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41:11:55S
174:01:94E

It just goes to show that you cannot get away with anything these days with out someone somewhere spotting you. Roland and Consie were on the Opera house steps when they saw us motoring under the sydney harbour bridge. We are now deep in the Malbrough Sounds safely sitting on a mooring with 55 knots screaming overhead. Nothing affects us here apart from the odd willy war. There is a beach and a track for some hiking and a settlement not too far away. We caught blue cod on our way into the sounds. They are the king of fish. We had a very pleasant stay in Nelson visiting with friends and soaking up atmosphere of that very genial town.

New Zealand Weather Forecast

No, this is not some psychedelic painting but the weather forecast for our current position. the red centre shows very heavy rain and the wind arrows show winds up to 50+ knots of wind. So we are sitting tight in the Marina.

Duet Sailing Nelson

There is a big storm heading our way so we took the calm period to take some friends off to Adele Island in Golden Bay. We dinghyed across to the mainland and walked the beach and part of the Able Tasman Track. The bird song on Adele island was astonishing whilst ½ a mile away on the mainland not a tweet to be heard. Perhaps Adele has no stores, rats or pussycats but There was plenty of tweeting and twittering and to awake to the dawn chorus is very special.

41:15:734S
173:16:854E
Friday 24th February.

The rain reduced visibility to nil on our entry. the wind was a steady 30 knots. we shot into the cut, turned sharp left and dropped the mainsail. Thankfully due to the newly lubricated track it dropped in one go. The harbour master was dashing about in his rib and directed us to a wall where tugs tied up. In the rain it was hard to see him but there were no tugs thank the lord. at 2330 NZNSF time we were alongside this wharf that loaded timber, the smell of pine was thick. MAF and Customs were in separate vans with flashing lights.

We’d filled in our papers and I’d emptied the fridge of an fruit and veggies. Rubbish sacks at the ready and we hoped that we’d made their and our tasks easier. We have been into the country a few times and know what is or not allowed. Customs were quick and grateful that we’d pre filled in the forms.

MAF young girl took her time going through each locker and had a rather disappointed face when all she could find was one kaffir lime leaf at the bottom of the fridge. 2 hours later she was still wanting to see if we had any lockers on deck. By this time the wind was up to 35+ knots and our patience and sense of humour seriously lacking. Poor kid could hardly get ashore but she did offer to help us cast off.

We had already prepared that and with the wind blowing us off the dock it was easy to go. Next problem was finding the dock in the marina that had been allocated to us. Well we did, we were able to turn Duet around so that we were facing the right direction and moored up. this was 0200. We were knackered to say the least!

Nelson is heaven. It is a lively town with a lot of things going for it. There is an active theatre, lots of yachting and is the centre of arts, crafts, fabulous farmers markets.here are a selection of photographs out Australian trip.

 

40:35:10S
173:08:46E
Wednesday 22nd February.

Peaceful passage over! Torrential rain, squalls and now 30+ knots of wind welcome us to New Zealand…..We are tearing past Farewell Spit, a low lying hook of sand that forms the southern side of the western entrance between North and South Islands. We have had to inform customs that yacht Duet with 2 POB, (two pensioners ) on board, will arrive in Nelson tonight, roughly about midnight…. yes we have to clear in no matter what hour of time and can’t go to the marina until that has happened…… well photographs and more details tomorrow. Its going to be a long night.

39:09:85S
169:46:90E
Day 6. Tuesday 21st February.

We caught our first fish on this trip. A smart Albacore Tuna. Yum Yum! The depression that has been snapping at our heels has decided to move to the south of us – phew. It still means we can expect some strong winds but not as bad as we had feared. Today has been the most gorgeous days sailing. The morning was sultry and full of heavy rain showers, rainbows but little wind and then by mid day the wind picked up and we have been charging along at 8+ knots. Already we can see the towering clouds that indicate land ahead although we have 172 miles to go before Farewell Spit. We have seen Albatross and Molly Maws soaring over the waves, another sure indicator that New Zealand is ahead. The water temperature is down to 16 but the wind is fair at the moment so far so good.

37:48:03S
166:21:12E
Monday 20th February.

So far this has to have been a very restful passage. The wind has been steady in direction and strength up to now so we have only had to adjust the sails accordingly. More common is for varying wind strengths and directions meaning far more action. Boring? not in the slightest. This is the kind of sailing we love. However behind us the sky is glowering, dark and gloomy. We are in for wet wet wet and probably much more wind………..

Enjoy the peace whilst it lasts.

36:46:21S
162:50:97E

Sunday 19th February.

Because we have been sailing on the back of a high pressure system that has been slow moving across the Tasman, the seas are relatively calm. The swell is minimal so it has been a calm and fast ride so far. Behind us an area or low pressure is nipping at our heels and we are expecting stronger winds and a lot of rain. We have been sailing too fast for any fish to take the lure. So it’s bully beef and beans for supper again. Yesterday we had a large pod of dolphins with us for some time and a lot of birds, mutton or sooty shearwater weaving about in our wake. Today, nothing. the sea temperature has dropped from 24 – 18, a sure sign we are getting nearer to the land of the long white cloud.

Friday 17th February.

35:11:38S
155:04:74E

Day two. It seemed to take a long time for the Sydney skyline to drop beneath the horizon. There was no lack of favourable wind but a current was setting us back. How infuriating to see 8+ knots on the speedo and 6 on the SOG. There are worse problems. What a lightening trip to Sydney, financially as well as quick. One night in Birkenhead Point marina cost $100. ouch. Repaired sails returned and my front tooth re glued on. So far so good. the wind is fair and the seas are blue.

33:51:319S
151:09:94E

Tuesday 16th February

 We have spent a few days in the beautiful Pittwater just north of Sydney. For special treat on Valentines day we went to Cottage Point Inn for lunch. Absolutely fabulous food beautifully presented. we were the only guests who didn’t arrive by sea plane.

The Etchells national champions were racing this week and next the worlds start here in Sydney. We wish the Lennon-King team all the best. Sadly we can’t stay, the weather ‘window’ is open. We are waiting for customs to clear us out.