Friday 23 July 2021 

370 Miles WSW of Cape Reinga (NZ)

The highlight of today – after spying the occasional spouting whale in the distance over the past couple of days – was most definitely the arrival of at least three whales, (which we assume are humpback – but we can’t be totally sure – refer to identification chart below) right next to us.

One even escorting us for a few minutes, its light-coloured markings clearing visible a couple of metres below the waves as it glided along. Then, as it surfaced for air, the unmistakeable outward blow of air accompanied by a spout of spray high into the air, and the inward gush as it drew in breath once more. 

Clearly, they weren’t aware of the “Proximity to Boats” rule, with one animal coming in at right angles on the port bow, then diving below and out of the way as Harm called from the cockpit … “will I change course?”. This particular fellow re-surfaced on the starboard side, taking a few more glances at us as it moped along, then diving out of sight. 

At the time, Matt was asleep in his bunk but soon joined Harm, Sam and I, crowding the side-deck, excitedly gawking into the nearby sea, virtually willing the leviathan to take another breath; all the while seemingly holding our own collective breaths in anticipation. When I say, “we were excited” … there’s clearly a visible 1-10 scale by which can be measured … Sam, peaking-out at a score of 11, us older and more-measured folk … Matt, Harm and me, coming in at maybe an 8 or a 9.  

To paraphrase a Monty Python sketch from years ago … “a whale is like a big jam doughnut with cream on top … its arrival gives us pleasure and its departure merely makes us hungry for more…”  

We naturally took lots of photos and video … the best of the photos will be uploaded when we get back in dock; or within internet range. 

Speaking of being back in dock, we’ve now travelled 400 (direct) miles from Opua with around 800 miles to the eastern edge of Bass Strait, then a further 200 miles to Hastings in Westernport. How many miles we end up, actually travelling, will depend largely on the direction and strength of the wind.  

At the moment, well, at least since early this morning, we have virtually no wind. The rolly remnant-swell-of-a-sea has us moving this way and that, the engine pushing us along at around 5 knots. The sails have been stowed away, their flogging not only makes a dreadful racket, but also shortens their life; along with the expensive ball-bearing-filled “cars” that run the mainsail up the metal mast track. 

Having no wind, for a time, was all in the long-range forecast, and according to Matt’s optimal track-model, we are pretty much where we should be. From here, there should be a bit more motoring till later tonight, when a north east breeze develops; building into a stronger force – in the 25-35 knot range – over the following 36 hours. That takes us into the early hours of Sunday when a cold front, accompanied by a westerly blow is expected to dominate.  

This is when we head south, taking the wind on our starboard side, down to the approximate latitude of Bass Strait … roughly 39 degrees South. From here we’ll take our lead from the forecasts at the time, with the option of gaining shelter in the lee of Flinders Island if necessary; never stepping ashore of course … we can only do that legally once we finally dock at Westernport. 

Well, that’s probably more weather-talk than you needed or expected … but next to the topics of food, sleep and who’s next on watch … weather, and our chosen course … are right up there; probably at the top of the list, if truth be told, as they have a big bearing on the others. 

For those who’ve been trying to find us on the Tracker Link … sorry for the recent (further) break in transmission. Yesterday, it was our chart plotter – renamed HAL – (if you don’t know who “HAL” is, just ask Siri. Better still, repeatedly ask Siri to … “open the pod-bay doors HAL” … and hear her response) that was creating interference with transmission. Today it was the actual location of the Iridium device. It seems there are times in the day when it’s location Velcroed just above the nav table doesn’t secure a GPS signal. Hopefully, all is now better! 

We have just witnessed another wonderful sunset on the bow … a suitable book-end to the glorious sunrise on the stern not more than 11 hours ago. Thinking of the all the electronic gear on board … if it decides to close down, or is brought under HAL’s control and used against us, then so long as we keep the sunsets at the front and the sunrises at the back, we can’t go too far wrong. Pretty much … exactly … the reverse of when we sailed to New Zealand in January last year. 

As for this morning’s sunrise, I really wish I could upload the photos. As sunrises go, this was one of your real beauts. Totally golden and almost glowing with the clearly round ball of the sun resembling a hydrogen bomb at the point of ignition.  

Some people might be aware of the website … www.marinetraffic.com … basically, it’s a site that shows all major vessels, around the world, live, on the one map – probably around 100,000 vessels. They are all divided up into coloured icons … dark blue for cruise ships, red for tankers, green for cargo ships, and pink, (or is it light red) for “pleasure vessels” such as yachts and motor boats. The data from each vessel is gathered via a thing called “AIS”, or Automatic Identification System, which is transmitted and received through the VHF radio.  

Not only can you see the vessels displayed on the Marine Traffic website, but each vessel should also be able to view others in close proximity, on their Chart Plotter. It helps when maintaining a watch, because it gives advanced warning of who else is out here.  

Last night for example, there was a small triangle shape on our screen and on further investigation it revealed a “No Named” boat doing 12 knots, travelling in the exact opposite direction to us – parallel to us – but just 15 miles to our north. So far, we haven’t seen any other boats or ships out here, and we didn’t even see the nav lights of this one, but it’s certainly a good reminder why we maintain a 24-hour watch, because after all, not all vessels have AIS, or like a lot of fishing boats, they don’t seem to have it turned on. It’s a case of definitely looking out for their lights  

If you want to find Chimere on the Marine Traffic website, you can do a search, which will mostly find us if we are in port, or close to the coast. While we are out at sea you need to subscribe to the “Satellite Version” to view our data online. Alternatively, you could just go to the world map on the website and zoom into the Tasman Sea, roughly 1/3 the way between New Zealand’s North Cape and the Victorian border. There you’ll see a little pink dot … with no vessel details (unless you’ve paid) … that’s us. Trust me, there are few to no other “Pleasure Craft” out here.  

Harm has just asked the all-important question … “what does everyone want for dinner?” … so it’s time for me to sign off. As for the answer … “anything you cook Harm!” 

Smooth seas, fair breeze and a whale escort 

Rob Latimer

Thursday 22 July 2021 

As if to make up for yesterday’s grey, overcast performance, today, the Good Lord blessed us with a glorious sunrise off the stern and almost constant sunshine all day. It was accompanied by a wind shift to the south west, causing us to dip our course to the south for a time. Now that we’re back on course and have resumed our west-ish ways, our track resembles something Mr Squiggle might consider … “a shark’s fin … Miss Pat…” “Hurry up, hurry up” … that was Blackboard … sorry, you had to be there.  

Back to the sunshine … there was also a reasonable amount of settled sea today. Although this did vary through the day, strangely, from well-timed and predictable swells we rode up and down, to a smaller lumpier seas that we could easily cut through. As the day got underway, Harm emerged from a refreshing 3 hour sleep, around 9:00, and I had another bowl of last night’s “4-Can Bean Ensemble”.  

Matt, who seems to have a remarkable ability to stay awake through the night restored his batteries with a seriously good sleep – for a few hours in the cockpit bench-bunk, then in his cabin proper.  

Making good use of the sunshine off the starboard side Sam even indulged in a (cold) shower on deck. It was initially going to be on the port side, using the short curly hose. But the difference in temperatures from the sunny side, to the shady side was significant, so I dug out the longer hose that would reach from the port freshwater outlet across. 

The clothesline, up near the mast, got a workout with a combination of the breeze and sunbeams clearing away the accumulated wetness from the previous day or so. Harm got stuck into some cooking and declared around lunchtime … “I’ve made a tuna, chickpea, capsicum and corn YumYum meal for lunch and have now pre-made tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch – and probably tomorrow’s dinner. Now, I’m going to start baking some bread” … what a guy!!  

I’ve just been handed a bowl of “Veggie Bake”, topped with a delicious creamy sauce and enlivened with a few sprinkles of Tabasco Sauce. It’s just been reheated in the galley oven by Harm and is delicious. Have I mentioned I do a very good vegemite on toast?! 

Sam is in the cockpit on watch currently. It’s about 8:00pm as I peck away at the computer, wedged into the Nav-station. The motion of the boat is a bit on the lumpy side, and the wind has got up. Time to turn off the engine, which has been ticking away at 1200 RPM, in the background, just to give us a bit of extra push-through. In fact, this is another squall. Wind is up to 25-30 knots.

Can’t see them coming in the dark. Time to ease the main sheet to spill some wind – fortunately, it already has two reefs in – still over-powered, next step … reduce the size of the jib – make it smaller – Matt lets off the sheet, while I winch on the furling line. Pretty soon the speed comes off – down from 8knots to 6-7 knots, our heel is reduced and the steady, loping motion – controlled motion – is restored. Back to the nav table to resume pecking away … 

Harm is braced into the galley, using the hip-high galley seatbelt restrainer, getting his bread into the oven. Never a dull moment here as we prepare for our fourth night at sea. 

It’s close to a full moon now and it’s as bright as … bro. You can clearly see the deck, the sails, and the glistening sea as it glides by.  
The weather forecast from yesterday said the wind would move to the south, which it has done. You really notice the drop in temperature, even from the previous south wester. There was also a predicted lull, or trough, which we motored through in the late afternoon. Whilst it was calm aboard, all around us on the horizon, rising clouds lit white and a dozen shades of grey, then golden and pink, by the lowering sun encircled us.  

Columns of rain and the occasional rainbow could be seen descending from some systems, creating a show that had us all on foredeck for over an hour – till after the sun had well disappeared – just gawking at this magical and unique display. The cold finally had us retreating to the warmth of the cockpit and saloon below.  

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday – after the big squall from the night before – is that the wind arrow at the top of the mast, often referred to as a “hawk”, or “windex” blew away. The static side-bits, indicating 30 degrees port and starboard of our centreline, are still in place, but the incredibly useful indicator-arrow, that points to where the wind is coming from, is simply NOT there. 

Despite having electronic wind speed and direction instruments, (which are still working fine) instinctively I still find myself looking to the top of the mast as an indicator when setting the sails, or simply checking on wind direction … now, it’s like that broken clock, or the missing clock, that you still glance at, only to realise once more … “well that was pointless” … a replacement will have to wait for another day.  

While typing, the wind has once more died off to 10 knots or so, with our trusty Perkins called on to fill the breech … giving us back 6 knots of speed, at low revs, with minimal use of fuel. 

Earlier today I received a message from Linda to say that the Tracker wasn’t working … that no position had been received since yesterday. “That’s strange??” I thought, as I dipped into my rather limited understanding of how these things operate. Checking the IridiumGO! unit I could see that it was still transmitting our position every 5 minutes … but somehow it wasn’t appearing on the tracker website. Time to call on a higher power in such matters … 

“Matt … do you know why our tracker isn’t working?” I innocently inquired. To cut a long story short, and to minimise embarrassment … in downloading weather forecasts on his iPad, the “Destination Address” for the tracker had been inadvertently, and unintentionally I should add, deleted. A few Satphone texts later and harmony aboard had been restored. 

Fast forward to half an hour ago … and in closing off tonight’s blog I was checking our Iridium GO! Connection prior to sending a Sat-email. “That’s funny … no connection???” Maybe I could send a manual SMS of our location … “No GPS Location Found” … came the message … “That’s weird??”  
Plus, to make things worse, I couldn’t log onto the Iridium App on my iPhone … that means no text messages, no phone calls, no email, no weather forecasts and no GPS Tracker … bummer …  

“Matttt??” … I innocently inquired … “I seem to be having problems with the Iridium … are you connected?” 
“No, I can’t connect at the moment, there seems to be a problem” came the reply.  

I’ll save you the diagnostic discussion and the process of eliminating all conceivable possibilities … but then the call went up … NOT by me I dare say … “Maybe the Raymarine Chartplotter has connected to the Iridium unit via wifi?” 
“Say what???” says I … “who told it to do that??” 

Five minutes later, after Matt had searched through the chart plotter’s many Menus and Sub-Menus he announced … “Yep, the Raymarine has connected to the Iridium, which is blocking everything else” 

“How did you know it was the chart plotter???” I asked Matt and Harm 

Harm replied … “Decades of troubleshooting these sorts of things gives you a sixth sense”  

Suffice to say, Matt “Disabled” HAL’s, sorry, the chart plotter’s ability to connect with the Iridium  

It’s now rather late, but we are still loping along with a good forecast predicted for the next day or so, with the wind moving to the north east … not bad when you are heading south west 

Smooth seas, fair breeze and sunshine and sea views 

Rob Latimer 

Wednesday 21 July 2021

200 Miles west of Cape Reinga

It seems hard to believe we are two days down and going into our third night

On the UP-side, we have had the wind mostly going our way and the seas, whilst in the 3-4 metre range are not on the bow, but more from the beam or stern quarter. This makes for a rolly kind of action, with a permanent heal to port, (which is great for sleeping my bunk) with the NW wind of around 20 knots coming in over the starboard side. Our course is currently SW – as you should be able to view on the Tracker – which is roughly the direction of southern Australia – that’s what my Jacaranda Atlas says anyway.

On the DOWN-side, there was no sun today. No patches of blue, no real shadows as such. Just a multi-grey-shaded sea – with lots of foamy white bits – under a multi-grey-shaded sky. Another “Down” has been a progression of “squalls” which seem to have found us in their path – or deliberately lined us up more the point. The worst of these was at 3:00am this morning. I know because I was just about to come on watch and the commotion from the cockpit suggested urgent action was required.

I could already pick something was afoot, by the sounds of the boat, the speed through the water and the din of incessant rain, which sounded like hail, on the deck.

On reaching the cockpit, it was clear action was required, and quick. Sam, who had been asleep in the starboard cockpit bench-bunk described it later … “It was like the fire brigade had turned up and all of a sudden you were all doing stuff to put out the fire.”

We’d put a “preventative reef” in the mainsail at dusk, but it was clear, with winds now around 35 knots and our speed over 9 knots, another reef was essential. Next the jib was wound in most of the way, and the small staysail brought in altogether. – requiring an excursion up to the foredeck for Harm and me.

It was certainly an intense 20 minutes or so, not to mention wet. Wet from above, wet from the side and wet from pretty much every angle. 
Soon enough Chimere was back under control, while the lashing rain and building seas kept up their performance outside. Inside our snug and zipped up cockpit, life resumed in a kind-of gentlemanly manner. We all agreed it was an exciting time, but the animated way Sam described it, suggested he was up for some more of it! 

By now it was around 3:30am, and I stayed on watch, with Harm, Matt and Sam retreating below to get some much-needed rest – as for me, I’d been warm in my bunk for the previous 6 hours or so – luxury – so I had some “sleep-in-the-bank” from which to draw.

Whilst we never actually saw the sun, light returned once more with the dawn, Harm took over my watch, and then all four of us set about managing the sails and conditions throughout the day. 

At one point a very grey and threatening set of clouds developed astern which Matt was convinced … “… it’s going that we, we’re going this way … it won’t hit us”. Being generally an optimist, I was happy to go with his summation, but unfortunately, whilst that cell – which had lightening and thunder in it – didn’t clobber us, the next one a bit further west did. This time it was in daylight, which certainly makes for an improvement. We had also left the double reef in the mainsail – which was a blessing – and so the biggest task was bringing in the jib.

Distance covered over the past 24 hours has been around 190 miles, which is very impressive for Chimere, (an average close to 8kts) and at last count we have approximately 317 miles behind us.

On the food side of things … there’s been lots of vegemite on toast consumed. And Harm’s tasty pasta dish from two days ago was finally polished off around lunchtime. I’m thinking it might be crackers and cheese for dinner. 

The current weather forecast is for the wind to swing to the south, and lighten off, with Matt’s tracking model being updated to ensure we make the best time, but with minimal discomfort. 

Thanks again everyone for your interest and encouragement. It’s a shame I can’t add photos at this time, they will have to wait. 

Smooth seas, fair breeze and ups and downs

Rob Latimer 

PS Just as I was about to click SEND on tonight’s blog, bright yellow, brilliant light shone low through the saloon port holes, illuminating the wood panel at my head … SUN!! SUN!! We all reached for our cameras, making our way on deck. The Sam yelled out “WHALE … Two o’clock on the bow”. And sure enough the unmistakeable spray of their breathing could be seen illuminated in the distant light. A lovely end to the day!

Tuesday 20 July 2021

25 miles north of The Three Kings Islands

The official proceedings yesterday at the NZ Customs Office in Opua were friendly, yet professional. We each presented our passports, filled out our respective departure forms, there was the “Vessel Master’s” declaration and the Ship’s Registration document to sight, along with the yellow Temporary Import Exemption form I received in February last year (in Picton) on arrival … in return we received our “Certificate of Clearance”, duly stamped “New Zealand Customs Service, 19 JUL 2021, Opua” 

This, most important of forms – which will be the first the Australian authorities will ask for on arrival – goes on to say that “Robert Latimer …being the person in charge of the above named craft has complied with the provisions of section 37 of the Customs and Excise Act 2018, and is hereby granted this Certificate of Clearance from New Zealand” … cool!

In the notes below there are two small points, the first explains …”you are required to depart immediately for your next overseas port as specified in the certificate (that being Westernport VIC). You are not to go to any other place in New Zealand. Every person who commits an offence against this requirement is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a fine not exceeding $15,000”

Leaving the customs office, we all then headed to the marina café for a final celebratory coffee – which might have turned out to be a very expensive indulgence if … “any other place in New Zealand” … was to be taken literally – before stepping aboard and heading on our way.

Given there were only 5 hours of sunlight left in the day, and my initial plan was to “ease everyone into the voyage”, there was a thought we might anchor in a sheltered bay up the coast around 5:00pm, then head out to sea seriously the next morning. As things turned out, a combination of favourable sailing conditions, and the reminder at the desk back in Opua that we must proceed on our way and not stop, or anchor anywhere, meant that we set our course for Australia immediately upon clearing the Heads. 

It was great to see Linda there on the Paihia wharf to wave us on our way. If all has gone to plan, then Linda will be home in Melbourne by now!! Her flight from Keriekeri to Auckland left around 6:00am this morning (requiring a 4:30am taxi pickup from her motel) and despite the current lockdown situation in Melbourne, at last report her Air New Zealand flight home was still running as scheduled. 

Once I crank up the IridiumGo satphone device, later today, I’m sure there’ll be news from home to report.

Linda returning safely home, and Chimere (finally) under sail and heading the same way, certainly marks the end … or at least the beginning of the end, of our “4 month” New Zealand holiday, that started in January 2020. It’s certainly packed more than we could ever have imagined!!

Sailing through the night – our first night at sea – has really turned out to be the best thing. We’ve just clocked over our first 24 hours, a run of around 140 miles – roughly 6 knots average speed. The wind was steady from the south west at around 15-20 knots and although the sea was a bit lumpy, very little came on deck; always a good thing. The moon glistened on the sails and the sea early on, then once it sank below the horizon in shades of yellow and orange in the early hours, phosphorescent beads of light illuminated our spray and wake. 

Harm prepared a very tasty vegetable noodle sauce “ensemble” dish in the big pot, last night, which made a microwaved-reheated-lunch-reappearance for some, and another form of reappearance for others, but that’s to be expected on the first day … even Captain Cook and Lord Nelson suffered the same … we just don’t talk about it … sorry, just broke that rule.

Despite the beauty of night-sailing, there’s something very special about sunrise. The promise of a new day and a closed door on the darkness of the night. Unusual noises, creaks and the sound of flapping aboard, seem to present less of an immediate threat when illuminated by the light of the day. 

And as the sun rose on our first day out on the “serious” water together, we were past North Cape, making good time on the course Matt had set for us. 
Early on in the evening – last night – Matt was considering a tack into the shore, before again proceeding north. But in the end we kept way out, maybe 20 or more miles out at one point, where we benefitted from the stronger wind. And as it turned out, we were progressively able to adjust our course, curving off in a more north west direction – our preferred course – as time went by 

It’s now approaching sunset number two at sea, and we are about 25 miles north of the Three Kings Islands. The wind has moved around to the north west, enabling us to set a comfortable south-west-ish course – roughly in the direction of Hobart. The wind has died off to around 12 knots and with lumpy seas still, we have the engine quietly ticking over in the background, giving us a handy speed over 7 knots most of the time.

We are due to download another weather forecast soon, which will help us decide any likely course changes and whether we feel confident leaving all sails up through the night. 

Right now, there’s a bit of sleeping going on, with Sam in charge in the cockpit. We are defrosting some frozen chicken because Harm – head of the Chimere Catering Sub-committee – proposed a Chicken Korma and rice dish, with matching white wine – no, I made that bit up about the wine – which we ae all looking forward to!

Smooth seas, fair breeze and a dream start

Rob Latimer 

PS Just received a satphone text … Linda arrived home safely!

Monday 19 July 2021

The day started with a glorious sunrise and after clearing customs around 10:30, we had one last coffee at the cafe and went aboard. 

Oh, only after paying my last invoice at the Marina office, it was then a case of backing out of our berth for the last time and heading out into channel past Opua  and on to Paihia    It was here that Linda was spending the last couple days resting up, as tomorrow she flys home to Melbourne having spent about four weeks here in New Zealand

Standing at the end of the Paihia wharf Linda took some photos of us doing a drive-by.  On Board, there were no ‘Costa Concordia’ distractions, just a straight course and soon enough we were heading out onto the big blue with Paihia falling astern. 

The wind was steady from the west and the sea reasonably flat, making for good times for what is expected to be an 11 day voyage.

As we headed out to sea, a steady swell came in from the north west.   Matt and Harm worked hard to trim the sails gaining maximum speed from the brisk conditions – around 7 knots without the engine.

Life aboard hasn’t yet developed steady routines. But the initial excitement has dissipated and we are enjoying what Matt describes as ‘champagne’ sailing.

I’m making best use of the last bit of coastal Internet and so will sign off now until tomorrow thanks again everyone for your interest and best wishes see you again soon.

Smooth seas fair breeze and finally underway 

Rob Latimer 

Sunday 18 July 2021

GOOD NEWS!!! … We have our much-anticipated Quarantine Exemption from the Victorian Health Department … with the following email being received today …

Dear Rob,

I just wanted to let you know that the Deputy CHO has approved the exemptions for you and your three crew – subject of course to negative testing on arrival.

Formal notification of this advice will come later today.

I knew that you would be sweating on it so thought I would drop you a quick e-mail.

Cheers

COVID-19 Determinations Unit
Compliance & Enforcement Branch | Engagement & Delivery Division

COVID-19 Response | Department of Health

To say we are all delighted, is a major understatement.  There is tremendous excitement aboard, as we attend to the final tasks – mostly lashing things down properly – and there are definitely a few people in the Victorian Health Department who will be added to my Christmas Card list this year.

After nearly a week onboard, making ourselves as useful as possible, preparing for departure, but not knowing when, or indeed IF, we would be able to sail … life on Chimere was starting to resemble the confines of a Big Brother Household.   

We weren’t quite hunting for hidden cameras, or hoarding private stashes of muesli bars and chocolate, but the “social experiment” was definitely in the early stages.

Rather than the viewers at home choosing which candidate to “vote off” … the ticking clock was doing the job for them.  As every day passed, the allocated “window of opportunity” was closing for each of us, and it’s no secret that we were all in the early stages of planning our respective “exit strategies”. 

For me, there was of course, the added dimension of … “what do you do with a yacht??” … in the event that I couldn’t sail home … this time around.   Groundhog Day once more.

But, we have now broken out of our “loop”, tomorrow we will be able to untie our lines for the last time and set a course home.  I just like saying it … I still don’t think it’s fully sunk in!!

Some people have asked about this daily NZ2020 blog while we are out at sea; will it continue.    

Well, if all goes to plan, I should be able to send a daily message out using the IridiumGO satellite communications device; the one I was – very fortunately – able to have repaired while in Tauranga.  Thank you, Mike Clarke, for agreeing to upload my (hopefully daily) email to the website!! 

Unfortunately, I don’t have a way of sending photos, (via satellite) but these I’ll add once I get back in range of 4-Bars – close to the coast of Australia.  In the meantime you’ll be able to follow us on the Tracker      The link to the tracker is at the top of the NZ2020 website

Once we get under way, the voyage across the Tasman and through Bass Strait, is expected to take around 11 days, and whilst we’ll try and maintain a straight line, much like the voyage across in January last year … in reality, we don’t expect to be able to do that this time. 

There’s a rough rule of thumb, actually, very rough, about sailing back to Australia [from New Zealand] and it’s something like … “sail north for three days, then hang a left” …

Thankfully, we’ve been able to refine the “rough rule of thumb” a little bit, well, Matt has actually … because he came aboard with just about every techno-toy know to man … or at least sailor-man…and woman of course … and he’s linked his gear into the IridiumGo weather downloads to create an optimal course from North Cape to Westernport … or at least the eastern edge of Victoria.     

After running his model, Matt comes up with a future sail plan … actually, about 6 sail plans, all using slightly different source material … which then either correlate … or diverge by either a little, or a lot.  Then as we travel along, receiving each day’s forecast, the model is updated to possibly adjust our course.

Our key criteria – for selecting an optimal course – are … avoid strong head winds, avoid big seas on the bow, maximise the points of sail Chimere likes best (off the beam and on the stern quarter) and maximise comfort.

Based on the current weather forecast, the last model I saw on Matt’s iPad went something like … “sail north for three days, then hang a left” …  no, just kidding … there were a lot more wiggles in the line than that, and Matt’s experience in this area will be a terrific asset.

Speaking of Matt, we were just putting some stuff away, under the floor in his cabin and also in the “Bunnings” workshop cabin, and as I lifted the floor panel Matt inquired as he passed … “keep an eye out for that lens that popped out of my glasses while you’re there” …  

Matt was half joking because the other day, just a day or so after he came aboard, he accidently rolled on his prescription glasses while getting out of his bunk, only to have one of the lenses pop out and absolutely disappear.  At the time three of us searched extensively, under the floor panels, between them, down in the bilge under the floor panels, beside and under the mattress, all through Matt’s clothes and bedding. It seemed impossible that we couldn’t find the lense.

So, after putting the tins of paint and other containers away, I grabbed a very bright light, lifted all the other floor panels and had one last search.  Under Matt’s bunk I quickly noticed a 5mm gap between the wall panel and a piece of cedar beading, that was loose at one end where a fastening screw had come out.  I pulled on the loose end and a small sound … just like a small piece of glass falling on steel … could be heard from below the level of the floor, down near the bilge.  What could it be ??  “Matt, I’ve found your lens!!!” I called out, while retrieving the precious little thing from the depths.  

Understandably, Matt’s delight was EXTREME – almost as extreme as Sam’s excitement when we got the news that our Quarantine Exemption had been approved – and quite apart from saving him $600 in getting a new lens, Matt can now see more clearly, not having to rely on old glasses from an old prescription … oh, the joys of old age. 

In other news today … being Sunday, I was actually able to attend church at the North Ringwood Uniting Church in Melbourne … online of course … which was great, and while it was pouring with rain (again) I made good use of my time inside.

If fact I was inside all day, and grabbed 20 minutes at the end of the day to wander down the dock to see the extremely large, fancy and expensive small private ship that tied up yesterday. 

From what the lads gleaned while chatting with the Customs guys yesterday, the ship’s just come in from Tahiti, and everyone onboard (and we counted six crew polishing and fussing) is being COVID tested and will go into quarantine … I wonder if that will be at the local “Travel Lodge” or onboard?!?  The ships name is MiMi … and you can check it out HERE

That’s about all for today.  We hope to have some internet for tomorrow somewhere, then once we round North Cape and Cape Reinga communications will be via the satphone

Sincere thanks to everyone for your best wishes and encouragement!! 

Smooth seas, fair breeze and we sail tomorrow!

Rob Latimer

Saturday 17 July 2021

Today’s constant wind and rain had us fully kitted up in our wet weather gear for our tiki-tour of Russell.  As expected the Happy Boat from Paihia was cancelled due to the rough conditions, but to the rescue came a tour bus, which left Paihia at the same time as the ferry, but instead, travelled over the hill to Opua – our part of the world – and onto the car ferry for the short hop across the inlet to the road on the other side.  From there it was just a 10 minute ride to Russell.

“Can we catch the bus here in Opua, when it goes onto the car ferry?”  I asked the lady when I rang the booking office?

“I don’t see a reason why not?” came the reply   “Is that a yes?”, I inquired further.  To which the helpful lady took my phone number and promised to call me back with the answer.

Meanwhile Sam, Harm and I made our way to the local car ferry – Matt deciding to stay in camp – watched the bus drive aboard, and so WE did likewise – paying our $1 for the trip across. 

Sam then chatted with the driver through the window of his bus and got the reply … “Sure … just wait till the other cars are off the ferry and then I’ll open my door and you can climb in”

So it was that we made our way into Russell, the rain and wind continuing all the time.  Strolling around Russell we soon fell upon the museum, where we spent a good hour or more, studying the many exhibits depicting significant events and features of the area.

From here it was onto the Duke of Marlborough … where we indulged ourselves in a wonderful lunch, amid the décor and “vibe” of an establishment with a history back to 1827 – it seemed like a museum in itself.  Of course 1827 isn’t a long time ago if you hail from the UK or Europe – but significantly early round these parts.

As we sat down to lunch, my phone rang … the, by now familiar and very authentic, “QUACK, QUACK, QUACK”–  ring tone played out … “I wonder who that could be?”  I thought …

It was the lady from the ferry booking office … “Oh, she’s ringing to tell me that we CAN catch the bus on the car ferry…”, I assumed … but no …

“Hi Robert, I understand you’ve made it to Russell … just calling to let you know that the ferries are running again from 3:00pm, but the last shuttlebus bus back to Paihia, via Opua, will be leaving Russell at 2:05” 

“Wow”, I thought … that’s service above and beyond !  How thoughtful. Harm was equally taken aback by the call, just shaking his head in disbelief that someone would ring and be so helpful.

In the end, after a wonderful lunch, Sam decided to walk the 10km or so back to Opua – spending another $1 to catch the car ferry the last step of the way.  Harm and I took the Russell to Paihia ferry – NOT the Happy Ferry, it was still too rough for that small boat.

On arrival in Paihia, Harm got a chance to meet my ever-tolerant wife Linda, and then decided to walk back to Opua, around the coastal track – in an effort to clock up a few more fitness-steps.

With Linda still hold-up in Paihia, recuperating, it was great to have the opportunity to catch up … and it was comforting to see Linda feeling so well.

Linda gave me a tour of the local “sites of interest” … the library, the doctor’s clinic, the 4-Square supermarket, and the address of the earlier, before moving to the Bounty Motel.

Linda has even joined the local library and has the card to prove it

My return to Opua, around 5:00pm,  was via taxi … walking 5 or 10 km in full wet weather gear and gum books NOT being part of my “regime”. Around this time the Big Man above turned OFF the wind and rain “taps”.  And within the space of, maybe 10 minutes, shadows appeared, the low light of the setting sun shone yellow through the clouds and patches of blue began to dominate the sky

On arrival back at the marina, who should be walking across the car park was Harm, trying to raise Matt on the phone to come and open the gate.  About an hour later, Sam stepped aboard  and once again our jolly gang were back together once more.

Checking my emails for any news from Vic Health on our Quarantine Exemption Application, I was pleased to receive a request for further information and clarification from a manager in a department titled … COVID-19 determinations Unit, Compliance & Enforcement Branch | Engagement & Delivery Division, COVID-19 Response | Department of Health

The VicHealth inquiry immediately became our highest collective priority, with evidence of flights, COVID tests, personal addresses, passports, and travel movements – being sent via return email. 

Again, the good news is that we haven’t received a NO … with the extra information sent, hopefully satisfying them of any concerns they might have.

The long range weather forecast appear to be turning in our favour … let’s hope we can take advantage of it soon!

Smooth seas, fair breeze and time to play tourists  

Rob Latimer

Friday 16 July 2021

It’s a little off-topic – in regards to a sailing adventure that is – but today was a very special day.  It marks the day on which James, WAS to have had his PhD graduation ceremony at the Australian National University (ANU).  Flowing robes, floppy cap, tassels, portrait photos and stand-up-finger-food – the full nine yards. 

Given the current COVID lockdown, however, the ceremony ended up being cancelled … but it doesn’t alter the fact that James has the official piece of paper as evidence of his incredible hard work and persistence … over years. 

In lieu of the official ANU ceremony, James was treated to a custom, home-based, ‘alternative’ ceremony officiated over by his partner Eva.  The six minute video-memento of the event featured introductory speech, congratulatory presentation and obligatory handshake, coupled with a most unexpected kiss on the lips from the officiating “Dean”.

There were even the empty chairs for missing family – Linda, Rob, Matt and Cathy – plus an opportunity for all present (two) to participate in photos and snacks at the conclusion.

Well done Eva, on marking the occasion in such a special and meaningful way!  

Linda and I are extremely proud of James … in all that he does.  The way he conducts himself – his compassion, integrity and persistence – again, well done James!

Meanwhile, just down the road in Paihia … Linda sends a postcard from her time of recovery and relaxation …

“This morning it was Back to my favourite couch, tucked in the bay window of the Paihai public library. I had my morning chat with the librarian – and told her about our son receiving his doctorate today.

Congratulations Dr James Latimer.

I then entered the main room and alas someone is on my couch and they are listening out loud to an iPad!!!!!!! The sign on door clearly said internet access outside Only.!!!!

I begrudgingly sat on the other couch, put my earplugs in (the foam noise blocking type) and proceeded to continue my journey with “the clockmaker’s daughter”. Not happy Jan!

Luckily this other library visitor left after a short while and things were restored to normality!!!! Yeah!

It had struck me as strange that free internet access was ONLY outside the library. After chatting further with the librarian, I discovered that in non-Covid times – 18 months or more ago – this sleepy little coastal town was visited in one season by up to 64 cruise ships. That’s thousands of people.

As it turns out, the Internet on cruise ships is extremely expensive but the Internet at the library is free. As a result, the librarian was often faced with the situation where thousands of people surrounded the library all trying to use the free Wi-Fi … hence the INTERNET OUTSIDE rule!!!!!!!

Observing all the different types of people visiting the library has also provided lots of entertainment. It is a must for all those who are locals to have a catch-up chat with the librarian and this includes local dogs! There is something about being welcomed by a friendly face when you arrive and I am very grateful for this as my visit to the library is the highlight in my day.

We have agreed to get someone to take our photo together on Monday as a memento of my visit to Paihai.  Fortunately, I’m starting to feel much better and should be good to fly home to Melbourne on Tuesday.

Back on Chimere, we are still waiting to learn whether or not we are to receive a VicHealth Quarantine Exemption.  No doubt, there’s a long queue ahead of us, but in the meantime we are trying to make good use of our time.

This included repairing one of the ball-bearing filled, sail track “cars”, that takes the mainsail up and down the mast, plus the fitting of a new, manual toilet pump, in the second head along with new O-rings in the basin taps. 

We were on a fix-it roll, and to top it off Matt and Harm, who are regular IT and techno-junkies have got the satellite weather system humming.    

They even linked the IridiumGo devise up to an external antenna I had fitted to the stern years ago, but rarely used.  Then there’s the HF radio – which again, I have rarely used – which Harm started playing with and managed to access radio weather forecasts from Australia; although from a distance it sounded like aliens were landing in the cockpit.

Meanwhile, after a couple of perfect days, the weather has come in very blowy … so, even if we were able to leave, we’d probably be sitting in a bay somewhere waiting for things to calm down a bit.  Where possible, we do try to avoid pain and misery … despite what you might have seen on Youtube sailing videos

Sam did wonders with dinner tonight, after a gentle (at least for him) walk (although I’m sure he must have run) to Paihia and back this afternoon. 

It’s at least an hour there and another hour back … which I think was very impressive.  Anyway, to ward off the risk of everyone going stir-crazy, I heard the guys talking about walking to Paihia to catch the Happy Boat across to Russell tomorrow.  So, we’ll see what happens.  (I’d vote for a taxi) I might even be able to spend the afternoon in the Paihia library with my dear wife Linda – so long as I keep my voice down and don’t access the free WiFi …

At the moment, the howling wind is back in the rigging and we are rocking from side to side, despite being in the marina.  I’m sure there are more things to fix and repair onboard, but the list is mercifully getting shorter!

Smooth seas, fair breeze and making good use of our time

Rob Latimer

Thursday 15 July 2021

After getting to bed close to 3am for the last few nights, this morning was a serious sleep-in, with few signs of life onboard till after 10:00am.   

The weather was once again stable and sunny, and even warm for a few hours in the middle of the day, but it looks like we are in for a bit of a blow over the next few days, which I suspect we’ll be experiencing from here at the marina as we continue to await a response to our hotel exemption application.

Meanwhile, in other news, Linda is feeling much better and has booked her flight home to Melbourne for Tuesday next week.  She is still staying in Paihia, and yesterday actually took a photo of a yacht anchored off Paihia which looked very much like Chimere … before becoming aware that it actually WAS us doing our grocery shopping for our intended voyage home to Australia.

Today, Linda had an outing … catching the Happy Ferry across to the small town of Russell – New Zealand’s first national capital.  As you can see from the photos, it really is an historic place, dating from the 1830s

After sleeping in to around 10:00am, which is really only 8:00am in Melbourne of course, I spent much of the day sitting at a computer sending and replying to emails – NZ Customs, Australian Borderforce, Australian Quarantine, Customs Agents, Victorian Health Department … feels like there were more organisations.  But at the moment, everything hangs on us obtaining a “Quarantine Exemption” from the Victorian Health Department through a unit called the … Compliance & Enforcement Branch | Engagement & Delivery Division. 

Despite everything, I still have a degree of optimism about the final decision – that it will come down in our favour.  Maybe that optimism will prove to be mis-placed, after all, I still go fishing yet catch very few fish … but based on common sense and the simple facts of our case, you have to conclude that we present NO extra COVID risk to the State of Victoria, or Australia. But sadly, as you get older you come to realise that whoever coined the phrase “commonsense” was probably being ironic.

But, there’s always got to be a Plan B, or maybe even a Plan C and D, because if we don’t get a favourable decision, my crew – and me – will need to reassess the whole idea of sailing back to Australia. 

We might have been able to allocated 2-3 weeks for this sailing voyage, but to top that off with 2 weeks in hotel quarantine on arrival, at our own expense, is a bridge too far.  Particularly when logic suggests we’d have more chance of actually contracting COVID in hotel quarantine than from being at sea for two weeks – talk about the ultimate isolation!

The rest of today, the guys just, how you say … “chilled” … reading and watching videos on an iPad in the Marina Lounge, having a coffee at the local café or going for walks along the waterfront.  I even had a shower … which I suppose isn’t really news, but there’s a strategic element to spending $2 on a 5-minute shower that is worth relating.

It might derive from a sense of feeling “institutionalised” – working within other people’s systems and being part of a big marina’s “service delivery offering” … and when it comes to an “extra”, like hot water, your mind starts to find loopholes, workarounds and ways to beat the system. 

I was immediately aware of this the first time I washed my hands in the basin.  “That’s funny” I thought … “you have to pay $2 for a shower, and yet here we are with free hot water in the handbasin”. 

Trouble was, the water only ran for about 10 seconds after every push of the tap’s knob.  Any thought of arbitraging the system by way of a 5-metre hose from the basin to the shower were quickly discounted by the automated, press button tap.

Then Linda, with her long flowing hair, came back from the showers the other day complaining … “That’s NOT a 5 minute shower, you’re lucky if you get 3 minutes.  The first two minutes it’s cold water until the hot water comes through”.   As you can appreciate, Linda needs a lot of water to soap and rinse her hair, whereas me … not so …

Then, the next day Linda observed another woman in the shower … NOT exactly IN the shower, they have doors now … no, more in preparation FOR a shower.  “She brought her OWN basin” related Linda … and then she filled it up from the hand basin, then used that in the shower to wash and rinse her hair”

So, the arbitrage solution was a bowl, NOT a hose … I knew it !!??  

I don’t think Linda actually took a basin herself the next time, but some people have been stuck here, living on their yachts for over a year now – unable to leave and unable to go anywhere, or come back if they do – so any “win” against a system is one to take.

After spending a few extra days touring around, James and Eva flew back to Melbourne today, on their way to Canberra – talk about good timing!  Again. 

So hopefully with the current lockdown in Victoria they are still able to find their way home to the ACT – I know going the other way would definitely be a no-no; ACT having joined NSW as the latest … pariah states.

As for tomorrow, I’m hopeful of having something positive to report, because the ever-important “weather window” is looking very good for a departure on Monday.  But, I’ve given up holding my breath, otherwise I’d definitely be blue in the face by now.  

Smooth seas, fair breeze and still treading water

Rob Latimer

Wednesday 14 July 2021

We remain in limbo-land, with tomorrow morning’s New Zealand Customs appointment – to clear us out of the country and wave us on our way –  being cancelled, by me. Perhaps it was optimism, perhaps it was wishful thinking, perhaps … perhaps …

At the moment, everything hangs on us obtaining a Quarantine Exemption from the Victorian State Health Authority.  The thought that we would be off and on our way tomorrow was good while it lasted, as we continued with preparation tasks aboard.

On the weather-side of things, today was just beautiful – no shortage of sunshine, and as Sam was finishing off the sewing on the cockpit covers, he was heard to cry … “Has anyone got any sunscreen?”

I have continued to contact various Australian Authorities, in an effort to fulfil the usual entry obligations, specifically Borderforce, Australian Quarantine and my Insurance Company, oh, and State Health, of course, but, again, everything comes down to the quarantine exemption and permission to enter Victoria.

No doubt, headlines like this aren’t helping the cause …

Covid-19: Kiwis in Victoria concerned about bubble pause should ‘get home ASAP’

… and whilst it’s just routine, receiving emails like this don’t exactly boost morale …

Hi Robert,

Just heard back from the Determinations Team.  As this is an unusual request that will have to go through Public Health Assessment, they are not confident they will have the response to you by tomorrow.

They are working on all the requests that have come through as quick as possible, however they advised that as your request only came in last night, they do not believe they will be able to assess and complete prior to your scheduled departure tomorrow.

Please advise,

At least they haven’t said no – yet?!  And let’s face it, crews from container ships, tankers and cargo vessels come and go everyday through our ports under the Maritime Protocols … it just so happens I’m NOT commercial.  My boat isn’t over 50 metres in length and I’m not running a business (or a racket) … I’m just a private citizen wishing to travel from one Green Zone to another Green Zone, Simples! Too easy … apparently NOT.

In other, happier news, we ticked off a few essential tasks today – in anticipation of the NZ Customs Clearance Booking we’d arranged for tomorrow morning (which I’m not talking about anymore – at least right now), such as …

… topping up the diesel tanks … yep, that’s right, we backed out of our berth and went for a drive. 

It was a great sort of water-driving-day and after travelling about 250 metres, out of the marina, then back in again at another point … we tied up to the fuel dock with its own self-serve pump.  This took about 45 minutes, not to mention $700, with around 450 litres going into the forward tanks; accounting for much of what we had used from Wellington to here in the past couple of months.

Despite the shortness of the journey, everyone was excited to be under a moving deck once more – Sam jumping up and down at one point, while waving his arms around, in a gesture that could, from a distance, be confused for something else … like perhaps, “I’ve been stung be a wasp” … or, “there’s a snake in my boot” … less likely round these parts of course.

From “diesel-food” for the engine, to “food-food” for the crew, after getting away from the fuel dock – all good practise for when we finally clear NZ Customs and head off to Australia – sorry, I promised I wouldn’t mention that – it was onto Paihia, where we anchored a short distance off shore; passing the spot where my glasses – both pairs of prescription glasses lie at the bottom of the sea – but we’re not going there either; at least emotionally!.

Once off Paihia, down where the road heads inland, and close to the Waitangi region, it was a simple case of running ashore in the dinghy, then walking the 400 metres, or so, up the hill to the large Countdown Supermarket.  Then wheeling a trolley full to overflowing back down the hill – oh, and then taking the trolley back again. 

Our dinghy landing was also close to a service station that was able to fill an empty gas bottle for me, and within a couple of hours we were up-anchoring to catch the last hour of daylight – sailing.  That’s right, sailing, with the sails. 

This was a chance for everyone to gain some familiarity with how things worked, particularly when tacking or gybing and also upwind, then downwind again – or was it the other way around? 

Soon enough we were watching the sun go down and I suppose it was inevitable, given we were trying to pack so much into the day, that we returned in the dark – but this too, was a good exercise in getting familiar with Chimere’s ways.   

Fortunately, it was still and calm when we returned to our berth … darkness AND a tricky wind, might have been  a stretch too far in making a safe landing. As it was, it was a textbook tie-up. But as Harm pointed out, “if it HAD been blowy, we probably wouldn’t have gone out, or stayed out after dark” – good points!

Right now, it’s time for sleep.  Tomorrow, we’ll continue to prepare aboard, all the while waiting for our much needed “Quarantine Exemption”

Smooth seas, fair breeze and waiting for quarantine exemption

Rob Latimer