Yesterday, I spent the day sailing on Gungha II, a 65-foot steel-hull, hard-chine sloop. When I sailed to New Zealand from Tonga in 2012, it was on Gungha, the boat previously owned by Mike and Deb that they sold to Pete, who lives on the South Island. A photo of Gungha hangs in the salon of Gungha II.
The sailing here is so exquisite. Secluded harbors, turquoise waters, stingrays, playful dolphins...one could easily spend an entire season exploring this bay.
Waewaetorea Island is predator-free. You can go ashore and hike the narrow grassy trails, but you have to go barefoot.
A nice swim to and from the boat. That's Gungha II on the left.
Mike, the captain of Gungha II. Thanks for a lovely day!
Somewhere around 12 knots of boat speed. Pretty fast for a monohull.
Back on land in Paihia.