Penguin Island

18Mar2026, 2055 UTC, 37 03.851s 175 55.858e

Our 25-year-old symmetrical spinnaker is still hanging in there. After 3 months out of the water getting refitted, it’s nice to be sailing again. New Zealand delivered a perfect day for it.

All is well. We are presently anchored off Penguin Island near Mercury Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. Our first day of sailing since last November and our refit in Tauranga. We enjoyed a nice spinnaker run up the coast in light southerlies and 5-6’ seas. Symmetrical spinnaker, no main, no daggers.

We wanted to make it an easy day for our first day back on the water. We picked Slipper Island as our overnight stop. But the southerly breeze made the main bay untenable. Neighboring Penguin and Rabbit Islands weren’t much better. We were fine, but the swell rebound and refraction made it a rolly night. Not an anchorage I’d choose again.

Our refit includes an upgraded galley. Pam is breaking in her new electric induction stove. Is there anything better than breakfast underway?

Departed: 18Mar2026 2055Z

Log: 10532 | Generator: 903 | Port: 1457 | Stbd: 1457 | Bar: 1012.4