‘Twas the night before – NZ20/21 Unfinished Business

Home, Ringwood North (Melbourne)

Saturday 15, May 2021

Three days ago, 12^th May, I celebrated twelve months since my release from 14 days of Hotel Quarantine at the Pan Pacific in Melbourne.  

As many will be aware, after 4-5 weeks of lockdown in a New Zealand marina aboard Chimere, it seemed things were going to get a lot worse before they got better, so I took the Federal Government’s advice and enacted “PLAN B” … while I could.    Essentially fly home, leaving Chimere at Chaffers Marina in Wellington.

Looking back, the past year has certainly been put to good use.  Not sailing, but tackling the very long list of home-based projects, from painting the house, turning the backyard wilderness into a veggie garden (that some have described as a “farm”), to building a serious workshop.  

The prospect of eventually returning to New Zealand, always seemed like … “something in the future”.  Always out of reach.  Subject to so many uncontrollable variables.  So much so, that there was really no point dwelling on it, or planning for it. 

Fortunately, a friend we got to know last year, has been taking care of Chimere in my absence. Checking the lines, running the engine, generator and water maker – even obtaining an electrical compliance certificate for Chimere and relocating her to a new berth when it was necessary last month.  THANK YOU SO MUCH ADAM!  It’s been such a relief to know you were there on the spot, taking care of things

So, tomorrow begins the start of “NZ20/21 – Unfinished Business”! … and writing a daily blog … as best as I am able…

Naturally, I’ve put together a sailing plan.  One that covers the next 3 months, breaking it up into 7 separate stages which makes it easier for crew to come and go along the way.

Stage 1 covers about 9 days of PREPARATION in Wellington.  No sailing, just work and maintenance aboard, including a day on the marina slipway to give Chimere’s bottom a good clean.  I’m not planning on antifouling (with paint), just a good high pressure water spray.  From the photo Adam sent a little while ago, there’s a regular Attenborough-ecosystem attached below the waterline.  Everything from mussels to seaweed and everything in between.    

There’s an obvious benefit to having a clean hull – you go faster.  But there’s also a legal requirement, given the marinas and waterways up north require evidence of a … “clean hull in the past 30 days” … to tie up or enter.  Without one, you are directed to the closest haul out facility.  I don’t know all the exact details of what is described as “Biofouling Management”, (check it out HERE if you are interest) but I’ll do my best to comply.

Stage 2 starts around the 26 May (weather permitting) and sees us heading north to Tauranga, where we’ll stay for a week or so, then Stage 3 & 4 takes us to the Bay of Islands. 

It’s here in the Bay of Islands that carry-over champion and all-round great guy … and First Mate … John Land will be leaving Chimere, as he melts back into the Northland wilderness; affectionately known as “the Hokianga” … or if you’re a local, “up the Hokianga”.  John has “family” in the region, which I think numbered about 100 at last count.  And that was just brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren plus nieces and nephews.  With a bit of luck I might be able to get John to have a literal “write of reply” in a future blog.

Picking up on last year’s Sailing Plan, it’s great to see Linda able to step aboard for a couple of weeks in the Bay of Islands – making good use of last year’s Air New Zealand (unused) flight credit – plus Matt and Cathy, along with James and Eva will join us as well.  Making it one of those rare and unusual situations – in everyone’s busy life – that we will all be together at the one time! What better place than in the Bay of Islands!

The start of Stage 5 takes us into mid-July and the trans-Tasman crossing – home.  Winter isn’t the usual time to do a crossing, but the plan is to head further north, if required, making landfall perhaps at Coffs Harbour.  The one thing we want to avoid is high seas and wind on the nose.  Just think of rotten fish … they are definitely “on the nose” and you have an idea of sailing into the wind.  Particularly when the seas are up and the wind is strong.  It’s one of those nautical phrases that definitely carries over into land-life.  

Once we’ve cleared back into Australian waters it’ll be a steady trek south back to Westernport for mid-August – making up Stages 6 and 7 – stopping at Sydney Harbour for a photo-op in front of the Bridge and Opera House, then riding the EAC (think Finding Nemo) south to the familiar waters of Bass Strait.

All the while, as some people are aware, Chimere remains on the market.  So, if you’re interested in buying a boat, this boat, then give me a call. We don’t take Bitcoin.  There have been a few inquiries and some promising discussions, but nothing serious enough to be close to a sale … so we’ll continue to sail …  (If you want to check out my promo video, then click HERE)

The final things are packed.  By bag is bulging and I’m still adding new things to my NZ Task List – which I’ll probably share tomorrow.  It’s a bit long to go through now.

Right now, I need to go to bed before I have to get up. 

My flight takes off at 9:00am tomorrow, so I’ll probably be up around 4:30am to make it in time for check-in.  So exciting!!!!   A big thank you to Linda, my ever-patient wife, who will be driving me out to Tullamarine.

Smooth seas, fair breeze and ‘twas the night before …

Rob Latimer