Cruise News - May 25

CRUISE NEWS

50

by Bruce Maunsell

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 for cruisers wanting to prepare for long coastal or offshore voyages We also run 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.

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

DESIGNER

Fromthehelm

Welcome to our May edition of Cruise News! I hope you love the new layout and format as much as I do! Our designer Tara has done a fantastic job!

I haven't quite been firing on all cylinders for the last few months At Christmas time I was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer. It is very treatable, and I've had 5 sessions of chemo already My doctor is very happy with my progress and I should make a complete recovery soon I hope!

Unfortunately I haven’t been able to personally attend all our Pacific Rally pre-departure events going on at present, however, Cecile and Gemma and all our wonderful rally business partners have lined up an incredible program of fun activities for everyone, and we’ve covered off all the important content in our online training webinars. I’ll be managing everything else going on remotely from the couch at home in Christchurch but sadly missing out on all the fun

Last weekend at the Boat Works on the Gold Coast. We had a fabulous program with wine tastings from Greenskin Wines, Sea Shanties - a singalong presented by Paul Browning one of the rally participants, Richard & Shona from PowerWincher came all the way from Tasmania to do a demonstration of their fabulous electric winch handle, The Yacht Sales Co hosted an incredible morning tea, Australian Border Force did a briefing of what happens during the clearance process, Henri Lloyd had a pop-up shop with some gorgeous sailing clothing, Dazmac talked about the importation & exporting process for Australian vessels, Fabien from Rocna did a talk on Anchoring techniques, Wendy from Marine Medical Solutions hosted a marine first aid session, Multihull Central hosted a fabulous BBQ lunch, Chris from Seaspray Marine talked about how to care for your boat while you’re in the tropics and Melissa from Deck Hardware gave a great talk on boat maintenance

This weekend the program continues at Marsden Cove in Whangārei and also at the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua. We’ve got parties, weather briefings, Sail Repairs at sea, a lesson on deep sea fishing, coffee catch ups, sessions with Customs, updates from Nawi & Vuda Marinas, the Boatyard in Vava’u, an Island Party, kids get-togethers, a BBQ with Seapower, lessons on Sail Repairs at Sea with North Sails, boat maintenance tips, a provisioning seminar, bus rides into town, a visit to Omata winery for pizza, a tour of the OC Tenders factory, a Henri Lloyd fashion show, lessons in trimming sails, Citizens of the Sea training for those participating in this awesome environmental project, tips on buying & selling boats, Maritime NZ will be around to help with issuing IVC certificates for the NZ vessels going offshore, dinners and music!

Rally participants also get to tap into some incredible discounts from our rally partners too - you can quickly recoup your rally entry fee by taking advantage of all these great deals!

When they arrive in the Islands, our local partners have got all kinds of welcome events and get togethers planned for them too.

Once they get underway we will also be launching our Sail South to New Zealand and Go West to Australia offerings for those who are already in the Pacific but would like to join in the fun along the way! More about that coming next month !

If you’re heading up to the Islands I hope you have a safe and enjoyable passage, I look forward to hopefully seeing you along the way!

Viki Moore

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

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As one of your boats currently out on the water We can’t thank you enough Viki You have kept us very informed and helped us out no end both before departure and now on passage So glad we joined and are with the Rally Hate to think how we would be going and what we would be doing without you. SV Alidade (diverted due to political unrest in New Caledonia

FIONA

Being part of the rally gave us a huge confidence boost and the suport we needed to turn out dream into reality In particular your input has been amazing; we really appreciate the care you show to all the boats, and the way you create networks and pass on information. You are very good at what you do.

NATHAN

SET SAIL WITH SAVINGS!

To kick off your Pacific adventure, we're thrilled to offer 20% OFF our best seller ‘Used Boat Kit’—valued at over $200! This exclusive kit also comes with a FREE Dulon cap. As a special bonus, owner Chris Toorenburg will personally demonstrate how to get the most out of your kit, sharing expert tips on boat care and maintenance. Group session date to be advised on our social media page. Email us at admin@dulon.com.au to claim your discount and secure your kit. Pickup also available at our store inside The Boat Works, Monday to Friday, 9am–2pm. We can’t wait to see you there!

THE YACHT SALES CO. CONFIRMS MAJOR SPONSORSHIP OF 2025 MUSKET COVE

FIJI REGATTA

The Yacht Sales Co. is delighted to announce its role as the major sponsor of the 2025 Musket Cove Fiji Regatta, set to take place from 12–16 September 2025.

Recognised as one of the most iconic events on the Pacific cruising calendar, the 2025 Musket Cove Fiji Regatta promises a spectacular week of racing, social events and unforgettable island hospitality.

Held in the heart of Fiji’s breathtaking Mamanuca Island group, the Musket Cove Fiji Regatta draws yachties and sailing enthusiasts from across the globe. With its sheltered moorings, marina berths, and world-class cruising grounds, Musket Cove Yacht Club (MCYC) offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable sailing experience.

Whether seasoned racers or casual cruisers, the 2025 Musket Cove Fiji Regatta is the ultimate opportunity for every participant to embrace tropical fun, camaraderie and the thrill of sailing against a stunning backdrop

The week-long program features an exciting schedule of racing events, including friendly competition and more serious contests, combined with a lively array of social gatherings, cultural celebrations, prize ceremonies and festivities that showcase the best of Fijian hospitality.

Registrations for the 2025 Musket Cove Fiji Regatta are now open, and participants are encouraged to secure their spot early and take advantage of special Regatta accommodation packages available at Musket Cove Island

“The Musket Cove Fiji Regatta holds a special place in the hearts of sailors worldwide, and we are proud to be supporting this much-loved event”

THE YACHT SALES CO. CEO MARK ELKINGTON

“This partnership is a perfect alignment with our strategic expansion in the region, with Sales locations now in Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia and Auckland, in addition to our teams in Australia, Southeast Asia, Panama and the Mediterranean”, Mark said

“We look forward to welcoming participants to what promises to be an extraordinary week on and off the water.”

In addition to the idyllic racing and non-stop social schedule, participants will also enjoy convenient access to essential onshore facilities, including laundry, showers, a general store, fuel station, ATM and the vibrant restaurants and bars of the Musket Cove Island Resort.

Full details and links to register can be found at www.yachtsalesco.com/events For further information, contact The Yacht Sales Co on +61 (0) 7 5452 5164, info@yachtsalescocom wwwyachtsalescocom/events

A LIFE AT SEA: 50 YEARS

SAILING THE SOUTH PACIFIC FOR OCEAN CONSERVATION

RICHARD&FREDERIQUECHESHER

I first set sail on my own boat in 1958, and I never looked back. The ocean became my home, my classroom, and my life's passion With a PhD in marine science and a diver’s heart, I spent years exploring the oceans of the world, studying reefs, sailing from island to island, and championing marine conservation long before it was trendy.

In 1968, I made a chilling discovery off Guam a plague of crown-of-thorns starfish devouring coral reefs at an alarming pace That wake-up call launched a lifelong mission: to sound the alarm for our oceans

My work took me from National Geographic expeditions in the Florida Keys to deep into the heart of the South Pacific, diving into the mysteries of coral reefs and witnessing first-hand the growing damage from human activity

In 1975, I sold my 60-foot catamaran research vessel and bought a leaner, nimbler Peterson 44 cutter Freddy and I had her built in Taiwan, named her Moira, and sailed off into the blue with a dream to merge science and sailing, and to make a difference along the way.

One highlight? Helping shut down a dolphin circus in New South Wales, backed by over 250,000 passionate signatures and getting the governments of South and Western Australia to ban capturing dolphins for circus performances.

We cruised Asia, the Philipinnes, Solomon Islands, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa, studying reefs, rescuing dolphins, and working with local communities Follow our adventures in the expedition reports

In American Samoa, we launched a community cleanup with the government that turned a litter-strewn Pango Pango into a source of pride That success led to years of work with SPREP in Noumea, helping island nations launch environmental programs that actually worked because they were rooted in local culture and ownership, not foreign aid dependency.

In Tonga, we helped create community run giant clam sanctuaries One species of giant clam had already become extinct in Tonga, and Tridacna derasa wasn’t far behind So, we worked with Earthwatch volunteers and the villagers of Vava’u to show them what would be lost forever without community action

We sparked a friendly competition with a prize for the best giant clam catches (for a community sanctuary, not soup pots!) and a 1000 paanga prize for anyone who could bring in a live Hippopus hippopus When no one could find a single live Hippopus hippopus, the message hit home: extinction means gone Forever

Against all odds and the skepticism of local officials the villagers made it

work. The community sanctuary flourished Baby clams appeared And best of all? The success spread like a warm trade wind, inspiring other communities in Tonga, then Fiji and Vanuatu, to protect their reefs and marine life by starting community clam sanctuaries.

Our time aboard Moira wasn’t just about clams and coral. I also created a reef-friendly Code of Anchoring in Reef Environments, CARE, to spread wareness among cruising sailors of how to anchor without damaging the beautiful coral gardens they sailed all that way to see.

We later launched Sea Keepers in New Zealand an environmental education program sponsored by Telecom NZ that connected lifelong marine wildlife protectors with over 200 elementary schools through teleconferences, and

supported teachers in organizing field projects so kids could enjoy collecting scientific data on New Zealand's marine life

Along the way, I was tapped by the United Nations to write major State of the Environment reports for the Pacific Ocean

The news was grim ocean health was tanking fast. Still, we didn’t give up. In Vanuatu, I worked on a visionary plan to make the country 100% powered by renewable energy. Sadly, global politics and powerful energy interests blew that dream off course

Every bay and lagoon was charted the hard way: with our dinghy, our depth sounder, our cameras, and a serious dose of salty curiosity.

So Freddy and I tacked to a new heading using our photography, diving, and sailing experience to create the most detailed, visually immersive cruising guides ever made for New Caledonia and Vanuatu We called them the Rocket Cruising Guides.

Think of it like navigating from the bridge of a spaceship with the most advanced, magical sensors and displays to instantly see GPS depth surveys, clickable anchorages, underwater photos, festival scenes, volcano hikes you name it

We didn’t outsource a thing We did the mapping, the programming, the photography everything but launch the satellites Over time, we kept refining and upgrading Today, seasoned skippers say the Rocket Guides are the most detailed, visually immersive cruising Guides they’ve ever seen. And that makes our hearts soar.

We hope you’ll find these guides not just useful, but delightful your own magical portal into the islands we’ve come to love May your voyages in Vanuatu and New Caledonia be safe, inspiring, and full of wonder. And may you always sail with purpose and joy

Aboard the Research Vessel Moira Rocketcruisingguides.com

Fair winds and following seas, Richard & Frederique Chesher

HENRI-LLOYD: SETTING THE STANDARD FOR WATERPROOF SAILING GEAR SINCE 1963

Since its founding in 1963, Henri-Lloyd has been at the forefront of waterproof fabric innovation, pioneering the development of technical sailing apparel that combines durability, performance, and protection. It was one of the first brands to truly revolutionize waterproof clothing for sailors, helping them face the toughest conditions at sea.

WHAT MAKES A FABRIC WATERPROOF?

Waterproof fabrics are built through a combination of advanced layers and treatments designed to keep moisture out while maintaining comfort and durability.

A typical waterproof fabric includes:

Face Fabric: The outer layer that provides abrasion resistance and durability

Waterproof Membrane or Coating: A critical layer that physically blocks water while allowing vapor (sweat) to escape.

Lining/Backing: Adds comfort against the skin and helps manage moisture inside the garment.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent)

Coating: Applied to the outer fabric to cause water to bead up and roll off, rather than soak in.

Seam Sealing or Welding: Ensures that stitched seams do not become weak points for water ingress.

HENRI-LLOYD’S APPROACH TO WATERPROOF PERFORMANCE

Henri-Lloyd integrates cutting-edge fabric technologies and construction techniques across its range to deliver reliable protection in demanding sailing environments. Whether it’s inshore racing, offshore cruising, or round-the-world voyages, Henri-Lloyd gear is engineered to offer optimal waterproofness, breathability, and comfort

In the next section, we’ll dive into a breakdown of waterproof ratings and performance standards across Henri-Lloyd’s latest range helping you choose the right gear for your next adventure at sea

Waterproof Rating (mm)

0 - 5,000mm

6,000 - 10,000mm

11,000 - 15,000mm

16,000 - 20,000mm

20,000+mm

Product

Elite Jacket & Hi-fits

Dynamic Motion Jacket & Solopettes

Dynamic Lite Jacket

Biscay Jacket

Sail Jacket

Coastal Hi-fits

Breeze Series

Performance & Use Case

Waterproofness (mm)

20,000mm (20K)

20,000mm (20K)

20,000mm (20K)

15,000mm (15K)

15,000mm (15K)

15,000mm (15K)

10,000(10K)

Light rain, drizzle, no prolonged exposure

Suitable for casual wear

Handles light to moderate rain

Suitable for hiking and outdoor activities

Can withstand heavy rain and snow

Ideal for skiing and prolonged outdoor use.

Performs well in extreme conditions, prolonged exposure to heavy rain and snow Used in technical sailing and mountaineering gear

Maximum protection for extreme weather, storms, and deep water pressure Used in professional-grade expedition gear

CARING FOR YOUR SAILING KIT: TIPS TO KEEP YOUR GEAR PERFORMING LONGER

Investing in high-quality sailing gear is only half the journey proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure your kit stays waterproof, breathable, and ready for the next voyage

Here’s how to look after your sailing kit to extend its life and performance:

Always check the care label

Before washing or drying any item, read the manufacturer’s care instructions carefully These guidelines are designed to protect the technical performance of your gear

Rinse

After Every Use

Salt, dirt, and grime can degrade fabrics over time. After each outing, rinse your gear thoroughly in fresh water to remove any salt residue

Washing Your Waterproof Gear

When it’s time for a deeper clean, unless otherwise stated, wash your waterproof jackets and trousers on a low-temperature, gentle machine cycle Always use a specialist technical wash product designed for outerwear regular detergents can damage the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that keeps your gear shedding water

Before washing, close all zips and fastenings to prevent snags

Dealing with Stains

If you notice oils or grease stains, blot them immediately with an absorbent cloth avoid rubbing then wash the item according to its care label Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or traditional detergents, as they can permanently damage the fabric and its waterproof properties

Drying Your Gear

If the care label allows tumble drying, use a low heat setting to help reactivate the DWR coating. Otherwise, air-dry your gear in the shade, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can weaken technical fabrics. Always ensure your kit is completely dry before storage to prevent mould and mildew buildup

Storage Matters

Never leave waterproof clothing stored inside your boat for long periods Boats are often humid and salty environments, which can accelerate deterioration Store your gear in a dry, ventilated space whenever possible With the right care, your sailing kit will continue to protect you against the elements voyage after voyage

THE JOYS OF A LOFRANS TIGRES OWNER

JULIANREAL

The finer points of anchoring are a frequent point of discussion amongst us ‘yachties’ The type of anchor, size of anchor, benefits and weaknesses of chain or rope or chain and rope, the amount of rode to pay out in a given depth, in various degrees of wind, and so on, can be discussed and argued over endlessly, with all sides knowing from the outset that a consensus of opinion is less likely than peace in the Middle East.

There is, however, one thing that I think all hands will agree on, which is that pulling up an anchor by windlass is far preferable to pulling up an anchor by hand. My previous yacht, a C and C 34, had a windlass, but lacked a gypsy, so it could only be used for rope Naturally, my rode was all chain, so I was forced to pull it up by manually, anchor, mud slick chain, and sometimes hundred weight of firmly attached weed If you have never had the pleasure of the experience I don’t recommend it Apart from being hard and dirty work, having to manually haul an anchor can easily become a safety issue. If you, like me, fail to whole heartedly embrace the joys of hard physical labour, then it is only human to try to limit the exertion required Thus, the use of minimal

amounts of chain, and perhaps settling for a slightly dodgily set anchor rather than dragging it up to try re-setting it again for the third or fourth time, is encouraged.

The windlass is then the forgotten hero of the ground tackle equipment.

Whilst we may shower prayers upon our chosen anchor whilst we hang off it in forty or fifty knots, the windlass that quietly drags in the fifty metres of 10mm chain when the blow is over, at about 2.3 kgs a metre, is simply expected to go about its duty with hardly a kind word or thought

Its the squeaky wheel that gets the oil, so its only when your windlass starts to complain that it attracts attention. Taurus came with a Lofrans Tigres, a French unit known for its reliability Not long after we bought the boat, about four years ago, I took the windlass apart, to a fairly superficial level, to make sure everything was greased and to fit a new gypsy

The gypsy is also known as a chain and unsurprisingly is the wheel e chain fits in to be pulled out of in locker or be pulled back in to e cutting edge of the windlass’ on, the gypsy slowly wears to nt where the chain can slip or n unwelcome and frightening nce that when it happens ages a healthy respect for the of metal in motion to shred flesh ne. If I impart nothing else in this hen I hope that my advice to be eful around your chain and s remembered If something ong it goes wrong very quickly, u don’t want to have your digits s in the way when it does.

The above image is not an exact match of the Lofrans motor but is close enough The shaft points into the windlass body and drives the gears that makes the windlass work If you undo the cap at the opposite end you can withdraw the frame leaving the armature in place The brushes come out with the frame Be careful that the springs holding the brushes don’t fall off the studs holding them If they do you will need to pretension them before replacing I don’t know how much tension this would require, and I don’t imagine it will be easy to do this, so best they don’t fall off!

Our Tigres had given fairly faultless service for our four years or so of frequent and later full time cruising. True, sometimes the chain skipped on the gypsy when being lowered, but this was more or less eliminated by my resting a foot on the chain just for’ard of the windlass, and was something I put down to a less than ideal installation Whilst my foot cured the problem fixing the underlying cause was set into the too hard basket.

Recently, however, the windlass has been playing up We have a hardwired switch that is brought through a deck hatch and allows the windlass to be controlled by the person standing at the bow The switch began to sometimes fail to operate the winch As the problem persisted, fixing the winch slowly rose to the top of our perennial list of boat jobs.

Our first thought was to take apart the switch and check for corrosion This made no difference We then checked all the connections from battery to control box to windlass motor. No difference We then sought advice and decided to take our electric motor apart to check the brushes

Before undertaking this job we consulted the Haynes Manual of the modern era, You Tube A video entitled, ‘SDA156 Don't Throw in the Towel Lofrans Tigres Windlass Repair’ by Sailing Dark Angel was helpful in this regard However, if you choose to have a go at this job yourself, we reinserted the armature into its housing by the far easier expedient of pulling the brushes out slightly against the tension of their springs, rather than trying to reinsert them individually with the armature already fitted, as they do in the video

The powder is created as the brushes wear on the commutator (see image above) This residue gums up the works and eventually can prevent the brushes making contact. In our case, three of the brushes appeared to be stuck, so we gave them all a good clean and put everything back together, hoping that the problem was fixed.

You can remove the brushes, making sure the springs remain in place, to clean them. These can be replaced but are eye-wateringly expensive for what they are South Sea Marine, the Australian agents for Lofran, quoted

If you have never checked the brushes on your motor then you can expect a deal of black powder to come tumbling out.

In the photo above you can see the armature in place after the housing has been removed

me something like A$250.00 for a set. I had mentally prepared myself for something merely expensive like A$100 This kind of daylight robbery is sadly a fact of life with some companies. When I was new to the boat I shelled out NZ$70 for a Lofrans service kit. This came in a large package that turned out to contain a small quantity of stainless steel nuts and bolts and o-rings I could have sourced the parts myself for a fraction of the cost. Perhaps this is the outcome of having a reliable product the company has to make money through its spare parts, but it still leaves a foul taste in the mouth. As my brushes are currently serviceable I will measure them sometime soon to see if can get a generic set that fits If not then I will have to grit my teeth, get the mouthwash ready, and shell out for a genuine Lofrans set.

Anyhow, we put the windlass back together and carried on cruising, hoping that our Tigres was as good as new. We realised that we had not fixed our problem when trying to anchor a few days later We had just anchored successfully but decided to move further away from another boat so were in the process of lifting the hook. As the anchor started to rise to the

Brushes form the arms of the cross in the housing They must move easily so that the tension springs keep them in contact with the commutator (the silver disc at the end of the armature in photo opposite)

surface I released the switch. However, the windlass failed to stop so that the anchor came charging up into its seat at quite the rate of knots Luckily I had been playing with an idea involving a second rubber roller to keep the chain on the gypsy, and this may have had a dampening effect as the shaft of the anchor forced its way beneath it The contact breaker did its magic and cut the engine off before, we hoped, anything went ‘ping’ or ‘snap.’ Clearly we had not resolved our windlass issue

Researching this new problem led us to suspect the control box or windlass solenoid. It turns out, if the internet is to be trusted, that this problem is not uncommon, and can result in seriously nasty outcomes These include breaking gears, bending the windlass’ shaft key, and chopping off fingers. Apparently, the issue is such that charter boat companies in Europe often get rid of the Lofrans control box in favour of two car starter motor solenoids the latter being more reliable and hence safer Note, however, that these may not be rated for the kind of power the windlass requires

The unstoppable windlass was caused by the solenoid contacts becoming stuck together Having fished our control box out of the anchor locker we found that it comes apart quite easily. Inside there are two solenoids, electronic switches that allow small currents of electricity to create electronic magnets that operate switches for larger currents We cleaned the contacts and replaced the box. Not wanting another flying anchor experience we also bit the bullet and ordered a new one A mere A$160 and a further A$20 for it to be sent to Tasmania, practically free for a boat part! When it arrives we will fit the new one and keep the old one, which has since worked fine, as a spare

My intention to service the winch ‘when I had a chance’ had now become a priority If for no other reason than to make sure the run-away- anchor hadn’t broken anything As many disgruntled Lofrans clients have found before me, information in regards to servicing the winch is a bit thin on the ground (see for example Maringret Wordpress and for some reason made unnecessarily difficult

My favourite piece of gallic design initiative was someone’s decision not to include a drain plug. Should you want to replace the oil, Lofrans’ advice is to remove the windlass and turn it upside down so that the oil drains out through the fill plug… Thinking I was being clever I tried to run a small tube through the fill plug to suck the oil out with a pump, but I found that there was no room for even a small hose Unbelievable.

Ignoring the oil for the moment I tried to dissemble the gypsy, clutch cones, and rope drum These I found were stuck solid. Soaked in CRC for a few days, as best as I could achieve on a working boat, they still refused to move Applying heat was not an option due to oil seals and plastic washers, and there was no room to be able to use gear pullers, so, as reluctant as I was to head down this path, I eventually had to resort to prying them off with screwdrivers In this decision I was somewhat encouraged by a blog post written by someone who had found themselves in a similar bind. This blog is full of helpful pictures and can be found at Nikimat

Once I had room to use a puller I found that there really had been no alternative The puller made it easy, but the way in which the manual emergency wheel in particular resisted my efforts demonstrated that it would never have come free without a degree of brute force

Operating the manual lever before the strip down was notably difficult, a two handed job, which made me wonder how much extra work the motor and all associated parts had been forced to do

Ultimately, I have to acknowledge that I should have stripped and cleaned the windlass much earlier.

Once cleaned and greased everything went back together beautifully, and the manual operation is now a one handed breeze rather than a two handed grunt though the tiny amount of chain each swing pulls up makes me pray I never have to use it in anger

One other good thing that came out of this operation is that being older and more cynical of chandleries, I took the time to inspect my gypsy and make sure that it’s the right one for my chain It turns out it isn’t even though it was specially ordered at the same time as I purchased new anchor chain. This explains the slight skip of the chain that I have put up with for all these years The correct gypsy with postage to Tasmania A$547

Although, as you can imagine, I’m a bit frustrated at having to buy a new gypsy, I’m grateful that there was one is in stock in Australia If there wasn’t I would have had to get one sent from France. Which apparently can take up to six weeks and involves air freight charges they must use very slow aeroplanes

Whilst the windlass was apart I took note of the oil seal numbers. Cara, my wife, is returning to New Zealand for a few weeks soon, and I intend to head into a marina to get a few jobs done If I can, I will strip the windlass again and replace the oil seals and bearings. I hope to be able to use quality parts but avoid using genuine Lofrans items, so

that I can avoid paying the extortionate price that Lofrans would no doubt charge for them, as well as freight from the Gold Coast

One added benefit of changing the seals and bearings is that I will have access to the oil without having to remove the windlass! Perhaps I could drill and tap a hole for oil changes whilst I’m in there and sell the design back to Lofrans?

So, our Tigres travails are not yet over, but there is hopefully light at the end of the tunnel To conclude it may be worth my passing on the comments of the marine surveyor who ‘inspected’ Taurus over a cup of coffee for an insurance survey He told me that new Lofrans winches are far inferior to the old ones, and that if I had any issues I should fix what I have rather than replace it.

With this in mind I feel even worse about neglecting our loyal windlass workhorse that has doggedly dragged our anchor out of the mire more times than I care to remember. The problem with boats is that preventative maintenance always takes a back seat to emergency maintenance, and who has the time to fix what a’int broken? After all, its the squeaky wheel that gets the oil

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Even if your trip’s end is a year away, having a well-thought-out plan is good idea. Your “end game” should be a lasting memory, and why not conclude your journey in one of the world’s most stunning cities - Sydney. If you would like an e-copy of our extremely informative Paci�ic Magazine please email us at sales@dbyboatsales.com.au

Corals and shells might need a CITES permit

Between 2018-2022, New Zealand intercepted almost 1.5 tonnes of stony coral entering New Zealand without a CITES permit. This is just a fraction of the coral intercepted, with more than 1500 species of coral (including black, red, blue and stony corals) being protected under CITES.

We are all familiar with biosecurity requirements to discard that apple or make sure our boots are clean when coming home from overseas travel But did you know you could be carrying animals and plants protected under CITES?

New Zealand is one of 184 countries signed up to CITES The agreement regulates the trade in protected species of plants and animals It covers animal and plant parts (eg, seeds, stalks, leaves, skins, bones, claws, teeth) – dead or alive – and items derived from them (eg, leather goods, medicines, carved items).

Elephants, rhinos and whales often come to mind as being protected or endangered However, the survival of thousands of other animal and plant species is threatened by trade Less obvious ones include corals, clams, shells, orchids and crocodiles.

Just because something can be purchased or collected legally overseas does not mean it can be brought into New Zealand without a permit

CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

You might have picked items up overseas and are now planning on bringing them back to New Zealand This includes items you collected from the beach (shells), sea (corals), forest (wood) or items you purchased from a shop (crocodile jerky or shark tooth earrings). Some items will be protected by CITES, and you will need to apply for and obtain a permit before travelling with them

Think carefully about what plant or animal species you might have with you. If you know the species, check the DOC website to see whether it’s likely to be protected by CITES If in doubt, contact DOC before you travel. DOC staff can help you understand what you need to do to get goods made from wildlife in and out of the country legally You will need to have the permit with the item when it crosses the border

To find out more, visit doc.govt.nz/cites

Corals and shells seized at the Auckland border over 4 days in 2024

Queen Conch shell

VHF & MMSI

By Neil Driscoll - Above & Beyond Boating

We often answer questions about radio licences and MMSI numbers, so I've included some information below to provide some of the most commonly sought after information.

Recreational Boating

A qualified operator must be on board if the vessel carries a marine radio. This applies both in Australia and internationally.

In Australia, the appropriate qualification for marine VHF radio is the Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP), which is also valid for international use. If the vessel carries an MF/HF and a VHF radio, the operator must hold the Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP).

(in New Zealand it is called the MSROC or MRROC)

International Boating

If you need to provide an International Certificate of Competence (ICC - for those going sailing in Europe), you will usually be asked to submit a copy of your marine VHF radio licence (SROCP). The marine radio licencing process with Above and Beyond Boating is valid globally, and you don't need to be an Australian citizen or in Australia to complete the qualification.

MMSI Numbers

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on your VHF Radio will not work without a MMSI Number. To obtain an MMSI number, you need a marine radio licence (either an SROCP or LROCP qualification in AU or MSROC or MRROC in NZ).

Australian vessels should have an MMSI number starting with 503... New Zealand vessels should have an MMSI number starting with 512...

Some older or overseas qualifications may be accepted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as long as they include DSC in the training and certification process. This should be confirmed with AMSA on an individual basis.

Australian Commercial Boating

Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal (NC) or Sailing Master Coastal - The SROCP meets the minimum marine radio qualification requirements.

Sailing Master Offshore NC, Master <24 m NC, Master <45m NC, and Master <100 m NC - The LROCP is the required qualification for marine radio operation.

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore and Ocean - The SROCP is the required qualification for marine radio operation; however, to use the qualification commercially, you will need an LROCP in Australia. For most of the rest of the world, the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore can be used commercially with only an SROCP.

While an SROCP suffices for several of these qualifications, as you progress toward commercial certifications, the LROCP becomes mandatory. In most instances, obtaining the LROCP from the beginning is more practical when pursuing commercial maritime qualifications.

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).

Check out our website and get in touch!

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.

Catherine Rocheteau is the Director of the Polynesian Directorate of Maritime Affairs (DPAM) Her role is to oversee and coordinate all projects related to the management of maritime activities in Polynesian waters.

Passionate about the sea and committed to preserving our natural heritage, I strive to balance the development of boating with the protection of the marine environment and the needs of local communities Through the ESCALES initiative, our ambition is to provide a clear, respectful, and harmonious organization for an activity that is rapidly growing

As Director of DPAM, her mission is to oversee the implementation of the new regulations in collaboration with various stakeholders This initiative goes far beyond a simple legislative framework it involves rethinking how we welcome sailors while respecting the unique environmental and cultural balance of Polynesia

These new regulations are not just restrictions they represent an opportunity to create a sustainable framework The goal is to anticipate future challenges by establishing a system that manages maritime traffic while enhancing Polynesia’s natural and cultural heritage Protecting the lagoons means preserving a vital part of Polynesian identity and ensuring that future generations can also enjoy these wonders

The growing number of boaters in Polynesian waters has made structured management of stopovers essential

You can read all the details of the regulations on the Navily website here.

PRIORITISE SAFETY ON THE WATER

MARITIMESAFETYQUEENSLAND(MSQ)

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) says lifejacket rules are in place to protect you and your loved ones. There were 64 boating fatalities in Queensland in the last five years, and only five were known to be wearing their lifejackets at the time of the incident Data shows that the people who are at the highest risk of drowning at sea include children and those boating alone, at night, or when crossing coastal bars.

MSQ ADVISES YOU NEED TO WEAR A LIFEJACKET WHEN:

Boating alone or only with children under 12 on an open boat <48m while underway

Crossing a coastal bar on an open boat or an open area of any boat

Children 1–11 years old on an open boat or open area of a boat

Boating at night on an open boat <48m while underway

People using small sailboats, pedal boats, rafts, rowboats (except Club Surfboats by Surf Lifesaving Australia), and sea/surf kayaks when crossing a coastal bar

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

SOUTHPACIFIC BOATSALESBROKERAGE

RONMOSSMAN

A FAMILY OF MARINERS

The story of the Mathesons begins in Mathesons Bay, named after the pioneering families who settled there in the 1850s Among them was Angus Matheson, a seafaring Highland Scot who co-owned the Spray, a modest yet resilient brigantine that carried settlers from Nova Scotia to the shores of Northland, New Zealand. In January 1857, Angus, serving as First Officer, embarked on the monumental voyage with his wife Jessie, their young daughter Isabella, his brother Duncan, sister Christina, and their indomitable mother Isabella, a pipe-smoking widow who lived into her nineties The Spray, though small at 107 tons, proved its worth, navigating vast oceans to bring its passengers to a new life.

By 1859, the Matheson brothers had settled in Omaha, where they launched a shipbuilding venture on the shores of Koeroa Creek Their first creation, the schooner Saucy Lass, took to the waters in 1864, marking the beginning of a legacy

Tragedy struck with the untimely death of Captain Duncan Matheson, but the family's maritime spirit endured through the generations. From shipbuilding on the beaches of

Mathesons Bay to mastering the high seas, the Matheson legacy lives on a testament to the resilience and determination of a family of mariners

Ronald Douglas Matheson, grandson of the pioneering mariner Angus Matheson, carried forward the family’s deep connection to the sea. Angus’s daring voyage aboard the Spray in 1857 had set the course for a legacy steeped in maritime adventures a legacy Ronald continued in his own remarkable way As a master mariner, commanding ships across the world’s oceans, Ronald’s story is one of incredible journeys and seafaring expertise. But that tale is for another time I look forward to sharing it with you later

During one of his breaks ashore, Ronald met and married Evelyn Blanche Jackson, a dynamic woman with her own compelling history. Before meeting Ronald, Evelyn had been married to Reginald Mossman (Senior), a successful Auckland businessman. She had two children from that marriage, including Reginald Mossman (Junior), affectionately called Rae, whose story became intertwined with the Matheson family’s maritime legacy

When Evelyn married Ronald, it marked the union of two distinct legacies I was named after my stepgrandfather, Ronald Matheson a gesture that tied me closely to the Matheson family’s proud maritime heritage and enduring spirit

Rae's journey into the world of sailing began early His mother, Evelyn, gifted him a P-class yacht, sparking his lifelong passion for the sea. Under the guidance of his seasoned stepfather Ronald Douglas Matheson, Rae honed his sailing skills, absorbing the wisdom of a Master Mariner

Driven by a spirit of adventure, Rae left school at the age of 16, eager to chart his own path beyond the classroom He embarked on two voyages around the world as a steward on cruise ships, experiences that broadened his horizons and deepened his appreciation for the ocean’s vastness. After settling in Canada for a time, he met Carol, my mother Despite coming from a non-nautical background, Carol was captivated by my father’s charismatic personality and good looks Their connection grew, and after their return to New Zealand, Rae transitioned into the world of business,

and the couple began their life together as husband and wife.

Together, Rae and Carol purchased a yacht named Escape. This little keeler marked a milestone in my own life it was my very first experience sailing, as a curious toddler clambering around the cockpit ropes. I still vividly remember the day I fell overboard; my trusty lifejacket saved me, and my father’s relieved words “It saved your life” remain etched in my memory

In his business ventures, which included a company he had built selling automobiles, Rae traded a car for a fast one-ton cup yacht designed by John Spencer of Auckland, named “Gauntlet.”

It was aboard “Gauntlet” that I truly fell in love with sailing. I have vivid memories of one night sailing back to Auckland from Kawau Island in heavy weather. Dad had me manning the big steering wheel, standing with one foot on either side of the cockpit as we pounded through the waves. While he was on the bow changing headsails, the spray from the bow would hit me, and I thought, “Give me more!” That experience sealed my passion for sailing, and I’ve been hooked ever since

A Brigantine: (Not the Spray)

To us, the sea is far more than waves and tides it’s where life’s most profound moments unfold, from exhilarating adventures to quiet, reflective times.

Another unforgettable time, the three “boys” my grandfather, my father, and I set out for a sail on a lively, boisterous day in the Bay of Islands As we approached the entrance, we crossed paths with Buccaneer, the sleek black Spencer racing yacht, heading back in. Her crew shouted a warning, “I wouldn’t go out there it’s a bit rough!” But that was met with nothing but smiles from my grandfather and father.

To my grandfather and father, the sea demanded respect, but it was also a source of boundless joy offering thrilling adventures, tranquil reflections, and everything in between. My grandfather, weathered by countless Southern Ocean storms, barely flinched at what he deemed a mere ripple. For both men, the sea was more than a friend; it was a fundamental part of our family’s identity, embodying life’s unpredictability, beauty, and depth

This deep connection to the sea, woven so deeply into my family’s history, is what draws me and my wife, Tracye, to its waters. To us, the sea is far more than waves and tides it’s where life’s most profound moments unfold, from

exhilarating adventures to quiet, reflective times It’s a sanctuary of belonging like no other

Dad, always ambitious, aspired to own the largest and finest yacht in New Zealand. Around 1971, he purchased “Paulmarkson,” less than a year after it was launched The yacht was a luxurious 60-foot ketch, built by the Percy Vos yard in St. Mary’s Bay, Auckland, and designed by the Devonport designer Don Brooke This magnificent yacht even graced the cover of Boating World Magazine in 1970, accompanied by an article about her.

In 1972, Dad gathered a crew and prepared for a voyage to the Pacific Islands. I was to join the first leg to Fiji. Many thought, that the age of ten, I was too young to go, but Dad dismissed their concerns Once at sea, I proved to be a valuable crew member “Ronnie, get this! Ronnie, get that!” as I could easily get around the yacht in the heavy seas. During the trip, we weathered a storm and had to heave to for a day I remember the yacht heeling over so far, with no sails up, that the leeward decks were awash. Looking up at the swells from the troughs, it

seemed as if the mast tops were below the crest of the waves at least from my perspective I loved every moment of that journey and have since dreamed of sailing my own yacht offshore.

After exploring the Pacific Islands, Dad returned the yacht to New Zealand and sold it. His love of adventure and business led our family to relocate first to Tahiti and then to Hawaii.

In Hawaii, I got my first yacht at the age of 13 a ten-foot monohull yacht called a “Hobie 10.”

Not long after, Dad bought me a 21ft yacht, which I adored so much that I moved onto it, living in Honolulu’s Ala Wai Marina During the long summer holidays, I taught sailing in Hawaii. We used boats like Lasers, Cal 20s, Cal 25s, and a Cal 2-30 Getting paid to sail in Hawaii as a teenager and living on my own yacht what an incredible life that was

When I moved back to New Zealand, my passion for sailing continued. I began buying progressively larger boats, working my way up in size. While saving for my “dream yacht,” a Chico 40, I had a moment of awe

Dads Pride & Joy “Paulmarkson”

This yacht had won the One Ton Cup for New Zealand in 1972 and was widely admired.

one day while driving to work Coming down the city side of the harbour bridge, I spotted the most beautiful yacht I had ever seen “Wai-Aniwa” She was a stunning bright red-orange one-ton cup yacht, sleek and elegant with long overhangs

“Wai-Aniwa” wasn’t just a vision; she was legendary This yacht had won the One Ton Cup for New Zealand in 1972 and was widely admired across the country I just had to have it

I bought her that very evening and excitedly went home to share the news with the family She became the centerpiece of many cherished memories. I recall my daughter Victoria lying on the aft deck, clinging to the backstay, likely wondering, “When are we going to get there?” We shared countless happy times aboard that yacht as a family times that have sparked my children’s own love for the sea and the outdoors life

People would often approach me to share stories about their own connection to Wai-Aniwa whether they had been involved with her in some capacity, attended the lively parties aboard, or simply admired her

Waianiwa Racing in the One Ton Cup in 1971 with Chris Bouzaid at the helm

striking beauty She seemed to inspir nostalgia and admiration in everyone who crossed her path.

Eventually, I made the difficult decisio to sell her in order to invest in a business However, about a year later the new owner called to let me know was selling her his wife had taken a dislike to the yacht after enduring tw cyclones aboard Without hesitation, I bought her back over the phone! Not long after, I once again sold her, reinvesting the funds into my business

Thirteen years after setting my sights on owning a Chico 40, I finally fulfilled that dream Yet, after just a year, I sold her due to business commitments Deep down, I had always aspired to own what I considered a “real yacht” a wooden yacht

Later in life, my wife and I took on the responsibility of running her family’s hotel in Central Otago. During this period, I endured the longest stretch of my life without a yacht 10 landlocked years After we sold the hotel, we found ourselves at a loose end and decided to settle in Nelson for a while It didn’t take l ng before I managed to convince my fe to invest in a yacht. Together, our ssion for the sea flourished as we led all around the upper South Island, entually deciding to move aboard the cht we had come to love.

er about a year, my wife began to press that she couldn’t continue ng on the yacht I pretended not to ar her for about a month, until one y I finally said, “Okay, we’ll sell it and y a chicken farm.” Her reply took me surprise: “I don’t want to move hore. I just want a bigger boat!” early, I have the perfect wife.

We sold that little yacht and began searching for our next one something strong and spacious, a vessel we could live on comfortably and eventually sail offshore. After an extensive search, we found the yacht that would become our new home She struck a perfect balance between roominess and excellent seagoing capabilities.

She had all the attributes my grandfather, Captain Matheson, had once told me were essential in a seagoing yacht: a good sheer, a long keel, strong construction of strip plank mahogany, wide uncluttered decks, and a ketch rig for easy sail handling, particularly in heavy weather. These qualities were put to the test on my maiden voyage a solo trip across the Cook Strait in boisterous conditions. Afterward, she carried us up the west coast to Auckland, where we settled for a few years as the next generation of little mariners was born into the family.

We have now owned her for 10 years, spending that time lovingly restoring her and preparing her for new adventures Restoring her has been as rewarding as the life she’s given us aboard a vessel that has become a

My love for yachts eventually led my wife and me to start our own yacht brokerage, South Pacific Boat Sales.

Our current yacht “Wayward Wind” an Offshore 44 Ketch

part of our family’s story. After seven years in the city, we cast off and headed to the Bay of Islands, drawn to its worldclass sailing waters, open spaces, and breathtaking natural beauty a true sailor’s paradise

My love for yachts eventually led my wife and me to start our own yacht brokerage, South Pacific Boat Sales Together, we take immense joy in helping others discover the magic of life at sea or transition to their next adventure It’s an incredible privilege to use my knowledge and passion to assist those seeking solace from the hustle of everyday life by finding their refuge on the water.

Specialising in selling quality sail and motor vessels, we welcome you to our office at the Opua Wharf Maritime Building Whether you’re considering selling your boat or embarking on your next adventure, we’re here to help. With a strong international reach, we’ve had the pleasure of helping clients from as far afield as Hawaii and Canada find their perfect yachts.

Our commitment to excellence is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring

every client receives personalised, attentive service. For us, it’s more than just a transaction it’s about connecting people with the magic of life on the water, and being there to support those ready to move on after their own sea journeys

Whether you're looking to buy your dream yacht or move on to your next chapter in life, you’ll always find us ready with a warm handshake, a listening ear, and a shared passion for the call of the seas.

Web: www.spboatsales.co.nz

Phone: 027 296 0065

Email: ron@spboatsales.co.nz

MOBILE ALERTS FOR EXTREME WEATHER FORECASTS

PREDICTWIND

PredictWind is introducing mobile alerts for extreme weather forecasts at sea. The notifications will be based on all extreme-weather forecasts issued by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, or GMDSS.

While land-based alerts are typically based on a smartphone’s current location, the PredictWind extreme weather alerts will be tied to a sailor’s saved locations Sailors can enable the alerts in the “forecast alerts” section of their PredictWind account on the website, in the app and in the offshore app for basic, standard and pro users.

GMDSS is an internationally recognized distress and radio communication safety system that has been in place for several decades It’s automated ship-toshore and ship-to-ship system that uses satellites and terrestrial radio systems with digital selective calling These systems inform vessels of navigation hazards and weather conditions, and enable distress calls with location and identification information included GMDSS forecasts are written text forecasts prepared by meteorologists in designated regions PredictWind collects and compiles every forecast

worldwide, plotting weather systems and warning regions onto an interactive map. This approach gives sailors a global overview of the GMDSS forecast, including extreme weather patterns worldwide

Sailors can look at the interactive map to identify extreme weather that’s approaching near them. Clicking on any alert icon will reveal detailed forecast information, including the full text report from the GMDSS meteorologists.

Sailors can select parameters for notifications about any combination of wind speed, wind direction, wave height, tides, rainfall, cloud cover, temperature and pressure

Users also can add parameters to specify the time for alerts, anywhere from five days out to “holy cow it’s happening right now.”

The various combinations of alerts can be set for different destinations, too.

Pacific Rally

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 a 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)

Fabulous discounts from our generous partner businessesenabling 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$1795.00 per vessel for the whole rally or NZD$65000 for our Sail South or Go West options - click here for all the details

Our comprehensive pre-departure training is currently underway Register now to help get you, your crew and your vessel well prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!

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 2025 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 some great discounts you can get with our various suppliers on some extra training and we can help 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

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

Coming up!: Destinations - details of all the great places to visit along the way in Minerva, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia 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

Register here for the Pacific Rally 2025

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 Lite

Tough Tablet • 4GB RAM • 128GB storage

ProjectX Tablet

4” Tough Tablet • 8GB RAM • 256GB Storage

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)

SYDNEY SET TO HOST TWO PREMIER BOAT SHOWS IN 2025 UNDER NEW FORMAT

BOATINGINDUSTRYASSOCIATION|16APRIL2025

The multi-billion dollar boating industry in Sydney is gearing up for an exciting 2025 with the announcement of two distinct boat shows, both presented in a new format by the Boating Industry Association (BIA), in partnership with its event delivery partner Mulpha Events.

The first event, the Sydney Boat Show, will take place from August 14 to 17, 2025, at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park This show will make the most of the expansive indoor venue as well as the substantial outdoor

areas to showcase a comprehensive range of boat accessories and gear Attendees to the multi-day event can look forward to engaging activations, including a giant indoor pool that will serve as a central feature for a variety of demonstrations and activations, from try boating experiences to crucial safety demonstrations

This August event will feature paddle, power and sail craft, with a strong fishing component, which is the most popular type of activity in boating across Australia There will be dedicated fishing clinics, fishing demonstrations,

from 14 - 17 August

Sydney Boat Show, will take place

2025, at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

and fishing experts on the main stage for all those keen on angling The event will feature hundreds of boat types from small paddle craft to the latest models in large offshore powerboats

The Sydney Boat Show will also host crucial stakeholder and government forums addressing key industry topics such as marine jobs in a sector that currently employs more than 35,000 people and yet demand for workers remains high across numerous skills and trades.

The move to Sydney Showground provides more display space than what was provided in 2024 at very attractive venue fees and charges The invitation to exhibit for the August event will be released on Wednesday 23 April containing full details of the venue floor plan, exhibitor rates, exhibitor marketing guide, along with comprehensive information on how to register to exhibit and much more

Following this, the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show will be held at Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, from November 13 to 16, 2025. This event will provide a dedicated on-water platform to showcase a wide array of vessels ranging from alternative fuel powered sports boats to luxury motor cruisers

The Sydney International On-Water Boat Show is a premium marine showcase, set against the stunning backdrop of Cockle Bay and the Darling Harbour foreshore. The event will

feature an impressive on-water display of luxury vessels and high-performance boats, alongside vibrant foreshore activations and marine lifestyle exhibits.

The move to a November date takes full advantage of Sydney’s balmy spring weather, offering more time on the water and creating ideal conditions for twilight viewing experiences. With its prime waterfront location and seasonal timing, the reimagined show is perfectly aligned with the boating lifestyle attracting serious buyers, marine enthusiasts, and global industry leaders for a standout on-water experience

Both the Sydney Boat Show in August and the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show in November represent a fresh approach to boat shows in the region, promising enhanced engagement and targeted experiences for industry professionals and boating enthusiasts alike The new format for BIA shows in Sydney reflects industry feedback, global trends and public interest. The BIA reported industry national turnover last year of $1012 billion, with 75 per cent in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.

In Australia, more than 85 per cent of the population live within 50km of the coast, so it is little wonder that almost 1 in 5 households can have a boat or watercraft and that more than 6 million people go boating each year People of all ages, gender and ability participate in boating across paddle, sail and power for leisure and sport.

> Cruisers’ Welcome Event

> Marina of Papeete inaugural cocktail

> Sailing Rally

> Outrigger Canoe Races

> Introduction to Traditional Sports

> Polynesian Dance Shows

> Skippers’ briefing about Leewards Islands, Tonga, Fiji, NZ, Vanuatu

> Opportunity to host local residents aboard

> Optionnal Polynesian Feast

> and much more!

Exploring, Understanding and Sharing the Mesophotic Ecosystems of the Kermadec Islands

With Victoria University of Wellington

This expedition will explore mesophotic ecosystems in the Kermadec Rangitāhua region, uncovering new species and studying food webs to understand how these habitats function. Using advanced ROVs and photogrammetry, researchers aim to assess how climate change impacts this biodiversity hotspot and inform future conservation efforts. Read more here.

Time of Expedition: May - June 2025

Location of Project: The Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

Browse other Opportunities here

Nalawan Festival Vanuatu

Friday 22 AugustSaturday 23 August 2025

PENTECOST NAGHOL LAND DIVING — VANUATU

On average there will be between 5-7 jumpers ranging in age from 6 to 60

Elleen offers a lovely tour of the village and can introduce you to some of the local women who weave She also can help arrange flights, accommodation and food for those who are not arriving by private boat After the land diving, at night Elleen will stay with you on the beach making a fire, cooking together and sharing food together. She can also arrange other local tours.

It is important to note that the towers may be taller earlier in the season The dive platforms on the towers may be lower later in the season as the vines lose their elasticity But they will still be over 10-12 meters high! Men are allowed to climb the tower the day before and after the event Women are not allowed to touch the tower at all.

Location

Pentecost Island, Wali Bay (also called Londot Bay)

Every Thursday and Saturday in April, May and June

Starts around 10:00am

Standard Pricing 12,000vt adults and 6,000vt kids

Pacific Rally Participants who book direct with Elleen pricing: 10,000vt adults and 5,550 kids

Elleen Wano

elleenwano66@gmailcom

+6787661274, +678 5673932, +678763 8086,

ELLEENWANO

RestlessM

Reluctantly for sale this 23.6 m Expedition vessel is ‘Expedition Ready’ for her next adventure. was built and launched in Tampa Florida in 1974. Restless M

Initially built as a mother ship to a commercial fishing fleet in the in the Bering Sea, she was converted to to deep sea salvage and was a very successful treasure hunter and features in the book Treasures of the Deep The current custodians purchased the vessel around 2003 and undertook a complete refurbishment

The entire superstructure was removed and replaced with a Naval Architect designed alloy superstructure

Restless M can circle the globe with three fuel stops and you don’t need to bring your IT Guru to operate this vessel! The asking price of $2.6 M AUD ($1 65 M USD approx ) is a fraction of the replacement price of this wellmaintained vessel.

• Surveyor’s ‘Out of Water’ Report available

• Detailed Specification Report available.

Vendors will look at trades of boats, property to lessor value as well as short term vendor finance to approved purchasers

Claire’s book of their adventures and challenges can be purchased by scanning the QR code

Claire’s book is titled Who’s in Charge, My Brain or Me? (Or My Wife…). The main goal of the book is to promote awareness of Parkinson’s Disease and to

Restless M

LOA:Beam: Draft:Air Draft: Displacement

:Fuel:Water: MainEngine: Endurance: Specification

Scan the QR code to view Restless M’s website listing

raise funds for future research and to find a cure for this debilitating illness.

PD is the fastest growing Neuro disorder in the world and is the reason that Errol & Claire can no longer safely navigate the vessel, so the regretful decision has been made to “Swallow the Anchor”.

Scan the QR code to view a video walkthrough of Restless M

A New Era for NZ Ocean Racing & Ben Beasley’s Offshore Journey

Following in the Footsteps of Great Offshore Sailors

The recent announcement of Conrad Colman’s new ocean racing team for New Zealand, Aotearoa Ocean Racing, has sparked fresh excitement across the offshore sailing world. For Ben Beasley, a young offshore solo sailor preparing to return to France for the 2025 season, the news has been especially motivating

“Seeing a fellow Kiwi who also transitioned from mountain biking into offshore sailing reminds me that persistence and passion can open doors to this elite world,” Ben shared. Conrad made history as the first New Zealander to compete in the prestigious La Solitaire du Figaro, a milestone that inspired Ben to follow suit. “I’m proud to be the second Kiwi to take on this legendary race,” he added.

latest Vendée Globe campaign and the launch of Aotearoa Ocean Racing. Colman completed his second Vendée Globe in February 2025, finishing 21st after 85 days at sea

Conrad’s journey has become a beacon for aspiring offshore sailors, proving that with grit, perseverance, and belief, New Zealanders can earn their place among the world’s best. “His story shows that with determination, Kiwis can stand shoulder to shoulder with the elite of offshore racing,” Ben said

During Conrad Colman's recent visit to New Zealand, Ben had the opportunity to hear him share insights from his

Despite facing early setbacks, including a delayed start due to a rope entanglement and a total electrical blackout, he demonstrated resilience by recovering and even leading the fleet at times. Ben found Conrad's experiences both inspiring and energizing, especially as he prepares for his own offshore sailing challenges

Conrad Colman’s arrival to Les Sables d’Olonne

Photo credits: Alea production | Georgia S Photography

CONNECT

Stay in the loop with Ben’s journey to Europe by giving him a follow and showing some love on his social media channels

For now, Ben is focused on his own campaign for the 2025 edition of La Solitaire du Figaro one of the toughest solo offshore races in the world. He’s currently preparing to leave New Zealand and begin his season in France, where he’ll continue honing his skills and gaining experience His sights are also set firmly on the future

“The Vendée Globe is my ultimate ambition,” Ben shared. “Every mile I sail, including this year’s Figaro, is a step closer growing as a sailor, building my network, and learning what it really takes” He remains realistic about the road ahead.

“It took Conrad years of hard work

Ben Beasley Sailing

Ben Beasley Sailor

and resilience to make it. I know my path will require the same dedication,” Ben said

As Ben continues carving out his own story in offshore sailing, he invites fellow enthusiasts and supporters to follow along With exciting developments like Aotearoa Ocean Racing and growing interest in solo campaigns, New Zealand’s offshore racing scene is gaining real momentum. “The future of Kiwi ocean racing is looking brighter than ever,” he concluded, hopeful for what’s to come and determined to help keep New Zealand firmly on the sailing world stage.

Performance evolution

Mark Roberts (aka Moulët) joins Evolution Sails.

Having grown up in Bucklands Beach, Auckland and being surrounded by boats and water from a young age, Mark has worked in the Super Yacht and facilities infrastructure project management industries over the years, this vast experience brings a rare mix of many years of racing and cruising experience along with many practical transferable project management and client satisfaction skills With over 40'000 ocean miles under his belt, numerous national titles and 10 years working in the Super Yacht industry along with a lifetime of racing and cruising in most corners of the globe, Mark brings a wealth of skills & passion for all things sailing to Evolution Sails.

These days Mark can be found around Westhaven racing his beloved Rocket 31 Extreme or cruising the Hauraki Gulf on his Beneteau 40.7 La Rochelle - a true dedication to the joy of all things sailing!Westhaven also makes it the perfect pickup point for sail repairs & alterations

Feel free to contact Mark on: 0211732808 mark@evolutionsails.com

Or nab him at Westhaven to discuss your sail needs. www.evolutionsails.com

Society &culture

TONGAN POLICE BAND

The Tongan Police Band are a group of incredible musicians who love to perform for the Pacific Rally participants! We're hoping to see them again this year at Big Mama Yacht Club. They've just recruited 20 new Band members who have been selected based upon their music talent to join the existing Band.

Our rally donation last season funded the acquisition of 24 new music stands and a special Timpani drum head which was much needed. We can't wait to hear them perform!

Hi Viki – hope this finds you well.

Just wanted to touch base and give you some well overdue news, as a result of your very kind donation from last years Rally

Late last year I recruited 20 new Band Recruits who have been recruited based upon their music talent to join the existing Band whose numbers were being depleted, but they are also now progressing through normal Police Recruit training.

Your donation has funded the acquisition of 24 new music stands and a special Timpani drum head which was much needed

SUSUI VILLAGE — CYCLONE FUNDRAISER

Susui Village in Vanua Balavu (Northern Lau Group) Fiji sustained significant damage when TC Rae paid a visit a few months ago The plantation that provides their crops was wiped out. The village farmers are planting kumara and fast-growing cassava but no harvest is expected for the next 5 months.

The plantation is expected to take a year to fully recover. In addition, 75% of the rainwater catchment system was damaged We urgently need to provide materials to repair their water systems before the coming dry season.

Houses and community buildings were damaged with roofs and walls being torn off The solar panels survived but the batteries did not, and new ones will be required. If you have visited this beautiful village, you have experienced how active and engaged the villagers are

Members and Friends of Blackball Yacht Club in Whangarei NZ are hoping to support the rebuild of this lovely village via a Givealittle campaign 100% of funds received will be sent to purchase and ship food and building materials as needed.

Support via Givealittle

Follow Susui Village Yacht Club on Facebook

Jon Henry — Pa

‘Here to help you make good cruising decisions’

Heading offshore this season or sometime in the future? Feeling overwhelmed with the preparations or need some extra support? My name is Jon Henry. I have over 60,000nm of sailing experience Racing both shorthanded and crewed as skipper in major offshore and coastal yacht races in all types of vessels Cruising from Europe to New Zealand, plus throughout the South Pacific, both as skipper and crew assisting others

I am currently a Yachting New Zealand Safety inspector and have assisted many sailors with preparing their vessels for their offshore voyages In 2020 I was awarded the “YNZ Official of the Year” for services to sailing.

I can assist in many ways From selecting the perfect boat, or setting up of your existing vessel. I have many contacts within the NZ marine industry that I can provide to arrange work on your boat, plus contacts that have sailed Asia if that’s your next challenge All to help you to plan your next adventure.

I charge $160000 NZ + GST (if applicable) for up to 12 hours face to face (Auckland region) or online assistance in negotiated sessions. Other areas and further assistance by negotiation Island Cruising members get a 10% discount

My services include, but are not limited to:

1. Initial consultation - I will learn more about your vessel, your sailing experience and your sailing goals for the future. We will discuss your timeline, whether your vessel is suitable for your needs and create a plan to prepare you, your crew and the vessel for the adventures ahead

2. Vessel Assessment - I will spend time on board going through all your systems and making suggestions on ways you can make the passage easier & safer and all the safety equipment required to meet the IVC standard

3. Communication - Advice on setting up your onboard communication systems - Starlink, IridiumGO, SSB, Spot tracker, InReach, Datahub, Cellular Router

4. Documentation - Guidance for vessel registration and inward/outward paperwork along the way & Insurance

5. Navigation - I can help you formulate a passage plan and give you tips on an itinerary while in the Islands

6. Provisioning - I can create a plan for your meals on the initial voyage, and what to stock your boat with prior to departure

7. Weather Routing - I can also assist with weather routing and departure planning

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

8. Crew Training - I can spend 24 hours (minimum) sailing on board with you and your crew to formulate safe procedures for watch keeping, man overboard, firefighting, helming, sail handling, reefing & all the drills as required in the IVC

9. Coaching - I can provide coaching sessions on a casual basis on your boat to help build up knowledge and experience Or, I can either help you skipper the boat on the passage, or arrange to have it delivered to your destination

SAILING FOR SCIENCE

PACIFIC RALLY CREWS BACK IN ACTION

ISLANDCRUISING

Island Cruising Pacific Rally sailors are once again setting out to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from the ocean, helping to map marine life across the Pacific. Now in its second year, this citizen science effort is powered by Citizens of the Sea, a charity co-founded by Cawthron Institute and New Zealand Geographic.

Twenty yachts in this year’s Rally have been equipped with compact eDNA samplers that can detect thousands of species from just a five-minute tow As they sail, crews will be collecting samples that give scientists a clearer picture of how marine biodiversity is shifting in response to climate change.

Last year’s fleet of 26 yachts covered over 50,000 square kilometers and collected nearly 1,000 samples.

The data revealed toxic algae linked to seafood safety risks, whales and dolphins in under-sampled areas, and even coral larvae drifting on ocean currents providing new insights into connectivity across the region

This work is being done in close partnership with Pacific Island governments, local scientists, and conservation groups

These collaborations ensure that the data being collected directly supports regional priorities and helps inform marine policy, conservation, and community decision-making

The boats are towing Cawthron’s miniaturised ‘TorpeDNA’ samplers, which can operate at speeds up to 12 knots. By analyzing the DNA left behind by marine life, scientists can identify which species are present, where they’re located, and how those patterns are changing as ocean conditions evolve

With more than 10,000 boats moving across the world’s oceans every day, cruising and racing yachts like yours have a huge role to play in ocean research The Pacific Rally is just the beginning this is the future of science, powered by sailors and connected to real-world action.

Not sampling this year? No worries we’re always keen to bring new volunteers aboard. If you're planning a Pacific voyage next season and want to get involved, we’d love to have you with us Visit Citizens of the Sea

THE BOATS PARTICIPATING THIS YEAR:

Altezza

Leeway

Scotsman

Ticketyboo

TONGA

Yama1

Sequana

ZamZam

Mosaic

Ananda

Ava

FIJI

Ocean Alley Warrior

Moana

Waka Koa

Whiskey Romeo Hotel

Way to Go Nahla

Hawkeye

Geniet Lewe

Lucky Jonny

Ron & Sue Van der Plas from Eudora

Read &download

An Island to Oneself

Tom Neale

I chose to live in the Pacific islands because life there moves at the sort of pace which you feel God must have had in mind when he made the sun to keep us warm and provided the fruits of the earth for the taking’

A South Seas classic since 1966, this is the story of one New Zealander brave enough to do what many of us have dreamed of doing – live alone on a desert island This October, there is a new release An Island to Oneself This is a new edition of the 1966 classic, now out of print

Tom Neale was a regular shopworker, born in Wellington. The Pacific Islands had long captured his imagination. At the age of 50, he left his family in Palmerston Island for the remote atoll of Suvarov (now Suwarrow) He spent over 16 years there, living in solitude His daily life was modest, and at turns, challenging and idyllic

In his youth Tom Neale was an ordinary seaman and for years a shopkeeper among theRCook Islands, but in his fifties he turned his back on society to live alone on the South Pacific atoll of Suvarov (now known as Suwarrow) He took nothing but a couple of cats, some bric-a-brac to tie and bolt his meagre dwelling, and the strength of body and mind to survive.

For over six years over three extended stays, Neale battled the elements: the furious hurricane that engulfed the coral islet; five desperate hours in a stormy lagoon with a cripplingly strained back; even a reluctant bit of blood-letting on wild pigs and a mammoth sea turtle.

But along with the toils and perils were years of peace and beauty: building a canoe which he christened the Ruptured Duckling; baking with banana leaves; the delight drawn from a sip of brandy; and taming a wild duck. All of these simple pleasures are a reminder of what we take for granted in our own lives today. Those moments when I sat and watched my father as he rowed me, seemingly effortlessly, across Surrarrow’s lagoon, and when later we waved to each other as I sat on the aft deck of the Ravaki, are how I like to remember him’ -Stella Neale

Available at Harper Collins | RRP $45

UPDATED CRUISING GUIDE FOR QUEENSLAND

Greg Luck has been a frequent contributor to the Down Under Rally Magazine. He has released a new third edition of Cruising the Queensland Coast, his guide for yachts cruising from the Gold Coast to Lizard Island. While cruising in 2023, Greg was struck by the number of cruisers who had adopted Starlink. The cheapest way to use it is on the Roam plan, designed to work over land At sea, the very expensive Maritime plan must be used. Starlink “land” includes many islands and some reefs using a hexagonal tiling system It can be hit and miss as to whether an anchorage or mooring is on “land” or sea for Starlink New in the 3rd edition, each anchorage and mooring includes a Starlink icon to indicate land or sea

Along with a print edition, the book comes as an eBook for tablets. However, the big players support a limited number of countries, and usually not the overseas territories of those countries such as Noumea or Tahiti This has been a problem for some cruisers The 3rd edition adds Rakuten Kobo, which supports 244 countries and overseas territories with excellent coverage for the Pacific

The third edition is fully updated with:

many new public moorings for the Townsville, Discovery and Cassowary coasts and Whitsundays new anchorages & public moorings, taking the total to 503 anchorages and moorings updates to the K’Gari Coast for the new Great Sandy Marine Park management plan

Starlink land vs ocean status for each anchorage, mooring and marina along with Telstra mobile reception

digital TV reception strength for each anchorage latest marina changes including comprehensive information on super yacht berths and resultant marina berth layout changes

S63 official Hydrographic chart references for each coast and how to use Australian Hydrographic charts on apps and chart plotters along with other navigation data sources expanded coverage of the Gold Coast & Moreton Bay recalculated wave roses for recent Waverider buoy placements such as the Wide Bay Bar higher-resolution aerial images and photos in the print version numerous other changes and updates

Down Under Rally and Island Cruising members get a 10% discount on the print book and a 20% discount on the Google Play Books eBook. Contact Greg at book@curlewescape.com.au with your member number to get a discount.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA CRUISING GUIDE

KIMKLAKA|EDITOR

The Western Australian Cruising Guide is regarded as the coastal cruising bible for WA, covering the coast from Darwin to Eucla, including the Christmas and Cocos Islands. This book is a definite must have, especially for cruising the Kimberley, 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 of this largely unexplored part of the coast

The 5th edition, now in its fifth update (v55), was a major revision of the 4th edition published in 2014 It includes dozens of new diagrams and several hundred new items of information. The first part of the guide covers weather, tides, passage planning, communications, emergency services, marine animals and government departments The second part contains specific pilotage information on many anchorages, showing suitable spots to anchor, dangers, the amount of protection, tidal information, places of interest, history of the area, and local contact details

The guide is available in two electronic formats, downloadable without charge

TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY OF THIS INVALUABLE RESOURCE HEAD TO THIS WEBSITE

Photocopies of the guide are often available from Fremantle Sailing Club in an A4 leverarch file. To buy one of these hardcopies contact FSC on: +61 (08) 9435-8800; or reception@fsccomau

Kim Klaka | Editor

CRUISINGPREPARATION ONLINECOURSECONTENT

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

The course content is broken down into 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

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

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

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

Upcoming dates

20 - 21 November 2025 | Auckland or contact us for more options

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

P R O V I S I O N I N G

C O A C H I N G

We love helping cruisers start the sustainable journey with our coaching sessions. We absolutely love to help you get the best out of your galley and already have some more coaching clients booked in this month We are looking forward to helping them towards a more sustainable and plant-based galley

For those of you who are unfamiliar with our coaching sessions, I thought it would be good to share here with you some of our FAQs to give you a better idea of what it entails.

How long will the coaching session last?

Your session will last approximately 1 hour

How can I prepare for the session?

Once you have booked and paid for your session you will receive a Small Vegan Kitchen coaching information pack in pdf format.

What topics will be covered during the session?

This is totally up to you. I am here to guide you and help you navigate your way to your goals, they could be sustainable practices, plant-based onboard, provisioning for passage, feeding your family or crew in remote areas, etc.

Will I receive follow-up support after the session?

Of course! Help is at hand. Around 30 days after your session I will contact you and ask you how you are getting on, celebrate your success and help you overcome any challenges that arose along the way.

How much does it cost?

Our Coaching session is 60 euros which is approx 64 USD and 97 AUD

How do I purchase a coaching session with you?

Please send us an email and, we will give you all the information you need

Can I ask questions about specific sustainability practices or plant-based cooking techniques?

Yes! Please do all your questions are very welcome

Feel free to reach out if you would like to have a coaching session with us or have any other questions We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey towards a more sustainable and health-conscious galley

COASTGUARD EDUCATION’S RANGE OF COURSES

Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a weekend boatie, or just dipping your toes into the world of marine adventures, having the right skills and knowledge is essential for keeping yourself and your crew safe on the water At Coastguard Education, we're here to help you master every aspect of boating, ensuring you feel confident and capable every time you cast off. From foundational skills to advanced certifications, we offer an extensive selection of courses for all experience levels and vessel types

THE ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY BOATIE

Our most popular courses Day Skipper, Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate, and Boatmaster are the bedrock of safe boating These core courses are a must for anyone venturing into our stunning but sometimes unpredictable waters.

Day Skipper introduces vital boating knowledge, from navigation to safety protocols, setting you up for success on the water

The Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate is not just a skill but a legal requirement, ensuring you can communicate effectively and during emergencies

Boatmaster, a comprehensive course, takes your understanding to the next level, equipping you to safely manage your vessel and crew with confidence

WHY TRAINING MATTERS

A well-prepared skipper isn’t just a good leader they’re a lifesaver Understanding your equipment, staying calm under pressure, and responding effectively to challenges can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Imagine being caught in bad weather when your GPS fails, or discovering a fuel issue far from shore. Knowing how to troubleshoot, use alternative navigation tools, or handle communication equipment can save precious time and avert disasters. Plus, these skills aren’t just for emergencies they enhance the overall enjoyment of your time afloat.

BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE, SKILL BY SKILL

From introductory courses like Day Skipper to advanced training in Radar Operation or Medical Preparedness, there’s a path for everyone at Coastguard Education Each course is designed to turn potential emergencies into manageable situations, ensuring safety and calm even in the face of adversity. Start your learning journey today by exploring our wide range of courses Whether you're new to boating or looking to expand your skills, Coastguard Education is here to help you make every moment on the water safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH SPECIALIST COURSES

Beyond the basics, Coastguard Education offers a treasure trove of specialised courses tailored to different needs Each course ensures you’re prepared for the variety of challenges you might face, giving you condence and peace of mind on the water.

Radar and GPS Operator Courses

Navigating with technology is now an integral part of boating Our Radar Operator course teaches you to understand and safely operate radar systems for collision avoidance and improved situational awareness Meanwhile, the GPS Operator course provides in-depth knowledge of chart plotters and navigation techniques, helping you stay on course even in poor visibility

Breakdowns on the water can quickly turn dangerous. Our Outboard Engine Maintenance and Inboard Engine Maintenance courses guide you through essential care, troubleshooting, and repairs, ensuring your engine is always in peak condition The confidence you’ll gain could save your day or even your life in a tricky situation

What happens when the skipper can no longer lead? Our Suddenly in Charge course empowers passengers with the basic knowledge needed to take control in an emergency It’s a fun and interactive way to boost your confidence, ensuring everyone aboard knows what to do if the unexpected happens Suddenly in Charge

For sea kayaking enthusiasts, our Sea Kayak course delivers everything you need to know about safety, weather, navigation, and trip planning Whether it’s a scenic paddle or an adrenaline-filled exploration, being prepared can make all the difference

Survival skills are critical in emergencies

Our Sea Survival course covers essential techniques for inshore and coastal cruising, while the Coastal Medic and Offshore Medic courses teach life-saving medical response skills These courses are especially valuable for those planning offshore sailing, meeting recognised Category 1 standards

Sea Kayaking and Safety

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

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

DEAR CAPTAIN JACK

I had my boat anchored in a busy bay recently. I was ashore when a squall came through. My boat anchor dragged and my boat hit another boat that was anchored behind me and did a bit of damage.

Luckily some other yachties nearby were there to help untangle things.

Instead of apologizing to the owner of the securely anchored boat that I hit, I decided to get all angry & shouty and blame them. I mean, like if their boat hadn’t been securely anchored in that spot, then my boat wouldn’t have hit them!

It’s their fault right?

Yours Mr Hook

WITH CAPTAIN SPARROW Q&A

Dear Mr Hook,

Remember - its not the situation, its the way you handle the situation that people remember...

Anchors drag... it’s a fact of life when you’re cruising. I always like to quote the amazing Lyn & Larry Pardy who sensibly suggest that you should “Always Anchor like its going to blow 50kts!” It is great advice

It sounds to me like adverse weather, soft sand and insufficient scope on your anchor chain was the major issue here, and if you’re ashore, there’s not much you can do if your anchor drags It is no ones ‘fault’ and most definitely not the fault of the boat that stayed in place

What you CAN do however, is change your attitude to how you handled the situation. Blaming the securely anchored yacht is not the best solution. What you should have done is gone over with a bottle of rum, saying something like “yikes that was a nasty squall” how’s your boat? I’m so sorry we got tangled up, can I come aboard and help you get the damage sorted?

Not everyone is insured, not everyone can afford to repair a boat they’ve hit either But a simple apology and a peace offering of a bottle of rum can get you a long way

Yours - Cap’t Jack Got a question? Ask a Pirate

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

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

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!

LOVE GREAT WINE?

Say goodbye to heavy, breakable bottles onboard!

MARITIMESAFETYQUEENSLAND(MSQ)

Greenskin Wine presents a premium wine experience in a convenient 750ml soft pouch, ideal for those who want to enjoy fine wine without the hassle of cruising with heavy, bulky, breakable bottles onboard.

With 8 varieties to choose from, they have a superb choice of whites and reds from the world-renowned Margaret River and Great Southern wine regions of Western Australia You can pre-order through their website and nominate to have your wine delivered anywhere within Australia for just $495 per 6-pack (3 or more cases FREE delivery)

Greenskin Wine pouches hold 750ml but are around half the size and weight of a standard bottle of wine, which will save on weight and loads of fridge and storage space onboard They are also unbreakable, making them ideal when on the water. And once the joy is over, they fold flat, so you do not have to lug bulky empties with you!

Another fab bonus. If you just want a glass or two, simply squeeze all the air from the pouch and reseal, and your wine will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, saving on wasted wine and money!

SIP SUSTAINABLY

Not only is the wine great quality, but Greenskin Wine pouches take 80% less energy to produce than a glass bottle, and due to their lightweight, compact nature, they take a lot less energy to transport.

The ultimate kicker is that the pouches are 100% recyclable They even take care of the recycling. Every 6-pack comes with a postage-paid satchel, making it super easy to return your empties via AusPost for recycling

SPECIAL OFFER

Enhance your sundowners with Greenskin Wine!

Greenskin Wine generously offers our Island Cruising & Down Under Members 10% OFF all orders.

Simply visit: Greenskin Wine

Use your member's discount code for use at the checkout to receive 10% OFF each, and every six-pack of Greenskin Wine ordered

I 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.

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

Click here to order - discount code SAILNZ10

HARLEQUIN 40' | $65,000

40' Steel Yacht — in Greneda, Caribbean

Harlequin is a 44ft (LOA) steel Marconi Cutter with a 4,3ft draught designed by Dudley Dix and professionally built by Hout Bay Yachts in Cape Town This is a true blue water cruising vessel and a very comfortable live aboard The broad beam, large cockpit and spacious salon make for a very comfortable boat to live aboard and sail. The workmanship is done to an exceptionally high standard The strong wing keel makes the boat ideal for shallow areas like the intracoastal waterways and Bahamas The boat is strong enough to handle almost anything and has safely crossed oceans and sailed some of the roughest coastlines with ease More details here on Trademe

Hylas 46

AMARI is a stunning Hylas 46, masterfully designed by German Frers for blue-water cruising Fully equipped for safety and comfort, this yacht is built to cross oceans with ease Having been meticulously maintained and outfitted for long-distance passagemaking, AMARI has already completed over 20,000 offshore miles with her current owners Visually, AMARI is striking Her dark blue hull and teak accents create an elegant profile at sea Below deck, the beautifully appointed teak interior features a high-gloss finish that exudes timeless sophistication The yacht offers two staterooms with ensuite heads: an aft cabin with a centerline queen-sized berth and a forward cabin with a pullman-style berth, both accommodating two guests each. The salon provides additional sleeping space with a pull-out settee The galley is exceptionally well-equipped, capable of handling gourmet cooking with ease

ARMEL SUPER MARAMU

OYSTER 46

HYLAS 46

Carib 41 (12.5 meter) Fiji registered For Reluctant Sale Owners need replacing with younger versions

Comfortable roomy excharter yacht Live those tropical dreams without hassle of offshore requirements Fly in, explore years of wonderful Fiji adventures Large aft cabin

More information here

CARIB 41

TASWELL 56 OYSTER 54

BUSINESS FOR TRADE

Hello Sailors! ��⚓

Ready to trade your sea legs for a thriving, worldrecognized business on Lake Dunstan, South Island, New Zealand? Imagine serving delicious coffee and burgers to cyclists on the picturesque Lake Dunstan Trail CoffeeAfloat and BurgerAfloat is a beloved stop, and we're looking for passionate individuals to take the helm

**What we are looking for:**

We're keen to **trade this fantastic business for a suitable "blue water" yacht or catamaran** If you need time ashore, this could be the perfect swap!

**What we offer:**

- Sites available for permanent caravan and boat storage

- Property that can be rented

- The chance to run a successful business in a stunning location

Craving a change? This could be your golden opportunity Visit coffeeafloatconz to learn more and let's make this happen! Then email hello@coffeeafloatconz, or call Richard +64 21452942

Ready to dive in?

MOODY 54

NORDHAVEN 47

ISLAND PACKET 38

YOUNG SUN | $84,000

Artemis | Young Sun 35 — in Fiji

Artemis, a Young Sun 35 blue water cruising boat for sale. This beautiful canoe stern double ender is well loved and has had lots of upgrades over the last couple of years. She is a cutter rig sloop with a full keel, built in 1985 by Ta Shing ship yard in Taiwan. Artemis is a solid glass boat with a cedar wood cored deck. She is registered in Poland, yet tax and import fees have been paid in New Zealand. Currently she is located in a berth at Nawi marina in Savusavu, Fiji, which is pre-paid till mid April 2025. You could move aboard today and cruise Fiji at your leisure.

Check out TradeMe for more information

DRONE PACKAGE

DJI Air 2S FLY MORE COMBO & Samsung

Galaxy A23 Smartphone

Both were purchased new in 2022 and in excellent condition with very little use The phone has been only ever used as a display for the drone

Includes: Air 2S Drone

· DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller

Intelligent Flight Battery x 2

Battery Charger

Battery to Power Bank Adaptor

· AC Power Cable

Full set of Spare Propellers

Gimbal Protector

DJI RC-N1 RC Cable (USB Type-C Connector)

· DJI RC-N1 RC Cable (Lightning Connector)

DJI RC-N1 RC Cable (Standard Micro-USB Connector)

ND Filters Set (ND4/8/16/32)

· 2 x 64 GB SanDisk extreme memory card

SD/Micro sim card reader

Hand-held Landing Bracket

DJI Carry Case

· Backpack with multiple compartments to keep the drone and all accessories together in one place

Asking $120000 (AUD)

Contact John Email: warmwaterwaves@gmailcom

Phone: +61 417 833 337

WhatsApp +61 417 833 337

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!

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 .