Crew: Geoff, Graciela, Eduardo, Sandra, Cecilia, Javiera, Camila, Peter.
Forecast: Variable 5 knots, southerly 10 knots developing late morning. Becoming variable 5 knots this evening.
Glorious weather for first day’s sailing in the new year with friends the Villoutas and Peter. Seven adults and plus little Camila. After fitting our life jackets we cast off from Chaffers at 1100 hrs with Peter on helm and the no. 2 jib and full main hoisted. We made nice speed of around 5 kts on a beam reach towards Pt. Halswell in about 8 kts of southerly.
The idea was to sail out towards Ward Island before going downwind to Somes. Eduardo set up the spinnaker pole ready for the run. However, we canned that idea when we got into the wind shadow of Kau Bay and decided to head straight to the west side of Somes. “Champagne sailing” broad reach in 11 kts true wind speed.
Once we cleared the hidden rocks off Mokopuna we started the engine, dropped the sails, and motored up to the North Somes bay to pick up the club mooring at 1220 hrs. It was pretty hot by now in the relative shelter of the island so we erected our boom tent sun shade. A lovely lunch was enjoyed by all.
After lunch Peter and Eduardo pumped up the dinghy and then I launched it over the side. As I was dragging it around to the stern I inadvertently let go the painter! Oh dear… The dinghy quickly started gliding away and I had no option but to jump into the water fully clothed and retrieve the wayward boat. I still had my life jacket on and of course it immediately inflated. Much hilarity all round 🙂
After lunch we motored over to the wharf and dropped off most of us. Eduardo and I then took Halo back to the mooring and rowed the dinghy to the island. After passing through the DOC briefing and bag inspections we enjoyed a nice hike round to the Matiu Somes Island lighthouse then back via the southern lookout and up to the the gun emplacements and the trig station.
After we ferried everybody back to the boat it was swim time! Very refreshing in the heat of the late afternoon.
As we were enjoying the dip another Wellington boat, Cantilena skippered by James Hollings, turned up. Their plan was to spend the night on the mooring. They tied up to our stern and once we were ready we handed the mooring over to them and departed for Wellington at 1720 hrs.
By now the wind had eased considerably and we enjoyed a leisurely sail back home close-hauled with engine assist. We docked Halo back in our berth at Chaffers at 1840 hrs.
A lovely day out on the water with good friends.
Halo Log Book 