Crew: Caroline, John, Shannon, Jamie, Geoff.
Forecast: Metservice was forecasting southerly 20 kts easing to 15 in the evening with Predictwind forecasting 16 kts gusting 21.
The scheduled EBYMBC race yesterday had been cancelled due to high winds but today was looking breezy yet very sailable. We decided to take Halo out for a fun cruise.
It was great to have John back on the crew before he heads off to Antarctica. Caroline and Shannon, who will both be crewing in the upcoming Waikawa Women’s Regatta, were keen to get some additional experience on Halo. Unfortunately, Marion had to pull out after coming down with a cold.
We met aboard Halo at Pier D, Chaffers Marina, at 1200 hrs. Over a cup of coffee we carried out the safety briefing and discussed the day’s sailing plan.
We slipped our lines at 1250 hrs and headed out into Lambton Harbour carrying one reef in the mainsail and the No. 3 jib. After a few practice tacks around the inner harbour, we set course towards Matiu/Somes Island.
Jamie took the helm, Caroline handled the mainsheet, while John and Shannon looked after sail trim.
On a beam reach we settled into a comfortable groove, making around 6.5 knots SOG in 16 knots of southerly breeze, with gusts into the low 20s. Halo felt well balanced under the reduced sail plan and made steady, enjoyable progress across the harbour.
The only other yacht we saw on the harbour was the training boat Port Nic 2, a Muir 8.2, returning to Wellington. We then hardened up and sailed close-hauled into the southerly towards Ward Island.
After giving way to the Bluebridge ferry Livia as it passed behind us, we tacked and headed into Kau Bay to pick up the club mooring for a lunch break.
The sheltered waters of the bay provided a welcome respite from the fresh southerly breeze and an ideal spot to relax and enjoy lunch. Time for a swim anybody?
At 1420 hrs we slipped the mooring and set sail for Wellington, passing Pt Halswell and Pt Jerningham before reaching Lambton Harbour.
We enjoyed another brisk sail home under the reefed mainsail and No. 3 jib.
As we approached the harbour entrance, Tamerlane Bill captured a great photo of Halo under sail. Thanks, Bill!
After dropping the sails, we motored back into Chaffers Marina and were securely tied up in our berth by 1530 hrs.
An excellent afternoon on the water, with fresh sailing conditions, plenty of good practice, and great company. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all.
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