25 November 2024 -New Zealand- Waiheke Island- Waiheke Marina

It was a nice gentle morning when we woke and the sun was out. I suddenly thought we should get the mainsail down here (as it need to be repaired) when it is so still and calm. This would not be easy with just the two of us but I thought it would be best here than in the marina which would be exposed to the wind.

I had already prepared the halyard for dropping so it was a question of getting the sail out fully and loosening the halyard and then get the lugs off the tbar inside the mast which meant we could pull the sail out and then down having taken off the outhaul. We did all this and soon we were bring the sail down to the deck. There is quite a lot of sail but we managed to get it down and to take out the 5 battens (rods of support).

Once down the sail needs to be flaked and folded and this is not easy. The picture of the day is us starting to flake the sail. Once faked and folded we then rolled it up and had to get into a sail bag which we managed. For Keith and I this was a good workout!!. Once done we rewarded ourselves with a cup of tea and decided to leave breakfast until later as we wanted to get into the marina.

As a result of the above we upped anchor later than anticipated but that was fine as the important job had been done. We eased out of the bay and motored round the Northwestern side of the island and down the western side. We passed Matiatia Bay – seeing it from the sea end this time. Before long we came to the point where we had first approached Waiheke and have therefore now circumnavigated it.

We carried on round the western side and then came to the Southwestern point and then headed over to Putkiki Bay which has the marina inside. This did not take too long but the wind was very evident. We called the marina on the radio and they had already allocated us a berth which we proceeded to and were met by a guy called Brendon who helped us moor. The marina was only about a third full and like Opua and Marsden Cove they have piles between the berths. The distance between the fingers was not that great. I went in forwards to start with and intended to reverse into the berth. However, even though we were at slack water the tide was pushing us toward the piles. I therefore reversed out and turned round and came in backwards and into the berth. We sorted out our lines and began to get settled.

Within a few minutes the marina man came back and said that as our prodder was beyond the front piles he wanted us to move to a bigger berth at no extra cost. This was a bit annoying as we had just sorted out our lines. However, deep breath – ok we will move. We had to get out of our berth and move all the fenders and lines to the other side. With only two of us I had to stay on the helm and prevent the wind and tide crashing us into other boats and pontoons. Keith had to work overtime and within 10 minutes we ready and reversed into our new berth and then we had to go through the same procedure of sorting out the lines etc.

Once done we had some coffee and a sort of brunch of bacon and scrambled eggs.  This was just the Johnson required. I then went to the office and did the formalities. The marina is modern and only a year old. However, you pay for everything such as showers and disposing of rubbish etc. C’est la vie.

It was clear we had made the right decision to take the sail down earlier as the wind here was too strong and evident. It would have been difficult and dangerous to have done it here. We then did some cleaning and I did some washing using the new washing machine which went well. However, the bulk of the washing I will need to send away to be done. We sorted a number of things in the boat and packed etc. Keith did a stock check of all the provisions on the boat and unpacked the grab bags and the snacks etc were about to go out of date. We therefore sorted these out.  

We then had a cup of tea and went to have a look at the ferry terminal which Keith is taking tomorrow am and which I will take on the 30th. We then had a beer and chilled and after had some chilli for supper with courgette and peas which was good.

We are now in a marina and the only thing to do is to take Stormbird on the 3 December 2024 for her lift out. This is the end of sailing really for 2024. I am thankful we have got here safe and sound and successfully. It has been quite a year.  

Opportunity Year Two

In year two I will be going from New Zealand in early January 2025 across to Sydney and up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and then through Bali, Singapore and on to Thailand to end year two about the end of November 2025. I will need some more crew.

If there is any interest do email me at  hine.nick9@gmail.com  

The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com