I’d been monitoring my eight different weather apps closely over the last week and we finally had a weather window to start our journey and cross the Cook Straight into Queen Charlotte Sounds. 10 knots from the South, peak 15 knots, calm seas, switching to a northerly in the afternoon. Tides at Mana were midday and we could set off two hours before giving us enough room to cross the Mana sand bar (we have a 1.8m draft).
Our good friend Chris has been amazing, helping get the boat ready and joined us on the crossing bringing all his sailing experience. Crossing the Cook Straight many times, he was able to give us guidance on what we could expect while we build our experience on Nagu.
A couple of excited, nervous sailors we said our farewells and left the marina!
This ended quickly when we came to an abrupt stop hitting the increasing sand bar just outside the marina….. FAIL!
We can laugh about it now and fortunately the coastguard were passing and gave us a tow out. A few minutes later…… we were on our way…. again!
The actual crossing was amazing, gorgeous calm sea, blue skies and at times not quite enough wind. Watching the land behind us get further and further away until we could make out the entrance at Cape Koamaru.
From passing The Brothers until we got past Cape Koamaru, the currents were strong and swirling. We had to factor this into the entrance, but we made it!
We sailed into Queen Charlotte feeling a sense of achievement and were welcomed with a pod of hector dolphins following us.
The following day, the rain had set in and a storm approaching, we sailed from Resolution Bay to Picton and dropped Chris off. Now just the two of us on board, we got this…. right…..?!
I said last time, I hadn’t had the “what the heck are we doing moment”…… Yup had it now! 🙈
We leave Picton, making a quick getaway before the ferries depart, they seem much bigger when you’re on the water!
With the storm here, we’re moored in a beautiful calm bay away from all the chaos enjoying everything around us.
That’s what it’s all about x
Lucy Kershaw Sailing 