Chaffers Marina (Wellington, NZ)

Thursday 23 April 2020

Was it really only yesterday that we sailed down the west coast, around the corner, and up into Wellington.  From what I could see of today’s weather – mostly from inside my warm and cozy saloon through the small coach-house windows – I think we picked the best day to make the move.

The clock is ticking, as my departure on Monday looms ever closer, and so today – being an inside-kind-of -day – I thought I would sort out all the remaining food onboard – not such an easy task.

The problems arise in a few key areas … but it basically boils down to …

WHAT is onboard

WHERE has it been stored, and

HOW close are we to the “Best Before” date

Take canned bake beans and spaghetti, for example … our culinary conquests generally extend beyond using a simple can opener and saucepan to prepare the evening meal, but what do you do if the “Best Before” date is in the past?   Most people would say … “it depends” … how far “in the past” are we talking??  

Well, my opinion is that it’s OK, if you’re within a few years of it.  Other people may differ.  I mean, we have a real attachment to those cans.  Most have been to Vanuatu and back in 2017, and it wouldn’t be right to just throw them out, just because they are approaching the food-equivalent of retirement age … or palliative care perhaps …

What about Salada biscuits, or bags of pasta, flour, dried apricots, cans or peaches, or long-life milk … surely “Best Before” is only a guide … a legal manufacturing requirement  … and the “Taste Before” test also needs to be applied when opening – whenever that might finally be in the future.

Anyway, so the task of cataloguing every food item on board took a little while, with lunch deferred till mid afternoon – an omelette to use up the last of the eggs; I know THEY don’t last three years.  

Around this time, Keith gave me a … “how ya going” call … and in passing, mentioned that the other yacht we saw on the water yesterday might be in a “spot of bother” with the authorities. 

As we were rounding the southern coast yesterday, we spotted a yacht that looked like it had made its way across Cook Strait and was heading up into Wellington Harbour to another marina called Seaview; not such an imaginative name, when you think about it. 

From what he’d heard, the owner of the yacht needed to get back to the North Island to get his business ready for opening next week; when the current Alert Level 4, drops down to Level 3.  HOWEVER, until we are actually in Level 3, his travel could not quite be classed as “essential”.  Whether it’s true or not, I heard the police were waiting for them when they tied up, and I don’t think even the marina were aware of their arrival.

I haven’t been bold and curious enough to ask the Harbour Master and Maritime Police whether they fielded any calls yesterday about our appearance out on the water … but I did hear that a local-residents-Facebook-page in the Porirua area – next to where we left from at Mana Marina – was abuzz with comments about “this yacht” … “in breach of regulations” etc etc etc … Again, from what I heard, indirectly through Adam, someone else who was aware of my situation and that legal authority had been granted for our travel, posted a comment to put everyone straight.

As they say … “you can run, but you can’t hide!” … as the French “intelligence” agents discovered to their detriment in 1985 when they were caught trying to secretly bomb the protest ship, Rainbow Warrior.

In chatting with Keith, he suggested I might like to walk along the sea-front towards Oriental Bay and past the swimming pool and the sea-baths, where our dads would have played as kids.  It might also have been the place where our respective dads spent time in the sea cadets back in the 1930s

The task of food-sorting complete, I took Keith’s advice and armed with a rain jacket and iPhone, I headed off on foot to get some fresh air. 

It was good to be out and about, and there were a surprising number of people on the move.  No cafes or shops open of course, but there was a lot of exercising taking place, dogs on leads, babies in pushers and cycling lycra.

Along the road there were the occasional historical information boards.  And at one point I got to read about Nancy Wake, the French Resistance agent, journalist and all-round war hero, known popularly as the “White Mouse”. As it turned out Nancy Wake … in keeping with other famous Aussies like Sam Neill, Russell Crowe and Tim Finn … was born in New Zealand (and just for the record Sam Neill was born in the UK) and would you believe … in this very street … Grass Street. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Wake

Walking across the road and up the rather short, but steep Grass Street, I spied a set of steps which led, basically UP.  Thinking I still had a couple of hours of daylight I started the climb. 

These steps naturally led to more steps, which then connected to a bush path, then more steps … all the while climbing higher and higher, till finally I came upon a sign.  The sign included a map of Mount Victoria, showing the lookout at the top, plus several lines indicating a range of walking and cycling paths.  Further on I walked along a road in the direction of the airport and Evans Bay, until a sign that pointed up and to the right … Mount Victoria Lookout.

http://www.newzealandtravelinsider.com/day-walks/mount-victoria-wellington-walk-scenic-lookout.htm

As you can see from the photos, the views were commanding, with some of the houses I passed-by effectively built on cliffs, their garages supported on poles off the pavement with just fresh air underneath.

Coming down was a little bit easier, although locating the pedestrian access down to the seafront was at time a challenge, as the steps were often squeezed between buildings, with some steps being access to a house further down the slope

Back on board again, in the fading light, it was starting to feel like home. 

Smooth seas, fair breeze and getting to know Wellington

Rob Latimer

Chaffers Marina (in Wellington)

Wednesday 22 April 2020

The sleep seemed so brief.  No sooner had I turned out the light, than the six o’clock alarm sounded.  But pretty soon I was working through the list of final tasks – breakfast being one of them

It was around this time that the wind started picking up.  The sound of the passing air through the rigging, after a month in this berth, has refined and calibrated, my sense of wind speed. 

I can now easily distinguish between each end of the scale, from … “I’m glad I’m not out in this” at one end, to … “it’s all motoring today” at the other.    Right now, the wind was sitting at … “mmm, I hope it doesn’t get any stronger”

Keith and Adam arrived spot on 7:30, and there was ample time for Keith to have a cup of tea, and for me to finished off my toast and coffee

The wind remained reasonably light, and from the stern, as I backed out then threaded our way out of the marina and into the channel.  From here we followed the leads, making a perfect exit … down the Porirua channel and then a hard-left turn over the bar and out to sea. 

Passing inside Mana Island, and over what is known as “The Bridge”,  the depth got down to around 6 metres, but with “local knowledge” aboard, Keith and Adam showed no sign of flinching.  Although, that said, Keith did suggest a  slight course alteration to avoid an inshore kelp-bed … which, not surprisingly, showed up on the chart.

Of course, Keith and Adam are predominantly “Motor Boat Men” … so there was always the risk that Chimere’s 6-7 knot average speed might have them reaching for the morning newspaper for excitement. 

Not wanting to make the journey too demanding and strenuous, we avoided the mainsail, and instead unfurled the jib, keeping the motor ticking over in the background at around 1600 revs.   “You don’t mind if I leave the engine running … you happy with the noise?”, I asked them both cheekily, as we started to make our way clear of the harbour.

“That’s alright!” observed Adam, pointing at the chart plotter, as the speed on the dial touched 9 knots. 

By now, the wind had picked up to 15-20 knots and we were rocking along before a relatively small swell of 1-2 metres.

“The outgoing tide runs down the coast here … so we’ve got that with us” said Keith. 

Even so, 9 knots was pretty good.  Particularly with just a jib hoisted – albeit, motor assisted – and even better … Chimere was as steady as a tennis court … once the effect of the north-west wind, against the outgoing tide, in the shallow waters of the harbour-entrance were clear astern.

Further down the coast, we passed a place called Pipinui Point and a local feature known as Boom Rock.  It is here that my father, Bill … and Keith’s father, Ted … as brothers, would camp and explore, back in the 1940s. 

Along with their mates, Bill and Ted would build driftwood huts, make rafts, catch fish and generally “survive” on whatever they could find, for days on end. News at the time – radio and the daily papers – were no-doubt full of war coverage.  First across Europe, then throughout the Pacific.  And as teenage boys, it would have seemed an inevitability, that their turn to participate would eventually arrive – which, fortunately for them, it never did. 

Dad’s old photo album has one shot of him, or it might have been Ted, sitting out on top of Boom Rock.  (I’ll see if I can find it)

I remember back in 1972, Mum and Dad brought us four kids over to New Zealand to … “meet the family” … the New Zealand branch of the family that is – Uncle Ted, Auntie Norma, plus cousins Keith, Pearl, Pam and Judy … plus granddad, who was aged 72. 

At the time we did many of the usual touristy-things, but over a couple of days, Dad and his lifelong mate, George Hardgrave, (who is now 92 years old, refer blog on 6 Feb) took me (an impressionable, 12-year-old-lad), my older brother Andrew, plus George’s son Simon … (refer blog posts in Picton, 6, 7, 8 Feb) hiking over the hills to Pipinui Point and of course, down the final “cliff” to the rocky, drift-wood-stewed shore. 

For dad and George, it was probably 40 years since they’d mucked about on that rugged coast – and yes, in 1972, we made a raft, started building a hut … and we even saw a pod of orcas come close to a small motor boat, a short distance offshore.   It would have been a fun, nostalgic journey back to their youth for dad and George.  For me, it was just further confirmation that New Zealand was a pretty cool place.  A place to which I would return.

Well today … here I was sailing close-past Pipinui Point.  Sadly, no killer whales … but I did try and take a photo of Boom Rock – naturally, a very different perspective on a place and time that dad captured, 75 years ago. (Above)

As our speed hovered close to 10 knots, briefly touching 11 at one point, talk onboard moved to … “how fast can this thing go” …

“Well, our PB is around 12-13 knots I think”, I said.  And after gybing, (bringing the jib across to the starboard side) and altering course to round Cape Terawhiti, our speed just continued to climb as we tightened the sheets; the wind coming in over the port beam. 

No doubt, this is where the tide runs at it’s strongest (marked on the chart as the Karori Rip. 0.75-5.5KTS)  because pretty soon the speed just kept on climbing, eventually hitting 15.2 knots … I’ll type that again … 15.2 KNOTS.  The generally flat sea showing signs of tidal swirling all around us.  And I even managed to catch a photo!  Just look along the top line for the speed – and yes, it was tide-assisted, but we’ll take it.

Once passed Karori Rocks (three different people had warned me about them – including the Harbour Master) and Sinclair Head  we set a course for the Barrett Reef Light and the entrance to Wellington Harbour.

For those with an interest in history, the name Barrett Reef will conjure up images of the inter-island ferry, Wahine, that hit on this very spot during hurricane conditions on 10 April 1968, killing more than 50 people. The disaster was a combination of atrocious weather, as two separate storm collided over Wellington, and “errors of judgement” … to quote from the inquiry at the time.

https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/nzbc-wahine-disaster-1968

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/wahine-wrecked-wellington-harbour

Conditions for us, however, were ideal, with the very quiet Wellington International airport lying off the port side, (in fact, I don’t think I’ve seen a plane flying for two weeks or more) and as we entered the harbour, the seaside suburbs of Seatourn and Miramar.   

By now, what was an outgoing tide from Mana had become an incoming tide at Wellington and so our luck continued as we rode the current home – our new home at least.  We weren’t so fortunately with the wind, however, with the 15 knot breeze down the coast turning into gusts of 30 knots as our necessary course-changes brought it onto the bow.  By now we’d reefed the jib right down to the size of a handkerchief, and with relatively flat seas and the engine continuing to tick over in the back ground we still made good progress.

It was well before 2:00pm that we were tying up in the marina, nearly two hours ahead of schedule, the bustling city of Wellington laid out before us; quite literally at our doorstep … or gangway.  Not that there was really a lot of “bustling” going on, and in keeping with regulations slightly stricter … (or wanting to be seen to be stricter) here than Mana, we were required to don rubber gloves, as well as face masks, to accompany our Hi-Vis vests and lifejackets.    

Special mention at this point, must go to Keith’s wife Christine, who sent a food hamper of an extremely tasty and filling egg and bacon pie, plus a stack of choc-muffins.  They really hit the spot.  I was too slow to take a photo of the pie … but the left-over muffins are still here … if only briefly.

Keith and Adam, having completed their “essential delivery service” of Chimere, were picked up by Uber-wife Christine, and after I’d done the final paperwork for my berth-lease, I was ready for a good lie down. 

Oh, after maybe 30 minutes, in which time we’d secured the mooring lines and Keith and Adam had gone … a guy off a boat, two or three up along the wharf, came and introduced himself … “Hi, I’m Brian, pleased to meet you … I live aboard with my wife and two kids … and just wanted to say, if you need anything, just sing out.  I know you’re going back to Australia, so whenever the wind gets up, I’ll be checking your lines, so don’t worry about that.”

I will certainly be sharing contact details with Brian before I leave on Monday! What a guy.

Having obtained authority from the Harbour Master and the Maritime Police for my brief day-sail, I wasn’t surprised that everyone here at the marina knew in advance of my situation and impending arrival. After all, I was “breaking into” their 4-week “virus-free bubble”, given around 50 people live aboard their boats here. I got a couple of friendly waves as we came in – and of course, my new best-friend Brian ! Just for interest, here’s the email that was sent around to all the “liveaboards” here at Chaffers…

Subject: Vessel Arrival into Chaffers Marina – Wed 22nd April (A pier)
Importance: High
Good afternoon All
Thanks to those who have already reported this to us, and here’s to those who might be interested in knowing…
Today we have had an arrival from Mana.  This is an Australian yacht (Chimere) which you may have read about in the Dom Post recently.  It became stranded in Mana at the start of lockdown at which time the crew flew back to Australia.  The skipper (owner) is also due to fly home to Australia this Saturday (25^th).  This vessel has been cleared by Maritime Police and the Harbour Master (classified as essential travel) to make the journey from Mana to Chaffers Marina, into secure berthage for the next few months until it is possible for its return back to Australia.
The owner will not be using any onshore facilities and has been briefed on lockdown conditions & expectations within the marina.
If anyone has any concerns, please just contact the office.
Kind regards

So I had my lie down, and with an hour to go before sunset, I stirred enough to think … “I really should go for a walk before it’s dark” … which I did.  Making sure to turn on my trusty heater and companion, before stepping ashore.

As the photos show, Chaffers really is close to town.

Smooth seas, fair breeze and Welcome to Wellington

Rob Latimer

PS  And yes, I did write my name on a stone this morning and left it with the others at Mana before we set off.  Now, I’ve got to return!

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Tuesday 21 April 2020

In looking at the calendar, I see that John and I arrived here into Mana, direct from the West Coast town of Westport, on Friday 20^th March … that was exactly one month ago yesterday.  Of course, we all know what’s happened over the past 30 days or so, with life aboard Chimere being a lot quieter and a lot calmer, than originally planned … certainly a major understatement!

So, it’s with a great deal of excitement and anticipation that I face tomorrow’s “relocation task”.  In reality, it’s just a 40 mile hop down the coast.  Untying the mooring lines here … and picking up new mooring lines there.  But a sail is a sail … and any chance to get out on the big BLUE, particularly when the forecast looks so friendly … is one to embrace.

I think Keith and Adam are also looking forward to coming.  I hear that Christine has baked a pie and some muffins for the journey, and I’ve still got plenty of stores stashed away.  So there’s an element of leaving Hobbiton and Middle-Earth – it is New Zealand after all – as we venture forth at day-break on a journey.  I was going to say … “there and back again” …  but there’ll be no coming back from this journey.  Well, at least not until next year, and then not to Mana. Although … who knows?!

It’s also been terrific to have friends Gary and Theresa living so close on shore … just down the road, at the aptly titled, Captain James Cook-ish, suburb of Whitby.   Thank you for all your help, with such a large number of things.  Having missed out on our extended sail together, your names are definitely at the top of the list when bookings open for the 2021 Chimere Cruising Season …

The weather has definitely calmed down a tad over the past 24 hours.  Today it was rather warm, with a gentle north-west wind.  It even encouraged me to knocked out a load of washing.  That, and the fact that I put on “Underpants Number 14” this morning.  Which can only mean one thing in my 2-week wardrobe cycle. 

Now, with everything washed, dried and folded … I can be guaranteed of a clean getaway tomorrow.

Preparations for departure continued onboard – lashing down and tarping the small dinghy, spraying RP7 on anything that moves, sorting out life jackets, sea boots and wet weather gear, plus storing valuables below deck, like the portable Honda generator, for safe keeping. 

Not that tghere’s a lot to do … after all, two weeks ago Chimere was ready to embark on the return leg to Australia, so she’s certainly primed for the tomorrows sail.

Late in the day, after chatting with Keith and Adam on the phone – just confirming final details for tomorrow – it occurred to me that I hadn’t been for my walk today.  Looking up from the computer at the saloon table, I could see a glow over the hill to the west … which could only mean one thing.  If I don’t go now, it’ll be dark in less than 60 minutes.

The tide was well out, as you can see from the photos, and again, it highlights the importance of sticking to the channel; particularly when all the sand and rocks are covered with water to the edge.

I kept looking for the return of the Orcas … but it was obviously not their day.  But onshore, I did chance upon a large driftwood log covered in small rocks.  And on each rock someone – or many people maybe – had written a name or a message. 

I sent a photo to John of a stone emblazoned with the name Stella – being the name of his youngest daughter – and in reply, John asked if I’d written MY name on a stone and left it on the log, given that I’m just about a local now.  It was a nice thought … so maybe I’ll put that on my list of “last minute tasks” … along with returning the key-pass to the gate.

 

      

Smooth seas, fair breeze and last night at Mana

Rob Latimer

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Monday 20 April 2020

After nearly four weeks of “lockdown” … the much anticipated COVID-19 announcement by the New Zealand Prime Minister occurred today.  And as reported earlier this evening …

“Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the level 4 lockdown will continue for one more week with it coming to an end at 11.59pm on Monday April 27. We will then be at level 3 for at least two weeks.”

The following website tries to explain the difference between Level 4 and Level 3 …

https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/covid-19-alert-system/

Under Level 3, people are still being encouraged to limit travel to “essential only”, and remain at home as much as possible.  Just in case you’re interested … on a wider
level …

… early learning centres and schools for children in years 1-10 will be allowed to re-open

… weddings, funerals and tangihanga of up to 10 people will be allowed … but no eating or drinking, and records need to be kept of the people who attended.

… public venues will also remain closed, which include museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, amusement parks, playgrounds and farmers’ markets.

… people must work from home, unless that is not possible and businesses can open premises, but cannot physically interact with customers.

… healthcare services use virtual, non-contact consultations where possible.

… inter-regional travel is highly limited, eg for essential workers, with limited exemptions for others.

As a “foreigner”, I’m allowed a few small travel concessions, even under the current Level 4 restrictions, where it involves connecting with an international flight – to get out of here – I’m sure it’s nothing personal. 

But still, it was comforting to receive a prompt response from the Wellington Harbourmaster, plus confirmation from the Officer in Charge of the Wellington Police Maritime Unit, supporting my request to relocate Chimere from Mana to Chaffers sometime this week.  And I don’t think I’m breaching any confidences by including their responses here:

WELLINGTON HARBOURMASTER RESPONSE

I support your request to move from Mana Marina to Seaview [sp: Chaffers] Marina within the next week with the following conditions:

·       Ensure suitable weather
·       Have adequate assistance on board to make the journey safety and with local knowledge
·       Lodge and close a trip report with Maritime Radio (VHF Ch16)
·       Contact Wellington Harbour radio on vhf ch 14 before entering the harbour and monitor ch14 within the harbour.
·       When you do depart please email that and your eta to all those in this email list.

The NZ Police are in control of movement restrictions at this time so I am supporting your request and passing this to the Maritime Police unit for approval.

Have a safe trip

Regards

SENIOR SARGENT/COASTAL MASTER, OFFICER IN CHARGE WELLINGTON POLICE MARITIME UNIT

Yes I have no problem with this request.

Thanks

So, there you go. 

All my seagulls lined up, with the necessary authority in place to set sail at a time of my choosing.  Naturally, the  travel restrictions imposed by the Mana and Chaffer Marinas will be flexible enough to accommodate written authorisation from those higher up the tree.

My crew for the day, (which I’m scheduling for Wednesday) will be my cousin Keith and Adam; Keith’s extremely helpful friend and boat-service-guy, who was able to locate the permanent berth for me in the first place.  I’ll certainly be able to meet the … “local knowledge” condition with them on board.  I think it was Keith who also suggested, half-jokingly, that we could stop off on the way and dive for a few crays … he knows “some spots”.   Nice idea, but not this time.

Much an’ all as I wanted to continue working on the Chimere Operations Manual, other tasks drew me away today.  There was the peeling and stewing of a bag of apples … bought 4 weeks ago and just a little past their prime.  I had some with ice-cream tonight and they’ve certainly been put to good use now.

In tidying  up, one uncompleted task that has been simmering away in the background since we left Westernport – exactly three months ago this Saturday – is the nav-table stool.  Regular readers will recall that during a quiet time while sailing across the Tasman, I took a saw and hammer to the floor under the nav-table.  The objective being to make more room for my legs, knees and feet (they’re all joined together); in what is ordinarily, a very pokey spot. 

While I was re-modelling the floor, crew member Jim Dunn was assigned the task of resurrecting the stool, using remnants from an old leather seat cushion.  And at the same time, raising the seat up about 6 inches.  

Jim came very close to finishing his assigned duty … all it really needed were a few more calm days at sea. On leaving Chimere in Picton, Jim bequeathed the unfinished seat to a member of the next crew … and so that’s pretty much where it’s sat ever since – in pieces.

But not anymore!!  After an hour or two of concerted sewing, sawing and screwing, plus the incorporation of some “found objects”, the seat is now positioned back where it belongs. The whole combination making the nav table far more comfortable, to be sure.   

Another big task accomplished today was the transfer of the small dinghy off the stern davits, onto the foredeck.  Now, it can be lashed down and covered with tarps, for the nine months it’s expected to sit in the Wellington marina.  The dinghy hanging out the back also makes Chimere longer where it can easily be damaged.  Not that I’m planning on backing into anything … but there’s always the chance that others might run into me.

Having the dinghy in the water, if only briefly, also gave me a chance to bridge the short gap between Chimere and the base of the starboard piles.  This enabled be to attach doubled-up bow and stern lines.  These will be of assistance when get around to undocking, by enabling us to warp the boat a metre or so to the right by hand, before starting the backing-out manoeuvre. 

Due to Chimere’s long keel and turn of the propeller, reversing Chimere in a straight line, for any great distance, is difficult at the best of times.  But with our (delicate) wooden ladder attached to the left side, any extra space we can crib, by pulling ourselves to the right, is a worthwhile investment.

Whilst I didn’t get to work on the Operations Manual, I did take a few extra photos and yesterday I wrote that I thought I’d taken more than 60 photos of different things on board.  Well, I did a quick count tonight and the figure is closer to 190 – plus I know there’s more needed!

Smooth seas, fair breeze and green light from the authorities

Rob Latimer

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 April 2020

Having put aside social-networking – in search of crew members – I suddenly have all this time on my hands!  Who would have thought spending time on Facebook could consume so much of the day …??!!

It’s not that I was making many “Comments”, or “Replies” … and there were only about five sites I was trawlling … not trolling … that’s something quite different apparently.  As every angler knows … Trolling is when you drag a line behind a slowly moving boat. Trawling is trolling with a net.

On one Crew-Finding Facebook site, though, I saw a little symbol next to my name that looked like a star.  It IS a star, how cute …

… and next to it were the words … “Rising Star: You and 3 others have made engaging posts within the first month of joining.”

Wow!  Kind of makes you want to go back for more.  Doh!!  That’s the whole rationale.  Like the upbeat tunes and noises attached to pokie machines … they know how to keep you hooked.    

But like I say, I wasn’t communicating very much on the sites, but there are so many “rabbit burrows” on Facebook and in forum groups.  And pretty soon you’re reading a quirky comment, which leads to checking out what sort of boat they have … then you read some of their sailing-blog from Panama to the Galapagos … then suddenly I get a thought … “oh, I wonder what Deb’s doing now she’s out of Hotel isolation at Crown Towers Hotel in Melbourne” … and from there you see a link to a  3-minute video of baby goats in pajamas I just GOTTA see … (and so do you) https://www.facebook.com/moxiandsass/videos/2333856996653987/?t=63

… and pretty soon, two hours have gone by, you’re making a fourth cup of coffee, eating chocolate two squares at a time, watching a slide presentation titled … “36 Living Actors Over 80 Years Old | Then And Now 2019”. (No link to that, I’m being kind)

But like I say, that’s all behind me. Now I’ve set my sights on flying home, one week from tomorrow.    Well, that’s assuming Air New Zealand don’t cancel the connecting flight again from Wellington to Auckland. 

The “Chimere Operations Manual” is coming along in leaps and bounds, with maybe 60 or more photos taken already to accompany the text.  Everything from winches and wind instruments to switch-panels and fuel caps … nothing will be overlooked … well, at least  that’s the goal.

Being Sunday, I was able to log into our church service back in Ringwood North, and this week, the clever IT and multi-media folk in the congregation even set up a “Coffee Catch-up” afterwards so we could meet … in a manner of speaking. 

Once everyone was logged in, the screen looked a bit like a colourful chess board, full of faces, although in my case with … “you-have-used-over-40GB-so-far-this-month-slow-screen-time”, at least till my plan rolls over on Wednesday, there were more than a few black squares quietly buffering away …

After the initial “group meeting”, we were then directed off into groups of 5 or 6 – selected at random … which was really clever, and a great opportunity to say hello to old friends – not seen for a few months.

My cousin Keith gave me his regular “just checking up” call this afternoon.  I’d been very disciplined, working away on the computer most of the afternoon, (see, no social-networking) typing up details of on-board equipment and recording processes and highlighting areas of risk etc etc – plus racing around taking more photos where necessary – and in chatting with Keith, it occurred to me that I hadn’t been out at all today.  “Well you’ve got 1½ hours before the sun goes down”, observed Keith in his no-nonsense way. 

Soon after, I was off for a stroll, let off my leash for a run … while across the water the sun was beginning to dip behind the nearby hill.   And talk about windy.  I’d been feeling it through the rocking of the boat, and hearing it, from inside the boat.  There’s been a permanent heel of about 3-4 degrees, on account of the wind. When gusts come, we tilt a bit more. Three or four degrees doesn’t sound much, but with the constant hummmm through the rigging, it’s an ever-present reminder again that this is indeed a boat.  

One of the items close to the top of my “Things To Do” list, is clean up aboard Chimere, ready for the 35 mile hop around to Wellington.  Not that it’s a mess, but there’s a range of items in “temporary” positions currently, just waiting to be put back in their rightful home.  

I’ve also started taking a more active interest in weather forecasts as well.  Particularly after Wednesday, when the “Level 4 – Lockdown” is rumoured to be relaxed somewhat.  I’ve already notified the Wellington Harbour Master, who in turn notifies the Maritime Police, of my intentions.  Which shouldn’t meet with any resistance, or issues … but you never know and it’s best to let them know well in advance.

I could just imagine the response and outcry if I simply sailed around to Wellington, unannounced.  Given the number of people stuck in their homes right now.  Combined with the large number of houses with sea views in these parts, and the likely percentage of people who will see us and think … “Hey, they can’t do that !!”

Given all of that, you’d expect a dozen or more people to take the next step and call the police to … “Report an Isolation Breach”. 

Sounds like a good time to slip on yellow or orange flouro vests.  Wear one of those, carrying a clipboard and maybe a shovel, and you can pretty much do anything without being challenged.

On my walk, I had to hold onto my hat … literally … with the north west wind just howling down the channel. 

I passed one woman taking a photo, and I thought, “hey, you’re right” … the sunset and the sea look lovely and even though I’ve photographed it so many times before, (as regular readers will attests) … I got my camera out nonetheless to take a few snaps. 

Well, as I soon discovered, she wasn’t into landscapes … she was there to document the wacky behavior of someone she obviously knew and cared about.  Because she showed concern in helping him up when he hit the grass at speed.  At that point she probably even put her camera aside, and in the process missed the chance for her Youtube video to go viral. A video should would have titled …

“Rollerblade Man speeding on road holding two parachutes in 30 knot gale”.  

That’s “viral” in the OLD, internet sense of the word.  NOT the really old sense of the word. That would be very much like the current way things have gone viral … but I’ll let the photo explain the rest of the bizarre scene. 

Sorry I missed photographing the crash, presumably when his rollerblade hit the grass at the edge of the tar seal … but I did see him get up and consider going back for more.

In closing news, and I’m sure Linda won’t like to read this, but I finally gave up using sticky tape on my spectacle to hold the starboard arm on. That’s my reasonably new (and highly expensive) spectacles. 

In my defense … the restraining cord that Linda recommended, means that I haven’t lost my glasses completely … but a boat can be harsh environment for eyewear.  But fortunately I have a range of repair materials onboard, none better than something called “Forj”. 

The online blurb about Forj reads like a wonder-drug … and I quote:  “Forj is a high strength, lightweight thermoplastic tape-ribbon that molecularly fuses to itself in a matter of seconds. Simply heat, press and repeat to repair tools, create custom grips, fix broken sports equipment and more. Once cooled, the self-bonding plastic hardens, creating a bond as strong as steel.”

I’m here to say the claims on the box are true… although “nearly” as strong as steel might be closer to the truth. Steel after all is pretty strong. But as the above photo shows … the arm on my glasses won’t be coming loose any time soon.

Smooth seas, fair breeze and countdown to departure

Rob Latimer

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Thursday 16 & Friday 17 April 2020

It was an early start, well, at least by recent – time-has-no-meaning-in-isolation – standards.  Having got down to the last slice of bread (okay, one slice and one crust) and the only thing left in the “fresh” category being half a dozen potatoes, I figured it was time to don rubber gloves and brave the New World …  Supermarket … down the road for a few vital supplies.

The early start was to ensure, as best I could, that I wouldn’t be stuck in a long queue – out the door and around the corner.  It was windy, overcast and threatening rain … so I figured 8:30ish on a Friday morning would see me going straight in.

And that’s pretty much how it played out.  There was hardly anyone there.  And despite the almost complets lack of face mask and rubber gloves … even on the staff – sorry, team members – it was spookily normal.  There was one man I briefly took for a masked super-hero, or Mexican bandido, but everyone else – completely normal … or hiding their paranoia very well.    

On my return, dragging my dodgy fully loaded trolly across the gravel I noticed the fisherman had his boat “Tradition” backed up to the seawall and was working on some of his net-dragging-lines, which he’d extended out across the car park.

We’ve got to know each other over the past 4 weeks in a “How ya goin’ “ kind of way.  So I called out as I clunkled over the gravel … “I ran out of ice-cream” … “Beer too, by the sounds of it”, he called back … to which I had to agree. 

“Got something from BOTH food groups … ice-cream AND beer”, I replied

Of course, I ONLY buy the beer, because it comes in a conveniently sized carton, which I place at the bottom of the shopping bag, thereby keeping the bag neatly square and a handy base on which to place all the other groceries … yes, including ice-cream.  If it wasn’t for the beer-carton I’d have to buy 4 ice-cream tubs to achieve the same result.  And that’d just be silly …??!!

I looked at a weather forecast today, and apparently it was cold outside.  Something I have put behind me, now that I have what must be the coziest boat on A-Row.  Whoever invented those column heaters, Mr Goldair probably, was really onto something.  I can see why Jacinta considers them an “Essential Product” .

Air New Zealand called me today … and in these troubled times, thoughts immediately fear the worst … cancelled flight being top of the list.  Anyway, it’s not too bad.  Apparently, the Wellington to Auckland flight on Saturday 25 April – my connecting flight – has been cancelled.  That’s the bad news.  The good news is that there is still a  Wellington to Auckland flight on Monday 27 … just two days later.  What’s more, it also connects with an Auckland to Melbourne flight; one of just two being flown each week currently.

So, my New Zealand vacation will be lasting two days longer.   

In sorting out all the loose ends before flying home, I’m starting to make lists … writing down all the things that need to be done before heading away.  After all, you don’t want to come back to rotten fish at the bottom of a warm freezer, or vegies that were fresh … 9 months ago.

The biggest item on my list, of course, was to find a secure place for Chimere.  It’s been very comfortable and handy here at Mana, particularly with my cousins and friends living in the nearby suburbs.  But unfortunately, long-term, there’s a problem with Mana.  The reason being, that most of the berths here are privately owned, and all the owners of the bigger berths have already got boats in them, or will have within a month or two. 

As mentioned in my last Post, my plan is to return in about 9 months to complete the “unfinished business”, so Chimere needs to be parked where I can be guaranteed longer tenure.

This is where it is definitely an advantage to have someone local.  And my cousin Keith, is about as local and qualified in the boating world as you can get round these parts.  It’s through Keith that I was introduced to Adam, (who fixed our 240 volt water maker pump switches when we arrived) and it’s through Adam that we have been able to secure a permanent berth at another marina over in Wellington Harbour. 

I was familiar with this other marina, Chaffers, because I’d already called them a few weeks ago and was told they were chockers.  Adam, however, knew a bloke, who owned a berth at Chaffers, whose large boat – on which Adam did regular work – was up in Auckland.  Furthermore, Adam knew the boat wasn’t coming back, because it was being sold. 

“Would he like to rent his berth out?” … yes he would.   “Will he need the berth in the next 9-12 months” … no he won’t.  So the deal was done. 

The good thing about Chaffers is that it’s right in the middle of Wellington.  https://www.chaffersmarina.co.nz/  

Right out the front of the national museum of New Zealand …  Te Papa  https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/   In terms of a central location … think “The Rocks” in Sydney, or “Constitution Dock” in Hobart and it’s also just 15 minutes from the airport.

Oh, and it’s pretty much the same cost as the fees I was already paying at Westernport

Now that I’ve set my sights on flying home to Melbourne and ideally, returning to New Zealand in 2021 to pick up where we left off … I’ve given up on looking at crew-finder-sailing-websites … but I can’t leave with out giving you a taste of the Posts, Replies and Comments. 

As you would expect, they cover the full range … from serious thrill-seekers and captain Blighs to tropical tequila sunsets and crew-with-benefits-romance- opportunities … and if nothing else, it proves that boaty-folk are very generous and forthcoming with advice, wisdom and recommendations.

Smooth seas, fair breeze and ‘Twas An Early Start

Rob Latimer

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Wednesday 15 April 2020

There are many life-lessons and everyday things that can be neatly described using a sailing idiom or metaphor. 

We’ve all heard them, maybe used them … Battening down the hatches … Choc a block …  High and dry … Hold your course … Under way … I’ll take it on board … down in the doldrums … sailing too close to the wind … oh, I’ve got lots more…

And of course, there are times when … “Full steam ahead” … is appropriate, and then there are other times when is best to simply … “Ride at anchor” … waiting for things to “blow over”.

One thing for certain, is that if you don’t have a course charted – one of your choosing – whether on a boat, or in life, then pretty soon a course will be imposed.  One that’s a function of wind, tides, currents … whatever … that may well have you in a bad place.  On the rocks … all at sea … or, beached as, bro … see, I told you I had more.

The past few weeks have been a challenging time for everyone.  No more “plain sailing” (ok, I’ll stop with the sailing metaphors now) and of course there’s a sense in which we have all lost control … to the extent that we ever had control I suppose.

In my situation of course, I can’t find a suitable crew, so I’ve been stuck here for roughly four weeks now and will be for the foreseeable future.  Not quite adrift, but …

Fortunately, as I mentioned the other day, I have “Plan B” … which is an airline ticket back to Melbourne.  Two tickets actually … the first from Wellington to Auckland, and the second from Auckland to Melbourne.   Despite the lockdown, there are a few specific travel exemptions that apply to us “foreigners” … which, at the end of the day I suppose I am.  Here’s what the official website says …

International flights: Auckland Airport is urging travellers to stay at home unless they are confirmed to depart from the international terminal within three hours. Only passengers with a valid passport and proof of confirmed ticket booking are permitted to enter the International Terminal.

Domestic flights: Foreign nationals in New Zealand can drive, or take domestic flights, in order to connect with commercial, or chartered, international flights to their home country. Find out more about the specific rules and criteria for domestic travel on the New Zealand Government COVID-19 website or check with your airline to confirm your eligibility to take a domestic flight within New Zealand.

Returning home is only one piece of the puzzle of course.  The other pieces of the puzzle naturally include safe and secure “accommodation” for Chimere, plus a future plan to bring her home sometime in the future. 

And that’s where the current adventure, titled … “NZ2020 – In the wake of Captain Cook”, is being re-envisaged as “NZ2021 – Unfinished Business” … as I set about “charting a new course” … (sorry, I promised didn’t I?!)      

The plan so far (weather AND global pandemic willing of course) will see the next Chimere sailing adventure pick up, pretty much where this one left off – from mid-January 2021. Including more time spent over in the Marlborough Sounds, plus the Nelson and Golden Bay regions.  Then up the east coast again, into Tauranga, plus a lazy time heading up to the Bay of Islands – and an even lazier time once there.  The return to Australia will then start around this time next year.

Early bookings for this … “Cruise of a Lifetime” … are already being taken, with priority given to “carry-over-non-starter-champions” Annette, Martyn and Gary – plus Theresa too maybe??? – with John Land looking as keen-as bro, to step aboard once more.

The plan has already been run past “Domestic High Command” and we have the GREEN LIGHT.   

Having made the decision, the next 10 days will now be spent getting everything in order aboard Chimere for a planned and orderly retreat by me, on the 25 April; a significant date for this sort of manoeuvre, to be sure.   

I’m even quietly looking forward to experiencing two weeks of luxury, city, hotel, self-isolation accommodation, compliments of the Australian Government … although in 10 days’ time they might be putting arrivals up at the North Melton Motor Park … maybe I can book it in advance on Trivago?!   

In other news, my Goldair 7-Fin Oil Column Heater arrived today. YES!!  I ordered it online last week – something known currently as an “Essential Product” – and Gary and Theresa kindly agreed to be my drop-off point for what was described on the Mitre10 website as a … “Contactless Delivery”. 

In placing my order, I considered filling out the “Delivery Address” section with … “Mana Marina … A-Row … End of Pier … Port side railing” … but it’s starting to get cold here in the mornings, and I wanted to eliminate the possibility of delays.

So, not only did ground-crew, Gary and Theresa drop off the heater this afternoon, but Theresa also returned all my (once) dirty washing, neatly dried and folded in two plastic bags.  No cake, beer and magazines today … but hey, is this good service or what?!    Thank you so much!!

Smooth seas, fair breeze and NZ2021 – Unfinished Business

Rob Latimer

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Tuesday 14 April 2020

Five years ago, on 13 March 2015, Tropical Cyclone Pam wreaked havoc on Vanuatu.  The international aid- response was tremendous and it was a proud time, seeing firsthand the timely and substantial response, particularly of Australia and New Zealand.

Of course, back then, there was no global pandemic consuming everyone’s minds – and the media airwaves.  So it’s totally understandable that the arrival of tropical cyclone Harold – all Category 5 of it – has quickly been pushed from the front page … if it was ever there in the first place.

Sitting here, in isolation, you feel so helpless, as stories and images come in of the severe destruction.  This time it’s the southern part of Santo and the island communities to the east of there that have felt the brunt of the hurricane’s force; packing winds of up to 270 km/h  and torrential rain

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Harold

Friends, schools and communities involved with MSM and PCV Health’s, Gudfala Tut Skul partnership have been impacted, and in addition I was following developments through the regular communications with friend and previous MSM sailing volunteer Carl Suddaby.  Like me, Carl was stuck.  In his case it was Port Vila, after going there for his very own wedding in early March.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and with no flights home to Australia, he (and his wife) were making the most of it at the resort.  He even made himself useful by doing maintenance work and laying a concrete floor too from what I could tell – he’s a handy guy.

So it was a great relief late yesterday when he sent me a text …   “Just landed Brisbane care of Australian Airforce. Hope your doing ok.”  Shortly after Carl sent me a few snaps of his “First Class” RAAF Globemaster, backloading stranded Aussies after taking in much needed relief aid.  

To quote World Vision…

Kendra Gates Derousseau, the country director at World Vision in Vanuatu, told the ABC damage she had seen in Luganville and video of Pentecost Island, “indicate that the damage is significantly worse than tropical Cyclone Pam”.  “The body of Harold was smaller than Pam, so the damage is less expansive in terms of numbers of islands, but the islands that were hit — it almost looked like a tornado had ripped through Luganville,” she said.

In addition, New Zealand has also made a significant aid commitment.

To quote Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne, “there would likely be more assistance announced in the coming days.  We are acutely conscious that this comes on top of the impact and difficulties created by COVID-19 for those countries and so our support is all the more important,”

Seeing the assistance provided by Australia and New Zealand, it had me looking back through some of the photos I’ve taken, on the ground in Vanuatu, as a first hand witness.  I put a few together in the following photo, but there was the 2015 Cyclone Pam, the 2017 Ambae Volcano, a Relief Aid flight last year, 2019, as Mike Clarke and I awaited our Virgin flight home, plus of course, Carl’s experience yesterday.  In addition I thought I would include a photo of assistance provide in 1959, sent to me last year by MSM supporter Andrew Jamieson.  The photo originally belonging to his parents Dr Knox and Mrs Shiela Jamieson.

On the “Search For A Crew” front, I’ve spent most of the day answering emails, communicating and social networking … but still, it would seem the chances of finding suitable crew, in the next 7 days or so, is slim.   

The “Comments” on the Stuff “Stranded Aussie” article, continue to be a source of amusement, and you may have noticed one – at the top of yesterday’s “Most Relevant” short-list – from a woman by the name of Margaret Brough.  We met Margaret at Jackson Bay, where John and I dropped anchor on our first night out of Milford Sound. 

As explained in the day’s blog from Monday 16 March, (refer following link) we’d started the day around 4:00am, dropping anchor at Jackson’s Bay close to 4:00 in the afternoon after a solid day’s sail.  https://nz2020.travel.blog/2020/03/16/on-our-way-north/

As you can see in the photo, Margaret can be seen soaking up the serenity under an umbrella, overlooking the sublime vista before us.  It truly was a magical evening.  John even caught a couple of fish! 

At the time, Margaret was intrigued and impressed by the idea of setting out in a yacht to cross the oceans, but her ability to sit there, chatting and working on her iPad – in the face of a solid, relentless, sand fly onslaught, seemed far more impressive to me.

So it was nice to re-connect through the Stuff Facebook page, with our “chatter”, back-and-forth, included here …

Margaret Brough: “I met you at Jackson Bay and had a very interesting conversation with you and your mate. Hope you get home safely after your amazing journey”

Robert Latimer: “Hi Margaret, from memory I think you jokingly said that you didn’t want to hear about us in the news … sorry about that …”

Margaret Brough: “I was very fascinated with what you were telling me about your trip and thought how gutsy it was. And yes I did say I didn’t want to be reading about you……but this news is ok. Shame you didn’t get to cover the North Island and I wish you a safe trip home.”

Margaret Brough: “I watched you guys sail out of beautiful Jackson bay in the early hours. An unforgettable sight.”

Robert Latimer: “Thanks Margaret, that’s very nice of you to say. Hope your self isolation time is being used productively. Thinking back to Jackson Bay, I was amazed you could sit so calmly at that picnic table for so long, given the sand flies!”

Smooth seas, fair breeze and you feel so helpless

Rob Latimer

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Sunday 12 April 2020 &

Monday 13 April 2020

My work on the “Chimere Operations Manual” started early this morning, after a night that could best be described as wild and woolly, with the constant 30-40 knot north west wind and driving rain keeping up throughout the night.

The strong wind was enough to re-activate a couple of flapping halyards, high up the mast, that demanded attention; on two occasions.  The first saw me add another restraining line to the offending halyards, thinking I had enough time to complete the task during the brief gap in the rain.  I didn’t. 

And as the task lingered on for another 60 seconds or so, there came a trade-off point where I had to decide … do I stay here and finish the job and get absolutely drenched, or, do I retreat immediately, stay mildly dry and return wearing a jacket.  

In the end, I retreated, thinking I’d done enough to quell the noise.

Fifteen minutes later, as I snuggled back down into my nice warm bunk, having dried myself with a towel and changed into dry PJs … the wind picked up once more and the … bang … bang … bang … noise started up again.

This time, with jacket tightly zipped, I loosened the halyards completely, untied all the restraining lines, and attached the halyards to a point on the foredeck, before tightening them up again.  This time they were well away from the mast, and sleep came a little easier.

Around mid-morning I had a call from a nice chap, Ben, at the media outlet “Stuff”, to say that they were about to  press the “GO” button on the “Stranded Aussie” story.  Although, when I say … “GO” button, it was probably just a “CLICK” of  a mouse somewhere, maybe in a home study, or converted lounge room somewhere, given so many people are working from home, or where ever they can these days.

Anyway, Ben wanted to know … “has your situation changed at all?”… to which I had to say “no”. 

A few minutes later the news story went live …

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/120893828/man-in-lockdown-on-his-yacht-in-porirua-seeks-return-to-australia?fbclid=IwAR3QsL8UhUaFO-7GZTcSrZxPbjoiKzqwANbIdN_McZ5nGX20whel9h6bdP4

That said, I’m figuring that whilst “Plan A – Sail Home”, is my preferred option, it does have a Use By date, because there are a few additional factors that need to be taken into account … such as,

1). This “new normal” may go on for many, many months – and winter in Wellington is perhaps even colder than Melbourne  

2). Air New Zealand are still running two flights from Auckland to Melbourne each week, but this may stop.

3). Finding crew in the current climate really is a long shot. 

4). If I’m going to be sitting in isolation anywhere, I should probably be doing it at home. 

5). The marina has said that they will accommodate Chimere here, come what may.  (not for free you understand!)

Taking all this into account, I now have a “Plan B – Fly Home” option in the bottom draw, having purchased tickets to fly from Wellington to Melbourne via Auckland on ANZAC Day, 25 April.

In short, if I don’t have a crew within 7 days or so, then I’ll be moving from “Plan A” to “Plan B”

So far, the “Stuff” article has generated some interest, but nothing in the way of signed up crew – yet.  One supportive text I received from a young chap, who lives just down the road apparently, went as follows”

“Hey mate saw the article about you being stuck here in porirua we all hope you are able to make it home soon. But you are safe here in New Zealand and I’m pretty sure that alot of the community would be able to try and help out where they can”

Regular readers will recall me talking about the motor homes and campers nearby on the water front, where “3 days” is the usual, allowed, stopping time.  Well it must be the day for stranded travelers in Porirua, because this article features one of them …

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/120866079/onenight-stop-at-park-becomes-monthlong-stay-on-councils-orders-for-camper

And while I’m featuring Porirua, one of the people who contacted me asked if I’d seen the Orcas … the what??  Orcas??, like, Killer Whales??  At Porirua??

Well knock me down with a wet lettuce leaf … just down the walkway from me … on Saturday while I was slothfully making my way through the day, a pod of killer whales splashed and played off Plimmerton Beach … just a wee stroll down the road.

Here’s another “Stuff” article and even a short video to prove it …

Orcas get up close with locals at Porirua’s Plimmerton Beach

Mandy Te10:48, Apr 12 2020

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/120972889/orcas-get-up-close-with-locals-at-poriruas-plimmerton-beach

Last night, my family back in Australia invited me to join them in a Zoom conference “dinner”… which is always a good sign.  Although, given our time difference, I was well past dessert and into ports and liqueurs by the time we finished.  It was a lot of fun, giving me a chance to chat and catch up on all the latest news

When you think about it, this video conferencing technology is simply amazing.  Particularly when you consider growing up in the 60s and 70s and you recall the popular phrase from the evening news … “We cross now, live via satellite …” As if it was an innovative and expensive breakthrough … which of course it was. 

Fast forward to now, and video-conferencing and “satellite” communications, are treated like gravy on a roast … it’s just … “there”.  No one questions it. It’s just a case of what “flavour”, or App, do we want to use…

As I’m sitting here typing, I received a Messenger text from my cousin, Pearl, saying … “I have just read the comments re your crew [Stuff article]  so funny.  Should I say sorry now for all the dumb Kiwis that have made dumb comments. At least they will give you a laugh”

Well that made me curious … “what comments?” … I replied.    Ah, yes OF COURSE … you don’t have online news-content without online comments … all part of the essential “viewer-engagement experience”, … it’s just that … as we all know, not all viewers  comments are created equally.  There are those that you might call “sensible” and well thought-out, then there are those that … let’s face it, are not.

As Pearl rightly said, it certainly gives you a laugh, and fortunately the Stuff website somehow ranks the comments, of which there were 49 when I looked at the Facebook page just now into “Most Relevant” … of which there were 19, so I can only guess what the other 31 might have been like.

The article had gathered over 50 Emojis, mostly “Thumbs Up”, along with three “Sad”  … which seemed nice … and 9 “HaHa” which seemed … a bit strange really… I’m sure Jacinta would be disappointed at that.

To save you the trouble of having to look the site up, here’s a sample of the comments here…

• Suezanne Rangimarea Sicily Royal: All the best for your journey, may you travel safely back to your family once lock down is done and dusted. I’m sure there are Aussies and keen boaters ready to assist you and themselves home .

• Margaret Brough: I met you at Jackson Bay and had a very interesting conversation with you and your mate. Hope you get home safely after your amazing journey.

• April Tanirau: Some of you didn’t even read the article. Stop being a real Kiwi and have some compassion eggs.

• Hope you get home….

• Cheryl Moeau: People need to read the article…..

• Harin Singh: If you are waiting for wind to pick up I suggest you get a big fan and plug it into the big electric generator on board and off you go. Problem solved. Kiwis ingenuity

• Nic Wooding: Hope he finds his crew and can get back.. sounds like a pretty humble dude.. stop with your judgements and read the article.

• Elly Williams: Unfortunate circumstance. I hope you get to sail home to your wife soon!!

• Sheryllee Edwards: Wtf is he doing here anyway if he lives in oz 😴😴😴😴

• Mihi Wharerau Good luck, phone home ET, SCOMO MIGHT BE ON YOUR FREQUENCY😂😂😁😁

• Faye Carstairs: Sorry you will have to wait till lock down is over you carnt put other people’s life’s at risk so stay where you are you knew how to get on to face book though didn’t you

• Yvonne Dainty: Hope you find someone take care.

• Chris King: I will pay for your fight back for the boat.

• Cole Izet William Peddie: Stuck at Mana Marina, what an awful place to be stuck!

• Hiria Moanaroa: Your on NZ territory we are on lockdown stop being a sook n stay where you are …

• Nannis Tate: It’s a sail boat, so sail it

• Kim Heu: Good luck to that

• Andrew Kitchen 501s. Win win.

• Grace Payne: Any chance you can fly home and return for boat at later stage?

• Reece Rogers Lewis Matthews: you want to sail it back??

… you get the idea.

Mid afternoon today, as I was preparing to have a Skype catch-up with friends Gary and Theresa from just up the road at Whitby, the cord on my iPhone finally died.   It had been temperamental for some time, but today was its day … the phone connection-point end becoming just too worn, the result being no power.

This was definitely a problem, because without the cord, I couldn’t connect to my laptop and the inter-web. I couldn’t even charge the phone … which goes flat pretty quickly when used constantly.  What to do? 

It took just a quick call to cousin Keith, who handed the phone to Mark, (his sister Pam’s, husband), who found a spare cord in a matter of minutes.  Keith then drove it down to the marina a short time later.  Just fantastic.  Particularly when I consider the limited options before me.   Of all the spare parts aboard this boat … that’s one “mission-critical” spare I had never thought to pack.   

While I’m on the topic of incredibly helpful, Theresa popped down with Gary this afternoon to take away a bag of washing, while leaving behind some extremely tasty carrot cake, plus a bottle of boutique beer I’d never seen before.   Thank you so much!

Despite the overnight rain, the day remained mostly sunny, although the wind kept up its howling.  Reminding me that, at the end of the day, this really is a sail boat I’m sitting in, not an apartment-by-the-sea.

Smooth seas, fair breeze and shaking the tree harder

Rob Latimer

Mana Marina (near Wellington)

Good Friday 10 April 2020 &

Saturday 11 April 2020

This would have to be the quietest Easter Week-End on record.  That’s my assessment, based on the lack of activity here and around the country at what would otherwise be a time of family fun and school holiday activity – the last out-door hurrah, before the early signs of winter start appearing in earnest.    

Catching up on bits of online news, here and there, it’s good to read that most people are continuing to self-isolate … resisting the urge to escape to the beach, the bush, holiday house, or anywhere really.  Apparently, the police have taken to setting up road blocks and in some parts it’s felt there might be more police and media on the roads at the moment than actual motorists.

I understand the police have been pretty good natured about it, as any viewer of the NZ TV series, Motorway Patrol will know  https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/motorway-patrol  issuing mostly warnings and “go homes” … but it’s always good to hear some of the excuses from motorists:

“I’m going to the supermarket” … when everyone knows on Good Friday they were closed

“Going up north for a surf, bro” … quite a few of these apparently

“Off to walk my dog” … 20 minutes drive from their home

Which are a little different to some of the excuses offered for Speeding in the past … according to the NZ Police …

Crash driver: ‘I was looking at a rainbow.’

Clocked at 131kmh: ‘I gotta get home. My home D starts at 7.’

Speedster clocked at 119kmh: ‘My shoe wasn’t on properly and when I lifted my foot up, it stayed on the pedal; I had to pass that car in front of me or I would’ve crashed into it!”

Speedster running up his driveway: ‘I need to take a sh– (throws his wallet at police).’ 

Speedster: “The car just kept going faster and faster and if I used the brake pedal, I would lose control.”

Police: “Sir, Is there any reason for your speed?”   Driver: “My wife’s gone into labour and we’re rushing to the hospital.” Police: “Sir, you’re alone in the vehicle.” Driver: “Shit! I left her at home.”

“I was going to run out of gas.”

Police: “Did you not see the checkpoint?” Driver: “No, sorry, I was looking at my phone.”

After attending the online Good Friday church service at North Ringwood (Melbourne) yesterday, the rest of the day was spent working on the computer and “social conferencing” with friends and family.  I was even able to link in with my New Zealand Latimer family via a Zoom “conference” session … with cousins, Keith, Pearl, Pam and Judy and their families – who mostly live nearby.

It was a lively session, as dogs, cats, kids and grown-ups rotated through the 5 or 6 screen-locations – each person reporting in on their news and activities.  Whilst I know my first cousins, it was really good to be able to put a face to the other names the next two generations down – all part of my “New Zealand Clan” … who I’m keen to get to know better.

Due to all my uploading of video and screen time over the past two weeks, one problem I’ve encountered is that my “Unlimited Data Plan” is … technically “unlimited” … but in reality, when you exceed 40GB for the month, it slows down … quite a bit really … which meant I didn’t always hear what everyone said in the family conference, and it stopped and started a few times.  So now I’m mostly using the audio function.  At least until the plan’s monthly rollover in about 12 day’s time.

Since there has been very little to report from my little “bubble” … it’s been fun to look back over the voyage so far … before it came to a grinding hold when it hit the “brick wall”, of our new reality on the 20th March; the day John and I arrived here at Mana

Would you believe that on this day two months ago, friends Dean, Sandy and their daughter Samantha … also a friend … woke up to their first morning aboard Chimere, in the one-and-only … Ship Cove. 

They’d traveled from Melbourne and we were just starting the Picton to Akaroa leg; having officially checked into New Zealand six days earlier on the 5^th February.  https://nz2020.travel.blog/2020/02/11/cloudy-bay-really-is-cloudy/

The 11^th February 2020 seems a lifetime away … from where we sit here and now on the 11^th April … but every few days I look again at the short film Dean produced of that stage; the link being at the top of this website. 

It brings it all back again!  Great memories

Looking just one month back, on the 11^th March 2020 … it is, however, a very different story. 

On that day we were heading north along the Fiordland coast, bound for Alice Falls anchorage in George Sound.  And what should we spy off our port side … not one, but two cruise ships on their way south … the Ruby Princess and the Silver Muse.  Not only could we see them on our chart plotter, as large AIS images, but we could also see them over the calm seas, little more than 5-7 miles away. I even tried to take a photo.

https://nz2020.travel.blog/2020/03/11/another-day-another-fiord/

They say that two weeks is a long time in politics.  Well, the two weeks since the 11^th March would have to be the longest and most devastating 14 days in the cruise ship industry’s history.   

As it turns out, that very Ruby Princess, which passed us by so gracefully in the sun on the 11th March, has now been implicated in spreading the COVID-19 virus to more than 600 people – across New Zealand and Australia, plus the deaths of at least 15 people.  Just a tragic set of circumstances, that is likely to play-out for some time to come. 

It certainly puts in sharp focus the captain’s ultimate duty-of-care, over their vessel, and all who sail in her … and that includes those onshore who might be infected on account of passengers being released prematurely.

Check out the following links for more of the sad details …

https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/120967482/the-illfated-journey-of-cruise-ship-the-ruby-princess

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/10/ruby-princess-battle-begins-to-hold-someone-accountable-for-cruise-ship-coronavirus-debacle

https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/ru-ruby-princess/

Between social networking and chatting on sailing forums, work on the production of the “Chimere Operations Manual” continues.  Set to become Chimere’s, and my, Magnus Opus … it’s a document that has been near-on 14 years in the making. Many of the components have already been written.  I have them on the computer hard drive, it’s now a case of bringing it all together and maintaining the momentum. I at least have the time now … so there can’t be any excuses.

In trying to clarify the different self-isolation procedures between the Australian Border Force and the Department of Health (Vic), I put up a brief Post on an international cruising forum, and whether it’s the interest in the topic, the fact that so many people have so much time on their hands – or maybe a combination of both – I’m currently up to 1,414 “Views” and have 19 “Replies”. 

Some replies, grant it, were so far off my original question … “Has anyone out there cleared into Melbourne and have firsthand experience of the self-isolation regulation enforcement in Victoria, for yachts and small craft” …  that if I was a teacher marking their assignments, I could really only give points for effort, and empathy … not content.  There was certainly a lot of content, it’s just that it related to pretty much every place except Victoria.   But there are certainly a lot of yachties sitting at anchor, on a mooring, or in a marina berth, twiddling their thumbs and making new “To Do” lists … and tapped into sailing forums, like me.     

I’ve had a few people ask about dad’s, and his brother Ted’s, 1947 Milford adventure and having mastered the art of uploading video to You tube, without breaking the internet, I can include the link here if you’re interested …

Late today, as the setting sun shot a beam of light through the starboard saloon window, straight into my eyes, at pretty much the same time it did yesterday (and the day before), it occurred to me … I need to get up and block that window.  Next, thing that occurred to me was … “I haven’t been outside today and I need to go for a walk”.

That’s how I took the following photos.  It’s pretty much the same scenes from the photos I’ve taken several times before, but with slightly different lighting. 

With the new video editing skills I’ve been learning, of course, I now know how to alter the colouring and contrast of photos.  Which basically means I can simply re-colour old photos and pass them off as new shots, taken today. 

But of course, the bonus in going outside for a walk, is that I get some exercise … which is even more important now that my supply of chocolate has been taking a pounding.  After all, you can’t just have a coffee on its own …

Smooth seas, fair breeze and Easter at Mana

Rob Latimer