I don’t have much to report from New Caledonia, other than giving the rib some time, and visiting with our friends Steffan and Carolyne. We walked around town a bit, visited a couple of museums, etc, but mostly just hung out. Just two weeks there, though, and well before the rib was ready to go back to sea, we could see a good weather window opening for departure to New Zealand. Cyclone season was officially about to start, and though the predicted risk of an early season cyclone was low, and despite the rib, we decided to go.
Well, this was the most benign ocean passage ever. Of the total of about 200 hours on the passage, we motored about 125 in little or no wind on a gently rolling, rippled sea. What sailing we had was in pleasant conditions, too. We passed through a front the day before arrival here, but that only gave us a few minutes of gusty wind and lashing rain, then it was back to motoring. The final morning was beautiful, with pleasant sailing approaching the Bay of Islands, then motoring into the bay and up to the quarantine dock yesterday afternoon.
The authorities here are delightful. The first one aboard, from customs, treated us almost like returning family members as we chatted over cups of tea. When we started to list the beer, wine and spirits on board (a bit more than the concession), she just waved her hand and said, “Oh, just put none. We don’t want to bother you with all that.” The biosecurity man came next, and although he was understandably thorough, he was also as friendly and welcoming as could be. His wife is American, and we talked at length of their upcoming visit to the States. All the officials we’ve met across the Pacific have been polite and professional, but yacht clearances are just another part of their day. Here in New Zealand, they really seem glad to see us. Ahead of us, a newly arriving yacht was asking on the VHF for directions to the quarantine berth. The local car ferry driver answered, gave the info, and ended with, “Welcome to the Bay.”
I was more excited about this landfall I think than most any other this cruise. Approaching the coast, seeing more and more familiar landmarks, I felt like I was coming come. It’ll be another week or so before we head down the coast to Whangarei, though. Motoring up the river to the Town Basin there will really feel like coming home.
So, this is the conclusion of our second South Pacific cruise. We don’t expect to go off on another one for at least a couple of years, so I’m going to close the blog with this entry. I hope you’ve enjoyed it.
