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SOUTH PACIFIC NEWS
JUNE / JULY 2020 ISSUE
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WINTER SOLSTICE
There's a Party in Opua
Any excuse is a good one so - SATURDAY 20th June to celebrate winter Solstice.
There's a party in Opua but if you'd like to host your own party, let us know and we'll spread the word.
SAIL SOUTH PACIFIC - in association with -
SEAPOWER - CATER MARINE - OPUA BOATBUILDERS - PREDICTWIND
Invite you to a Classic Kiwi Potluck BBQ - EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Adjacent the SEAPOWER Workshop - Opua - 1200-1500 Sat. 20th June.
We'll bring the BBQ and some sausages, onions and bread
You - Bring a salad or a side dish to share and something to drink.
If you want something more than a snarler you're welcome to bring it along & chuck it on the Barbie!
We'll have some paper plates but bring along your own cutlery, plates and glasses.
If it's wet we'll be inside at SEAPOWER, if it's fine we'll have a tent on the grass in front.
There may even be a few giveaways;-)
SEE YOU THERE
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Sail South Pacific - News
Welcome to the June / July 2020 NewsletterThis issue:- Where in the World Winner - Winter Solstice. NZ Border Restrictions - C&OC Member Resources & Destination Series 2 - Destination NZ Rally Update - Installing a Diesel Heater - Sea Mercy, Thanks from the folks in the Southern Lau, Sailing with a greater purpose.- Fun Facts - Cruising New Zealand A Family Adventure - Funnies. - Insurance update,What are you actually buying - Yachtsman's Travel Cover. - From the Galley and Regional Updates And to start, Where in the World? WINNER of the April, Where in the World - Jeremy Thatcher - Congratulations!The image was of Warren's Cove Rarohara Bay Port Fitzroy Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf, NZ. From the "Where in the World?" FilesJune/ July Newsletter.Sticking with the Great Barrier Island theme, this is a favourite of ours. If you know where the image below is, send us a quick text or email to go in the draw for the Sail South Pacific Cruising Guide of your choice.Make sure you include your name & contact details. Text - +64 272421088 email john@sailsouthpacific.comIf you've got a favourite image From Your "Where in the World?" Files.Send them through to us with a description to also go in the draw for one of our Cruising Guide Apps!
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Lobbying Government to ease border restrictions.
At time of writing Monday 8th June 2020 New Zealand borders remain closed.
Things are, however, starting to move in a positive direction with regards to Border restrictions.
On Friday French Polynesia indicated their borders would reopen to international travellers in July, great news.
While New Zealand has not yet followed the same line there is now a move towards discussion of “How” we will manage this, indicating it is now a matter of when, not if we will be able to facilitate entry to New Zealand.
To help cover the How, Sail South Pacific in discussion with others are working on Protocols for yachts entering New Zealand. These protocols cover the areas that Border Control are concerned about and are principally aimed at keeping New Zealand Covid free!
We will Post a full copy of these protocols when they are confirmed but below are the main points
- Ensuring good health prior to departure
- Logging crew health on passage
- Logging stops on the way
- If in contact with others, keeping a Contact Tracing log
- Communication and tracking while on passage
- On arrival, maintaining social distancing on the Q dock
- Covid test on arrival
Cruising Shot of the Month
Winter in New Zealand - Simply Beautiful!
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C&OC Intl. MEMBER RESOURCES.
Coastal & Offshore Cruising have a huge resource library available to members. Below are a couple from their recent video series to whet your whistle.
Understanding South Pacific Weather - CLICK HERE
South Pacific Weather 2 - Departure Planning - CLICK HERE
C&OC is also pleased to announce two new initiatives for members...
- OCEAN OVERWATCH - Available to all members, Ocean Overwatch keeps an eye on you wherever you are in the South Pacific. Warning you of significant weather events in your area and giving you a point of contact if you need assistance. Ocean OverWatch is a member benefit but requires PredictWind Tracking. Conditions apply.
- OCEAN TACTICS - Departure Planning, Passage Weather Tactics and Passage Management Strategies. This is a paid weather service, discounted for members.
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C&OC DESTINATIONS - Series 2
FREE WEB BASED CRUISING SERIES
SOUTH PACIFIC TO SE ASIA
Building on the success of our last Series we're at it again. This time we'll be featuring more of the Ooh Aah and Culture of these various Cruising Regions.
This series will cover destinations and cruising routes from the South Pacific and through SE Asia and be run over 4 separate fortnightly web meetings.
The start date is yet to be decided as we'd like to gauge interest first. These sessions will be FREE to ALL, you don't have to be a member of C&OC but we do need you to Register Your Interest for the series. There is absolutely no obligation filling out the form but only those that have signed up will be sent invites for the series.
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Wonderful Indonesia
The largest sailing Archipelago in the World!
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C&OC DESTINATION NZ RALLY
New Zealand's borders are still closed, including ports of entry to all but New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents and their families only.
Sail South Pacific and others have been working hard to lobby government to open borders to those up in the islands that are currently 'Stranded', there are currently more than 350 in French Polynesia. There have been some positive signs of late that we're making progress so Sail South Pacific and C&OC are moving forward with plans for the rally. While there is still no date set we are confident it's now a matter of WHEN now, not IF. For those that have not yet submitted an expression of Interest form please click the link below, there no obligation at this stage but it will assist greatly if we can show the government the numbers involved. That goes for those that have submitted an EoI, we'd really appreciate it if you could share this with any friends that are not yet aware of plans.
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Installing a Diesel Heater on Windflower
While we are based in New Zealand's 'Winterless North' the evenings are starting to get a little chilly. We purchased this little beauty last year but never quite got around to installing it. This year the Boss put her foot down and it's now keeping the boat not only 'Toasty' but dry as well, all on the smell of an oily rag;-)
Watch this video and see how!
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A HUGE THUMBS UP THANK YOU FROM THE PEOPLE OF THE LAU FIJI
In the aftermath of Cyclone Harold there were some areas that while not directly hit by the Cyclone, still were badly effected by the 'Knock On' effect. For the northern Lau this was a chronic food shortage. So under the Sea Mercy flag a Fundraiser was initiated to raise $10,000FJD to help feed those affected for a month. Thanks to your generosity the target was reached over just one weekend. We were sent a huge Vinaka vakalevu from the various chefs, the image below is from the village of Susui on Vanua Balavu. |
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Sailing with a ‘greater’ purpose
There is always a purpose behind blue water sailing, whether it is charting an intricate route from the Caribbean to the South Pacific or simply wanting to get away from the rat race. However, it is the journey and stops along the way that are far more important than just reaching your destination. Since 2012, Sea Mercy’s mission has been to encourage and support blue water sailors who wish to “sail with a greater purpose” and help make a difference in the lives of those they meet along the way.
“Sea Mercy’s remote island programs are not designed as a ‘one size fits all’ process but to meet the unique and personal desires and capabilities of each vessel/owner. Whether it is restoring sight by providing free reading glasses, the first to deliver emergency aid following a natural disaster or sailing international volunteer medical and dental teams to the ‘at risk’ remote islands, we have a program to fit your desires.”
Richard Hackett, President & Founder of Sea Mercy
As you plan your sailing route through the South Pacific, look at how registering as a Sea Mercy vessel can open some incredible and life changing service delivery opportunities for you and your crew. Go to www.seamercy.org/captain to learn more about taking that first step to sailing with a greater purpose in the South Pacific. If you’re not sure how to fit in, or just want to bounce some ideas around, then feel free to contact Sea Mercy directly, email the Fleet Director at coordinator@seamercy.org.
For a detailed brochure as to where Sea Mercy is heading, go to http://www.imags.com.au/sea_mercy.
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From the "Fun Facts" file.
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FIRST RATE
First rate - Implies excellence. From the 16th century on until steam powered ships took over, British naval ships were rated as to the number of heavy cannon they carried. A ship of 100 or more guns was a First Rate line-of-battle ship. Second rates carried 90 to 98 guns; Third Rates, 64 to 89 guns; Fourth Rates, 50 to 60 guns. Frigates carrying 20 to 48 guns were fifth and sixth rated. |
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Cartoon Funnies
There's always something to do on a boat.
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Destination New Zealand - A Family Adventure
In 2019 The Fothergill family departed Queensland Australia for the adventure of a lifetime, first stop New Caledonia then New Zealand for the Summer and refuge from the southern Cyclone Season.
Read how this family of six aboard their GibSea 51 - Torea VI took full advantage of New Zealand's beautiful cruising and bountiful seafood.
Read our full article ...
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Beautiful Urupukapuka Island - Bay of Islands New Zealand
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Insurance - What are you actually buying?
By Neil Bailey - Baileys Insurance
In these changing times, with increased premiums, higher excesses and more restrictive terms for pleasure craft insurance, the temptation is to often look around for a cheaper option for your insurance cover, if you don’t like what you are being offered, and don’t consider it “affordable”. And this is where you can run in to trouble. . READ MORE....
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With the current pandemic, those that had travel cover are counting their lucky stars!
Why should I choose Baileys, Topsail Yachtsman's Travel Cover?
Whether you own your own boat, charter or sail as crew, there is Yachtsman's travel cover for you.
We’ve thoroughly researched the market and can recommend the UK specialist Topsail's Yachtsman’s Travel policy. Topsail provides you with cover on private vessels anywhere, and includes $25,000 benefit for search and rescue operations. All policies include the usual benefits needed as part of a travel insurance package.
With three levels of annual and single trip cover available, there is a policy to meet your needs.
You Need To Be Very Careful!
When private vessels are involved, you need to be very careful as to what cover an Insurer is actually providing. Some Insurers exclude ANY cover whatsoever when on a private vessel. And some policies say you are only covered within a certain distance from land.
For Coastal and Offshore Cruising members theres a 10% discount!
yachtsmanstravelcover.baileysinsurance.co.nz
or within New Zealand - 0800 89 85 85
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From the Galley
GINGERBREAD LOAF
Develops more flavour the longer you keep it before cutting. Store in an air tight container.
INGREDIENTS
150g butter
1 cup low fat milk
1 cup golden syrup
1/4 cup soft brown sugar.
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp mixed spice
INSTRUCTIONS
Place butter, milk, golden syrup and brown sugar in a saucepan large enough to mix all ingredients. Heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and add baking soda. When frothing stir in sifted flour, ginger and mixed spice. Mix until just smooth.
Pour into a baking paper lined 20 cm square cake tin or equivalent loaf tin.
Bake at 180C for 45 to 50 minutes or until the gingerbread springs back when lightly touched.
Leave in tin for 10 minutes before turning on a cooling rack.
Serve sliced and lightly buttered.
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Power & Sail New Zealand is now available!
A new look, & functionality to match our latest apps plus lots of updates and new information. Gone are the region tabs along the footer and the in app purchases, simply tap on the chart to drill down for the in-depth Cruising Guide Information. The new app is also available as an update for existing users, complete with ALL area guides.  The Power and Sail New Zealand - Overview screen. Sail Fiji, Sail Tonga and the Yachtsman's South Pacific Crossing Planner have all now been updated and are available at the Apple App Store or for update. French Polynesia - Borders are still closed but due to reopen for tourism in July.
New Zealand –
New Zealand Borders are currently still closed to all but returning citizens and those qualifying for an exemption.
Getting the borders open is a work in progress but we are making progress.
Tonga - Borders are still closed
Fiji - Borders are still closed
Vanuatu – No current updates
User feedback
We’re always looking for feedback on the apps and if there’s anything you think would be a good addition please let us know. If you’ve got any questions or simply just want a chin wag, we’d love to hear from you.
Kind regards
John Martin - App Development Director - +64 (0) 27242 1088
Sail South Pacific Ltd.
www.sailsouthpacific.com
john@sailsouthpacific.com |
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