Wairahi Bay, Great Barrier Island, North Island Friday 18 June 2021 If someone was considering the purchase of a yacht, then today would have tipped them over the edge … in favour, that is. It had everything … magic overnight anchorage … calm seas … brilliant sunshine … amazingly remote and spectacular scenery … anotherContinue reading “Our New Most Favourite-est Place”
Author Archives: freedomsail
Slight Change of Plan
Puriri Bay, Tryphena Harbour, Great Barrier Island, North Island Thursday 17 June 2021 It was an early start today, with the expected 50-60 miles ahead of us, likely to include a few tacks on account of the predicted wind basically coming from the west – the direction of Kawau Island, our chosen anchorage for theContinue reading “Slight Change of Plan”
THIS is Sailing
Huruhi Harbour, Great Mercury Island, North Island Wednesday 16 June 2021 After two days of overcast, rainy and all-round dodgy weather, the day dawned with clear skies and a blazing yellow sun which streamed into the saloon as we ate our Weet Bix, coffee and toast. It had been a wonderfully still night, with theContinue reading “THIS is Sailing”
The Rhythm of the Sea
South Bay, Slipper Island, North Island Tuesday 15 June 2021 After a lumpy and rather uncomfortable start to the voyage yesterday, it was good to see “normal” life commence onboard as everyone slowly woke with the morning sun. Even before the morning sun, for some. And when I say “sun” … we never actually sawContinue reading “The Rhythm of the Sea”
Leaving in the Morning
Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Sunday 13 June 2021 There is much excitement aboard as we contemplate heading out in the morning. Gary, Annette and Martyn arrived this afternoon from Hamilton – Gary (Annette’s brother) having first flown there from his home in Wellington – with Annette and Martyn’s daughter Kirsty acting as Uber Daughter. Continue reading “Leaving in the Morning”
Two Sleeps to Go
Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Saturday 12 June 2021 As we enter the final countdown to departure the list of remaining “important tasks” is getting shorter – which is a good thing. There’s the ongoing work on painting the deck, and I’m very happy to report that we completed the second top coat of greyContinue reading “Two Sleeps to Go”
All in the Family
Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Friday 11 June 2021 The day started on a definite HIGH as I made my way down to the Office Connect store on Cameron Road, Tauranga. It was around 10:00am and there was business owner, Pawan, at the counter to greet me with my newly repaired IridiumGO satellite communications unit,Continue reading “All in the Family”
Painting, Networking & Socialising
Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Thursday 10 June 2021 John and I started early today. Well, early for us, there was still a leisurely breakfast to knock back. First task of the day, however, was to sugar soap clean the foredeck. We’d been building up to this. Lots of priming and undercoating … NOW itContinue reading “Painting, Networking & Socialising”
Coincidental Rotary Connections
Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Wednesday 9 June 2021 A few years ago, I was in Vanuatu, in connection with our oral health program … “Gudfala Tut Skul”. There was an opportunity to give a brief talk at the ever-helpful, Port Vila Rotary Club and at the conclusion, a visiting Kiwi, with an American accent,Continue reading “Coincidental Rotary Connections”
Links to the Past
Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Tuesday 8 June 2021 It was nice to see the sun plus large patches of blue sky today, making the strong wind feel a little less … strong. As our date of departure from here looms closer – just 5-6 days away now – the extended forecast, turns into theContinue reading “Links to the Past”