I've arrived in Plimmerton, NZ, just outside of Wellington, after several days of sailing with new friends, Marg and Simon on their Rustler 42. This was the last leg of a 1 1/2 year trip from the U.K. We sailed from Opua in the Bay of Islands, up around Cape Reinga, and down the west coast of the North Island.
Sailing the Tasman Sea is a tricky way to go because there basically are no stopping points on the west coast. We had a perfect tail wind and several days of gorgeous sailing. The problem was that we went too fast and came around the southwest before the gale had a chance to move through.
We hugged the shoreline overnight, traveling up and down, to avoid the worst of the strong winds and rough seas. In the early morning, we resumed our travels south, passing the volcanic island of Kaputi.
When we reached Mana Island, our destination, we were escorted by playful dolphins. We are now safely at dock, greeted by Marg's family with a bottle of champagne. Thank you both for a wonderful, memorable trip!
Mare's tails and fish scales, expect a gale.
Being followed by an albatross off Kapupti
I had to tether myself to the boat to keep from jumping in with them.
Back on land. (at least for a week or two)