Our First 10 days in NZ
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We have been very busy since arriving in OPUA. The ICA (Island Cruising Association) run what they refer to as an "All Points Rally" which basically means that if you are leaving Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu or New Caledonia for Opua New Zealand you can register and join the rally . The rally organizers keep track of the progress of all rally participants from around the 25th October until the about the 21st of November across the SW Pacific via HF radio sked`s and provide weather info for the passage. There is 10 days of festivities and events scheduled for rally participants commencing on the 12th November and finishing on the 21st for those who arrive during this period. As such there is an influx of boats arriving during this period. 110 yachts registered this year of which almost all have arrived during the last 10 days.
This influx of yachts and their crews makes for a fun time as all are eager to kick back, have a few drinks at the bar, meet new friends or catch up with old ones and swap stories of their adventures. The ICA also host several events during this period such as dinners, shopping and sightseeing trips, cultural nights and visits to vineyards to sample the local wines. We have been to every event they have provided and still have a couple more to go. This has meant many late nights, lots of drinks and even more laughs. We are yet again having a ball meeting new people, making new friends and catching up with some of the cruisers we met a few months ago in Noumea.
Have also been busy setting ourselves up here , we have bought a cheap car as we intend to do some land based travel over the coming months as well as buying a new dinghy and doing some repairs to Migaloo. Migaloo has a problem that can only be fixed out of the water (a cutlass bearing has failed for those boaties amongst you). This also means we cannot move about too much until it is fixed so we have rented a mooring in Opua harbor where we will stay until this is done. As it is so busy here with boats fixing stuff the first opportunity to get lifted and on the hardstand is not until the 27th November. We will take this opportunity to do other out of water jobs and expect to be out of the water for about 10 days. Between now and then we will do some day and overnight trips in the car. Once Migaloo is back in the water we think we will head to Auckland where Matthew will meet us when he comes to spend Christmas with us. Beyond that we intend to sail around and experience the magnificent cruising New Zealand had to offer before heading to Tonga , Fiji and who knows where else in May next year.
So that's all there is to tell you for the moment, Stay Safe, Be Happy.