Crew: Isabelle, Max, Scarlett, Jenny, Allie, Geoff.
Forecast: Southerly 5 kts turning northerly 10 kts in the afternoon.
With the final week of the school holidays ticking by, we made the call to get out on the water for a fun harbour cruise to Matiu/Somes Island. Isabelle’s friend Scarlett and her mum Allie joined the adventure, making up a lively crew.
After a safety briefing and everyone kitted out in lifejackets, we slipped lines from Chaffers Marina at 1038 hrs.
The breeze was barely there – just 3 knots – so we hoisted the main and settled into an easy motor-sail up the harbour. Calm seas and sunshine made for ideal family cruising conditions as we glided round Mokopuka Island.
We picked up the club mooring at 1143 hrs. Lunch was followed by full aquatic chaos: kids swimming off the boat, dinghy missions, and repeated jumps off the jetty after a quick row ashore with Grandpa. Plenty of laughs, splashes, and energy burned.
With all the excitement, and schedules to keep, we had to skip the planned walk on the island – one for next time.
At 1400 hrs we cast off, and once we cleared the bottom of the island, the northerly filled in. With the No. 3 jib up, Halo came alive, delivering a fun sail back across the harbour. Jenny and Allie both enjoyed turns on the helm in the building breeze.
We dropped sails on arrival into Lambton Harbour and were back on the berth by 1500 hrs, wrapping up a thoroughly enjoyable day on the water.
A great family outing with sun, sailing, and smiles all round… even if the island walk will have to wait for the next trip.
Halo Log Book 