Ready for the 2013/14 sailing season

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I left the tradewinds of the tropics behind at the end of August and headed south back to the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Light winds along the way meant a rather slow trip, but the pace has certainly picked up since then. Preparations for the new charter season began almost as soon as Freewind was back on her mooring in Matauwhi Bay, Russell. A few charters with beautiful weather hailed the start of the season, then I took two weeks’ break to lift Freewind out of the water and do the annual maintenance work in the boatyard at Opua. Freewind went back into the water with a fresh coat of paint on her hull and looking as bright and smart as she did on her launching day. She also passed the annual NZ Maritime Safety inspection with flying colours, as always, so now we’re all good and ready for summer sailing and fun in the sun.		Freewind at the Opua boatyard after a fresh coat of paint

Sailing among the tall ships		The sailing ship Europa from Holland anchored at Roberton Island, the Bay of Islands

In October, the sailing community in the Bay of Islands had the privilege to welcome a most impressive fleet of tall ships that arrived from Sydney. It was a sight that had not been witnessed in the Bay since the sailing-ship days of the 1800s. For me - and I’m sure that for those who were on board Freewind on that day – sailing alongside these beautiful queens of the sea was an amazing experience. The traditional Maori welcome the crews received in Russell was also a most memorable event, and we hope that with the fond memories they have of the Bay of Islands, the ships will stop here again on their next round-the-world tour.

So far this season, I’ve been going out with a small number of guests on each charter and playing the role of skipper, crew and cook all in one. But as the weather warms up and more tourists arrive in the Bay of Islands, we are expecting the numbers to increase and I’m looking forward to having my crew back on board - my two daughters Eleanor and Melanie who take turns as First Mate on Freewind during their summer holidays from school and university. We are all looking forward to a great season of sailing in the sunny Bay of Islands. If you want to get away from the crowds on Christmas day or New Year’s Eve, or any other day for that matter – come and explore the untouched islands, bays and beaches of the Bay of Islands with us. Call 0800 002244 for trip details and reservations, or see www.sailbayofislands.com		First mate Eleanor at the wheel – Freewind, Bay of Islands

Back in the South Pacific

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It’s time for my Fiji report once again.

As temperatures plummeted in New Zealand, it was time to head north to warmer waters. After the season’s charters finished, I spent a few weeks getting Freewind ready for the ocean passage, and in mid-June we left New Zealand, with the wind from the south-west and Freewind’s bow pointing north. After a few days of good progress, the wind changed to the north, which left us with a choice of sailing either east or west. With Minerva Reef only 200 miles to the northeast, I was happy to change my itinerary and head towards Minerva. However, the weather wasn’t co-operating, as the ship’s log attests:

 

Still battling strong northerlies 25-30 knots, started last night, looking forward to more favourable conditions  (June 19, 09:00)
In damage control mode at the moment, wind gusting 40+, fully reefed, might have to hove to.  (June 19, 12:00)

But then it all came right, the wind died, the waves abated, and I spotted Minerva Reef on the horizon: 

Just dropped anchored in North Minerva and all the frustrations of the last week have vanished .
What a amazing place, 60 feet of water and you can see the bottom so clear.
Will write more later. Shower, food, and sleep for me now.   (June 20, 09:00)

Sunrise on the way to Fiji		North Minerva Reef, 230 37′ S, 178 056′ W, Satellite photo and chart

After a relaxing few days in Minerva Reef, I headed north-west to Fiji, and on this leg of the trip I had a passenger – a Blue-footed Booby that must have been blown to Minerva in a storm and was waiting for a ride back to Fiji. As soon as he realised that I was heading the right way, he decided to make himself at home on Freewind and stayed until we were back in his home territory, about 80 miles from land. then he became very restless and was off and away, heading straight ahead of Freewind’s bow – a good check on my navigation. It must have great navigation skills, or maybe it just picked up the stench from his rookery.

 

My friend the Blue-footed Booby
 

Back in Savusavu, it was good to meet up with my friends and catch up on all that’s happened since I left last year. Fiji – the land and the people - are as welcoming as ever, and you always get that warm feeling, not only in body but in your heart, as you slip into “tropical mode”.
 

Last week, to supplement all the fresh tropical fruit and produce from the local market I dined on Marlin for a few days. Australians John and Steve on a charter with Terry and Trevina of SeaRov caught a whopping marlin. Unfortunately, it was tangled in the line and was dead when they got it on board, so couldn’t tag and release. The catch was shared with half the town, so nothing was wasted and everyone ate well.

No, I didn’t catch this one, just helping to haul it up before it was cut up and shared among the people of the town.

 

Next month I plan to sail up to Wallis Island, a tiny island a few days’ sail north of Fiji. It’s a French territory, so I better brush up my French, and then it’ll be time to head back south to New Zealand to prepare for the 2013/14 charter season in the Bay of Islands.

Until then, it’s Bula Vinaka and Mocé, from Ron and Freewind.