Single Handing

A solo sail down New Zealand's North Island coast from Auckland to Tauranga.

Jim

— 5 min read
Share
Single Handing
Roam at anchor in Hot Water Beach, New Zealand's North Island. Hot springs flow right into the ocean.

Roam is presently snuggled into her berth in Tauranga Marina. She'll be here through the holidays while we spend time back in the US. A spell of settled weather over New Zealand's North Island gave me the chance to sail solo from Auckland to Tauranga.

The 129-nautical-mile trip can be done as a nonstop overnight run.  I did that last year. It requires crew to do it safely. This year I took my time and enjoyed a few stops along the way: Waiheke Island (my first time there), Hot Water Beach, and finally Tauranga.

Auckland to Tauranga: 129 nautical miles. Around the Coromandel Peninsula, down the east coast with stops at Waiheke Island and Hot Water Beach.

Roam is set up for single-handed sailing. The sail controls are all led aft to the cockpit. One person can raise, lower, and trim the sails. The autopilot takes care of steering. No need to leave the safety of the cockpit.

Cruising as a couple is mostly single-handed sailing. One person is usually resting or sleeping while the person on watch sails the boat. Pam and I make a great team and I miss having her aboard. But solo sailing is a fun challenge. For a few days. Then it gets a little lonely.

A big electric winch in the cockpit handles all of the sail controls without having to leave the security of the cockpit.

In our travels we meet full-time single-handed sailors. They are crossing oceans alone for days on end. In Tonga we met sailors competing in the Mini Globe around the world race. "Small boat, huge adventure" is the event's marketing tag line. Around the world alone. In 19 foot boats! I'm not sure how they deal with that level of solitude and sleep deprivation. It's not for me.

We met Christian Sauer last year during the single-handed Mini Globe Race stop in Neiafu, Tonga. He built his 19-foot Mini Globe race boat himself. He finished 7th. 201 days, 19 hours, 10 minutes, 23 seconds. Solo. Wow.

Our friend Greg will look after Roam while we are away. We've got a few projects. Things that have been building up on the list.

We'll return in late February or early March to start Season 5. We hope to spend a full year in New Zealand this time. It will give us a break from long ocean passages and allow more time sailing New Zealand's magnificent coast. And hopefully enjoy visits from some of you!

Plans written in the sand at low tide.

A Few Photos

A drive out to Piha Beach near Auckland on the North Island's west coast.
Kiwi sailors enjoying the long Labour Day weekend in Oneroa Bay, Waiheke Island. The island is home to more than 30 wineries and not one but two Michelin-starred restaurants.

A pod of short-beaked dolphins leads the way south. The most common species found in this part of New Zealand. I never get tired of sailing with these guys. They will stay as long as they see you are watching them.

New Zealand fur seal. This big fella (I assume he's a fella) has been hanging out around the boat here in Tauranga Marina. He's huge. As big as our dinghy.
Whataroa Falls. A "tramp" through the Otanewainuku Forrest. What you call "hiking" is "tramping" in New Zealand. About 30 minutes from Tauranga.
Alpino in Mt. Maunganui. Kiwis, like the British, call it "Rocket" instead of Arugula. Chili oil is popular in this part of the world (as opposed to red pepper flakes). And bell peppers are "capsicum." Our ongoing quest for decent pizza in faraway places.
Mt. Maunganui stands guard over Tauranga Harbour. Roam (bottom middle) in her home slip in Tauranga Marina for the next few months.

Roam's Project List

  • Repair / Replace Starboard hull bilge pump motor
  • Resolve starboard water system leak
  • Replace bow navigation light
  • Replace solent sheet
  • Replace port saildrive seal (damaged on the trip up to Fiji)
  • Replace tarboard water heater element
  • Change engine / saildrive oil
  • Change Generator oil
  • Repaint bottom anti-foul
  • Repack Liferaft
  • Rebuild spare alternator
  • Repair saloon air conditoner condenser
  • Rebuild spare windlass motor
  • Send spare propeller hub for repair
  • Replace Port steering cylinder seals
  • Replace lenses of forward hatches
  • Resolve Center saloon hatch frame leak.
  • Resolve Forward port berth outside hatch leak. Seal?
  • Repair gelcoat chips near bow cleats
  • Touch up abrasion on mast paint
  • Polish and wax hull
  • Fill hull deck seal gaps in some areas
  • Expand solar capacity
  • Repair code zero furler line. Add LFR.
  • Refinish galley cabinet lids
  • Add a grab rail on Bimini sides
  • Replace back rests on helm seats
  • Touch up dagger board leading edges
  • Install new screen/shades for big windows and polish windows
  • Recaulk interior joints
  • Clean up port helm seat
  • Spot refinish saloon woodwork
  • Add shelves in closets
  • Add Chart table light
  • Replace AC drain box pump port side
  • Replace 2x Plastimo Olympic 135 compasses
  • Replace galley light.
  • Replace jack lines
  • Modify water maker sea strainer
  • Add master alarm
  • Remove Bow locker lights
  • Add carbon fiber nav panel background
  • Repaint Bimini ceiling
  • Replace lifelines w/ Dyneema
  • Chain counter remote — research and decide
  • Clean up windlass contactor wiring. Add terminal block
  • Add a spare NAC3 Autopilot Computer
  • Add a Vulcan display in a pod in cockpit bulkhead
  • New mainsail
  • New Solent
  • New Lazy Bag