Cruise News January 2022

issue 08

January 2022

Cruise News Newsletter of Island Cruising NZ

Inside: Abel Tasman by Trailer Yacht Customs TIE extension ends Upcoming Events South Island Rally Pacific Circuit Rally

Island Cruising NZ Contact Us Viki Moore Email info@islandcruising.nz Website www.islandcruising.nz Phone +64 21 438 977 Facebook www.facebook.com/islandcruising.nz

on the cover Vagabond anchored in Tata Bay. Photograph by Kevin & Greer Fricker

photos and news contributions are welcome

issue 08

In this issue January 2022

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.

Abel Tasman by Trailer Yacht Tips and tricks for how to make the most of your trailer yachting adventure in the Abel Tasman

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

Sustainable Sailing Tips on how to be a greener yachtie.

Club Connection ICNZ links around NZ & the Pacific

The South Island Rally at Awaroa in the Abel Tasman

From the helm Happy New Year! I hope you were able to spend some time on the water over the Christmas break. I have been cruising around New Zealand chasing after the South Island Rally. We had a great send off in Opua, then a few days exploring some of the stunning bays in Northland before making the passage south. Then the rally have been enjoying the Abel Tasman, doing a few repairs in Nelson, and this week they are in Queen Charlotte Sound, bound for Lyttelton this weekend. I've included some photos in the newsletter of their adventures.

Our thoughts go out to all our friends in Tonga

For the international sailors who are stuck in NZ at

after the devastating eruption and resulting

present, and those who are overseas but with their

tsunami. We hope to be able to support some of

boats trapped here, you have hopefully all seen the

the efforts to help with the repairs this community

letter from Customs regarding the ending of the TIE

will need in the months ahead. Many of our

on the 30th June.

members have spent time exploring Tonga and it is a place very close to our hearts. There is an article

A TIE is a Temporary Import Entry which allows

later in the newsletter about ways we can support

international boats to come in to NZ for a period of

communities in times of natural disasters.

time - usually two years, without having to pay duty and GST. The TIE's on all the international boats

My sympathy also goes out to the boat owners in

were extended to 30 June 2022, but this is now

Tutukaka who had their boats lost or damaged in

ending and international cruisers have been

the tsunami. I have had a few messages from

advised they have to leave by then. I have asked a

people concerned about the lack of warning from

few questions of Customs and there is some more

Civil Defence in regard to the tsunami. Many

information later in the newsletter.

people around the coast experienced very strong currents resulting in boats crashing in to one

The Island Cruising Pacific Rally is due to launch on

another as well. Considering we have a state of

Monday night. Members have been sent a link to

the art text messaging system that can send alerts

join the Zoom call, and everyone else can watch

to everyone in an area, I wonder why some kind of

live on our Facebook page or later if you miss it. I

warning was not sent out.

look forward to sharing all our plans with you!

If there is a tsunami warning be it here in NZ or

I've got some exciting new rally sponsors lined up

while you are offshore, it is important to remember

too who I look forward to introducing you to over

that while we all love our boats, they can be

the coming weeks.

repaired or replaced, but people cannot. It may be tempting to try to get your boat out of a marina

If you are planning on going offshore either this

and in to deeper water, but more important is

year or in the future, I highly recommend you join

getting yourself and your crew to higher ground.

our Cruising Preparation workshops. Currently just

The events this week prove that warnings or lack of

$75.00 and you get a weekly email with tips on

may not actually be correct, and the authorities

how to get your boat up to Cat 1, as well as other

may not know the effect on the land until the wave

things like navigation, weather, seamanship and

actually comes.

more. Register now on our website to access all the content, get some great discounts from our suppliers and avoid the upcoming price increase.

It was awesome to catch up with lots of members at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron pre Christmas for some drinks and a social evening. Thanks to everyone who came along at the last minute, for many it was their first time out since the lockdown! It was awesome to put faces to names and catch up with some former Christchurch based people too. I look forward to keeping in touch and we will have more members events in the future!

Signing off now to sail out to the Lyttelton heads to meet some of the rally boats sailing down the coast.

Hope you can tune in on Monday night to hear the plans for the Pacific.

Happy sailing and thanks for all your support!

Cheers

Viki

Painting by Laurie Brunot

#SouthIslandRally2021

#SouthIslandRally2021

#SouthIslandRally2021

#SouthIslandRally2021

#SouthIslandRally2021

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

Note from Viki regarding this letter:

Please note the date is incorrect on their letter - it should be 2022.

Island Cruising NZ has written to Customs to ask about whether vessels whose owners are stuck overseas and are unable to return to NZ at present will be able to apply for an exemption. We'd also like some clarity on whether the international boats here will be permitted to return to NZ at the end of cyclone season in the Pacific. We are working with NZ Marine and other agencies on this matter too.

We will keep you posted with their response.

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

Join online now: https://www.islandcruising.nz/register

Cruising Abel Tasman

On A Trailer Yacht

By Camilla Gibbons

In the Summer of 2020 I took my boat, Korora up to the Marlborough Sounds and cruised around with many of my sailing friends on their boats. It was the first time I had taken my boat cruising anywhere further afield having only owned her a year or so before that. The big difference between my boat and those of my friends however is they are keelers…Korora is a Sabre 20…a trailer yacht.

The Sounds was fun but I came home and started quite seriously thinking about a bigger boat but I wanted to finish doing Korora up which I was part way through before upgrading because I know the rule of thumb is that you always need one more boat than you currently have, but the bank balance did not quite agree with me! So a winter spent renovating the inside of her and she was ready for another summer of sailing.

“So what are your plans over the summer” said one of my friends one day – “I’m going to sail around Abel Tasman” was my reply “Oh so you are going to stop pretending to be a keel boat then” was the answer with a laugh. And that was exactly the point.

After a few bumps in my planning and near u turn, I decided to head up to Abel Tasman for a couple of weeks, partly sailing solo, partly with friends coming and going. I had never been to Abel Tasman other than tramping once many years ago and I had never sailed solo before. I also did not know many other trailer yachties although I was put in touch with a couple of boats, so it was with a little trepidation that I headed north to Motueka, know I was going to be pushing the limits of my comfort zone!

Sailing friends in Motueka helped me put the mast up and launch and then I headed out on a very grey day with the plan to catch up with Samara and Tongahorn in Torrent Bay Lagoon. Knowing that getting into the lagoon had to be within an hour or so of high tide I hoisted the sails and tacked into the northerly with plenty of time to get to Torrent Bay. Another thing I had never done was go into a lagoon…or really take my boat anywhere that required me to wind up the keel and lift the rudder – but all was well as Samara and Tongahorn’s skippers were keeping an eye out for me and helped me into the lagoon. Then there was another thing I had never done – the fenders…The lagoons largely dry out at low tide and so trailer yachts end up sitting on the sand, however to stop falling over requires either fenders or legs. The fender set up varies for each boat, but with lots of help from my new-found friends we managed to get them sorted…after they stifled their laughter when I produced fenders that were somewhat larger than required!

Essentially the two fenders are tied together at each end around 800mm or so apart. There are then longer lines trailing off from each fender forward and aft. The fenders are put in place by keel hauling them from the bow so that they sit under the boat, ideally perfectly centred across the stub keel and about half way from the bow to the stern (easier said than done when you cannot see them) when in place the four longer lines are tied off to the stanchions or somewhere solid to keep the fenders in place.

First time was a bit of a mission to work out how long the lines needed to be etc, but the tip I got from Samara was to put a carabiner on the forward lines at the correct length as this will never change, then when keel hauling them back, you snap the carabiners to the bottom of the stanchions and pull on the aft lines until the forward lines are taught meaning the fenders are then in the correct position and tie of the aft lines.

A quick check of the fenders position by sticking your foot under the boat to see if you can feel them about equal on each side all is done. One point I should mention is that you deploy the fenders when there is no more than a metre or so of water – ie plenty for the boat to float in with space to get the fenders underneath, but not too much that you are wading around in deep water.

A note on the size of the fenders – I got the diameter correct – approximately the same diameter as the height of the stub keel, but the long ones I bought that were specifically designed for that job were 1.2m long, now you try submerging a fender 250mm diameter and 1.2m long…or rather two of them under a boat that is going to want to move backwards as you try to keelhaul the fenders backwards and it makes for a rather entertaining albeit a nightmarishly hard thing to do! I have since copied my fellow trailer yachties and now have fenders 250mm by 700mm long which I have yet to try but I think it will be significantly easier!

So accomplishments of day one so far was successfully sailing solo, going into a lagoon and getting the fenders sorted so that poor Korora didn’t fall over. The next thing which is really important is a bucket…yes just a plain old bucket, preferably rectangular that you fill with water and tie to the bottom of the ladder – or some people put in the cockpit. This is the “de-sanding station”. It is an odd concept when you are used to pretending to be a keel boat, but when the tide goes out, the boat sits on the sand. Sand as you know just gets EVERYWEHRE! So the bucket of water (filled before the tide goes out) is a sure fire way to keep 90% of the sand on the beach and not inside the boat.

Now came the relaxation part because there was nothing else that had to be done before the tide went out…so in a manner unique to trailer yachts…you go meet the neighbours!The boats all park up next to each other and generally within 20m or so of the beach so once the tide is out it turns into something resembling a camp site, only everyone talks about sailing and boats (I don’t know what people talk about on actual campsites but I can imagine it is less about sailing and boats!). It was fantastic to meet so many people make so many new friends and from all over the place – Dunedin, Queenstown, Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington…and I know that when I go back again next summer, many of the same boats will be there and it will be just as sociable.

Water in Abel Tasman is just everywhere – I mean the fresh variety, not the sea… there are so many taps that I did not need to ration water usage at all. They all come with a boil-before-you-drink recommendation which I did do but many people don’t. there are a couple of places with filtered water that does not need to be boiled.I did hear that there was giardia found in some water there a few years back and decided for the sake of boiling the kettle it was not worth the risk! There are a couple of showers too – one in Bark Bay and one in Torrent Bay (there may be more but those were the ones I found) and several DOC toilets, some boats managed to get away without using their porta-potties at all Given the un-rationed water I managed a lot of solar showers after swimming. I took a bar of sailor soap with me…best thing in the world! The one I got is pure coconut oil, made in the Cook Islands and suds up in salt water – perfect for a wash to get rid of the suncream and salt – followed by a solar shower of fresh water and I felt amazing!

Over the ten days or so I was out I sailed around 110 nm I had a couple of nights on anchor but otherwise tended to go into the lagoons, some were easy, some needed crew on the bow to navigate the channel – Bark Bay in particular was a pretty wiggly channel, but sandy and therefore forgiving. Heading in on a rising tide makes for less embarrassment if you really do get stuck. My outboard is mounted on the transom of my boat and so going into the lagoons I tended to lift the rudder entirely and steer with the outboard which lets me spin on a dime and easily navigate the very wiggly channels that need 90 degree turns. Some of the trailer yachts with the outboard positioned through the cockpit floor and rather more fixed forwards found the steering harder in which case some would jump out of the boat and walk it in – my boat only needs 400mm water to float so it is easily done.

One thing that slightly caught me out was the tidal range. Abel Tasman has a range of around 4m. Now growing up learning to sail in the UK, 4m is not all that significant, but when it comes to my adult sailing life on yachts and cruising, it is large compared with other places…and when it comes to anchoring you need to bear it in mind.The rule of thumb of 5-7 times the depth being the length of road and chain to put out works well…but if, like me, you don’t take account for the tide, then you can easily end up with too little rode out.

The other quirk of Abel Tasman I found is the wind typically flipped 180 degrees between northerly during the day and southerly at night, the sea breeze was generally northerly and filled in around 11am but the couple of nights I was on anchor it flipped around. Add the dramatic change in the wind direction to my error with not putting out enough rode and yes, you guessed it, I was up at 1am sorting out a dragging anchor.

I Highly recommend downloading an anchor alarm app if your chartplotter does not have one – even do it anyway and you have a backup. My anchor alarm woke me up and I preferred that to being woken up by colliding with one of the other boats in the bay! It was not a major drama and I reset the anchor with no problems and went back to sleep but when I later spoke to many of the other trailer yachties, and more importantly, paid attention to their anchors which of course are visible at low tide, I was very much the odd one out with a danforth – they all had rocna/manson type anchors… I have just bought a rocna anchor…they are designed to reset themselves rather better than the danforth. I now have the conundrum of where to put it and more importantly how to deploy it in the narrow gap between the pulpit and the forestay… it may just have to live on the roller in the fairlead– the danforth, folding flat, is much more compact, but at least there should be less chance that the anchor alarm needs to wake me up.

The trickiest navigation I came across was going into Shag Harbour – that was wiggly but instead of sand, like the lagoons, it was wiggling around massive boulders, which are certainly a little less friendly to scrape! I had crew on the bow, went slowly and managed to avoid any damage. We anchored, set the fenders up and went for a walk. I had heard about a rock in a bay somewhere that had a notch cut in where apparently the early Māori used to tie their waka to – as it turned out the rock was just around the corner from where we anchored Kororā, and the notch aligned with high tide perfectly. We were going to anchor in that spot but I wasn’t quite so comfortable being that close to the rocks – as it tuns out several generations of seafarers before me were apparently more than happy so it probably would have been a great spot!

Shag Harbour has two possible entrances, both surrounded by cliffs taller than the mast and with overhanging trees. One entrance is about 15m wide, the other about 8m wide. At low tide both look plain terrifying! Huge piles of giant boulders…if I had seen it at low tide before going in I would have thought twice! We went in the wider southern entrance that has more rocks but nothing to get tangled in the rig and then left through the narrower channel that has fewer rocky obstacles but required steering to avoid the mast snagging in the overhanging vegetation. We were the only ones in there for the night, no other boats about and a really stunning spot. If you have a boat small enough to get in go and stay the night, if you don’t, anchor outside and take a dingy in for a look – it is a beautiful spot and limited to only those accessing by boat.

Shag Harbour was the second last night that I was out, after that we anchored off Adele Island and headed back to Motueka and back to the real world. I can honestly say I have never been so sad to finish a holiday. I thought I was really going to be pushing my comfort zone – I think I gave it a nudge but rather proved to myself what I can already do. I learnt a huge amount and I am very thankful for the very friendly and welcoming nature of the trailer yacht world. Most of all I really did learn that if you have a trailer yacht, use it as a trailer yacht, take it to the places it is designed to go – it is pretty special.

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

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 Radio courses and other qualifications such as Boatmaster - remember you also get some great discounts with your Island Cruising membership too.

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 and checkins with Passage Guardian.

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

Making Memories La Nouvelle Calédonie

By Kathy MacFarlane

I’d been a competitive dinghy sailor growing up, crewing for my brother on our Flying Ant, then a 125, and also doing some women's’ regattas crewing on Fireballs and 470’s. I’d always dreamt of living aboard a yacht and sailing around the world when I was older. Life happened first, and I ended up in landlocked France; learning a language, a new culture, a new role as a young mum, and not a boat in sight. When I moved back to Australia in 1996, I tried to get my 3 young boys interested in sailing so I could return to the sport I loved.

Alas - my eldest spent the first downwind leg of his first race cartwheeling his Northbridge Junior down the course. After needing to be rescued, his budding interest took a deeper nosedive than the leaky little boat he’d been learning on. His disenchantment was relayed to his younger brothers; sailing was put on hold again, and I became a soccer mum.

2010 - My boys are grown up, all with a driver’s licence. It’s me time! I buy myself a second-hand Laser, determined that I’ll learn to skipper now, inspired by the racing successes of my brother and sister. But after having 3 children, my stomach muscles don’t enjoy hiking the way I could as a youngster, and I spend more time righting the capsized craft than sailing it.

2011 - The Laser sits gathering dust in the garage, but I’ve finally started keelboat racing on Port Phillip Bay, and have even done some ocean deliveries. I still harbour dreams of sailing around the world, or at least off into the sunset, so it is with horror that I discover I get seasick as soon as I’m outside the Heads in an ocean swell. I figure I’ll find a solution and doggedly continue getting all the experience I can, crewing on other people’s boats. Walking along the dock during Hamilton Island race week, a French accent captures my attention. A guy is there with a Sandwich board, spruiking what he’s describing as the world’s longest windward-leeward race, around the world’s largest UNESCO listed lagoon. The Groupama race is a circumnavigation of New Caledonia, and is held every two years. The next édition will be in 2012. I take a flyer and tuck away the idea, enthused about the potential to combine sailing and a visit to a French-speaking country.

2012 - I’ve managed to convey my enthusiasm to a bunch of yacht-racing friends in Melbourne, all of whom are boat owners, but none of whom want to sail their boats to New Caledonia for the race, as it would take too much time out of their Victorian racing calendar. In 2012 the Groupama race is only open to Monohulls, and the only boats I can find for charter there are catamarans. I’ve contacted the race organsiers, the Centre Nautique Calédonien, and they’ve put me in touch with a local Frenchman who owns a Beneteau 36.7. JeanPaul is a bit of an adventurer. Actually he’s a mad adventurer, and he’s always wanted to enter the Groupama race. Although he sails and races his boat single-handed in the Baie de Dumbéa and in the protected waters of the lagoon, he’s reluctant to extend himself to the 5-day event which is sailed almost entirely outside, in the ocean. His biggest problem is finding crew locally who are keen.

It helps that I speak fluent French and can handle all the communication. Jean-Paul is reluctant to speak English, but his enthusiasm for the Groupama project is sans limites, as is his generosity. He offers to lend us his boat, free of charge, suggesting that we run the campaign; his only condition is that we take him as crew.

We adopt him as an honorary Frozzie, chip in to buy him a new set of sails, and Team Lapita - Australia is born. On 6th September, Serge, Ken, Paul, Greg, Sean, Rob and myself arrive on L’Isle de Grande Terre.

Coming from Australia, it strikes me as pretty small to be called ‘Grande’, but compared to the myriad of other tiny islands dotted all around I guess it makes sense.

There’s been a bit of hype about us in the local press before we arrive. The others have a strong racing pedigree - Rob is the owner of Scarlet Runner, a Reichel Pugh 52, and Paul and Greg are co-owners of Audacious, a Sydney 38. Ken is their tacticien and Sean is a Yachting Australia Instructor. Serge and I have crewed on both Scarlet Runner and Audacious. Somehow, my experience of having participated in multiple state and national championships as a dinghy sailor has been translated as having won multiple state and national titles! I try to keep a low profile and if anyone asks, I mumble that they’re confusing me with my sister, Heather.

Race day dawns and it’s with much excitement that we front up to the start line. The weather is pleasant, and the waters of the lagoon off Nouméa, where the race start is held, are spectacular. We will head south-east, sailing around the bottom of Grande Terre, inside the lagoon to Passe Goro. There, we exit the protected waters and the ocean part of the race begins. La Nouvelle Calédonie lies pretty much parallel with the trade winds, so it really is the world’s longest windward-leeward of about 600 nautical miles. But it’s more of a leeward-windward; the first 2 days navigating up the east coast to a virtual rounding mark north of the island are downwind. The wind strengthens as the race progresses, and a mid-ocean port-starboard encounter has us gybing in the middle of the night, resulting in a torn spinnaker. It’s the one we’d donated to Jean-Paul; we patch it up as best we can with sticky-back on board, but we’re all a bit disappointed.

In the stronger wind, I also discover what Jean-Paul meant when he said his tiller was très raide - it’s so stiff that Paul has to sit to leeward and push it with his foot, helping me pull it to windward so that we can bear away. We’re a competitive bunch, so we’re pushing the boat as hard as we dare, and it doesn’t make for a leisurely cruise. It’s a relief to get to the rounding mark, drop the kite, and head up into the wind as we turn down the west coast. The tiller is easier to manage going upwind.

This second leg is about the same distance, but takes a bit over 3 days, compared to 2 for the downwind leg.

We are told later it’s the windiest of the Groupama races to date; 25+ knots consistently, with gusts over 30.

By the third day of bashing into a headwind in choppy seas with ocean swell, with a pristine, flat lagoon sparkling enticingly just a few miles off our port beam, we start to wonder what the hell we’re doing out here.

But it just makes crossing the finish line all the sweeter. Our results may not have lived up to the pre-race hype, but we’ve had five amazing days, forming new friendships as we explored new waters. Friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s been both fun and challenging, being the only French speaker from the Aussie contingent, given Jean-Paul’s reluctance to speak English. My vocabulaire nautique has improved in leaps and bounds. We stay on in Nouméa for only a few more days, enjoying Jean-Paul’s hospitality and exploring the marine playground which surrounds this beautiful island. I vow that one day, I will sail my own boat back here to really explore this paradise more.

2017 - I’ve kept in touch with Jean-Paul; he has also visited the team in Melbourne, and I’m beyond excited that I’m about to realise my dream of returning to la Nouvelle Calédonie - this time under sail, on my own boat. My partner Richard and I had purchased a Fontaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 catamaran in 2016 in Fiji, which we sailed down to New Zealand before the Pacific cyclone season. In May 2017, we left to embark on our first circuit of the Pacific Islands. There were so many bucket list items to cram in - Tonga, Samoa to visit my sister who lives there, back to Fiji, Vanuatu… and of course, New Caledonia. After cruising the other islands and dipping into boat rations with dubious use-by dates, the baguettes, croissants, vin et fromages are a heavenly indulgence! We spend a month exploring this paradise, the final stop of our navigation before returning to New Zealand. Jean-Paul’s hospitality is as legendary as ever and it is a delight to buddy sail with him around the Lagoon, us on Persistent Shift and Jean-Paul and his wife Annick on Lapita. He shows us some of his favourite spots and gives helpful advice on safe anchorages. A highlight is visiting L’Ilot Casey and meeting Mouss, the island’s legendary canine guardian. It is my sister’s birthday in Samoa the day we visit, and her dog has just passed away - poisoned - in Samoa. So we dedicate our visit with Mouss to her, and share a birthday cake with him in her honour. We don’t realise just how lucky we are - Mouss sadly passes away not long after we left, but his memorial is on the Ilot, thanks to the work of Cat Impi and the many friends of Mouss.

In 2018, work commitments prevented us from doing a repeat of the Pacific circuit. In 2019, a universitysponsored trip to Prato in July for a linguistics workshop was too good to pass up but again interrupted our Pacific cruising plans. So instead, we purchased a canal boat and spent 5 months cruising the French canals.

As we debated our winter cruising plans for 2020, COVID struck, preventing either option. We’re hoping to get back to our canal boat in 2022, but international travel still seems uncertain for now. More blue water cruising is not off the agenda either, and if we were to go again, New Caledonia would be high on the list to revisit. Who knows - the Groupama is now open to catamarans!

Our Pacific Cruise on YouTube

Hydrovane How Easy are they to Install?

By Sarah Curry of Hydrovane International Marine

How easy it is to install a Hydrovane?

It must be the easiest windvane to install.

There is considerable flexibility in where you choose to install the brackets – unlike most other windvanes that require absolute precise positioning. The two brackets are holders for the shaft, which should be aligned vertically – not a gravity vertical, but ‘boat vertical’ – aligned to mast and keel.

There are only 4 or 6 transom bolts required, and most of the bracket castings have hinges to allow you to find the easiest and most natural position.

Use of strong backing plates and ensuring that your transom has no flex are important.

Takes a day – but double that because it is a boat project!

2 or 3 transom flanges require 4 or 6 bolts Considerable flexibility in the location of the flanges Bracket struts can be cut down to the length you require Unit comes almost completely assembled

.

www.hydrovane.com

For Sale Sea Anchor Para 24 foot Hatteras Model .Complete System - never used (thankfully!) so in excellent condition. Suitable for vessels from 40 to 90ft Came off a 50ft 20 tonne cruising yacht. Comes with 150 metres of 16mm nylon braid complete with thimbles and primary float and retrieval line and float Adds considerable peace of mind to ocean passages.

$1600

billmathews.21@gmail.com

Partner Clubs

Responding to a Natural Disaster

By Jonathan Robinson, Sea Mercy (Fiji) Following the Tonga eruption & tsunami, we got in contact with the team at Sea Mercy to see how we could help.

1. Overview: a. Each Nation has its own National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO), National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) or equivalent. These organisations coordinate efforts during the four phases of a disaster: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery. b. These organisations are supported by both National and International Government and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s). Many of these have worked together for years.

2. Cruiser Preparedness: Ask yourself: a. “In the event of a disaster in my area, am I ready and able to look after myself, my vessel and my crew without becoming an extra burden on local resources?” b. “ Is there a cruising community, club or association that could support local organisations with Disaster Mitigation and/or Preparedness?” Cruisers possess a wide range of life skills that can support community projects.

3. Cruiser Response and Recovery: The Golden Rule: “Do not become part of the Disaster.” a. If you are in the affected area and are able to Respond (or later to assist with Recovery efforts) strive to do so as part of the National coordinated relief efforts. (see 2.b above.). b. If you are not in the affected area but are considering sailing to assist, ask yourself: “If there was no disaster, would I normally sail there, with this amount of cargo, at this time of year?” (cyclone/hurricane season) See “Golden Rule” above. c. If you are considering bringing or sending aid, ask yourself: i. “Are aid items available for purchase in country? If so, am I better spending my money there to assist economic recovery?” ii. “What aid is needed and appropriate?” rather than “what aid do I want to give?” iii. ”What will happen to any aid supplies that I bring or send? Who will pay for their import clearance, storage and distribution?” Biosecurity and Revenue and Customs laws still apply and many host states will now only accept aid specifically requested and approved by them. iv.” Should I send aid to the family I met when I was last cruising there?” Many cruisers understandably want to assist a family they may have met previously. With the above points (i-iii ) in mind, also consider the social consequences for that family if they receive preferential treatment over their neighbours.

4. Conclusion: There is no single right way to respond. Every disaster is different, as are every cruiser’s circumstances. I hope the above points provide some food for thought and promote ideas and discussion within the cruising community.

Jonathan Robinson and his wife Donna have been cruising full time since 2014. They are Sea Mercy volunteers and over the last 6 years Jonathan has coordinated that organisation’s responses to Cyclones Pam and Harold (Vanuatu) and Winston, Yasa and Ana (Fiji) and COVID-19 (Fiji). https://www.facebook.com/seamercysouthpacific

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 $300,000

View on Trademe here

The Shirt off Your Back

By PETER WALTON Within minutes of launching our Tropical Cyclone Winston Appeal, people were messaging us about boxes of clothes and shoes they wanted to send to Fiji. Each time, with great regret, we gently suggested they reconsider. As a charity, we absolutely hate to discourage generosity; generosity and compassion make our job much easier.

The people who contacted us were acting on the most generous impulse possible - they saw a family who had lost everything, and immediately wanted to give that family something of their own. They probably spent time collecting clothes (and their neighbours' clothes) in the hope that someone in worse circumstances would find them useful. It's a true act of humanity, straight from the heart.

"Whilst international support is often required in disasters the magnitude of Cyclone Winston, the best way to support any country is by helping it to help itself. And that's the most important point of all. The people of Fiji have the right to control what happens in their country: to ask for what they want and need, not simply take what they're given." And it's logical at first glance. That family lost their clothes. I have clothes to give them: problem solved. So why are we saying reconsider how you help?

Because the ugly truth is, a box of second-hand clothes or kitchen supplies or old shoes is unlikely to reach that family in need. If it even makes it to the Pacific, it is likely to sit on the docks - as hundreds of similar boxes did in Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam - because no one has paid the fees to process or distribute them.

Shipping containers of untracked, unsolicited donated goods were still sitting at Port Vila's wharf, costing the government millions in storage fees. Eventually your box of goods could end up as landfill, the last thing a country needs while cleaning up from a cyclone.

Often local customs services are so overwhelmed by the volume of unmarked goods that they can't process essential relief items like tarpaulins, water purification equipment or medicines in time. We saw this happen in Nepal after the earthquake in 2015. It would often cost far more to package, catalogue, ship, clear and distribute each box of donated goods than it would to buy relief supplies from local suppliers and organise a mass distribution to people who need them.

There are other, more positive, reasons to purchase relief goods locally. A disaster like Cyclone Winston can devastate local economies. Buying goods locally helps to kick-start local businesses again. Plus the goods are more likely to be matched to the needs and people on the ground. Samoans still talk about receiving shipping containers full of bras and high-heeled shoes after a cyclone a few years ago. When they were eventually distributed on a remote island, the local women used the bras to carry coconuts!

I'm not trying to put you off donating clothes. Just please don't send them to the Pacific. They haven't been requested. Your local charity shop will happily accept them and sell them to raise money for programs that help people in Australia and overseas. Red Cross has stores across the country, as do many other charities.

Whilst international support is often required in disasters, the best way to support any country is by helping it to help itself. And that's the most important point of all.

The people of the Pacific have the right to control what happens in their country: to ask for what they want and need, not simply take what they're given. Their government faces the massive task of directing the flow of aid into the country, so that relief efforts are not duplicated and go where they are needed most.

So if you have a box of clothes or other possessions you'd like to donate, please give it to a local charity shop. If you want your family to do something good, organise a fundraising event.

But if you want to help Tonga, here and now, the most effective way is with a monetary donation that will be translated into the most appropriate type of support based on local need. It will help the country get what it needs, when it's most needed. It saves money and prevents waste.

Your generosity means the world.

Peter Walton is director of international programs at Australian Red Cross. This article was first published in the Courier-Mail and Adelaide Advertiser on 24th February, 2016.

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.

MORE DATES BEING ADDED TO THE WEBSITE SOON!!

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 12 - 13 Feb

Whangarei 12 - 13 March

$360 for Island Cruising members (please use the discount code in the members newsletter)

$400 for non-members.

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

Pacific Maritime Radio Established in 2016 originally as Northland Radio, Pacific Maritime Radio is a New Zealand registered private maritime coast station.

By Peter Mott

My inspiration for creating the coast station goes as far back as the 1994 Queens Birthday Weekend Storm and the selfless dedication of Jon and Maureen Cullen of Kerikeri Marine Radio spanning many years, and more recently the SV Nina tragedy in June 2014 resulting in the loss of seven crew.

Every season, hundreds of cruising yachts have called into my daily HF radio nets while on passage in the Pacific.

Exploiting the power of collective security, where every vessel can hear each other as well as my coast station, live weather information at sea is shared, new friendships are made, and encouragement provided when it gets tough.

Peter Mott with weather guru Bob McDavitt

The location of my home in Russell (Bay of Islands) New Zealand had salt water on three sides, and was an excellent HF radio site. I spent hundreds of hours optimising and testing antennae for the station, using designs that date back to before the Second World War. The final installation allowed me to talk to vessels as far away as Dutch Harbour Alaska, the entire length of the west coast of the Americas all the way south to Cape Horn, as well as popular cruising areas in the South Pacific.

Funded by myself and the occasional donation, I have been able to provide this service every day through until the COVID-19 pandemic commenced in 2020 when cruising came to an abrupt standstill.

This presented an opportunity for my wife Angela and I to move to my home town of Christchurch, where I intend to re-establish Pacific Maritime Radio from a new remote controlled site in Canterbury.

If you know somebody who owns a rural property in Canterbury, and could make between 2000 and 10,000 square metres available for Pacific Maritime Radio, please contact me!

My station is highly valued, and I am very keen to get it back on air as soon as possible.

www.passageguardian.nz

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

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!

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

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

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.

81ft Luxury Caribbean Sailing Yacht

The Doug Peterson Performance Schooner was designed for long range cruising and built in Guernsey by Aqua Star. It is fully airconditioned and features 5 ensuite queen staterooms. Currently operating as a successful lifestyle charter business. This magnificent vessel was built to endure the world’s oceans and upgraded with the latest technology. On the wind she reaches speeds of 8-10 knots and off the wind can exceed 22 knots.

Purchase with option to operate your own Caribbean charter business anywhere from Grenada to the Virgin Islands. The yacht is offered with a British Virgin Island corporate limited company, for tax advantages plus an active Charter Agent. Currently receiving $24K US Dollars 8 people for one week. Owners also have a safe and secure location to haul out during the off season. If required an out of water survey can be completed in Trinidad or Martinique. View online 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