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Published: October 27th 2009
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Coastal Classic start line
Proving why Auckland is known as 'The City of Sails' This week found me getting quite involved with the New Zealand lifestyle...
It started with a visit to the Auckland Museum, where I learned about the people of the South Pacific as well as the natural sciences familiar to the area (I even got to experience a volcano from the inside of a house!). I spent a very nice afternoon there learning about the various things and was sad to have to head out into the (relatively) cold, wet weather afterward. I certainly won't complain too much about the weather though, out of respect for those of you approaching winter.
Wednesday morning I woke up to sunny skies and so decided to take a day trip out of Auckland to nearby Rangitoto Island, a very young (~600 yrs.) volcanic island. Catching the 9:30 ferry out of the city, I enjoyed the view of the city from the water during the 25 min. ferry ride. Upon my arrival on the island (which is a protected area that is uninhabited), I roamed around a couple of small trails before heading up the main trail to the summit of the crater. The view from the top was incredible - 360 degrees of
city, water, and islands under clear blue sky. I took the time to sit and enjoy while eating a picnic lunch that I had packed to bring along with me. After the summit, I made my way down on the opposite side of the crater and trekked along an old coastal road that passed through a private white sands beach and a mangrove site before arriving back at the dock to wait for the 3:30 ferry back to Auckland. I then met David in Newmarket area and headed back to a barbecue at his place with a few of his friends.
Thursday was mainly spent preparing for the weekend, as both David and I were going to be heading out of town - David back to Canada for a three week visit, and me up to Bay of Islands for a sailing trip.
The New Zealand Coastal Classic is a yachting race that takes place out of Auckland every year on the long weekend of October - and this year I was able to take part (in a way). After watching the ~250 boats start the 200 km race (proving why Auckland is known globally as 'The City
Rangitoto Summit
If you look closely, you can see Auckland City (and the Sky Tower) to the left of my head. of Sails'), I hopped in the car with the wife of one of the yachties and headed north to Bay of Islands to meet the boats. We made a couple of stops along the way of the four and a half hour drive: Omaha and Whangarei, and arrived in Paihia around dinner time. The first boat arrived in with a new race record shortly after us and the rest of the fleet continued arriving throughout the night.
Saturday morning I took the ferry across the bay to Russell where the boats were all docked - and got to see some dolphins playing along the side of the ferry! (Best $7 spent on a ferry ride ever). I then hopped into a water taxi that took me to the boat that I was going to be crewing on for the trip back down to Auckland. Prowler was its name and it was a 50 ft. long sailing yacht. Needless to say, a pretty big step up from the 16 ft. Hobie Cats I had sailed in my youth. Though slightly concerned that I would have no idea what I was doing on this boat, I sucked it up and went
View from the Top
The many islands that surround Auckland area aboard to meet the crew. They were all incredibly warm and welcoming toward me. I spent the day between the boat and the village of Russell, exploring and getting to know people. Saturday night there was a yachtie party under a marquee on shore that I enjoyed with the rest of the Prowler crew.
Sunday morning we got up and ready to set sail... though, being the rookie, I apparently wasn't quite ready to go before passing through initiation. I was hoisted up to the very top of the ~80 ft. mast - not too bad, really, and actually quite a good view from up there. If only that was all there was to it... instead, to my surprise, I looked down to see the crew running from one side of the boat to the other, causing the boat to shift and me to swing like a pendulum at the top of the mast! (Kids: don't try it at home) Needless to say, fun though it was, I was quite happy to get back down to the deck.
So, after initiation was completed, we were ready to set off. The first little while was spent motoring and I
took the opportunity to learn how to tie a few different sailing knots. Once we rounded past 'Hole in the Rock' we put up the sails and off we went (at a pretty slow pace, which I was fine with) and sailed into the night. I can't even express what a great experience this was for me. I learned so much from these guys over the short period of time I spent with them... from tying knots, to helming the boat, to raising sails - and even things not directly related to sailing itself: navigating using the stars, some New Zealand history, the coastline that we were following, some fishing stuff etc. It was just an overall incredible experience that I am thoroughly thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in. So a shout-out to the crew of the Prowler: Haydon, Mike, Evelien and Bevin.
Although I would have never said that I ever have lost my faith in the human race, these guys definitely confirmed it - they were just so patient with me and willing to teach me, and so encouraging in doing so (even after I had the boat up on its side and dipped
Dolphin sighting from the ferry
Although we enjoyed their company for ~10 min. I only managed to get one photo with a dolphin actually in it! They're quite quick! the end of the boom in the water at one point while helming). And it was all on their own will, really, they never had to accept taking me aboard, but did anyway. That's one of the great lessons of travelling, that I have already seen numerous times during this trip: people are generally kind-hearted and willing to help out.
Anyway, back to the trip. We sailed until about 1:30 am on Sunday night before tying up for the night and having a sleep in the cabin. After a good nights sleep, we awoke Monday morning and had a good breakfast before setting out in the rain to make our way down the remainder of the coast to Auckland. I must say, I didn't even mind the rain one bit - it was just another aspect of the sailing experience. I'd have to say though, that my favourite part of the trip was after darkness fell, sitting on the back deck, looking up at the stars and chatting and listening to music (even if it was Rod Stewart). Just living the dream, basically.
I suppose that's enough for now. I'm back on solid land, safe and sound -
Prowler
(It's most effective if you say it while holding your hand in front of your face like a claw) ready for whatever adventures await me this week.
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hj
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The trip of a lifetime!
You really are experiencing it all! And your photos are amazing...I'm very impressed with the travel-blog, I must say! We received your package yesterday...Kathryn said (in a very loving way) "even from the other side of the world, she finds a way to teach us". We miss you - stay safe. HJ