A Cruising Week

You never stop learning and over the last few weeks I feel like I’ve learnt so much. Being out on the water, in a constantly changing environment, you are always adapting, facing new challenges and testing new ways of doing things, understanding and learning how the boat moves and how you’re going to respond to those changes.

We managed to sail almost every day over the last week or so. It’s been the best feeling! Having the sails up, turning the engine off and cruising through the water. Our novelty at the moment is making a cuppa tea on the move… you know how much Pete loves his tea!

At times, sailing in the sounds has been challenging. The sheer landscape means you get these huge gusts come through (record 39 knots) or your sailing along and lose the wind entirely. I’m feeling more and more comfortable with Nagu and our own confidence on board.

I’ve watched many boats dock aside a pier but never actually thought about how stressful it can be! We needed to go into Picton and get supplies, fuel and run a few errands, simple little trip to town right? What you dont see is the chaos just getting into the dock, avoiding the ferries, crusie ship, water taxis, a 29’er sailing race, paddle boarders, empty moorings and other boats heading out for the day and that’s before we can even see the pier. Now factor in the wind, other boats docked limiting where you can go and I’m thinking have I put the fenders in the right place, do I even know what I’m doing?!

We’ve been exploring the many bays Queen Charlotte sounds has on offer, it can be so peaceful and surreal, yoga on the bow, diving off the back, morning coffee in the sun reading. However, we’ve also spent a night reflecting / punished on what happens when you’re enjoying a calm quiet bay but don’t check the evenings changing wind direction overnight. Spending the night in what felt like a rollercoaster and no where to go.

We were able to get to the outer sounds and walk parts of the Queen Charlotte track. What a stunning part of the country and an amazing walking track. If felt so good to get out and about after being cooped up during the storm!

Peter has such a wealth of knowledge and shared some sailing stories from NZ and Europe where hes up to 36,000 nautical miles! Just amazing. Peter told us the name Nagu originated from an island in Finland. His Grandfather travelled from there to Bluff many many years ago chasing the gold rush. We’re so appreciative for all his support.

The great moments certainly outweigh the less than ideal moments, we’re learning and its these experiences that will help us keep moving forward! Next, were off to Pelorus Sounds where we’ll spend the next couple of weeks exploring new sights. We’re ready to go, just waiting on a good weather window.