Crew: Nick, Marianna, Isla, Aurelia, Graciela, Jenny, Geoff.
Forecast: Variable 5 kts, southerly 10 kts developing for a time in the afternoon.
It was a great day to take the family—visiting from the UK—out for a harbour sail and a chance to explore Matiu/Somes Island.
After organising life jackets and running through a quick safety briefing we cast off from Chaffers Marina at 1120 hrs. There was almost no wind initially, so after hoisting the mainsail we motor-sailed out into Wellington Harbour.
With the calm conditions it was a very relaxed trip across the harbour. The sea was almost glassy and the views back to the city were spectacular in the clear summer light. It was a perfect introduction to sailing for Isla and Aurelia, who quickly made themselves comfortable in the cockpit while keeping a lookout for ferries and seabirds.
After clearing Pt Jerningham, a light southerly breeze picked up. We hoisted the no. 3 jib and switched off the engine.
As we approached Somes Island and rounded Mokopuna Island we hoisted the club pennant and dropped the sails, preparing to pick up the club mooring near the jetty.
Nick and Graciela made a clean retrieval of the mooring line and soon we were securely alongside. With the boat settled, we set up the cockpit table and enjoyed bacon and egg pie lunch in the warm shelter of the island.
After lunch it was time to go ashore and explore. We pumped up the dinghy, launched it, and loaded the first passengers for the short trip across to the jetty.
As we neared the wharf ready to unload, a woman came out to advise that the island was closed due to severe electrical problems. No further explanation was offered. It was a big disappointment for everyone, as we turned the dinghy around and headed back to Halo.
After packing up the dinghy we cast off from the mooring at 1400 hrs and headed around the eastern side of Somes Island before setting a course across the harbour toward Mākaro/Ward Island.
After circumnavigating the island we then headed back towards Point Halswell. By now the wind had filled in to a pleasant northerly breeze. Nick did a great job on the helm as we sailed back towards Lambton Harbour, arriving back in our berth by 1530 hrs.
Although the island visit didn’t work out as planned, it was still a wonderful afternoon on Wellington Harbour. A relaxed sail, lunch aboard Halo, and time on the water with family made it a day well worth remembering.
Halo Log Book 