Calling all Kiwis

[Rob_Webb]

I'm heading off to Auckland shortly for some work and much play (i.e. sailing) and I'm trying to find out about sailing life in and around the Hauraki Gulf and the kind of boats I should be considering.

I'd love to connect with a NZ forum equivalent to this (including the colourful characters!) but so far I've failed to locate one - any recommendations?

I'm also interested in what kind of performance cruisers I might find in the 9-10m range - so far I've heard of Carpenter, Townson, Whiting, Farr, Nolex and Chico - any further ideas would be welcome. I'd be especially interested in lifting fin keelers as I gather a lot of the bays and beaches around the gulf are quite shallow?

Thanks for your help.

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[chippie]

Gidday mate, I used to live in Auckland for many years and though I may be a bit out of touch now , I dont think you will find great numbers of lifting keel yachts.
The Gulf and the coast North are great cruising grounds . There can be a bugger of a chop/ slop so most gulf cruiser/racers are pretty able boats.
I would also consider Davidson;Elliot;Eagle;Ross;Wright;Young. All off the top of my head, there are definitely others. Some of the designs you mention are getting a little long in the tooth. I havent found a local forum , so if you do, let me know.
Searching for your yacht will be part of the fun. You may find crewing an easier and less expensive way to go. Go for a walk around Westhaven when you get there.
A few Broker's Websites :[www.gulfgroup.co.nz] [www.taylormarine.net.nz]
[WWW.YACHTWORLD.COM/YACHTSNZ]

Good luck and welcome.







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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Have you seen this

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://ftp://ftp.linz.govt.nz/pub/NTHA/chart_images/tifs/>http://ftp://ftp.linz.govt.nz/pub/NTHA/chart_images/tifs/</A>

might be useful, hope you have broadband

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/Honda_00.html>Honda Formula 4-Stroke racing</A>

 

[Rob_Webb]

Can't access it via my office network - will have to try again later from home.

Thanks anyway!
R

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[Rob_Webb]

Thanks for the links - I'll take a browse around these later and add these boats to my long list.

As you say, the best option is probably to try to do some crewing aboard some different boats for a few weeks/months first and get a feel for the area, before deciding what kind of craft would suit me the best. Any suggestions on how/who/where is best to approach to get myself amongst the local salty types to get aboard some boats?

Very suprised that there isn't a similar forum to this (not that I can find anyway)!

Is Westhaven the big marina visible from the bridge between city and Devonport?



cheers
Rob

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[MainlySteam]

Rob, I think Julian's link may be dead, so try <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hydro.linz.govt.nz>http://www.hydro.linz.govt.nz</A>, select "Charts" then "Catalogue" and follow your nose and you will find downloadable hires images with each chart. Have fun.

John

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[Rob_Webb]

What a great link - thanks Julian/John!

Rob

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[jollyjacktar]

That marina is probably Bayswater, the newest one on the harbour on the North Shore. Westhaven, also visible from the harbour bridge is the oldest and largest marina and is on the City side.

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[chippie]

I have sent you a PM with contact details for a couple of yacht clubs lifted from notices of races recently published.

Cheers.

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[chippie]

Sorry Rob, there seems to be some problem with getting a PM through , will try later.

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[chippie]

I cant do it through a PM for some reason so will post here instead.
I have lifted a couple of yacht club contacts for notices of races .

Richmond Yacht Club: www.richmondyc.org.nz

Ponsonby Cruising Club email: PCC@ihug.co.nz

The local magazine, Boating NZ may publish a request for you. Email: editor@boatingnz.co.nz

You may even get a berth for The Coastal Classic which is NZ's largest yacht race from Auckland to the Bay of Islands , held on Labour weekend at the end of october. It can be cold so bring your thermals and wet gear.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here as I think the Gulf Northwards are some great cruising grounds, but I am a bit biased I suppose.
I think you will find your pound goes quite a long way even though our dollar has appreciated a bit recently.
I hope this has been of some help.
Cheers.

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[Rob_Webb]

Hi Chippie

I received a PM from jollyjacktar but nothing yet from you so yes, there must have been a problem with PMs! No rush, whenever you get a chance, look forward to any further info!

Cheers
Rob

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[Rob_Webb]

Thanks a load. All received and safely logged!

Looking forward to it all SO much!

Rob

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[BrianJ]

Rob.. it coud be sheep breeding season when you get there ..be careful
Brian J

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

ah I see the problem, the mark up tags on here make it html when it is ftp

ftp://ftp.linz.govt.nz/pub/NTHA/chart_images/tifs/

copy and paste straight to the charts

it does work

big files though

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/Honda_00.html>Honda Formula 4-Stroke racing</A>