From Cape to Crater

Wednesday April 20th

Misty drizzle again this morning meant a relaxed start to the day.  Water temps still close to 19deg and warm days in the mid-20's...

 We motored gently out of Dick's Bay and at the agreed point sails were hoisted into a very light (2-3kt) headwind.  The zephyr gradually built as we both headed north to catch the stronger apparent wind on the other side of the bay.  many tacks later and Kalai again had eked out a lead as we hardened up to clear Hat island to starboard and out past Hope reef into a messy sea.  A NE swell combined with the dying SE'ly meant some uncomfortable sailing with not quite enough air to keep sails filled.  Eventually we bailed and motored the rest of the way around Urupukapuka island into Intico Bay for a swim and sustenance.  

A leisurely cockpit lunch ensued  with Hirondelle II easily winning the luncheon stakes with cold chicken, various cheeses and accoutrements on display...

An afternoon breeze filled in so we decided to make the most of it and weighed anchor (having been rafted up) having decided that the afternoon leg would terminate at Crater Bay, leaving Motuterakihi island to port...

Again the wind lightened and under the "no-Extra's" rule the Gennaker  was unavailable so I was forced to lay an indirect course zig-zagging NW while the spinnaker pole-equipped Hirondelle went directly toward the mark 'flat-off' the wind.  Consequently Kalai found herself in the unusual chasing position at Motuterakihi isalnd and desperately trying to sail a direct course to  the Te Puna inlet - which at one stage had the skipper hanging off the rails trying to keep the genoa 'win-and-wing' with the mainsail while 'Bru' steered the helm.

Still trailing by several hundred metres at Poraenui point with less than 2km to sail to the finish I decided to take a punt and took a wide berth around the point while the leaders stayed close inshore to sail the more direct route.  It did appear that there were a few more "cat's paws" on the water a few hundred metres out from the shore so I stayed wide and in the lightest of airs picked up some significant 'lifts' which saw me gliding past the now stalled Hirondellians - from which direction there appeared to be some wailing and gnashing of teeth - and then gently 'hardened up' to float into Crater (Wharengaere) Bay with 50m to spare!

We anchored in the eastern corner, next to a launch belonging to John, the hero of the 1994 documentary Pacific Rescue (http://www.bluesuit.co.nz/1994.htm)  

...In June of 1994 a dangerous "bomb" storm caught dozens of cruising sailors by surprise as they voyaged north from New Zealand. This is the true story of how nine yachts struggled to survive the hurricane-like conditions. Boats were battered by fierce winds and capsized by seas towering well over 50 feet high. Equipment was ripped loose, and water penetrated every weak point. Masts collapsed, rudders broke, and sailors lost steering control when they needed it most. The crews coped as best they could with injury, fear, exhaustion, and illness. Their electronic calls for help were picked up by satellites and radio operators, who initiated a massive air and sea search. This is the story of heroic rescues, human endurance, and tragic loss.

 John, a spry octogenerian, popped over for a chat.  Fenton had met him on a previous occasion and had told us about how he had self-funded a radio network in the north, building the towers and transmitters to enable he and his wife to provide a land base for boaties in the southern pacific region.  They played a key communications role in the rescues of 1994 which saved at least eight lives.  John has been on his own for a few years after his wife died and still gets out on the water, receiving several phone calls each day from his mates who keep a check on him!  A great character and a privilege to meet him.

Close Coastal Cruising Continues...

Tuesday April 19












A beautiful calm night gave rise to a windless morning with some misty drizzle.  I think that the vista from this bay (Pareanui) is one of my favourites as you look out due north through the encircling islands to the open ocean...


A daily course was agreed upon - keeping Nine-pin island to starboard and then return to Waiti Bay.  Well, the best laid plans and very light winds meant that we didn't weigh anchor until after lunch so a mid-course change was made as we tacked through Oteihei passage with less than 0.4m under the keel... low tide through there is not tenable unless you draw less than we do (1.55m).  Meanwhile Kalai was inching ahead on a light SE breeze and a conversation from Fenton on Channel 4 saw us agree to head straight to Waiti (Stingray) Bay, tacking through the channel with Kalai 300m ahead going into the Bay.

The Sou'easterly was curling around the point making the Bay less than inviting for an overnight stay, so we changed tack and headed for Opunga Cove.

Hirondelle was off with a bit between her teeth whilst I was trying to decide whether it was worth re-hoisting the main.  A fine sailing breeze was too tempting to resist and so the race was on again across the inner channel watched by a pod of dolphins as a tacking duel ensued heading toward Opunga. 




Fine crew work by Fenton and Terry kept them in the game but once again Kalai proved her racing pedigree (Swooper of Cox's Creek - the plug for our Davidson31 and predecessor to the two time, 1978 and 1979 World Half-ton champion "Waverider")and had the edge as we crept dangerously close to the rocks off Tangitu point with the Davidson narrowly edging ahead to hold off the very slippery-in-the-light Jeaneau...

We decided to head further into Manawaora Bay and anchored in the very sheltered if somewhat shallow Dick's Bay with a metre or so under the keel.  

Night came on quickly as drinks were taken and a soft Scotch mist fell...

April Cruising...

Saturday 16th April

The faithful JQ217 failed to materialise at its predetermined hour in Melbourne (late leaving Auckland) and consequently we were delayed until after 1am before finally pushing off toward Aotearoa. 

Having arranged to be picked up from the Airport to meet some old cronies at Kohi beach  for the 7am swim, it was sadly after 0700hrs before we touched down and Heather C. met me at the arrivals exit. Still, we did make it down in time to see the lonely souls exiting the still waters of the Waitemata harbour - it was great to see some familiar faces and to drink a bowl of great coffee at the Kohi cafe.

Back on the road to meet Paul and Chris at the Greenlane servo and then on to Whangaparaoa Peninsular and the Enrights for Brunch to celebrate Mike's 60th and the 40th anniversary of the forming of the world-renowned Balunatix!  Hard to believe that it was two-thirds of a lifetime ago that the four young lads entertained the youth gathered at that 1976 Easter camp complete with Garbardine Coats and Gumboots!

 

  Naturally the members couldn't resist reprising their infamous 'dead ants' for the gathered throng!

After  watching Mike 'thrash' his aged body around a Soccer pitch with like-minded (deluded?) middle-aged and older men, I concluded that kayaking, walking and particularly sailing were much more sensible activities for those of advancing years!

So it was with some relief that I met two even more senior fellow sailors in Fenton and Terry that evening and we sped northward in the light rain to the blessed climes of the Bay of Islands and our waiting 'mistresses' ; Kalai and Hirondelle II (a Jeaneau 29.2). 

Sunday 17th April

Sunday dawned slowly as the low clouds turned to drizzle and we ventured into Paihia for  the essential Supply Trip.  

Nekminute we were back on the dock, loaded, watered and off down the estuary.  

Motoring through to Tapeka in a light nor-easterly we raised sail and the first race was on!  The boats were fairly evenly matched on paper with identical water-length and mainsail areas.  Kalai was however slightly longer overall and heavier (3660kg v 2650kg displacement) and carried a larger head-sail with her masthead rig.

Awaawaroa Bay was the agreed destination and the entrance the finish line...








It quickly became apparent that the old girl was certainly no slug in the 5-7kt breeze and she and I gradually pulled away to be some six minutes ahead by the time sails were doused and various Pipi Bay libations partaken thereof...


  

Monday 18th April

A fine day dawned with the promise of light SE breezes so a new course was set mid-morning to terminate at the luncheon destination of Oke Bay.  A fierce tacking duel ensued as we worked our way toward Urupukapuka bay and the northern entrance channel.  Again Kalai held the advantage upwind but in the light airs it was neck and neck by the time we rounded the entrance to the bay as Hirondelle gained ground hugging the rocky coast.  A call of 'starboard' was heard from the Swallow as Kalai steamed through on Port tack just inside the entrance (well clear of any obligation to yield according to her skipper!).  Horondelle promptly dropped her main and claimed victory - though a later meeting of the race Committee failed to agree on which point was the agreed finish line! We'll call it a draw...

A lovely spot for lunch but exposed to the northerly swell and not a great place to spend the night...





A contrary wind and a narrow entrance so we motored 'rock-hopping' back inside the main Bay and checked out Omakiwi before settling on Pareanui Bay - a beautiful spot...


... more to come as the racing continues in earnest!