Sail out towards Cape Kiti

18 nautical miles

The predicted wind was 10-14 knots, but when we set off we were getting 15-18 gusting 25 knots. We tried reefing our new main (a Malu Marine Long Distance Cruising Sail) and were extremely pleased with the results. With 2/3 genoa and 1st or 2nd reef on main the boat balances beautifully. 

The reason for reefing down, rather than riding it out and enjoying it was that we had three guests on board, so I was spilling wind whenever a severe gust came through to keep the ride gentle.

Mick went below to checkout all the new work we had done on the yacht since his last visit some months ago. You can just see the new wood trip in the companionway behind him.

Two of the guests, Mary and Roger, had never sailed before, but you can see from the smiles that it was a great day out!


On the way back the wind dropped to predicted levels and was about 90-120 degrees to beam, so we hoisted the mizen staysail as well. With reefed main this worked well. Gave us an extra knot of speed.

Coming in to the marina, almost whatever direction the wind and waves are from produces a choppy sea just at the marina entrance. 

With boats coming from two channels in the marina towards the entrance it's important to keep a very good lookout!