S/V Blue Dawn of Sark: Circumnavigation I & II: SailBlogs

Prince William

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:16:23 -0600

We had the nice surprise to glimpse at Prince William during his Royal visit of New Zealand. He entered the Maritime Museum only meters from our boat and then went for a sail on the Team New Zealand yacht across from Blue Dawn! We even got a smile...he must have recognized some British pride in Geoff's eyes! (Continued...)

Auckland

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:00:02 -0600

2010 is starting amazingly! Friends, fun and the big city...but it is only the beginning I awoke this morning finding a lovely poem celebrating our good old Blue Dawn on the website. Thank you so much Bruce for that beautiful ode but you know what, you will be expected to make a new one every year now! (Continued...)

Christmas Cruise

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:44:50 -0600

We are departing today for a two weeks exploration of the coast and islands between the Bay of Islands and Auckland. Today Roberton island where we intend to climb to the summit. We are anchored in the exact same spot as Captain Cook, that's quite incredible. I cannot wait for tonight as you can apparently hear the Kiwi birds here, according to one of our local friend 's tip, so thank you Ray & Gaye. Next day we will be off to Urupukapuka for the 5 hours archaeological walk around the island. We will head South for few days in Whangaruru, Great Barrier Island, Waiheke before taking our marina at the Hobson West marina in the Viaduct Basin. Happy Christmas to all of you. (View Post...)

Blue Dawn arrived in New Zealand just before the Gale

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:59:49 -0600

Opua welcomed us on a windy morning, customs and officials met us on the quarantine dock, they checked the boat after giving us presents and brochures! First taste of New Zealand rather good! We had decided to anchor by the little town of Paihia, great spot as we can reach either lovely quaint Russel, the Haruru waterfall, the Waitangi Grounds or Paihia. All the fun is nearly overwhelming, so much to see and do! The days are flying by having a good time so I apologise for being so slack with the website. (View Post...)

Sailing towards New Zealand

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

We are still motor-sailing at 5 knots, we know we are getting a bit closer; it's overcast and colder. It's putting us in the mood for NZ! We should be getting a stronger West to North-West wind soon which we were waiting for to speed us towards our destination. WooHoo... Everything good on board except for the fact that the plate at the head of the sail broke!! It was quite something too see the full main coming down but we were lucky that we were sailing to weather in very light wind. We have hooked up a strong spectra rope to take us to Nz and if this gives there is always the drill to make new eyes to attach the halyard to. Geoff had to go to the top of the mast to retrieve the halyard and was tossed like a puppet, very scary, he is so courageous! His legs were bleeding when he reached deck again... Unbelievable the strengh of these sails, I was holding the halyard while Geoff was fixing the plate and it lifted me off the deck? (View Post...)