Sunday, June 13, 2021

______________ COASTAL TRIP - TUTUKAKA TO WHANGAREI _____________

This is my friends David and Alices new yacht. Yesterday I crewed for them on a trip from Tutukaka to Whangarei. Their yacht will be hauled out for a scrub and other work by a Trav - Lift at Ray Roberts Marine.

Heading south in a variable 6 to 10 knot easterly wind with the Hen and Chickens islands in the distance. There was a big ground swell running which had been building for a week. My stomach didn't appreciate the cheeky magnitude of the easterly swells assertions and replied in a rather negative and unsociable way.

Having rounded Bream Head (astern in the distance) we sailed up Whangarei Harbour with the assistance of an incoming tide.

The two skippers enjoying their new boat.

The sun was setting on this cold winters day, but each of us were well wrapped up.

Close to our waiting berth we passed this large super yacht that is owned by some multi billionaire. The masts are so tall that as she passed by Onerahi airport (which borders the Hatea River at the head of Whangarei harbour with the river or harbour at either end of the runway) all flights were delayed as she went past. It is a moot point I guess as to whether the mast heights were a hazard, but they would certainly be a distraction (especially if the pilot was a yachty!).

Our magnificent local lifting bridge obliges as we slip through. I ride over this bridge almost every day on my folding bike in the course of my daily exercise - so I waved to my old friend Mr Bridge as we passed.

Safely moored and job completed - and well timed as well, for as we off loaded onto the pontoon the rain started to fall and chased us to the waiting car - the end of a great day on the water.

2 comments:

Bursledon Blogger said...

Looks like a good trip nasty swell aside, I like those days on the water with broken clouds, the dramatic light that occasionally shows through.

Alden Smith said...

Yes Max, despite being a bit seasick I enjoyed what was a nice mid winter trip. Nothing like good company and a nice breeze.