s/v Barefoot

Lavranos 43

30 May 2018 | Savusavu, Vanua Levu
27 May 2017 | Marsden Cove
23 November 2016 | New Caledonia
22 September 2016 | Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
13 September 2016 | Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
10 September 2016 | New Caledonia
25 August 2016 | Queensland, Australia
11 February 2016 | Tasmania, Australia
07 February 2016 | Bass Strait, Tasmania
24 December 2015 | South Stradbroke Island, Gold Coast, Queensland
06 October 2015 | Whitsunday Islands
25 September 2015 | Cape Gloucester, North Queensland
10 September 2015 | Cid Harbour, Whitsunday Islands
28 August 2015 | Mackay, North Queensland
16 August 2015 | Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
28 June 2015 | Jacob's Well, Main Channel, Gold Coast, Queensland
16 June 2015 | Cronulla, Port Hacking, NSW, Australia
13 June 2015 | Port Hacking, NSW, Australia
11 June 2015 | Huskisson, Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia
08 June 2015 | Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Au

New Zealand to Fiji

30 May 2018 | Savusavu, Vanua Levu
Ros
Barefoot set sail from Marsden Cove, NZ for Fiji on 17th May, 2018. The 12 day passage was longer than usual, due to 3 days of calms, and later 'heaving too' for a further 2 days to let some nasty weather pass by Fiji, ahead of us.

Rather than motor in the calms for three days, we enjoyed the magical Pacific like we'd never seen it before. There are a few photos in the gallery.

Barefoot cleared into Savusavu, on the island of Vanua Levu in NE Fiji on 30th May, after a slow but pleasant passage.

New Zealand

27 May 2017 | Marsden Cove
Ros
photo: An Antarctic leopard seal visits Marsden Cove

Yes, the Barefoot crew managed to drag themselves away from the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia before cyclone season. After a gentle passage, we arrived at Marsden Cove, near Whangarei on the North Island on 1st December 2017.

We enjoyed a beautiful New Zealand summer, with a break to visit Ros' family in Darwin over Christmas/New Year and a short tour of Far North Queensland. March and April were spent back in Seattle on 'land-based maintenance' and catching up with friends and family.

The arrival of this leopard seal has been a source of entertainment. Unfortunately she enjoys nibbling inflatable dinghies; whether in the water or on the dock! Fortunately our dinghy is safely stowed.

With the onset of winter we're looking northward. With so many choices, we're still determining our next destination. Watch this space .....

Departing Ile des Pins

23 November 2016 | New Caledonia
Ros
photo: Kuto Bay, Ile des Pins

Although we've waited for more than a week for our weather window, we reluctantly weigh anchor to set sail for New Zealand. The first tropical low pressure system has just passed by, reminding us why we're leaving paradise.

I'm sure we'll be back to enjoy the many beautiful anchorages, clear warm water, delicious pastries, French cheeses and wines ....

Atoll D'Ouvea

22 September 2016 | Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
Ros
Atoll D'Ouvea lies at the north of the Loyalty group. It's well known for it's long white beaches, and we weren't disappointed. Our first anchorage was off the 'Paradise Resort' which welcomed cruisers and offered bar, restaurant, freshwater swimming pool and wifi in delightful surroundings. The resort provided accommodation in secluded cabins, which maintained the peaceful ambience.

We enjoyed a relaxing 2 weeks exploring this beautiful atoll and its fringing islands.

Lifou Island

13 September 2016 | Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
Ros
Barefoot had a great overnight sail from Havanah Pass to Lifou island, the only problem; trying to slow down with a nice beam reach.

We had been told to expect to enjoy anchorages to ourselves out here, so were surprised to have 5 yachts come up on our AIS when in range. We were even more surprised when we rounded the headland into Baie de Gaatcha (on the W. coast), to count 15 masts in 'our' anchorage! The Island Cruising Association rally fleet had arrived from Vanuatu the previous day! However, we managed to find an anchorage spot between the yachts and coral bommies. A bonus was the fresh vege' market organised by the local ladies for the fleet - we were happy to top up our supplies.

What a beautiful bay - and the water temperature is perfect for swimming. The crowd quickly sailed away.
Now we feel like we're on holiday.

New Caledonia

10 September 2016 | New Caledonia
Ros
photo: from Baie du Prony looking towards the southern lagoon.

After nearly 3 years, Barefoot has sadly left Australia, her many new friends and Ros' family.

We waited for the right weather-window at the Queensland Goldcoast, for nearly a month, then managed to have a low pressure system form on top of us en-route. Although rather uncomfortable for 3 days, Barefoot made very good time, with a passage of a little under 6 days to Noumea.

We were very happy to be back in Noumea, recalling precisely where the best Patisserie and markets are located!

We're now out on the south coast in the Baie du Prony, waiting for the SE trades to ease to enable us to head for the Loyalty Islands, east of Grande Terre.

Southport

25 August 2016 | Queensland, Australia
Ros
Planning to winter in New Caledonia, we waited for a weather window at Southport, Queensland (on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane). We were hesitant in choosing Southport, as our prior experience here at Christmas vacation time, was anything but pleasant for a yacht at anchor.

Due to the persistent SE trades, we waited here for a month for the weather window we needed.

We were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed a month anchored in Bums Bay, near our friends on the yacht 'Akimbo', waiting for the same window. At this time of year (winter) the anchorage was not over-crowded, the weather was warm and sunny, and the region experienced record maximum temperatures. With the 'Ice-cream boat' coming by every few days, we had no complaints.

On 25th August we followed 'Akimbo' out through the Southport Seaway, heading for New Caledonia.

Furneaux Group

11 February 2016 | Tasmania, Australia
Ros
(photo: Spike Cove, Clarke Island)

The Furneaux Group of islands lie across Banks Strait, to the NE of Tasmania. Flinders Island is the largest and most well-known of the group. Flinders has a small population, and offers a remote tourist destination for hikers and climbers in the Strezlecki National Park. Some of the islands still have sheep farms, established many years ago. Commercial fishing boats shelter in the many bays.

The Furneaux Group offered convenient anchorages on passage from Deal Island to mainland Tassie. Barefoot anchored first at Prime Seal Island, which provided shelter from the westerly. As the name suggests, these islands were once inhabited by thousands of seals. Sadly, there are very few remaining, although they are now protected.

After a pleasant day's sail south through the islands, we anchored at Spike Cove on Clarke Island, near Banks Strait. Spike Cove was spectacular, with crystal clear water again, surrounded by an array of granite rock formations.

Despite our careful timing of tides and currents, the next day presented a challenge trying to sail eastward through Banks Strait. The current eventually switched and away we went, headed down the East Coast for Freycinet Peninsular.

Deal and Erith Islands

07 February 2016 | Bass Strait, Tasmania
Ros
(photo: looking down on one of the coves on Deal Is)

We usually find if a place is difficult to get to, it's worth the patience and effort. Deal and Erith Islands, small isolated islands in the middle of Bass Strait (mid-way between mainland Australia and Tasmania) are no exception. If you're reading this blog, you are no doubt aware of Bass Strait's reputation for wild weather and seas. This year, on our 3rd Bass Strait crossing, the weather gods smiled upon us, and after a good 36 hr passage from Eden NSW, we anchored in Garden Cove on the north of Deal Island. We were well protected here from the 'southerly' due the next day.

Deal is a high, rugged island, uninhabited apart from wallabies, and Cape Barren Geese. Different volunteer couples are engaged on a 3-monthy basis as island caretakers (they are flown in/out by helicopter) and bring 3 months supplies with them. An impressive vege-patch is maintained by the volunteer keepers (securely fenced to keep out wallabies). Deal's lighthouse is the tallest in the southern hemisphere. For this reason, its top was often in the clouds, so it has been replaced by a modern, shorter one on a nearby rock. The lighthouse and keeper's cottage are now museums and open to the wandering sailors who drop anchor here. We were fortunate in having a perfect calm, blue day to explore the island, to hike and enjoy the magnificent views in all directions. Unfortunately bush-fire smoke from NW Tasmania (more than 150nm away) at times spoilt the clarity.

Erith Island lies half a mile west of Deal. The bays on the two islands, afford shelter from most winds. We anchored in West Cove on Erith Island. Its crystal clear water is offset by a sweeping white sand beach, and rugged rocky headlands. A cabin at the end of the beach, erected by 'The Erith Mob' many years ago, remains open for anyone seeking shelter. Both islands, and the surrounding waters, are national parks.

We set sail again feeling so pleased to have had the opportunity to visit these isolated Bass Strait islands. (photos in the gallery) As the wind came in from the west, we decided to head down to Hobart via the Furneaux Group to the SE of Deal, and then down Tasmania's east coast for the remainder of summer.

Christmas Capsize

24 December 2015 | South Stradbroke Island, Gold Coast, Queensland
Ros
Southward bound, Barefoot made it through the ‘Main Channel’ from Manly on Morton Bay to South Stradbroke Island at the Goldcoast, in time for Christmas! Santa even found us out here and managed to get down Dickenson’s chimney!

The Goldcoast is one of Australia’s favourite national and international tourist destinations, offering water sports of all descriptions – and we’re anchored right in it! The speed limit on the waterways is 40 knots, and most watercraft do their best to maintain it. Needless to say, anchoring here can be rather boisterous.

While enjoying our Christmas lunch we experienced a particularly big wash from the wake of a passing vessel, doing the requisite 40 knots! When we looked outside for the culprit, we were surprised to see the Christmas lunch cruise boat anchored next to us, wash onto a sandbank and capsize – complete with lunch passengers clinging to the foredeck! The photo above tells the story – the passengers were rescued (but not their Christmas lunch!) and the sad vessel was still aground when we departed for a quieter anchorage, a few days later.
Vessel Name: Barefoot
Vessel Make/Model: Lavranos 43
Hailing Port: Friday Harbor, Washington
Crew: David and Roslyn
About: Barefoot is a 13 meter Angelo Lavranos design built in aluminum by Dearden Marine in Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada. David is from Seattle, Washington, USA and Roslyn is from Darwin, Australia.
Barefoot's Photos - Main
Barefoot's passage from New Zealand to Fiji included 3 days of calms in the centre of a large High Pressure system. We'd never seen the middle of the Pacific Ocean like this before; it was quite magical. At night, the starry sky reflected on the surface.
5 Photos
Created 29 September 2018
Winter in Tasmania has been a different experience for the Barefoot crew.
3 Photos
Created 12 September 2014
Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour are in a World Heritage Wilderness area at the remote SW corner of Tasmania. We were fortunate to have a week of sunny winter weather there.
29 Photos
Created 16 June 2014
Recherche Bay is surrounded by National Park forest near the SE corner of Tasmania. This isolated bay is a shelter for local crayfishing boats and where yachts wait for weather to sail around to the south and west coasts of Tasmania.
7 Photos
Created 26 May 2014
We explored the east coast north of Freycinet Peninsula by road. There are few good anchorages in the area and we were ready for a road trip. This area is known for its fine white beaches and granite rocks coloured orange from lichen growing above the high tide line.
9 Photos
Created 26 May 2014
Port Macquarie and the town of Strahan is about mid-way on the west coast of Tasmania. We intend to sail there, but not in winter. Ready to leave the boat at a dock in Hobart for a few days, we drove across Tasmania to Port Macquarie.
11 Photos
Created 26 May 2014
Barefoot arrived in Tassie at the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast. We spent a couple of weeks exploring the beautiful anchorages, beaches and walks in the area.
15 Photos
Created 14 May 2014
The port of Eden in Twofold Bay is the most southerly port in NSW. It was a beautiful spot to spend a couple of days, waiting for our weather window to sail to Tasmania.
5 Photos
Created 14 May 2014
The couple of weeks we spent anchored in Sydney Harbor in February was big city excitement. Anchoring in the heart of a city was reminiscent of San Francisco.
6 Photos
Created 13 May 2014
In our month in New Cal we managed to see Noumea and some of the south and SW of the main island, and Amedee Is.
8 Photos
Created 14 January 2014
Our land trip across NSW to Adelaide, South Australia, and back along the south Coast of SA, Victoria and SE NSW.
25 Photos
Created 9 January 2014
After a rather uncomfortable passage, Barefoot broke her voyage from New Zealand to Wallis Island, by revisiting Tonga. First port was Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga; then on to Vava'u.
29 Photos
Created 14 October 2013
Wallis is a small French island, part of the country of Wallis & Futuna, north of Fiji. The Barefoot crew enjoyed 3 weeks exploring this beautiful Island.
29 Photos
Created 14 October 2013
Barefoot and crew thoroughly enjoyed a month at Funafuti, Tuvalu (formerly Ellis Is) - 8degS
66 Photos
Created 14 October 2013
With a wild weather forecast, we gave up 'weather watching' to sail north, and instead drove south to soak in the hot water of the thermal region of Rotorua. We returned via Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.
12 Photos
Created 20 June 2013
Barefoot set sail from Marsden Cove on 14 Feb '13, harbour hopping north to the Bay of Islands, and Whangaroa, then a 6-day passage around North Cape and Cape Reinga, down the west coast to the South Island. Destination: Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds
17 Photos
Created 12 June 2013
The last leg of our NZ circumnavigation took us from Cook Strait, north up the east coast of the Nth Is, around East Cape to Great Barrier Island, then back to Marsden Cove. East Cape lived up to its name and gave us a rather rough time; Great Barrier Island was beautiful and we enjoyed glorious calm, blue weather for the last 3 days of the trip.
13 Photos
Created 12 June 2013
From Dunedin Barefoot continued north up the east coast of the Sth Is, direct to Queen Charlotte Sound, via Cook Strait and the Tory Channel. We moored in Cockle Cove, a peaceful and picturesque little bay in Queen Charlotte Sound for a few days R&R before hitting the heights of Picton.
18 Photos
Created 12 June 2013
From Doubtful Sound we had a rather rough, very fast sail down to Breaksea Sound, with wind and swell behind us. Breaksea Sound and Broughton Arm off it, were spectacular. We were then able to pass through Acheron Passage from Breaksea Sound to Dusky Sound.
14 Photos
Created 5 June 2013
Captain Cook visited Dusky Sound in the Resolution in 1773. We anchored in Pickersgill Harbour where he anchored the Resolution for a month, at the same time of year.
20 Photos
Created 5 June 2013
Sailing south in Fjordland from George Sound, Barefoot next visited Thompson Sound, which led us into Doubtful Sound. Doubtful Sound was named by Capt Cook when he didn't enter it, doubting that it was actually a sound. Looking at the winding entry from the sea, this is understandable.
12 Photos
Created 2 June 2013
Crossing Cook Strait was magical, glassy calm, despite it's fearsome reputation. Nelson was our first stop on the South Island. It was here the local sailors convinced us to continue sailing south, to Fjordland.
8 Photos
Created 1 June 2013
From Stewart Is Barefoot sailed north to Otago Harbour and the university city of Dunedin.
18 Photos
Created 5 May 2013
This album covers our cruise from Puysegur Pt on the SW corner of the Sth Island, past the Solander islands, around the south coast of Stewart Island and into Pt Pegasus; then north up the east coast of the island to Oban.
30 Photos
Created 5 May 2013
Sailing south from Milford Sound, we next visited George Sound.
15 Photos
Created 5 May 2013
Milford Sound is the most well known and the most northerly sound in Fjordland on the SW of the South Island of NZ. This is the only Sound with easy road access and therefore popular with tourists. The famous Milford Track is a testing 5-day 'tramp' into the Sound. It was our first stop, 5 days after sailing out of Nelson.
29 Photos
Created 5 May 2013
Barefoot spent a month cruising to some of the many islands in the Vava'u Group. The highlight of our Tongan experience would have to be swimming with a Humpback whale and her calf.
24 Photos
Created 17 December 2012
From Samoa we first visited Niuataputapu Island in Tonga's northern island group, the Niuas. Unfortunately, the impact of a tsunami 3 years prior was still very evident.
20 Photos
Created 17 December 2012
Arriving in New Zealand. End of the 14 month, 12,000Nm voyage from Seattle.
10 Photos
Created 17 December 2012
Robert Louis Stevenson's home in Samoa, Villa Vailima, and his last resting place.
7 Photos
Created 31 October 2012
We hope these photos convey something of a wonderful visit to this remote atoll in the Northern Cook Islands.
19 Photos
Created 29 October 2012
Coco has a worried look
6 Photos
Created 3 September 2012
Barefoot's 'vacation' at Bora Bora; renown as one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. Society islands, French Polynesia. August 2012
12 Photos
Created 29 August 2012
Barefoot's cruise around Tahaa island, which lies immediately north of, and within the same barrier reef as Raiatea. Society Islands, French Polynesia. August 2012
13 Photos
Created 29 August 2012
Barefoot's visit to Raiatea in the Society Islands, French Polynesia. August 2012
4 Photos
Created 29 August 2012