Category Archives: All Cruising Logs

Choices in Electronics

What are your priorities for electronics? First is reliability. I usually choose gear with a proven track record from companies with a good reputation for quality and service. When one is “out there,” one needs to trust that the gear … Continue reading

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Memorial to Sir Peter Blake

One can only guess what Aucklanders would have been doing this cloudy morning had Sir Peter Blake been wearing his lucky red socks instead of carrying a rifle when the Brazilian “river rats” boarded the Blake Expeditions research yacht Seamaster … Continue reading

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Rum Racing on Auckland Harbour

After five months and five thousand miles of sailing last cruising season, what exactly do I do in the “off season.” For many cruisers, it’s time for visits back home to the see family and friends, yacht maintenance and repair, … Continue reading

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The Round Rangitoto Race With MaxSea

Two of the wonderful things about being based in Auckland for the summer are the very active race scene here, and all the beautiful islands in close proximity to the city. We took advantage of both last Saturday and participated … Continue reading

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Questions about the liferaft and abandon ship bag.

What type of raft do you carry? We carry a Givens 8-person offshore raft in a hard canister. How often do you get it serviced?We generally service the raft annually to keep the yacht in Category I standards. We … Continue reading

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Back in the First World (Auckland)

After five months of cruising in “the boonies,” re-entry into civilization is a bit of a shocker. It is great to be back “home” in Auckland, but it may take us awhile to catch our breath and adjust from “island … Continue reading

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A Week in the Bay of Islands

One of the most difficult aspects of passaging for me is falling into a regular sleep routine. I never get all the sleep I want underway, but after a few days, I seem to get just what I need. The … Continue reading

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Landfall in New Zealand

Monday afternoon offered up some beautiful downwind sailing and some fresh fish for the galley. With twenty knots from the north-northwest, and a gentle swell, Moonshadow was eating up miles like a thoroughbred headed for the barn. Downwind sailing at … Continue reading

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Noumea to Auckland, Day 4

We just set the jib again after another 24 hours of motor sailing in a light northwesterly. Its nice to listen to the wind in the sails, the waves lapping against the hull and some Jimmy Buffett on the stereo … Continue reading

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Noumea to Auckland, Day 3

After two beautiful sailing days, we are once again in light air, flying the “cast-iron spinnaker.” A small low-pressure system has moved across us to the east, and the winds have steadily backed around to the south and lightened up. … Continue reading

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