Hydrovane to one side to maintain full use.

Often an off center installation helps accommodate other gear, and also means you have perfectly positioned handholds for getting on and off the boat… your transom becomes more functional.

A number of years ago, various trials were conducted through the University of Southampton to help determine if off center installations affect performance. The tests were conclusive: The Hydrovane is absolutely indifferent as to its location – as long as it has ‘clean water’ to work with, the rudder can produce its certain amount of steering power wherever it is located.

More importantly, however, are the real-life experiences on the water. About 75% of Hydrovane installations in the past 10 years have been mounted off center, and we have hundreds of testimonials from happy customers.

With the change in modern boat transoms, extreme offsets are becoming common place.

The only advantages of an amidships installation might be the aesthetics (for some boats) and perhaps a bit more protection provided by the boat’s keel. .

www.hydrovane.com

Heading to Great Barrier This Summer?

There are currently biosecurity rules in place making it illegal to fish from three harbours on Aotea Great Barrier Island. to prevent the spread of the invasive seaweed pest Caulerpa brachypus.

The requirements are set out in a Controlled Area Notice (CAN). As well as banning the take of any marine life (fish, shellfish, seaweed, crays).

If you anchor in these harbours, you’ll need a permit from Biosecurity New Zealand to move on.

As partners in the response, Ngāti Rehua Ngāti Wai ki Aotea have placed a rāhui over the same areas.

The legal controls are in place until Thursday, 30 June 2022.

For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/31ycCZ1

For more info Click here

Join Viki & other ICNZ members in Nelson to do:

Christmas Gift Ideas FOR SAILORS

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the sailor in your life?

Here are some ideas: Island Cruising Membership

Donate to a Charity

Join our Community!

Includes some excellent discounts, Boating NZ digital subscription, social events and our popular Cruising Preparation workshops. Everything you need to know to help you get ready to go offshore. $75 https://www.islandcruising.nz/register

For the person who has everything, how about making a donation to a worthy charity?

Coastguard Westpac Rescue Helicopter Live Ocean organisations who care about sailors and the ocean we sail on.

Navigation

Safety Gear

Charts or cruising guides from TransPacific Marine binoculars, sextant hand bearing compass barometer savvy navvy app PredictWind subscription

discounts available for ICNZ members with PredictWind and savvy navvy

new life jacket Personal Locator or AIS Beacon, electronic flare grab bag hand held VHF Radio marine first aid kit sailors multi tool life rings

Island Cruising members also get a discount with Safety at Sea and Oceania Medical

Check out our website for the discounts & deals from our partners Great Gear for the Boat Experiences

Joining an Island Cruising Rally to the Pacific or South Island Cruise with Strannik Ocean Voyages - Island Cruising Members get a 10% Discount.

Sea Survival or Marine Medic course - dates and courses coming up next year.

Sailing lessons with Great Escape Sailing.

Entertainment

A waterproof bluetooth speaker kindle or E-Reader stand up paddleboard ukulele or a guitar subscription to Boating NZ Magazine A book - Wild Seas to Greenland or Blue Water Women, GoPro

Island Cruising members get 10% discount at TransPacific Marine who have an excellent selection of books.

A Hydrovane steering system some new deck gear - from Sailutions A new sail from Zoom Sails Water maker Tools some love for your diesel engine from Marine Diesel Solutions

All do great deals for Island Cruising members!

Useful Things

Polarised sunglasses, sailing gloves neckwarmer for night watches waterproof headlamp - with a red light life-proof case for your mobile phone fishing gear unbreakable wine glasses turkish towels dry bags sailing gear bag Sandals or sailing boots Splicing tools Luci Lights - solar powered inflatable lights See-Level - seasickness prevention

Why Join a Rally?

Island Cruising have been running yacht rallies in the Pacific since the 1980's, and over that time we have helped hundreds of yachties achieve their sailing dreams. Rallies are fun, you get to meet the people who are heading your way and make new friends with sailors who share your sense of adventure. You can choose to cruise with others, or head off and do your own thing. There is no pressure to stay together if you prefer to sail independently.

Island Cruising helps you get prepared to go offshore. Our online cruising preparation workshops give you tips & tasks each week to help you tick off the requirements for Cat 1, getting you, your boat and your crew ready for the voyage ahead. We arrange Sea Survival and Marine Medic courses. We also help with the ever changing rules and regulations of the places you are visiting and the paperwork involved. Our rally guides are packed with local knowledge and advice to help make your voyage a success.

We can help find crew if you need some extra pairs of hands, or if you need your boat delivered without you on board, we can help connect you with people who can make this happen.

Safety is important to us, we provide weather information, trackers, radio scheds, liaise with the Rescue Coordination Centre, and are there for support and back up if things don't go to plan.

We know the locals- so if you have any issues while you are away we can help you get the support you need.

We give you advice on the local customs and regulations so you can make meaningful connections with the people you meet.

We've got amazing sponsors who include some incredible discounts on all the gear you need to go offshore, as well as providing special goodies and giveaways in your rally packs and social events along the way.

In short, Island Cruising is here to help make your voyage safe, fun and enjoyable and we are here to assist you achieve your sailing goals and adventures, the way you want to do it.

Become a member of Island Cruising for just $75 a year. You can join on our website: www.islandcruising.nz

Discounts available for Island Cruising Members!

Reducing Waste AND PROTECTING THE OCEAN

Dunedin based company Spire NZ takes on Island Cruising’s ambition to reduce plastic waste and protect the oceans.

Spire NZ is excited to launch their eco-friendly plastic-free soaps and hair care products in New Zealand, and they are providing some samples for the South Island Rally packs for rally participants to try.

“Sailors, now more than ever are aware of their place and impact in the world, and want sustainable options when it comes to products and experiences, and this is where Spire NZ’s products can help”, commented Melissa Parker Bentley, Founder of Spire NZ.

Time for Change Many sailors are becoming more aware of the amount of plastic they use and the chemicals that go down the drain and overboard when they’re cruising. Even though shampoo & conditioner bottles are recyclable, millions of them end up in the bin every year. Plastic pollution is a growing concern for yachties, particularly those sailing in the Pacific where there are few options are available to eliminate or recycle plastic.

A plastic-free solution Spire NZ make ‘naked’ eco-friendly soaps and solid All in ONE shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars that are 100% plastic-free. Each All in ONE bar replaces the need for three separate toiletries, saving additional trash to carry around on board and unnecessary plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.

Eco-good in more ways than one Spire NZs biodegradable, plant-based formula is free from sulphates, parabens and preservatives, which saves unnecessary chemicals going down the drain and into our precious oceans. Plus, less water is used in the production than liquid soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Spire NZ make the bars locally in NZ to reduce the company’s carbon footprint too.

Eco-luxe, something a bit special “Sailors interests in natural and sustainable products is leading to a move away from traditional big polluting brands and a willingness to move towards small, authentic and innovative brands.”

To ensure yachties feel clean and ultra-pampered, the All in ONE shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars are made with salon quality ingredients, to gently wash and hydrate hair and skin without stripping natural oils.

The artisan hand soaps are hand crafted for a more luxurious feel. Spire NZ’s hand soaps are made using skin loving oils such as olive oil and shea butter which moisturize skin while gently cleansing it.

About Spire NZ Spire NZ started in the kitchen of keen traveller Melissa Parker Bentley when she saw the need to find a solution for more environmentally friendly toiletries. The company has stepped up its production capabilities and is ready to hit the ground running. Melissa is on a mission to help produce plastic-free toiletries that look, feel and smell lovely.

Special Island Cruising Offer

$20 off your first box of 20 x shampoo bars - use discount code YACHT20

20% off all orders over $50 use discount code NEW20

www.spirenz.com

Online Workshops for Island Cruising NZ Members

Are you Offshore Ready?

Our cruising preparation workshops have kicked off but it is not to late to join in the fun. 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. Join in any time.

So far our workshops have covered off some key topics:

Some of the topics coming up: Navigation COLREGS Passage planning

1. Getting organised - a system for storing all the information for your Passage Plan, Safety Manual, Maintenance log, Important Documents, Boating

Provisioning Safety gear Diesel engine basics Fuel systems

Qualifications and more 2. Your vessel information - a template for collating all the specifications of your boat 3. The Cat 1 & 2 Regulations

Servicing winches Checking your rig Anchoring tips Sailing at night EPIRBs

4. Boat Registration

VHF/AIS

5. Reporting Incidents

Communications

6. Insuring your boat

Man Over Board

7. VHF & MMSI

Fire Flooding

8. Meteorology - Forecasts 9. Communication options at Sea 10. Rig - rules for Cat 1 & 2 11. Sails for offshore - the Cruising Wardrobe

Abandon Ship Preparing a Grab Bag Meteorology Tides Docking

12. Fire Safety

Plumbing

13. Anchoring

Electrics

14. Your Maintenance Records

Batteries

15. Provisioning

Charging systems Keeping healthy

16. EPIRB's 17. Your sailing resumé

Sail trim & new sails Boat registration Taking on crew

We are work our way through the Safety Regulations

Dinghy tips Fog signals

with some tips on what your vessel needs, advice from

Biosecurity

experts and some great discounts on the gear you

Seasickness

need to have on board.

Coping in emergencies Security Skipper responsibility

There is lots coming up! Hope you can join us.

Log keeping Search and Rescue

Join in any time, there is lots to cover off, and starting early means you can tick off a lot of these jobs for

Steering Heavy Weather Sailing AND MUCH MORE!

getting you, your vessel and your crew ready for a long coastal or an offshore voyage.

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

Discounts for ICNZ Members!

FOR SALE

Laurie Davidson Cavalier 45 hugely regarded New Zealand off shore cruising yacht, Pacific ready to sail away.

Cat 1 specifications, immaculately maintained with extensive improvements, constructed to Marine Survey standards, solid GRP hull, Yanmar turbo charged 110hp diesel, new 2019 low hours, still under international warranty, new rigging Sept 2021, boom furling mainsail, new heavy duty furling gib, all new hatches,new Vesper Marine AIS, new Echopilot forward facing sonar, 2 x Raymarine chart plotters with NZ, Aust, Pacific charts, radar, hydraulic auto pilot, new 2000w invertor, 5 x 105amp house batteries, 1 x 80amp start battery, 2 x Ctek battery chargers, 480w solar panels, emergency radio battery, 12v built in auto flushing water maker, EPIRB, Iridium Go sat phone, more extensive inventory on request. Asking $380,000

View on Trademe here

Coastal Movement Survey for recreational vessels

Yachting New Zealand and the New Zealand Marina Operators Association are working with a team of scientists to build a picture of non-trailered recreational vessel movements around New Zealand’s coasts.

Data from this research will help improve the management of popular destinations and the provision of services for recreational vessels.

We invite you to please share with the research team the parts of New Zealand you love to visit, and how often you have managed to get there with your vessel over the past two years.

Please contribute to this project by completing an online questionnaire that uses interactive maps to indicate destinations visited by your vessel.

We sincerely thank the more than 2,700 NZ boaters who already have submitted responses, and are sending this follow-up message in the hope that those of you who have not completed it yet will do so and help us to derive a comprehensive and high-quality dataset.

The survey is completely anonymous, and you have the chance to win one of two $250 gift vouchers.

The survey will remain open until Friday December 31, 2021. https://new.maptionnaire.com/q/7bjm4beo8le9

If you find a whale or dolphin in distress this summer, please call: Project Jonah on 0800 4 WHALE. We have a network of thousands of trained, local medics who are able to respond and we can also offer expertise advice over the phone.

Wear Your Killcord!

If you are someone who has ever been guilty of jumping in to your dinghy or speed boat and starting up the motor without securely attaching the killcord to your body, stop reading, and do a quick google search for: "Propeller Injuries"

Click on the images tab...

Yep - nothing much more needs to be said really. Have a safe summer on the water!

Packing for a Passage WHAT

TO

TAKE

ON

THIS

YOUR

SAILING

TRIPS

SUMMER

When you're heading away for a sailing trip this summer, there are a few key things to take with you to ensure you have a great trip.

Wet Weather Gear New Zealand summers are notorious for their unpredictable weather. We can have four seasons in one day, make sure you pack a decent waterproof jacket and some warm clothes to wear underneath. Decent wet weather gear can make all the difference between getting amongst it and having fun, or being cold, damp & miserable. I also have a sailing knife/rigging tool in one pocket, and a packet of seasick tablets and a sick bag in the other pocket - very handy if anyone starts to feel unwell and you don't fancy going down below to rummage around in the cupboards.

A Day Bag A backpack with all your bits & bobs inside ready to go is the best kind of bag for a sailing adventure. You can put all your handy things inside like sunscreen, insect repellant, a small first aid kit, your cap, sunnies, a towel (Turkish towels are great as they are thin and quick drying) a book, your drink bottle & a snack.

Add a small drybag to put all the things that don't like getting wet. Having a backpack means both hands are free for climbing in and out of dinghies and things don't tend to fall out.

Your Lifejacket Your host might provide them, but if you've got your own you might like to take it with you. If you're flying take it in your carry-on bag - not checked in.

Baby Wipes You might not be able to have a shower every day, so a pack of baby wipes is the next best thing. Just DON'T flush them down the loo... trust me...!

A Headlamp You can get water resistant, rechargeable headlamps with red & white lights. Excellent for night rides in the dinghy, reading at night or overnight passages. Keep it in your backpack if you are going ashore and might be late home.

Your PLB Keep it attached to your lifejacket, so if you go overboard in the middle of the night, or get lost when going on a hike, you're able to call for help. Make sure you've updated your emergency contact details.

You can do that on www.beacons.org.nz Footwear Jandals are great for the beach and wearing in the marina showers, but can be a bit slippery for walking around on deck. I love my Keen sandals, they have waterproof soles, so you can jump out of the dinghy, into the water without worrying about stepping on something sharp, then carry on hiking up the hill.

They don't fall off like jandals do, and you don't have to faff around with socks & sneakers either.

Your bag It goes without saying, don't take your suitcase on the boat - storage space is usually at a premium, a soft waterproof bag - and something with wheels is the best option, particularly if you've got a long walk up and down marina pontoons.

Packing Cells These are like zip up bags where you can 'file' all your clothes. T shirts in one, shorts in another, easy and saves your bag becoming a big jumble.

Sleeping Bag Remember it can get cold out on the water, so pack a decent sleeping bag and aim to keep it dry!

Tether If you're doing some coastal or night passages, pack your tether and stay clipped on when leaving the cockpit.

Gloves, Neck Warmer & Hats Sailing gloves for handling lines and some warm gloves, a neckwarmer & a warm hat for those chilly night watches and a cap for during the day.

Charger Don't forget your phone charger. Sometimes taking a portable battery pack to charge up on too can be useful, especially if there aren't many options for charging things on the boat you're on.

Apps Things like PredictWind & Coastguard NowCasting for keeping track of the weather, savvy navvy for navigation, Facebook for showing everyone what an awesome holiday you're having.

Navigation Stuff Take along your hand bearing compass & a paper chart and practice your navigation & pilotage skills.

Binoculars are also handy to have for spotting marks, other boats, whales and other things.

Tickets & Documents If you're lucky enough to be going offshore make sure your passport is up to date and has at least 6 months validity, get your international vaccine passport sorted and have a letter from the skipper if you're joining the boat (or have a return ticket). We can help give you advice on these kinds of things.

Clothes Remember your togs, casual stuff for on board, something for nice if you go ashore, some warm things for when there's a cold wind or rain. If you're heading to the Pacific pack some tidy modest clothes for when dealing with government officials or visiting local villages.

A Handheld VHF Useful if you are going to be heading to shore and leaving someone on the boat and you don't have phone coverage Your Camera Pack a Go-Pro, a nice camera or use your phone. Take lots of great photos to remember your sailing adventures. Pack a dry bag or a life proof case for your phone and always use it when jumping in the dinghy Have a wonderful safe summer out on the water!

Pacific COVID Update The NZ border is still closed unless you are a NZ Registered vessel, with NZ crew or have an exemption. Fiji, New Caledonia and French Polynesia are planning onre-opening their borders to vaccinated sailors. More details below...

New Zealand

NZ - Biosecurity Reminder

The borders are still closed unless you

Remember you need to ensure that

Australia

are a NZ registered vessel with NZ

your hull is clean and free from any

The maritime border is closed. Only

crew or if you have an exemption.

marine growth before you arrive in

Australian citizens, residents and

New Zealand.

immediate family members can enter Australia by sea. All crew must be

When sailing to NZ, people should

isolated in mandatory quarantine.

plan their journeys so that as much of the isolation period (10 days) as

Fiji

accommodation for 14 days on arrival

possible can be completed at sea. If

Fiji is opening their border to

You must provide arrival information

the vessel arrives prior to having

international travellers and sailors

in advance.

observed 7 days of isolation,

from December 2021.

Down Under Rally and the Ocean

everyone on board will be required to go into a Managed Isolation Facility

They are looking forward to

Cruising Club have been working with

(MIF) in Auckland. For those arriving

welcoming us on the Pacific Circuit

an agent in Australia to get safe

on day 7, the remaining days can be

Rally next year.

haven exemptions. For more information click here.

observed on board at Opua port in Northland.

Vanuatu

The 10-day self-isolation period

All ports of entry are closed until

Niue

begins following the last point of

further notice. But we also have plans

The Niue border is closed to all yachts

departure or contact the vessel has

underway to visit Vanuatu on our rally

until further notice.

had with anyone that is not already

next year if the borders reopen.

on board.

Watch this space!

French Polynesia Boats with fully vaccinated crew can

A small number of New Zealanders have indicated that they may return

Cook Islands

enter French Polynesia. If you are

home to New Zealand from Australia

While the Air border is reopening, the

interested in sailing to French

by yacht, and may take passengers

Cook Islands Maritime border is still

Polynesia next year, please let us

on board in order to avoid time in an

closed. People who have been in New

know.

MIQ facility by serving their 14-day

Zealand for 14 days can fly in to the

self-isolation period in the Tasman.

Cook Islands without quarantine.

I

Maritime Transport Act to charge any

New Caledonia

Non-NZ citizens are still not permitted

passengers that may join a vessel for

The borders to New Caledonia remain

to enter NZ via air to access their

this purpose.

closed until further notice. But they

boats. Some have chosen to ship

The safety of everyone on board

are also anticipating being open in

their vessels home or sell them here in

should be top priority. Vessels need

2022. Plans for the Groupama

NZ. Others continue to wait for the

to be adequately crewed for the

Regatta are underway and they are

borders to reopen.

voyage while the vessel and

also looking forward to welcoming

equipment on board must also meet

the Pacific Circuit Rally in 2022.

It is a breach of New Zealand’s

comply with Australian Maritime

Tonga

Safety Authority regulations to

Tonga's maritime border is closed

receive the necessary clearance

until further notice.

before departing, such as ensuring passenger numbers comply with the

Samoa

boat’s capacity and safety

International borders remain closed

equipment. Vessels must also comply

until further notice.

from the vessel’s country of registration.

Anchoring off the coast is not permitted.

Join Sailors with COVID Immigration Issues NZ Facebook group for more

safety standards. Skippers must

with any regulations that may apply

nternational Cruisers In Europe with Boats in NZ

information.

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

FOR SALE! Para anchor Tasman 15, - suits 11m monohull or 12m multihull. $2000 Para anchor in water kit- 100m warp plus float line.

Heavy strop from bow to cockpit.

Carried up to the islands in waterproof cockpit locker but has never been in the water.

Seabrake GP24L drogue. $130 Has been tested but never used in anger.

Abandon Ship bag plus contents show. $120 Never used always carried below.

No flares in bottle.

ACR epirb goes but will need updating.

RFD Beaufort Lifeguard 4 person raft. $200 Never used, carried in waterproof cockpit locker.

Full service was due 04/2016

ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL 0272865393 ROSS WALKER ROSS.PAMWALKER@GMAIL.COM

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

Time To Celebrate

By Gina de Vere

After the deprivations and limitations we all have experienced because of Covid 19, Christmas is a time to focus on the good things in life: family, friends and health to name a few, and give thanks for what we do have in beautiful New Zealand. It is a time for getting out and about in the boat, of picnics and swimming.

Christmas may be a little different here in Thailand, but not that much! For the past few years we have celebrated Christmases on a small, very laid back island called Koh Phayam, as far north west of Thailand as one can sail, just before the Myanmar

º

º

border, approximately 98 25'13.93" E, 9 44'43.68" N.

At about 18 square km it is easy to get to know this little paradise with its two major beaches; AoYai (Long Beach) and Ao Kao Kwai (Buffalo Bay). When the north easterlies kick in we anchor in Buffalo Bay. There are no cars, only the occasional scooter but usually its shank’s pony to discover the many walkways over to the long beach or over to the pier where ferry boats go to Renon, the nearest mainland port.

A favourite pastime of ours is to find new tracks, often discovering cafes selling great fresh food and truly good coffee. There is a definite ‘old hippy’ vibe to this place which suits us old hippies just fine!

Christmas lunch is usually fresh fish and prawns with a dessert of sticky rice and mangoes, followed by a siesta in the heat of the day before venturing out later to share a barbecue on the beach, Christmas hats obligatory! Christmas is very much the same as at home – a bit warmers perhaps and minus the plum pudding.

Sometimes the fishing boats come into Buffalo Bay to shelter and supply the restaurants. Christian went over with some cigarettes and a bucket in return for some fish and half a bucket of large prawns.

What amazes us is how whole heartedly other countries embrace Christmas even if it is not their religion. We have spent several Christmases in Malaysia and enjoy travelling to either Penang or Kuala Lumpur to enjoy the Christmassy feel of their abundant decorations. All year round there are coloured lights decorating the streets but at Christmas they are simply amazing, not just one highly decorated Christmas tree , but dozens of trees inside the Paragon Mall in central Kuala Lumpur. However, because of theChinese, Indian and Muslim religions there is rarely a month in Malaysia where there are no decorations for some religious festival or other. And of course there are many holidays that accompany these festivals, and Malaysians take them all, no matter what religion.

Here in Phuket we have been surprised at the amount of fervour that is attached to Christmas, but perhaps that is because it is a melting pot of many nationalities and unlike other parts of Thailand. After a dose of town and its bright lights and bars it is time to return to sailing, swimming and snorkelling in Thailand’s warm waters, but especially spending

precious time with our family

who visit us from France. They wish to see the limestone kaasts and the many hongs( islands with beaches hidden inside) of the Phang Nga region.

Naturally we will take them to the tourist attractions of James Bond Island, and sail to the island where the movie ‘The Beach’ was made, but only after the tourist boats have gone for the day!

Christmas time is for celebrating the closure of one year, hoping the next one will be better than the last and sharing good times with friends and family.

Christian and I look back and know how fortunate we are to be with friends, to have our good health but most of all, to be able to enjoy this wonderful way of life.

I wish you all a wonderful sailing season and a 2022 where you enjoy more sailing adventures.

Cheers!

Gina

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

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.

Royal NZ Yacht Squadron The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is New Zealand's leading yacht club, with an illustrious history dating back to their formation in 1871.

The RNZYS is still the official home of the America's Cup after Emirates Team New Zealand defended the oldest sporting trophy in the world at the 36th America's Cup in Auckland in 2021.

The club is situated in a prime sea-front location at the foot of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. As could be expected, the Squadron building is steeped in history, reflected in the artwork and sculptures placed around the venue – including the incredible America’s Cup, currently on display overlooking the ballroom.

The Squadron has a busy racing, cruising and social sailing calendar along with a Members Bar which is open 7 days a week.

We are hoping to run some cruising events with the Squadron in 2022 and to use their facilities for club members nights too.

Check out their website and Facebook page here.

Proud Supporter of the South Island Rally

Publicity, marketing & communications www.marinevoice.net

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.

14m Offshore Cruising Yacht A beautiful example of a 14m Roberts Cutter/sloop Cruising yacht.

This strongly built steel hull vessel is ideal for both coastal cruising and Offshore voyages.

View full details here.

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 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

Island Cruising NZ Join us!

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.

We have options to suit every marketing budget!

contact us for more information

info@islandcruising.nz