Furling and Hurling

Preparing the sails this morning leaving Bon Accord Harbour

Respiratory engines ceased, we staggered out into sunshine and the fair winds of Bon Accord Harbour. The first task of the day was to wash the glue-like mud from Te Kaihōpara’s anchor and chain which held us firm in 40kt gusts overnight. Anchor onboard, we left Kawau Island under the caffeinated eyes of Skipper David and the skilled steerage of Liv while the rest of the crew flapped around on deck unfurling the main sail, mizzen sail and both headsails - genoa and stay sail.

Full sail, believe me the mizzen is up too.

Past Maori Rock we furled away the stay sail, to bring it out again 10 minutes later as we rounded Bluebell Point. Just as its trim was perfected, a call through the wheelhouse was heard - “Furl the Staysail!” Diligently the sail went to rest and the not-so-new-now crew trimmed in remaining sheets as we settled in towards Little Barrier Island.

Little Barrier Island admired by Karleen, Liv and Robyn

Up to 20kts of WNW wind held Te Kaihōpara at a steady lean and the crew at an unsteady lean. The sea was green and a few faces too, as albatross soared circles around us. When a sick bag is called for, the incorrect response is to ask ‘how many would you like’. Learnt the hard way by Sean. Below deck, porthole seals were put to the test and unfortunately, the most important bunk on board (my bunk) wasn’t safe. Wet bedding was thrown upstairs to make way for sponges and buckets in a mission un-impossible lead by Timmy the saviour.

Tangaroa blessed us with an appearance of the local common dolphin, which dragged Karleen out of bed, but didn’t tempt Liv or John up. Jason was almost as excited as I was, squealing with delight in tones only audible to our aquatic cousins.

Robyn and Karleen getting ready to separate mother Hen from her Chickens (the islands)

The wind dropped and backed and we were bobbing along at an exhilarating 2kts - SOG decreasing - as we did a watch change. With JohnBoy and his sidekicks Liv and Sean off watch and Timmy, Ben and I on, we sped up to 2.2kts. Maybe we need to take the reefs out. Port Nikau seems very far away at this rate! No trouble for the iron sail though, headsails furled (again) we ventured towards the Hen and Chicken Islands with the intention of separating the former from the latter with our track. More green faces as another watch commenced and out came the trusty handee towels. Thankfully, this time a sick-bag was on hand and no numerical decisions had to be made before the consumed, became unconsumed. Mainsail is down and our mizzen dampening Te Kaihōpara’s roll. It’s going to be a late arrival into Port Nikau tonight.

- Hannah Wilks, Chief Mate in Training, Ocean Sailing Expeditions