These guys are keen - Trans Tasman Solo

While anchored at Cid Harbour we had a knock on the hull; Alan from Delphina, a Cheeko 30 (second photo), one of two yachts in the anchorage that had completed this years trans tasman race from New Plymouth (NZ nth island) to Mooloolaba. Lots of these guys are now cruising the coast. You can visit the race website here, regretably not complete. Further info can be found on a media website here.

Alan was anchored with Richard, skipper of Nimbus II, a 22' crewcut. (first photo below). Alan knocked us up as were another small boat. The small boats tend to gravitate together and I think we differentiate ourselves from the larger boats, hardier souls, no comfort for us.



Richard has just sailed from another spot to anchor near us as it was a little smoother. Alan had done the same. Though Richard had demonstrated his skills by sailing off his anchor, through the very crowded Cid Harbour and sailed onto the new anchorage. Richard is a very experienced and passionate skipper and a profile can be found here.

Not to be outdone on the following morning when Tiburon depearted we sailed off the anchor and out through the anchorage. As we passed Richard and Alan were on another of the trans tasman boats and called out that they were proud of us as we maintined the honour of the small boats. Mark was a little choofed - boys!

We met Richard again at Nara Inlet. Interestingly on a day where we left Nara and it was as rough as, and at least one fellow small boat, Peter and Ann on a Hunter 260 returned to anhcor because their 9.9 hp outboard would not push them against the chop, Richard sailed out, upwind, tacking away in the confined area - impressive stuff.