RNZYS Events

Slowtilla – a cruisy antidote to haste

By Hamish Coleman-Ross Summer cruising holidays with family are fabulous experiences, arguably one of the best ways to enjoy our country while creating lifelong memories.

The logistics that go into organising these holidays are no small task. It demands time and effort to get our vessels out of the Hauraki Gulf and to the popular summer anchorages further afield.

For our family, the Bay of Islands has become that place. Despite having crewed north on several occasions, my family appealed for an alternative way to deliver our H28 yacht Bacharach north – one that didn’t require their help.

Mid 2020, I made an offer to friends to embark upon a non-stop sail from Auckland to Opua. An unexpected level of interest returned, resulting in more crew than I could accommodate. And so an idea began to take form.

The suggestion was made to offer another yacht some of our eight eager hands, which was gratefully received by the captain of a Tracker 26, Tanager. The assurance of safety in numbers and keeping pace with each other had an appeal to those of us whose vessels are more suited to cruising.

Departing the weekend before Christmas, the estimated time to our destination was 26 hours. Jokingly we declared that our founding of a would be flotilla was more of a “slowtilla” than a flotilla. The name stuck.

What occurred over those 26 hours was nothing short of magic for all involved.The crew were a mixture of experience with individuals from an array of backgrounds and professions. These included archeology, cinematography, broadcasting, publishing, government and sales.

Conditions were great for a motor-sail with many highlights including dolphins, night time phosphorescence and of course a few great yarns.

Above: Duncan Wilson and shipmates aboard the Tracker 26, Tanager. Left and right: A fellow traveller silhouetted against the setting sun; and Cape Brett looms under a near full moon.

Upon arrival we checked into land-based accommodation, had a celebration dinner and disbanded the following day.

Word got out of the great time had by all and, with the commitment of a few fellow sailors, Slowtilla 2021 was staged. This time the crew increased to 16 spread across three yachts: Bacharach, a Catalina 40, Nomos, skippered by Marguerite Delbet, and Dufour Gib’Sea 37 Cupiditas, with Dmitry Pelevin at the helm.

Once again an eclectic group of folks made up the crews. The experience was no less enjoyable, the highlight being a waxing moon lightning the passage around Cape Brett and past the hole in the rock. Thanks to exceptional conditions, we all made it to the Bay of Islands in less than 18 hours.

The intention is to continue Slowtilla annually as an option to deliver yachts to the Bay of Islands ahead of Christmas/New Year cruises, as well as an opportunity to share the special experience of coastal sailing with new and experienced hands alike. I look forward to extending the invitation to fellow RNZYS members midyear for Slowtilla 2022.

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