Volvo Race Start

Sunday 18th March, at the last moment we decided to go out and watch the start of this race. We joined a large number of boats on the harbour and had a viewing good spot just of the Bayswater Marina. Shortest trip we have done in along while without burning much diesel. The harbour bridge was behind us and the start line was on the left side of the picture below.

This picture shows Abu Dhabi hoisting their main sail. Due to the strong easterly wind at Cape Colville at this stage we did know this boat would eventually be be back in Auckland before the night was up with a damaged hull.

This shows the fleet soon after the start when they did a lap of the harbour.
Great fleet racing.

Six yachts and only one made it the whole way to Brazil without damage support.
Just shows how tough the southern ocean is when you head round Cape Horn a month later than recommended.

Camper and Telefonica churn up the harbour for the second leg. They are reaching, not tacking.

Final picture showing Abu Dhabi and Groupama heading for the Rangitoto Channel, the Hauraki Gulf and then the Southern Ocean. They had a very short stay in Auckland, just over a week.

Mid March, just itching for a decent dive trip....if only the weather would let us.
Had a plan to visit the Bay of Islands, but that did not work out, but my return crew, Steve and Mary were keen for a weekend away. Despite a forecast of easterly winds we head to the Coromandel Peninsula for a weekend look around and some fishing.

On the way down the harbour we passed this replica Polynesian voyaging canoe. She was a fine sight heading out to see down the Rangitoto Channel so I detoured for a closer look. The weather all weekend was overcast and damp, with easterly winds. We ended up at TeKouma Harbour for two nights and fished and tiki toured the local area.
This is an interesting catch a baby hammerhead, who took our snapper bait.

 One thing about travelling with Steve and Mary is that they do improve the quality of the coffee and table each night for dinner, plus they are great company to be with. Both are very keen divers and just love getting out on the water.
This picture Steve is navigating and he is focussed.....'Paul the Pilot' is steering, the autopilot that it is.

It was a good weekend we caught lots of panny snapper and all went home with fish fillets. the water was dirty and the diving a no go activity. Perhaps next time we will get the crystal clear water we all love.
Tusk performed really well.

A lousy summer

The good ship Tusk has not had a tough summer this season. The weather has not been very helpful.
What is worse I have been reading other folk's blogs and doing nothing extra on mine.

On Christmas day I learnt that Mick Ellwood passed away. A great diver, family man and one of the best charter skippers on the water, with the Whai. I was a long term client of Mick but could count on him as a friend. This picture shows Mick looking forward to putting the hammer down on Tusk in Mercury Bay.. His funeral was a miserable wet Whitianga day but a celebration of a great life. I am now writing some of my early Whai stories up for the Ellwood family who are putting a collection together and it is fun.