Weather or Not

Faith, Hope & Charity

Sunday 1 March 2020

Whilst our goal and “sailing itinerary” for the next 14 days was to …

“… proceed forthwith to the Fiordland-region, located at the further-est corner of New Zealand’s South Island and once there to explore its waterways and environs…”

… the Chimere-cruise travel brochure always made reference to this thing called “weather permitting”

Now, with all five of us aboard, and with discussions focusing on, “where will we actually go” – after leaving Bluff on the outgoing tide this morning – the latest weather forecast revealed that unless we liked 40-50 knot winds on the nose, and 4-6 metre seas, we should alter plans.

The good news was that after the current storm had blown through, in about 3 days, there looked like a period of more favourable wind on the way, we could grab.  Wind that was going our way.  The seas would still be high, at least initially, but if the winds were good, we could usually manage bigger waves.

So for now, our best option was to head south, to Stewart Island.  Where the peculiarities of the region’s weather patterns meant that it experienced “breezes”, while over to the west, where the Southern Alps – being just so high – directed and accelerated wind, more in the category of “gales”; as the weather-map image shows.  

After their big day of travel, it was a slow and sleepy start to the day, as the first Stewart Island ferry for the day came and went off our stern; returning and delivering passengers and their, at times, considerable piles of luggage and belongings.

It was around 11:00am that we got away from Bluff, the tide helping to push us along at 9 knots over flat seas and past the many channel markers.  The warm sun, clear blue sky and light NW wind, was the perfect introduction life aboard for our new adventurers.  Because although they had all built up considerable sailing experience over the years, no one but a true masochist, wants to spend their first few days afloat being thrown around by the elements.

As we made our way across Foveaux Strait, past the many boats taking advantage of today’s opening of the “Bluff Oyster Season”, a special thrill – as if beckoning us to come – was to be able to see, for the first time, the high peaks of the Southern Alps and it’s glistening snow-covered southern slopes, way off to the north west;  the

Dropping anchor at Oban in Halfmoon Bay, we launched the big dinghy off the foredeck and made our way ashore – to explore and walk aimlessly around the foreshore.  This was also a chance for us to buy some extra reserves of petrol for the outboard motor, but the sign clearly said “Closed on Sundays” … so we’ll be back tomorrow at 8:00am.

It was sunny.  It was actually very warm.  And after a quick vote, we agreed to up-anchor and relocate a short distance around the corner, and the other side of the hill at the back of Oban, to Thule Bay, otherwise known as Faith, Hope & Charity islands, bay.  We would return in the morning for the petrol.

On our way, we passed a large flock of albatross, maybe 20 or more, just sitting on the calm waters of Paterson Inlet; like they we gathered for a meeting or something.

The excitement of our first day at sea was still very much alive and well onboard Chimere, as we dropped anchor in this beautiful little spot; the bush on the small surrounding islands, full of bird-song, as the seagulls called overhead.

Domestic noises could be heard from the galley, which resulted in Linda – supported by James it must be said – producing a wonderful dinner, backed up by a steady stream of pancakes, which we covered with anything unhealthy we could find.

It was a magic end to a magic first day.   

Smooth seas, fair breeze and Weather or Not

Rob Latimer

PS  I’m still looking for extra crew to assist with the 8-day voyage, from Milford Sound to Wellington, starting on 14 March.   If you or a friend want to join us, please sing out ASAP.  Email me on the satphone at …   msm1@clientsatmail.com.au and latimerfamily4@gmail.com but remember, no file attachments)