Sailing Martini

Sailing up the channel, directly into 3-5 knots. Motored in almost the entire way, save for maybe 3 miles with the genoa on. mix of sun and clouds.

15 knots gusting to 20 1.5 swell Tacked through the channel out of Whangārei harbour, just to get used to it. mostly sailed with one reef in the main

After a big breakfast followed by stunning walk ashore in the morning, navigating up the inlet to the waterfall bridge, we sailed late morning under engine . Proceeding northwards we investigated Awaroa bay as a potential anchorage but it was hopelessly exposed to a northerly swell making it too uncomfortable. We therefore proceeded south again to Tonga Island Roadstead where we enjoyed a sheltered anchorage close to shore whilst retaining almost a metre beneath the keel at low water. A walk/swim ashore in the afternoon was followed by a lovely evening meal aboard.