Cruise News - August 2025

In this issue:

Cruise the SW Pacific

Upcoming Events

Ocean Health Mapping

Great Boats For Sale

Sailing Society Pages

Boating Etiquette

CITES Regulations

Exploring Savusavu

And much more!

CRUISE NEWS

Dinghy Drift - Vanua Balavu - Fiji Photo by Sailing Amalie

OurTeam

VIKI MOORE

MANAGING DIRECTOR | ISLAND CRUISING

Viki is a lifelong sailor, qualified RYA Offshore Yachtmaster, former Director of Yachting New Zealand, founder of Women Who Sail New Zealand, Regional Rear Commodore - South Pacific for the Ocean Cruising Club, President of the Little Ship Club of Canterbury, former On Water Operations Manager for SailGP, a Seven Seas Cruising Association Cruising Station Host, and has a wealth of sailing experience under her belt.

She has also been recognised for her services to the sailing community and received a Yachting New Zealand Excellence Award in 2016 & 2023 and the Ocean Cruising Club Award in 2021 for extraordinary service to the cruising community at large

Viki purchased Island Cruising in 2021 & Down Under Rally in 2023. The business provides resources & a community for cruisers wanting to prepare for long coastal or offshore voyages. They also run independent yacht cruising rallies around Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific; namely Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, and further afield to French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Samoa & Niue.

GEMMA DOOLEY

ADMINISTRATION & EVENTS

Gemma came to sailing later in life, beginning her journey four years ago when she and her partner rescued a written-off Coast 34 in Bluff, New Zealand

After two years of rebuilding and living aboard while exploring New Zealand’s coastlines, they set sail for the South Pacific to discover new horizons.

Gemma has a strong background in events planning, and brings her organisational skills and love of sailing to the Island Cruising team, helping fellow sailors create unforgettable experiences on the water

PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS

About five years ago, Cecile and her partner bought their first boat and have lived aboard ever since.

Jumping in headfirst, Cecile embraced the challenges of boat life, driven by a dream to sail to distant lands. After years of hard work preparing and repairing, she finally set off for the islands

With a bachelor’s degree in marketing and event management, and firsthand experience from the 2024 Pacific Rally, Cecile is excited to be involved with the future of this fantastic event, and to help other cruisers have an incredible travel experience

DESIGNER

Tara is a Kiwi sailor with an unhealthy obsession for plotting multiple lives in exotic locations around the world the more wild and remote the better

An experienced brand and editorial designer, and content creator specialising in marine and adventure storytelling, she’s also the founder of Saltwater Journal.

Tara brings years of design and publishing experience to Island Cruising, with a focus for helping new sailors gain confidence and businesses share their unique stories, setting them up for success on the water and beyond.

CECILE DE RUIJTER

TARA COONEY

Fromthehelm

I am just back in chilly Christchurch after a few weeks visiting Fabulous Fiji! It was wonderful to catch up with many of our Pacific Rally participants along the way

I had a couple of days at Denarau & Vuda Marina, checking out the mini-globe boats and meeting up with some of the cruisers there, then over to Paradise Resort in Taveuni - which is one of our favourite spots in the South Pacific, so welcoming to sailors! Then I sailed across to Savusavu with the crew on board Tango, and had a couple of nights staying at the Copra Shed Marina and a fantastic party at Nawi Marina with the recent rally arrivals who’d just arrived in from Tonga.

I also had a few nights in Suva speaking about yacht behaviour patterns in the Pacific to the Heads of Maritime Police from around the Pacific, and I had a chance to catch up with some contacts there too and a visit to the Royal Suva Yacht Club!

It was so fabulous to catch up with many of our members and also all the yachts who are joining us on our Go West to Australia and Sail South to New Zealand rallies. In the last couple of weeks we’ve shared information about all the ports of entry, marinas and yards on offer (some offering some very generous discounts too!) We’ve covered off the Insurance Requirements for Australian marinasincluding a top up for liability cover for those who Rneed it, we’ve made a start on the Biofouling and Pest Management plans, and given them some options on how to sell their boats

In the next few weeks we will be covering off the various visa options they can apply for, discussing all the customs requirements, having a webinar with the officials in both countries to discuss the paperwork, talking about the weather, finding them crew, passage planning and tips on all the best places to cruise when they arrive into NZ or AU!

We aim to make all your Pacific adventures easy!

I was very relieved that the Russian earthquake and subsequent tsunami warning, did not turn out to be anything more serious. We kept out members and rally participants informed of exactly what was happening all around the Pacific, including tips on how to best prepare for what was potentially coming their way Having lived through many natural disasters myself, including about 15,000 earthquakes & aftershocks from the Christchurch earthquakes, a tsunami, a cat 5 typhoon, wild fires on my doorstep, civil unrest in New Caledonia last year, and multiple issues and challenges with boats and people on a regular basis, you can be rest assured that we have got your back and have the first hand experience to help provide practical support and advice if you have any problems while you are cruising in this part of the world

This month I am heading off to do some skiing, then attending the NZ Marine Conference in Tauranga, and hopefully also heading back to Fiji and on to Kiribati later in the month! I am excited to announce that I am now cancer free - well, in remission anyway, and I am looking forward to getting back out on the water, growing some hair back and on with my life once again! You can read my story in this month’s YBQ Magazine

We are also making a start on our Pacific Rally 2026 pre-departure preparation training, with 40 yachts registered already for their adventures next year, it is shaping up to be another fabulous event!

I recommend joining early to make the preparations easy, we give you all the projects in bite sized pieces so you have the best chance of making it to the start line feeling relaxed and ready to go! You can join us here

Next month we will be launching the tickets for our Island Cruising 40 birthday party! This will be a fabulous celebration and an opportunity for everyone who has sailed on one of our rallies or plans to join one in the future to get together for a huge celebration! Watch this space for more details th

Enjoy this month’s magazine and happy sailing!

Viki Moore

Planning a sailing departure from the Pacific Islands this year?

JOIN A RALLY & GET THESE UNIQUE DISCOUNTS!

INCLUSIONS

Fabulous discounts from our generous marine partner businesses enabling you to save lots of $$. In fact, if you take advantage of all the great deals, you can quickly recoup your rally entry fee including:

Weather routing from the Islands to Australia mid-October

15% discount with Ocean Tactics for 1:1 weather advice

$100 off Project X tablet (pre loaded with OpenCPN for the whole SW Pacific)

Cruising the Queensland Coast digital guide - valued at AUD$105

20% off Rocket Guides for Vanuatu & New Caledonia

10% discount at Yachting World Port Vila

15% discount on the first 15 days of berthing at Bundaberg Port Marina OR pay for 5 days on the hard stand, get 2 days free, OR pay for 3 months dry storage and get 10% discountconditions apply

10% discount at Rivergate Marina

10% Off Wet Berthing – Up to 1 month at Scarborough Marina (initial term only)

10% Off Haul-out & Hardstand Services – Up to 5 days at Scarborough Marina

20% discount at Iluka Clarence River Marina

Info on the best boatyards and marine trades for maintenance and repairs

All the documentation and info regarding the formalities for Australia and the SW Pacific Islands

Tips on how to save lots of $$$ on the biosecurity clearance

Tips on visas

Lots of information and resources on cruising in Australia

Connection with all the others heading in your direction a safe, social and supportive community

Flexible dates & destinations - cruise with the group or do your own thing - the choice is yours

Fun social events along the way & the opportunity to volunteer in our community, environmental & citizen science projects if you wish

Weekly email newsletter

Rally entry just NZD$650 per vessel

ORead more about the Go West Rally here

Learn more from our webinar video

OR

Weather routing from the Islands to New Zealand mid-October

Advice on the best boatyards and marine trades

50% off haulout and relaunch at Port Whangarei Marine Centre

15% off hard stand fees at Dockland 5

10% at All Marine Chandlery Whangārei

Discounts at Cater Marine chandlery Opua

$50 voucher when you spend $100 at Wynn Fraser Paints

15% discount with Ocean Tactics for 1:1 weather support

$100 off Project X tablet (pre loaded with OpenCPN for the whole SW Pacific)

Webinar with NZ Customs & Biosecurity

Biofouling Management Plan template

Tips on visas

All the arrival documents and formalities for all the islands in the SW Pacific

50% off the whole Pacific Rally entry fee for 2026 - a saving of $89750!

Flexible dates & destinations - cruise with the group or do your own thing - the choice is yours

Fun social events along the way & the opportunity to volunteer in our community, environmental & citizen science projects if you wish

Weekly email newsletter

Support & advice if things go wrong

Learn more about the Sail South to NZ Rally

Learn more from our webinar video

JoinIslandCruising

CrewSeeker is Island Cruising’s online place for aspiring crew to join exciting sailing adventures, for boat owners to gain valuable offshore experience, or for professional skippers and crew to promote their services It’s also an ideal platform for skippers seeking reliable crew to assist with ocean deliveries www.islandcruising/crewseeker

Memberreviews

Become a Member It’s just NZD$12900 per year

What a mine of information!

As a maritime course provider in Australia, I am always checking and comparing other country's requirements New Zealand has many requirements for recreational cruisers. As a safety maritime nerd, I can see how they help reduce incidents on the water. Viki has presented the requirements and much more in an easy-to-follow format, with links and downloads to ensure the reader has a choice of format and plenty of information With big-name sponsors offering discounts for members, it's the perfect place to learn, save money, meet like-minded people and not just dream about a rally - join in! A great resource

You have absolutely blown this rally out of the water with your organization and info passed onto all the participants I would highly recommended your rally to anyone new next year

PETER

JACKIE

Are you Offshore Ready?

Become an Island Cruising & Down Under Rally member for just $129NZD per year & get everything you need to be offshore ready. Plus take advantage of our great sponsor deals!

WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:

Getting organised - a system for storing all the information for your Passage Plan, Safety

Manual, Maintenance log, Important

Documents, Boating Qualifications and more

Your vessel information - a template for collating all the specifications of your boat

The Cat 1 & 2 Regulations

Boat Registration

Reporting Incidents

Insuring your boat

VHF & MMSI

Meteorology - Forecasts

Communication options at Sea

Rig - rules for Cat 1 & 2

Sails for offshore - the Cruising Wardrobe

Fire Safety

Anchoring

Your Maintenance Records

Provisioning

EPIRB's

Your sailing resumé

Navigation

COLREGS

Passage planning

Provisioning

Safety gear

Diesel engine basics

Fuel systems

Servicing winches

Checking your rig

Anchoring tips

Sailing at night

EPIRBs

VHF/AIS

Communications

Man Over Board Fire

Flooding

Abandon Ship

Preparing a Grab Bag

Meteorology

Tides

Docking

Plumbing

Electrics

Batteries

Charging systems

Keeping healthy

Sail trim & new sails

Boat registration

Taking on crew

Dinghy tips

Fog signals

Biosecurity

Seasickness

Coping in emergencies

Security

Skipper responsibility

Log keeping

Search and Rescue

Steering

Heavy Weather

Sailing

AND MUCH MORE!

crew and boat owners of all experience levles

Experience our award winning online training

Prepare yourself and your boat for cruising

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Course content is provided in easy to digest

1 hr sessions

View the course content as often as you wish

View when it suits you

Learn at your own pace

Pause / Rewind at any time

Contact the course presenters via email or telephone at any time with questions

O U R S E C O N T E N T

CRUISINGPREPARATIONCOURSE

Our Comprehensive Offshore Cruising Preparation Course is available online for just $129NZD annually and on demand

PREPARING THE VESSEL

Ship Registration: Guide to ships registry

Category 1: What is ‘Cat 1’and how does it apply to you and your vessel

Safety Gear: Vessel specific – EPIRBS, MOB devices

Rigging: Tips for extended cruising & safety including deck layout, preventers and more.

Sails: Selection, balance, tuning, maintenance, furling systems

Anchors & Anchoring: How many, types, warps, windlass

Water treatment: Filtration, purification, disinfectant, watermakers

Vessel Systems: Plumbing, gas, fuel

Battery Systems: Capacity, measuring power consumption, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and charging systems

Power generation: How much do you need to generate and the pros and cons of various options including wind, solar and mechanical

Electronics: Radios, charting, GPS, Radar, autopilot, AIS, etc

Steering: Tiller, wheel, wind vanes, autopilots & emergency systems

Diesel Engines: Troubleshooting, spares

Fuel systems: Filters, injectors, avoiding ‘bugs & bad fuel’

Navigation: Basic equipment requirements

Charts: Tables, filing, requirements

PREPARING THE PEOPLE

Sea Survival: Coastal and Offshore

Watchkeeping & safety protocols

Safety Gear: Personal EPIRBS and MOB devices, personal AIS

Seasickness: Remedies, management & avoidance

Log Keeping: How to keep a ship log and why plus basic record keeping

To Crew or not to crew: Pros and cons of having crew aboard, where to find crew and your responsibilities.

Sailing to a schedule: A recipe for disaster

Medical Kits and medicines

Money Matters: Credit cards, foreign currency, Power of Attorney

Insurance: Vessel & Travel

Staying Sane: Identifying roles, communicating aboard & sharing small spaces

Online training to prepare yourself and your boat for cruising

OFFSHORE COMMUNICATIONS

Voice Communication options including Satellite, Radios – VHF/ SSB/ HAM & Radio Schedules

Electronic communications including email at sea: why is it important?

Vessel tracking and position reporting

Computer’s, Tablets, Phones and apps

Weather Forecasting: Coastal & Offshore

Weather information: Sources of weather info, how to interpret and use weather info

Weather routing for Passage Planning & Passage Management

PERSONAL HEALTH

Preparing and maintaining the Mind & Body

SEARCH AND RESCUE

How to Contact, Response times, authority & scope of SAR

PROVISIONING

What to take, where to put it & what is available when you get where we are going

SOURCING PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Where to get great discounts and deals on marine and cruising lifestyle products and services Cruising Guides & Reference Books: Recommended, pilots, reference manuals, cruising guides

Join us as a Member of Island Cruising & Down Under Rally to do our

OFFSHORE

TheUltimate SOUTH PACIFIC SAILING ROUTE

There are so many options for International Cruisers when it comes to cruising the South Pacific. Often we see people who zoom straight through and miss out on some of the best bits! Our recommendation - don’t rush and make the most of the prevailing winds Here’s a suggested South West Pacific itinerary for boats heading from Panama in this direction - Watch the video animation here

Year 1

March Cross from Panama to French Polynesia

April Arrive French Polynesia (unless you’ve got a long stay visa or an EU passport you’ve only got 90 days to explore this incredible destination) Join the Pacific Rally for heaps of inclusions as you start your passage west

July Cook Islands

August Samoa and or Niue

September Vava’u - Tonga - check out the BlueWater Cruisers Festival

October Ha’apai, Tongatapu, Minerva, New Zealand

Stop in NZ to escape cyclone season - enjoy tax free repairs on your boat, Or Join the South Island Rally to sail south to explore incredible Fiordland or head home for Christmas

FIND OUT MORE HERE

Year 2

May Join the Pacific Rally to sail back to Fiji or back to Tonga

August Vanuatu - join the rally events throughout Vanuatu

September New Caledonia

October Bundaberg Australia on the Go West Rally

December Sydney Harbour to watch the start of the Sydney Hobart Race and fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Australia is another great place to stop for a while with great boat repairs and places to leave the boat while you explore ashore or head home and of course some excellent cruising grounds too!

Year 3

January Tasmania - Join the VDL-C Cruise

February Cruise slowly back up the East coast of Australia, enjoy the stunning Whitsundays and then Onwards to Asia or alternatively cross the Tasman and head back to New Zealand to enjoy exploring with the South Island Rally

May Or return to the Pacific on the Go East - Pacific Rally to revisit the places you missed or enjoyed the first time round.

October Back to New Zealand or Australia - both great places to end your journey and sell your boat Or carry on doing circles in the Pacific or continuing on around the world!

Pacific Rally 2026

Registrations Open Now!

Join us to achieve your sailing dreams

Choose from Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand or Australia

Flexible dates & destinations

Yachts and Powerboats welcome

Why join the Pacific Rally?

Comprehensive pre-departure training to help get you, your crew and your vessel prepared for the adventures of a lifetime

Guidance for NZ vessels going through the International Voyage Certificate process (formerly Cat 1).

Guidance for AU vessels export & import processes

Fabulous discounts from our generous partner businesses - enabling you to save lots of $$ during your preparations and during your voyage In fact, if you take advantage of all the great deals, you can quickly recoup your rally entry fee! Connection with all the others heading in your direction - a safe, social and supportive community

Flexible dates & destinations - cruise with the group or do your own thing - the choice is yours

Fun social events along the way & the opportunity to volunteer in our community, environmental & citizen science projects if you wish

Weather Routing on the group departures on the main ocean crossings.

A detailed 200+ page Rally Guide book giving you tips on all our favourite anchorages, places to visit, cultural considerations, marine services, and everything you need to know along the way

All the paperwork and advice on the formalities & regulations for entering and departing each country

A weekly newsletter with all the latest news and updates along the way.

Support & advice if things go wrong

Just NZD$179500 per vessel

See all the inclusions on our website

Registrations are open now! Get comprehensive pre-departure training Register here

Vessel Manual - A printed manual to help you record all the details of your vessel and safety equipment on board and a comprehensive checklist and a webinar with Maritime NZ to help you get through the International Voyage Certificate regulations (formerly Cat 1 and only required if you are an NZ registered vessel).

An invitation to join our Pacific Rally 2026 WhatsApp Group - You will also find sub-groups inside the main community where you can ask questions, share ideas chat about technology, connect with the other boats and families

Module on Preparing the Vessel - We talk through some of the common issues, and things you can do to help avoid them on your boat as well as a template you can use to create your Standard & Emergency Operating procedures manual (a requirement of the IVC).

Module on Preparing the Crew - We show you how to prepare a sailing CV which is useful for both your Insurance company and for NZ registered boats to show their assessor We also detail great discounts you can get with our suppliers for extra training and we match you up with crew via our CrewSeeker Service

Module on Documentation & Administration - We work through all the paperwork required for going offshore, passports, boat registration, filing systems, insurance, vessel details & crew list template and more As well as all the info Australian vessels need for their export & importation process

Module on Communications - We take a closer look at satellite & radio communications and ways of keeping in touch when you head offshore, including a webinar with comms experts

Module on Navigation - Detailing all the charts and various navigation tools out there, including some great discounts on navigation training for those who need to brush up their skills before heading offshore

Destination training - Details of all the great places to visit along the with dedicated webinars on each destination, we will also have a Module on Weather, Passage Planning, Formalities and more! All the content is recorded so you can join any time and catch up Check out all the other rally inclusions here

Nautilus Yacht Management is the only yacht brokerage in the world built by cruisers for cruisers, offering a range of brokerage types suited to your lifestyle and with commissions tailored to what you need from your broker.

When our own time to stop cruising sadly came to an end and sedentary life replaced our nomadic existence, the idea to continue the dream through our fellow cruisers became our raison-d’être. The first thing that is striking to many new cruisers is the beautiful philosophy, helpfulness and honesty that is seen between boaties. This is the philosophy that we wished to keep at the time of the birth of Nautilus Yacht Management in 2011, and which is will continue to remain ours for as long as we remain in operation.

We are an international business with an active presence mostly through the Pacific, but also Europe, the Caribbean and South East Asia. If we cover a broad territory, we however chose carefully each of our listings and keep a small, boutique-style portfolio of boats carefully curated to suit offshore voyagers and live-aboard. Deliberately keeping our listings number small allows team to devote more time to refine marketing strategy, boost exposure and find the right match for you and for your yacht.

For more information please get in touch with our friendly team at Nautilus Yacht Management

Australia +61 420 882 296

NZ +64 274398238

Whatsapp +61 420 882 296 info@nautilusyachtmanagement.com www.nautilusyachtmanagement.com

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WELCOME TO MARSDENCOVE

If you’re after a warm, friendly, and down-to-earth Kiwi welcome to New Zealand, then Marsden Cove Marina is where you will find it. Their claim to being the friendliest Customs arrival port in New Zealand is well justified by marina staff who are acutely aware that they are often the first interaction many cruisers have with New Zealand and its people.

But it is a theme not just reserved for the Customs clearance dock While the marina and haul out facilities are excellent – it is the friendly, approachable and knowledgeable staff that Marsden Cove Marina really prides itself on. “We are a very customer-focused operation and strive to provide a memorable customer experience”, says Marina Manager, Gareth Cooke

EMARINA

“We really enjoy the international vessels and crews, and the flavour they bring to the marina.”

GARETHCOOKE

The 80-tonne haul out facility and boatyard is run by Boatyard Manager, Remi Edwards and his friendly crew of four who make hard stand stays a smooth and efficient experience. The boatyard is fully sealed and includes on-site services such as boat building, painting, mechanical services, yacht rigging, marine electricians, vessel care, and more There is also a customer kitchen, shower and toilet facilities.

Within the marina complex are several retailers including a large supermarket, a boat chandlery, restaurants and cafes, bakery, general store, and for those fishy stories you can head to the Marsden Cove Fishing Club. Over summer months, an artisan market happens monthly as does the popular Friday food-truck night which sees local foodies selling their wares to the community

Marsden Cove is located halfway between The Bay of Islands and Auckland, and is a 15 hour drive to the northern side of Auckland It is also central to the best cruising grounds on the Northeast coast of New Zealand with 40 miles to the Bay of Islands, Great Barrier Island, and the Hauraki Gulf.

Radix makes delicious meals, ideal for when it's rough or when you need to refuel on the go Quick, easy, nutritious, delicious Discounts for Island Cruising members

Clickheretoorder-discountcodeSAILNZ10

SOUTH EAST ASIA GARMIN CHARTS

Discontinuation until new release

Garmin has withdrawn charts of the region from the market effective the 1st of July 2025. An alternate product is to be made available in the third quarter of 2025.

If your subscription expires before the new offer is available, your charts are no longer available.

Some sailors have reported losing their charts (tablets). One work around is to not connect the tablets to the internet.

This service has been withdrawn without a current alternative

Here is the official notification.

Watch a YouTube report on this issue:

Navionics Has Removed All Charts For Southeast Asia Creating A Dangerous Situation for Boaters

NEW AIS REGULATIONS

PRESS RELEASE FROM DENERAU

MARINA

MUST BE ACTIVATED IN FIJI

Bula Vinaka,

As part of the 2025/26 Fiji Government Budget, new maritime safety and monitoring regulations are now in effect. All vessels operating in Fiji waters must have their Automatic Identification System (AIS) activated at all times while underway.

Why This Matters

This initiative by the Fiji Government supports: Navigational Safety

Maritime Domain Awareness

Stronger Enforcement Against Illegal Activity

Environmental Protection Efforts

What This Means for You

Whether you operate a superyacht, charter vessel, private boat, or commercial craft, compliance is mandatory Your vessel must:

Have a functioning AIS unit onboard

Ensure AIS is continuously transmitting while in Fiji waters

Be prepared to provide AIS data upon request by MSAF or border authorities

Non-compliance may lead to significant penalties, including fines or vessel detainment

Manta Watch NZ is conducting vital research on Aotearoa's Oceanic manta and Spinetail devil rays.

If you've ever encountered either species in NZ waters or on your way to and from the islands we'd love to hear from you

Our research has confirmed that many rays migrate into the wider SW Pacific between mid-autumn and early winter towards and beyond Fiji and Tonga, returning to NZ in early/mid spring Submitting real time and historic sightings to the project has never been easier, download our free Manta App and you're set

Sharing your sightings with the project will directly contribute towards the future conservation of these globally endangered species

Any photos and videos of your encounters are greatly appreciated and can be uploaded on to the app. Thanks so much for your support!

SAILORS ON THE FRONT LINES OF OCEAN HEALTH MAPPING

How Pacific Rally cruisers and elite racers are teaming up to chart the future of our seas

When most people think of ocean research, they picture multimilliondollar ships bristling with instruments and crewed by scientists in white lab coats. But out here in the South Pacific, a very different story is unfolding one I’ve been incredibly proud to help shape. This is a story of barefoot cruisers, salty skippers, and everyday sailors who are helping drive a new wave of marine discovery.

At Citizens of the Sea (CitSea), a New Zealand-based charitable trust focused on ocean health monitoring, our goal is simple: to put the power of ocean science into the hands of those already out there people like you. We do that by equipping recreational and racing yachts with environmental DNA (eDNA) samplers: small, easy-to-use towable devices that collect tiny fragments of genetic material shed by marine life into the water From just a few litres of seawater, we can reveal what’s living beneath your keel from plankton and reef fish to corals, dolphins, and even whales.

A GAME-CHANGING FIRST SEASON

In 2024, we launched our first largescale sampling effort with the support of 26 yachts participating in the Island Cruising Pacific Rally These crews towed our TorpeDNA samplers across more than 15 million square kilometres of ocean between New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji, collecting over 700 samples. Once filtered, chilled, and handed off in places like Savusavu, Vuda Point, and Neiafu, the samples were flown to our lab partners at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson for sequencing

The results? Simply extraordinary

We recovered nearly half a billion DNA sequences detecting a breathtaking range of marine life, including drifting coral larvae, reef species, dolphins, and even an endangered sei whale.

It was one of the most detailed biodiversity snapshots ever taken in the Southwest Pacific, and it was made possible not by scientists on research vessels, but by sailors like you

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: THE ENDANGERED SEI WHALE

One of our most thrilling finds was the detection of the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), an elusive and endangered species rarely seen at sea. We picked up its DNA from two separate markers in a single water sample taken by Bill and Linda Hay (shown below) on SV Whiskey Romeo Hotel on their 2024 passage to Tonga This kind of detection is a powerful reminder that just beneath the surface lies a vibrant world we barely understand and that eDNA can help bring it to light.

2025: BUILDING ON SUCCESS

This year, we’ve kept that momentum going. So far in 2025, 21 yachts have participated in sampling during the northbound rally leg to Tonga and Fiji Another 16 vessels will soon collect samples on the southbound leg through New Caledonia and Fiji as they return to New Zealand Each crew follows a simple protocol: collect seawater while underway and use an ArcGIS-based app to automatically log metadata like GPS, time, and vessel speed. It’s safe, easy, and as many of our skippers have told us surprisingly fun and meaningful

Behind the scenes, our collaboration with the Island Cruising Association has been absolutely vital. Their support, along with the help of local partners in Tonga, Fiji, and New Caledonia, has ensured smooth permitting, storage, and sample transfer throughout the process All our work aligns with the Nagoya Protocol, meaning local communities maintain ownership of their biodiversity information and benefit from the results

AN OCEAN NETWORK OF GLOBAL OBSERVERS

In 2024, our reach extended beyond the rally fleet when legendary French sailor Fabrice Amedeo completed a solo Vendée Globe circumnavigation, collecting 135 eDNA samples with a DNAutic device installed on his IMOCA yacht, FDJ UNITED – WeWise. His voyage yielded 250 million DNA sequences and more than 4,000 species detections including some that have never before appeared in scientific records

His success proved something we’ve believed from the start: whether you’re an offshore racer or a

coastal

cruiser, you can contribute to meaningful science.

As CitSea lead scientist Dr Xavier Pochon says, “We are critically lacking biological data from every corner of the world We have remarkable models predicting climate change, but none incorporate actual biological data collected directly at sea If you want to give meaning to climate change and understand how marine communities evolve, it is urgent and essential to gather robust spatio-temporal data To protect, you must first measure.”

SCIENCE FOR THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, we’re expanding our reach In 2026, we’ll begin sampling in Australian waters and explore partnerships with commercial vessels, fishing boats, and more Vendée Globe campaigns All data we collect will feed into global biodiversity platforms to help map and monitor ocean life where it's needed most

At CitSea, we believe every sailor has a role to play in protecting the ocean With just a bit of training and a few tools, your miles can matter more than ever. You’re not just moving across water you’re helping document, understand, and safeguard what lives beneath it.

So whether you’re charting new anchorages or chasing the wind offshore, know this: your journey can be part of something bigger Together, we’re creating a new model for marine science powered by community, driven by curiosity, and guided by a deep respect for the ocean we all call home

FOXGLOVE REGISTRATION DRAMAS

In June 2020, sitting at home in Nelson during the Covid lockdown, trolling the Internet, as you do, I spotted this amazing 54 foot catamaran for sale. The price was ridiculously low, "that can't be right", I said to Robert, "it must be a half or even third share". After checking with the agent, Sam, in Marsden Point Marina, we discovered "yes that is the price, and she is as fabulous as the photos depict".

A couple of weeks later, the lockdown lifted, we had a close friend from Russell go take a look. He agreed, " Foxglove looks fantastic" She had loads of good gear too, a big grunty generator, two Lombardini inboard engines, selftacking gib, hydraulic mainsail and dual helms Foxglove's owners, had done a complete refit inside the boat too. Steve Bull boat builders in Auckland did an excellent job We have both done a lot of boat work ourselves, Foxglove being our 4th yacht, our 3rd catamaran, we could never hope to match the stunning quality of their workmanship, it's spectacular. Long story short, we bought the boat.

Our intention was to take her up to the islands; Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia We thought we would just carry on cruising from there, going wherever our hearts lead us; the Indonesia islands, Papua New Guinea etc Unfortunately what we didn't know is that the NZ govt don't like their superannuatants to leave the country for longer than 6 months If you ask permission you can get an extension, only in certain circumstances, if you just overstay, not only will they stop your pension, they make you pay back all that they have already paid you!

Anyway, back in Nelson We started working on the boat to make her more comfortable for living abroad, and strong enough for blue water passages Robert had her re-rigged before leaving Marsden Cove. The survey showed everything else to be ship shape and she managed the passage to Nelson with ease, covering Cape Reinga to Tasman Bay in just 50 hours. That passage would have taken an extra day in our old 105 meter catamaran, Motu

Over the next few years we, or rather Robert (I worked to pay the bills), worked with our good friend and boat builder Scotty, to build a hardcover dodger to cover the whole stern area of the boat Peviously this area was totally open and exposed That is possibly why the previous owners found the boat so hard to sell It was a very tricky thing to design, with the bridgdeck area having a convex curving saloon bulkhead wall, also a convex curving roof, on top of which is the hydraulic traveller It would be a huge job to move that, so Robert found a way to work around it. They also built an outdoor table and more seating and lots of lovely big storage drawers inside for stores. Then Robert brought an industrial sewing machine and, after watching MANY YouTube videos, whipped up clears for the side panels and screens for the stern area.

We planned our maiden voyage to be a circumnavigation of the South Island, including Stewart Island Those screens were a blessing, they actually worked and kept the sandflies out.

All through this time we had the trip back up to the islands in sight. When down south we came across a few sailors who were with the South Island Rally. They were so impressed with the support and expertise with which Vicki and her team run the Rally they convinced us to join too. We didn't have too much of an issue finding experienced crew, Stu and Mary, both Islands Cruising members, joined us in Nelson and we set sail for Opua. That was the 3rd of May

Foxglove before(left) and after refit

A very experienced blue water sailor I met in Opua said "the worst hassle we had sailing around the world, the biggest difficulty, was always with government officials". It is now the 3rd of July, we are still in Opua/Russell waiting on documentation

We considered NZ registration, but when Robert did a (then) Category 1 prelim inspection we found escape hatches were mandatory We don't have them, and don't want them Many cats have foundered because of hatch failures, yet there are no cases of them being useful, at least on cruising cats That and various other problems could be avoided by registering in Langkawi, just pay a fee, 7 day turnaround But it didn't quite work out so smoothly

The story goes like this; Foxglove II was imported from Austria (I know it's a land locked country, but that's where she was built) in 2008. Foxglove II is a Novara 54' luxury performance cruising catamaran, designed & built by KKG of Austria. Foxglove is from the same designer as the famous Victorinox Catamaran Her refit was completed by Steven Bull yacht builders and she was re-launched 2012. As part of the refit, Steve extended the bows by a little over a meter, changing the unattractive blunt, rounded bows for sharp pointy bows

Foxglove was registered in New Zealand after she arrived but never deregistered, they just let the registration lapse That is not considered a problem in NZ, as we are over 1000 nm from our nearest neighbour, the NZ govt don't require yachts to be registered

Our first problem when we applied for registration through an agent in Langkawi (Malaysia), was that we didn't have a de-registration document Though we did supply a transcript from Maritime NZ, which was later followed up with an email from the NZ Registrar of Ships in an effort to prove it's authenticity and explaining that NZ yachts are not required to be registered, it's okay to just allow the registration to lapse The second stumbling block came about when they noticed that the length of the boat had changed from 15 to 164 meters They requested more documents, often asking for documents we had already provided. They asked for:

Bill of Sale - Notarised (already supplied)

Copy owner passport (provided)

Copy previous registration (provided, but with the shorter bows)

Copy deletion of previous registration (not able to provide)

Transcript of lapsed registration and email from the Registrar (provided)

Boat photo (port, starbord, bow stern angle, in and out of the water)

Boat interior photos

Boat general layout plan

After getting Steve Bull's architec a boat general layout plan (more they asked for that to be notarised whole process has taken months, of the fleet have left and appear t having the time of their lives up in islands My FOMO (fear of missing is now extreme and we're both a depressed Fortunately we have g boating friends in Russell and the of Islands is stunning, a wee bit w July though

Currently we have given up on th registration officer in Langkawi, ru has it she is new to the job and ha dreadful reputation for holding th up. We have reapplied to Maritim for registration and will then canc that, get the much prized 'deregistration document ' and re-apply to Langkawi. It should be very straightforward

Robert thinks it's already too late now to go up this year, he is worried that that dreadful woman will still find reasons not to grant the registration, now we have become visible, I'm still keen, so watch this space Please say hello if you see us up in the islands.

Kathleen and Robert on Foxglove II

Robert and Kathleen

HYDROVANE IS BOTH:

A Self Steering Windvane System:

A completely independent mechanical system (ie non-electrical) that steers the boat on a wind-based course Easiest to operate, with no lines in the cockpit, and excellent on all points of sail and in all conditions

It is an Auxiliary Rudder type of windvane system – the Vane drives its own Rudder via a sophisticated Drive Unit linkage

An Emergency Rudder/ Steering System

Inherently a second Rudder and Steering System for your boat

It is the strongest Emergency Rudder and Steering System available today Always in place, nothing to set-up – takes the fear out of losing your rudder or breaking your vessel’s steering mid passage or close to shore

Eyesea is a global nonprofit organization with a bold mission to create the world's largest map and database of maritime and coastal pollution. Through geotagged images, individuals and organizations can report and map pollution sources such as plastic, oil spills, and marine debris. This invaluable data helps track the composition and distribution of pollution and fuels the development of strategies for cleanup and prevention.

Time of Expedition: Ongoing

Location of Project: Global Oceans

By scanning the QR code you can learn more about the citizen science project. Submit a form and share your interest in Eyesea by reaching out to a member of the SeaKeepers Team. Join the DISCOVERY Fleet today!

A DREAM REALISED

WORDS&PHOTOGRAPHYBYHELENSHREWSBURY

Long distance, long term cruising adventures had been a dream of mine since I was in my early 20’s. The destination for my adventures changed regularly as the list of places I wanted to sail to became longer, but the method of getting to those exotic locations remained constant, even if the life partners I wanted to join me didn’t remain the same!

One of the wonderful things about planning to live full-time on a boat is the knowledge that all the adventures are ahead of you Those exotic locations dreamt of to escape from monotonous days spent in the office or sitting in traffic, are suddenly almost within reach and the taste of adventure tastes sweet on your tongue.

Then reality hits when the realisation that knowing how to sail is only a small fraction of the knowledge needed to live on a sailboat

I had underestimated how much time would be expended fixing and maintaining our floating home For the next four years and over 20,000nm, we explored many countries but also found, explored and learnt about every nook and cranny on our 43ft yacht We crossed oceans, climbed mountains, wondered at historic buildings, dived into clear blue seas, snorkelled in pristine waters, was invited into fascinating cultures, drank sundowners and found ourselves part of an inclusive, special and brilliant community of fellow cruisers.

Helen Shrewsbury

After four years of living each day without knowing what adventures would unfold for us, the distinct outline of Northland slowly came into view and with it, came the realisation that the adventure was over. The feeling of disappointment outweighed the sense of achievement and overwhelmed me as I started to come to terms with a life more predictable and on land

For the first 12 months I felt like I lost my purpose. All my life something had defined me – I was a mother, project manager, sailor, world traveler but now all those things were behind me and I struggled to find my new identity We settled in Whangarei, bought a house and, while trying to navigate the disturbed waters churned up when you settle in a new community, I continued to socialise with cruising friends we had met during our time away and meeting new ones in the social whirl of Whangarei’s Town Basin

I was asked to crew on yachts heading to Fiji, take care of friends boats while they returned home for a few months, took delivery of items they needed on their return, stored treasured belongings in boxes while work was being done during haul outs, lent our

car so provisioning runs could be organised, provided accommodation when time was needed off the boat and I loved it! I had found my tribe and wanted to remain part of the community, so why not continue doing what I loved, but turn it into a business? If my friends needed it, other cruisers must need it too – so Whangarei Yacht Support (WYS) was born

Offering guardianage/caretaker services, we look after boats while the owners are away – whether it’s for a couple of weeks, or several months I know, from personal experience, how much stress was taken off my shoulders when we arranged for someone to keep an eye on our floating home while we travelled on land for a month in Costa Rica

Drawing on our experience and needs, we now offer a menu of tailor made options, ranging from one visit a month to air boat, check batteries, bilges and mooring lines to a much more involved service including cleaning, project management, local address to have items delivered (like new sails) and even modern, self-contained accommodation for when time is needed off the boat.

“Whangarei Yacht Support (WYS) exists for one simple reason: cruising sailors need trusted hands to care for their boats while they’re away. ”

HELENSHREWSBURY

WYS was born out of lived experience We know what boat owners worry about, because we’ve been there And we know how much peace of mind comes from having someone reliable on the ground, someone who understands boats, and the lifestyle that comes with them

If you're coming to Whangarei, get in touch Even if it's just to swap stories over coffee. But if you're looking for someone to care for your boat as if it were their own, you’ve found the right place

Helen Shrewsbury info@wys.co.nz

wwwwysconz

+64 (0)27 44 888 02

We are constantly improving our facilities to provide the best possible experience for our clients, and the recent upgrades at Dockland 5 Marine Ltd have truly made a positive impact Visitors and customers have praised the ease of access, the improved amenities, and the welcoming atmosphere that our newly renovated facility offers. Whether it’s the convenience of the new office and marina or the relaxing environment of D5 cafe, our customers have expressed a renewed sense of satisfaction, and we couldn't be happier with the response

For those looking to relax after a busy day of work on their boat or simply to enjoy the scenic surroundings, we are excited to introduce the D5 Cafe Situated alongside our complex, the cafe offers a cozy spot for boaters, tradespeople, and visitors to unwind. Grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a meal, and take in the river views while you plan your next adventure or catch up with fellow boating enthusiasts

Island Cruising Members and Rally Participants get 15% discount on hard stand fees - please show your member card for details. (conditions apply).

The DOCKLAND 5 Difference

Dockland 5 Marine Ltd is more than just a place to store your boat; it’s a community hub for those who share a passion for the water Whether you’re in need of a haulout, extensive repairs, or just a convenient place to dock, Dockland 5 Marine Ltd has everything you need and more With our team of dedicated professionals, excellent customer service, and convenient location, we make boating easier and more enjoyable

Located on Hatea River in Whangarei's thriving marine precinct, Dockland 5 Marine Ltd is the ideal hub for all your boating needs with onsite trades and local expert services

Our emergency haulout services ensure that even when things go wrong at the most inconvenient times, you can count on us to provide immediate assistance. Our highly trained crew will work swiftly to lift your vessel out of the water for repairs, ensuring minimal downtime.

PRACTICAL TIPS & TRICKS FROM YEARS AT SEA

10 things Warren’s learned after years on the water racing in New Zealand and as a commercial skipper doing offshore deliveries

The short answer is that cuffs make all the difference. No one likes that feeling of cold water trickling down your sleeves and it shouldn’t happen Look for jackets with proper double cuffs and good sealing Offshore jackets like the Henri-Lloyd Biscay and Elite use a double cuff system and for extra protection. The laminated outer cuff keeps out water and wind, and the soft PU inner cuff gives a waterproof seal right against the skin.

02

AVOID MOISTURE BUILD-UP INSIDE YOUR JACKET

If you’ve worn a jacket for hours and feel damp inside, it’s usually not a leak but condensation Wearing a T-shirt under a shell means sweat has nowhere to go, and skin against the shell builds moisture The fix? A good long-sleeve base layer and pants or midlayer. They wick moisture, dry fast, and create a barrier between your skin and the shell Also think about lining: unlined shells dry faster (wipe them down and carry on) Lined jackets feel warmer but take longer to dry if they get wet Choose based on the trip and conditions.

Breathability of the outer shell and moisture-wicking base layers are absolutely critical in managing moisture build-up in your sailing jacket.

1. High Breathability Outer Shell

Choose jackets with high MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) If the outer shell can’t breathe effectively, sweat vapour can’t escape and will accumulate inside

Look for membranes like HenriLloyd's Elite and DAME-awardwinning materials that allow sweat vapour to escape while remaining waterproof.

2. Effective Base and Mid Layers

No cotton ever It holds moisture

Use synthetic or merino wool base layers that wick moisture away from your skin

Mid-layers should also be breathable (like fleece or active insulation), not waterproof

3. Ventilation Options

Use pit zips, mesh-lined pockets, or adjustable neck/hem openings to increase airflow and reduce internal humidity

4. Layer Smarter, Not Heavier

Avoid overdressing Dress for being slightly cool at rest you’ll warm up with activity. Too many layers trap heat and humidity, overwhelming the jacket's ability to vent

5. Dry Your Layers

In multi-day events, air out and dry your base and mid layers between uses. Damp layers will reintroduce moisture instantly

HARNESS BUILT IN OR SEPARATE?

04 03

Separate If the harness fails, you still have your jacket If your jacket gets damaged or soaked, you still have your harness. And often you’ll be wearing a harness without needing a jacket (especially in warmer passages) Keeping them separate is more flexible and more reliable

07

PERSONAL SAFETY

At sea, carry your safety essentials on you: PLB/EPIRB, knife, whistle, torch, AIS beacon. Offshore jackets and hi-fits have pockets (internal and external) for a reason - they keep safety gear on you, not stowed out of reach. When you need it, you need it fast. Also worth to point out that dark sailing gear isn’t a problem whilst it has enough and smart reflective details like reflective patches with photoluminescent backing located on throat tab, cuffs and rear of collar for 360 degree crew visibility in low light situations and reflective detailing on pockets, seam edges and logos, offering extra visibility in low light or night sailing environments.

THE POINT OF A GILET

A gilet (like the Henri-Lloyd Breeze Gilet) keeps your core warm and dry without overheating you. Heading to the Pacific, it’s perfect for keeping off breeze and spray on warm days It’s a simple piece that adds comfort without adding bulk

A beanie is a must-have for offshore or night watches, even on coastal trips as most heat loss is through your head. If you’re heading further south (South Island, Tasman, Southern Ocean), take a balaclava for extra protection. You’ll never regret having one in your bag

SUNSCREEN VS LONG-SLEEVE TEE

Long-sleeve all the way. It saves the boat from sunscreen marks (yes, it can damage paint and varnish) and keeps you covered without constant reapplication Dri Fast long-sleeves wick moisture and dry fast, so you won’t stay clammy when it’s hot or after a bit of spray. White reflects heat best and looks seriously good, but navy is a solid alternative (and hides the marks from engine room visits better than the white)

FOOTWEAR: ARE PLASTIC SAILING BOOTS ENOUGH?

Plastic/rubber sailing boots are cheap and easy, but they make your feet sweat and trap moisture, which turns into cold feet and chills your whole body and you don’t want that Leather sailing boots fit better, breathe, and are warmer. If you can’t do leather, your socks become critical - bamboo socks are a game-changer: breathable, moisture-wicking, and warm even when damp Ok, I would recommend them with any type of boots to be honest.

10

NON-CORROSIVE ZIPS

09

KEEPING HANDS WARM

Sailing gloves protect from rope burn, but thermal gloves are what keep you functioning in the cold You still need grip and dexterity, so look for designs made for wet work. Jackets and Hi-fits with fleecelined handwarmer pockets (like the Biscay and Elite) are also a blessing between tasks.

A jacket is only as good as its weakest point A corroded zip that seizes can ruin a piece of otherwise excellent gear Choose either a waterproof or a non-corrosive zips Offshore gear like the Elite and Biscay use the heavy duty Vislon zip so you can still operate them with cold hands or gloves (and also have storm flaps for additional protection). Inshore or summer jackets like the Sail Jacket use lighter waterproof zips to ensure enough protection without the bulk.

SEE BEYOND THE CHARTS

Rugged satellite navigation you can rely on

At ProjectX, we specialize in providing advanced navigation solutions for coastal sailors and passage makers. Our flagship product, the ProjectX tablet, is a rugged, military-grade, waterproof Android device designed to withstand the harshest marine environments and extended usage.

Equipped with OpenCPN and additional software tailored to your specific needs, ProjectX ensures precise and reliable navigation, making your sailing adventures safer and more enjoyable.

ProjectX Tablet is your ultimate navigation companion a rugged, military-grade Android tablet designed to withstand the harshest marine environments. Whether mounted at the helm, stationed below deck, or taken ashore, it keeps you connected and in control.

ProjectX Pro Coming soon!

Wynn

Fraser

stock a full range of all marine paint supplies, application products and accessories.

Our marine experts have been supplying exceptional advice and support to the local marine industry for 70 years.

Allan Gray has over 10 years' marine industry experience Allan has excellent product knowledge across our extensive range and can be relied upon to give the best advice possible. He is our in house 'Marine Expert', and available to recommend the most appropriate coating systems based on your unique requirements

We are exclusive distributors of leading global paint systems, allowing us to provide tailor-made specification services, unique to your situation, that ensure you're using the right product and system in the correct way for the best results Our marine experts will come to you, and provide advice and support for everything from preparation through to finishing.

Our marine product range includes construction adhesives, filler and resins, fibreglass cloths and chopped strand matting, paints, anti-foul, cleaners and polishers and all necessary safety equipment to keep you and your team safe and healthy.

We provide products and advice to boat builders and professional and industrial marine painters as well as those with a DIY project

Call 0800 499 663 or shop online on our website.

Island Cruising members - open an account and spend $100 or more and get a $50.00 voucher to spend on your next purchase in the shop Show your member card in store for more details (Conditions Apply)

Oceanflo’s unique pump design combines the reliability and simplicity of piston pumps with the efficiency of energy recovery systems which results in the following advantages

-World leading efficiency

-High reliability

-Minimal moving parts and the easiest seal replacement on the market

-A low operating speed maximizing service life

-Small footprint size

-Low noise and vibration

-Eliminates the need for high pressure boost pumps as with existing energy recovery systems which often is the point of failure.

-Self-regulating pressure automatically adjusts to sea water changes and variations

Mobile Marine Electrical Servicing – Gold Coast & Surrounds

At SeaSpark Electrical, we are passionate about keeping your boat’s electrical systems in top condition so you can make the most of your time on the water. Whether it’s a small wiring installation or a complete vessel fit-out, we deliver expert craftsmanship and reliability you can trust.

We take pride in our high standards, offering professional, honest, and dependable service to give you peace of mind while at sea. Our expertise includes custom-designed lithium systems, house monitoring setups, inverter/charger installations, and solar power integration. Our goal is to make your vessel fully self-sufficient and off-grid, providing unparalleled reliability and independence.

Our Services Include:

Custom Electrical Systems

• Lithium Battery Systems

• Monitoring & Charging Solutions

• Inverter/Charger Installations

• Solar Arrays & MPPT Controllers

• DC-DC Chargers

• Vessel AC Upgrades

• Digital VSRs & Battery Monitors

• Full Distribution Systems

Navigation & Communication

• Depth Sounders

• Multifunction Displays (MFDs)

• Radars & Autopilot Controls

• Night Vision Cameras

• Trolling Motors

• Sonar Systems

• VHF & HF Radios

• Networking (NMEA), Wi-Fi, 4G/5G Boosters

• Satellite Phones

Lighting Installations

• Underwater & Under Gunnel LED Lighting

• Courtesy, Exterior, and Interior Lighting

• Navigation Lights

• Spotlights, Floodlights, and Light Bars

• Utility and Sports Lighting

Upgrades, Repairs & Custom Fit-Outs

• Full Vessel Rewires

• Dash Tidies & Custom Switch Panels

• Digital Switching Solutions

• Wiring Looms & Fuse Panel Installations

• NMEA Networking

• Fault Diagnosis & Repairs

New Boat Fit-Outs

• House Monitoring Systems

• Solar Power Integration

• Custom Designs Tailored to Your Needs

Upcomingevents

TheNationalFestivalofArtsisbeingheldin Tanna,Vanuatu|Hugeandfuneventifyou areplanningonheadingthere

Networkingdrinks-AussieExpo|Superyacht Australia|Seeeventflyerfordetails

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

13-16

SydneytoAucklandOceanRace2025

WhangāreiMaritimeFestival |Whangārei,NewZealand

PacificRally-SailSouthtoNZ orGoWesttoAustralia

TheCoastalClassic | Auckland,NewZealand

SydneyInternationalOn-waterBoatShow |CockleBay,DarlingHarbour

29

IslandCruising40 BirthdayParty th HeldatRNZYS,Auckland Detailstofollow NOVEMBER

WHANGĀREIMA FESTIVALRETU

Bigger, Bolder, and Anchored in Purpose

The Whangārei Maritime Festival is back for its third year, and it’s quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s standout regional events.

After welcoming over 20,000 attendees in 2024, the festival has firmly established itself as a favourite on Northland’s events calendar bringing life, learning, and celebration to the Whangārei Town Basin

What began as a celebration of our city’s maritime identity has grown into a weekend-long showcase of ocean knowledge, skills, trades, and storytelling all set against the

stunning backdrop of Whangārei’s Town Basin With a renewed focus on education and inspiration, the 2025 festival will offer hands-on maritime displays, interactive learning experiences, and insights into the world of marine-based careers and trades.

Of course, returning favourites will be making a splash again including the vibrant Kids’ Zone, live music on the waterfront, and maritime talks designed to inform and ignite curiosity.

"This year we’ve gone back to the heart of why we started,” the organisers said.

ARITIME RNSFOR2025

The Whangārei Maritime Festival would not be possible without the generous support of businesses and organisations who believe in the festival’s long-term vision We gratefully acknowledge our Anchor Supporters: Whangarei District Council and Northland Inc., as well as our valued sponsors:

Whangarei Marina Hundertwasser Art Centre Vital Signs

Sub Zero Brand and Design Transpower Omexom

North Chamber

Their belief in our Kaupapa enables this celebration of community, culture, and connection to thrive.

3RD ANNUAL MUSKET COVE WINGFOIL REGATTA

Cruising Wingfoilers get together for fun regatta at Musket Cove.

It seems almost every boat cruising Pacific has wingfoiling equipment on board these days. Easy to stow and launch from almost any boat, it’s become the perfect way to stay active and enjoy the Pacific’s steady trade winds.

No wonder then that the famously informal Musket Cove Wingfoil Regatta is becoming more popular each year. The third instalment will feature two days of racing between August 13 and 18 (racing will run on the best or earliest good wind days during the waiting period).

Organiser Andrew Mitchell says the emphasis is on fun, challenging yourself to go around a few marks, and enjoying some great social banter afterwards.

“Organisation is pretty minimal”, says Mitchell “We lay a few marks, fire a few start hooters and record the finishing order. It’s basic but everyone seems to love it”

Divisions are ‘social’ for competent riders and ‘very social’ for those early on in their foiling journey. A highlight for the social fleet is ‘The Reefer’, a 7-mile long distance dash around Nuku Reef

TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH EVENT NEWS

FOLLOW THE MUSKET COVE WING FOILERS FACEBOOK GROUP

EXPLORING THE SALT LAKE IN SAVUSAVU

Just 30 minutes from Savusavu, you can enjoy a unique adventure.

Jacques picked up our group of Pacific Rally participants from the Copra Shed Marina in the morning and we drove 20 minutes out of town to their base and had our briefing before jumping into our kayaks.

THE RIVER TO THE SALT LAKE IS A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE.

You cruise up the narrow river of pristine waters by kayak, with high tide - surrounded by a canopy of stunning green foliage You hardly have to paddle when you time it right and go with the tide.

You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere with just t sound of the birds in the trees as you are carried up the river

Eventually the river opens up to a lake - much bigger than I expected We explored the islands and inlets in the mangroves and then enjoyed lunch and a swim on the pontoon We even saw a baby manta ray leaping out of the water When the tide turned, we were carried back downstream in the current and then Jacques drove us back to the marina.

Don’t miss this experience when you visit Savusavu - Fiji

VISIT MANGROVE JACKS KAYAKS

Nalawan Festival Vanuatu

V i a n i B a y R e s o r t

ISLAND CRUISING BIRTHDAY PARTY

DATE 29 November 2025

VENUE Royal NZ Yacht Squadron

Auckland, New Zealand

40 YEARS OF EXPLORING THE PACIFIC

Cruising down memory lane

with past Rally photos

We want to hear your cruising stories!

Email us at info@islandcruisingnz or message us via any of our social channels!

Costa Brava | NZ

Flambuoyant | WHANGAREI

Society &culture

DUFOUR 44 SET TO MAKE WAVES AT40TH HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK

Dufour Yachts is proud to announce its official sponsorship of Hamilton Island Race Week 2025, Australia’s premier offshore regatta, as the iconic event celebrates 40 years of racing in paradise from 16 – 23 August.

Held in the heart of the stunning Whitsundays, Hamilton Island Race Week offers the ultimate blend of competitive sailing and unforgettable island festivities This year, Dufour Yachts will be front and centre with The Yacht Sales Co team, with the acclaimed Dufour 44 on full display and racing throughout the event.

Designed in collaboration with Felci Yachts Design, the Dufour 44 delivers the perfect balance of exhilarating performance and refined onboard comfort. From her sleek hull and responsive helm to her spacious deck and stylish interiors, the yacht is designed to deliver the ultimate experience, whether in regatta challenges or relaxed cruising escapes

Visitors can step aboard and inspect the Dufour 44 first-hand at F-Arm throughout the event Those seeking true Race Week excitement can also

THEYACHTSALESCO

Read &download

Demography Day

Peter Breally

A young journalist expecting her first child attends the prenatal clinic in Gladstone Australia where she lives and by a quirk of fate discovers that all women the world over have stopped falling pregnant for no explicable reason The story that she writes for her newspaper rocks the world to it’s core and spirals her personal life onto an unimaginable journey of hope and despair.

Buy a copy here

Under Wide And Starry Skies

Nick Coghlan

Discover 50 of the world’s most remote and rewarding sailing destinations with seasoned sailor and retired diplomat Nick Coghlan Blending personal stories, hand-drawn charts, and practical sailing advice, this reflective guide is perfect for those looking to sail beyond the beaten path.

Western Australia Cruising Guide

Editor | Kim Klaka

Regarded as as the coastal cruising bible for WA, this guide is a must have with over 650 pages, 230 chartlets and many interesting colour photos The main source of information for this guide is feedback from the hundreds of sailors who have shared their knowledge - especially around the Kimberly - a largely unexplored part of the coast

Download your free copy of this invaluable resource, or buy Photocopies of the guide through Fremantle Sailing Club

Offshore Marine Medic

Two-day Offshore Medical Course customised to provide students with the basics required for Offshore Cruising. Course also covers a handover of the Offshore Medical Kit (CAT 1) and how to use it.

Don't forget to add the Island Cruising Members discount code which you can find on the discounts page here

Upcoming dates

20 - 21 November | Offshore Medical | Auckland or contact us for more options

10% discount for Island Cruising members + discount on Cat 1 Medical Kits Register online here

CORAL SEA MARINA’S BETTER BOATING EXPO SETS SAIL FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY

CORALSEAMARINA

Coral Sea Marina’s Better Boating Expo, held on Friday 11th July, welcomed a vibrant crowd of locals, visitors, and members of the boating community for a day packed with education, entertainment, and environmental advocacy at the Coral Sea Marina Gardens.

From safety at sea to sustainability tips and local reef knowledge, the expo offered a fun-filled and informative day for all ages Families and children, in particular, were thrilled by the live life raft demonstration, presented by Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays, which gave them the rare chance to "hop on board" a real raft and imagine the experience of being adrift at sea.

Many young visitors also eagerly took part in the safety flare deployment, tested their skills at Mainstay Sailing’s rope station, and learned about the fragile beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the passionate team of local Master Reef Guides Visitors were also invited to head down to the water and explore VMR1, Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday’s rescue vessel, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s barge, and to chat with the crew on board

The event successfully brought together an inspiring range of organisations including Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Maritime Safety Queensland, Tangaroa Blue, Whales of the Whitsundays, and many more inspiring local businesses, all offering engaging presentations and hands-on experiences aimed at promoting safer, smarter, and more sustainable boating

The Better Boating Expo also served as the official launch of Coral Sea Marina’s new Better Boating Guide – Our Guide to Greener Recreational Boating. Designed for everyone who spends time on the water, this comprehensive guide provides tips on reducing environmental impact, managing waste, protecting the marine environment, and being a positive ambassador for the ocean.

“The Better Boating Expo is a reminder of the positive impact we can have when we come together to share knowledge, encourage sustainable choices, and foster a culture of responsibility on our waters.” said Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Coral Sea Marina.

“It was incredible to see such a strong turnout from our local community and visitors alike, all eager to learn and engage with the marine environment.” JOSCELYNO’KEEFE

With face painting, ice cream, expert advice, and hands-on experiences, the Better Boating Expo proved to be both educational and enjoyable, reinforcing Coral Sea Marina’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community connection.

For more information or to download the Better Boating Guide, visit the Coral Sea Academy website at coralseaacademy.com

Coral Sea Marina andfun at the Better Boating Expo

Got a question? Ask a Pirate

Q&A

DEAR CAPTAIN JACK

I was minding my own business cutting my toe nails off the back of my boat the other day, and this drone just flew straight up to me and buzzed me, like staring into my boat and it sat there for ages, just looking...

Is that creepy or what?

Yours Mad Max

DearMax,

YesIagree,thatisprettypoorformWeallloveseeing fabulousaerialphotographsofourvesselsinstunning anchorages,butthereareafewthingstoconsiderboth fromthelocalregulationsandanetiquetteperspective. Goingtooclosetootherpeoplesboatswithouttheir permissionisnotcoolHerearesomeothertips

Obtaintherelevantpermitsineachcountry youareplanningtovisitYoucanfindtheminthe membersareaofourwebsite

Flynohigherthan120m(400ft)abovetheground

Stayasafeandconsideratedistanceawayfrom peopleandbuildings

Don'tflyoverprivateland,suchasboats,farms orhouses,unlesstheownersaysit'sOK

Keepyourdroneinsightatalltimes

Stay4kmawayfromanywhereaircraftarelanding ortakingoff

It'sdangeroustoflydronesanywhereotheraircraft areoperating

Youcanlearnmoredroneflyingtipsandhowtogetthe variouspermitsfortheSWPacificcountriesinthis membersworkshopontheIslandCruisingwebsite

We are very proud to be a part of the South Pacific Sailing Network - a group of like minded businesses and countries around the South Pacific who are all committed to promoting sustainable yachting tourism and advocating on behalf of cruisers exploring the South Pacific

Our Pacific rally is the pathway that connects the islands and sailors together.

Read more about the aims of the SPSN here

With a friendly boating mad team always on hand to offer practical advice, tips, and make product recommendations, we’ve got the answer for you. Our chandlery will ensure you get back out on the water, faster!

For any boating problems, come see the team at All Marine

Always on hand find that hard-to-find boat part you’ve been searching for – even if it’s not on our shelves – we’re sure to know where to find it Priding ourselves on stocking our great product range and having fantastic service, shop online or come on down in store and have a yarn

Don’t see what you need? Give us a call, we’ll be happy to help 09 438 4499

Check out our website here

ISLAND CRUISING MEMBERS GET A GREAT DISCOUNT!

Check your member's weekly newsletter for the discount code

Jon Henry – Pacific Cruising Coach

Passage planning & navigation

Meal & provisioning plans

Weather routing & departure timing

Optional crew training (24hr minimum)

Onboard

tI have been based in New Zealand for the past 5 years after cruising on and off for 8 years, having sailed the East Coast of Africa, the West and East Coasts of Australia as well as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. My wife and I live on our boat and are still fully involved in the cruising lifestyle I am a Licensed Immigration Adviser for New Zealand and, as a yachtie, have a particular interest in helping yachties with their immigration issues

Island Cruising NZ Members get a 30% discount

DOWN THE WEST COAST

An Australian Adventure

WORDS&PHOTOGRAPHYBYPETERUTBER

We had dallied too long in Darwin, the port city that always lays her more than welcome mat out to sailors in transit The season was well advanced and the south-east trade winds all but a memory of their former sail filling glory. Thus we had flapped and slopped our way across the confused Joseph Bonaparte Gulf (which is always as trying on ones sanity as it is on the ships canvas), and raised Cape Rulheirs on the third day out. This tall bluff guards the entrance to the majestic King George river where we repaired our sails and ourselves, and toasted the fact that we were back once more in Western Australian waters

'Leah' rounded the Cape of Londonderry and seemed to know she was back in the Kimberley We worked south west for a few days, dodging whales, anchoring each night off islands and shores that carry the names of the French explorers from another age. It was mid September when we reached Silver Gull Creek in the Yampi sound Phil, as usual, extended his every courtesy to us (as he and Marion do to all wayward sailors), and a week was quickly lost in this remarkable paradise that knows no roads

From the 'Yampi' we sailed across the mouth of the King Sound, steering a course twenty five degrees off our intended track to counteract the massive tide that roars out from Derby, anchored for the night at Cape Leveque, then pressed on for Port Headland, four hundred miles further down the coast. We passed Broome a couple of days later but did not pull in, the tide ridden anchorages there held no attraction for us, tired as we were.

South from Broome we beat down the Eighty Mile beach where the bones of drowned sailors can still be found in the sand dunes This area was (and still is) fished for the fabulous mother of pearl shell back in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century The luggers of those days had no engines, and would be caught like sitting ducks with nowhere to hide when a cyclone came howling down the coast

We had a different problem. Because the season was late, and the south-east tradewinds had packed it in for the year, the wind pattern had developed into a land breeze/sea breeze regularity. The wind would come off the Western Australian deserts in the early hours of the morning, sometimes reaching twenty five knots Our little ketch would be pushed out to sea, close hauled on a port tack until noon, when the wind would drop completely away for a couple of hours At around 1400, in would come the afternoon sea breeze from the south-west, bang on the nose. We would tack ship and close the coast again on a starboard board, working into a choppy head sea. This was the infamous 'West Coast Doctor' that blew all summer long, bringing welcome relief to the hot coastal communities in the Nor-west, but was making life miserable on board 'Leah' for Di and myself This sea breeze would blow quite strongly until around 2200 hours, then fizzle out at midnight

Port Headland slowly drew closer. Because the ever present sea breeze was dictating our heading, I charted a course that would take us through the Bedout channel which runs between Bedout Island and the Amphinome Shoals The flooding tide was with us, but the seas were standing up against it and our going was slow and wet We entered the channel before dark, and by 2030 hours 'Leah' was pitching and heaving her way through the waves, her bowsprit one moment pointing at the heavens, then plunging deeply into the three metre seas. We had the motor running to help us lay North Turtle island fourteen miles ahead in the blackness. Once past this island we could pull away for the final sixty miles to Port Headland

Di. was on watch, not that there was much to look at The sea breeze howled through the rig and great waves of green water would come hurtling back over the deck, hit the wheelhouse windows and run off the cockpit dodger. We were close hauled on a starboard tack, and making slow headway The Bedout Island light winked away on our starboard beam, whilst the great shoal bank that runs fifteen miles out from the old Condon settlement was under our port lee I stood in the companionway, looking aft and watched two gulls holding station with us, the masthead light reflecting off their outspread wings.

Ketch ‘Leah’

The engine stopped dead, too quickly for it to be a fuel problem 'Leah' fell away to leeward, leaned over and steadied onto a new heading that would see us aground if we carried on for too long I raised the engine hatch, put the gearbox into neutral and tried to turn the propellor shaft. It was seized solid Oh happy days! I did a tour of the decks, hanging on as 'Leah' rode up and down on the swells that passed under her keel Everything seemed normal I was looking for a rope over the side that may have fouled the prop. Nothing. The spare water and fuel drums were still lashed down tightly, the spinnaker bag nestled in its usual spot between the drums, also lashed. I made my way back to the cockpit “ I think the gearbox is seized”

Di. said nothing, her knuckles gleaming white on the wheel as she concentrated on steering the best course she could make. I took note of our new heading and went below to the navigation station Out of the wind, the main saloon warm and snug with the brass bell and galley tap reflecting the soft light from the nav instruments, my heart went out for our brave little ship as she rose and dipped over the steep seas

At the speed and heading we were making, we were going towards a bad lee shore, and needed to tack away I climbed back out into the cockpit

“Ready about”. I readied the sheets while Di judged the wave patterns

“Lee ho” she called, spinning the wheel

to starboard as I released then winched the jib in again Leah settled down onto the port tack and began slowly drawing away from the coast. The motion was nowhere as violent with the sails full and the wind coming over the port side for'rard of the beam I took note of the heading and speed made good over the ground and went below again to plot our new heading

Our speed was nothing to write home about, 25 knots, which surprised me for we had the tide with us and the sails full and drawing. On the present heading we would be lucky to clear the shoal that extends south a fair way from Bedout Island. Further to that, the tide was due to change in three hours and would be then running north against us, setting us even closer to peril.

Di. and Pete

Di. called from the cockpit and I climbed up the companionway steps again, leaving the calm sanctity of the main saloon once more. Her lovely hair hung down each side of her face in wet ringlets “What's that behind us, in the water?” I stared!

Waving and dancing deep under our stern, swathed in a beautiful halo of phosphorence was our spinnaker.

I groaned! No wonder we were making such poor speed. I could see the sheets which we always left attached trailing out far behind, the whole shebang obviously wrapped around the propellor

But how? I made my way up to the fore deck once more and stared at the spinnaker bag The bottom had been blown clean out of it by the seas we had been taking over the fore deck. I was very angry with myself for not having stowed the sail below We hadn't used it for quite a while, and to leave it on the deck, albeit securely lashed, it was bad seamanship on my behalf that had put us into this tight predicament.

There was nothing we could do about it now, other than to raise the mizzensail and shake the reef out of the main. We sailed on through the night, hard pressed, towing the kite, slowly making way. Fortunately the wind held in and we cleared the reef strewn shoal by one and a half miles The tide changed, but

in the changing seemed to sweep us away from the danger and dawn found us becalmed in a heaving sea left over from the night winds.

I dived into the still dark water and hacked the great knot of spinnaker and sheets from the propellor, while the boat tried its best to brain me as it rose and fell ten feet Bits of gaily coloured sailcloth floated around me like fifty dollar notes The sheets were tightly wound along the shaft and I was exhausted by the time it was all cut away.

I clambered back on board and caught my breath We ate a hearty breakfast, then hoisted sail and set a course for the still distant Port Headland, pushing into the morning south east breeze that came howling off the deserts.

“Welcome back to the west coast”, Di. grinned at me and I pulled a face We dodged whales later that afternoon, and entered Port Headland harbour just before dark, seeking shelter from the seabreeze behind Finucane Island The harbour authorities ordered us out, threatening police action and we reanchored off the yacht club sand spit that offers scant protection from the wind and rocked and rolled all night. “Welcome indeed”!

We were to spend four years back on that coast with its wild weather and beautiful isolation before succumbing to the sirens that called from the Great Barrier Reef once again. During that time we fell in love with the historical little town of Onslow, survived the onslaught of tropical cyclone Vance and were married on a lovely beach by the Dampier Archipeligo

“So I must draw my canvas tight, And set my helm a'lee, To slowly sail on through my life, Because you're calling me.”

YOTTIPETE|KETCH‘LEAH’

Memberclassifieds

OYSTER 46

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OYSTER 54

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Island Cruising

Providing cruisers with support, education & connection

Social Connection

Running yacht rallies around New Zealand and the South Pacific

Organising social events, activities and social media networks

Learning about and being respectful of the cultures we visit

Promoting positive social impact, community engagement and long-lasting connections with the people we meet

Support

Being an inclusive, diverse and supportive community

Advocating for and assisting sailors in need

Advice on immigration clearances & formalities

Yacht tracking and shore crew support

Education

Assisting sailors to prepare themselves, their vessel and crew for long coastal or offshore voyages

Promoting Safer Boating initiatives

Being a rich pool of knowledge, support and resources for cruisers

Encouraging upskilling and good seamanship

Collaboration

Environment

Running a sustainable and environmentally sensitive organisation

Supporting local and global environmental initiatives to protect the Ocean and the places we visit

Encouraging sailors to be eco-conscious and reduce their impact on the environment

Promoting Citizen Science projects aimed at ocean health

Communication

Forming strong relationships with yacht clubs to promote long-coastal and offshore races, rallies and cruising events and activities

Promoting Safer Boating and good seamanship alongside Coastguard, AMSA & Maritime New Zealand

Partnering with the South Pacific Sailing Network to promote sustainable yachting tourism

Producing a regular newsletter to keep cruisers informed on the latest cruise news, upcoming events and promoting partner products & businesses

Promoting the New Zealand & Australian Marine industry and providing a positive and mutually beneficial connection to their target market

Encouraging and welcoming international sailors to New Zealand

islandcruisingnz .