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Chasing Volcanoes. Solo sailing around New Zealand's North Island
13 March 2026 · 14 min · 8K views · Pazifischer Ozean
What this video covers
A solo sailor completes the eastern half of a circumnavigation of New Zealand's North Island aboard Raikja, covering volcanic coastline from Great Barrier Island south to Wellington. A tropical storm with near-hurricane-force winds forces a 24-hour diversion to Great Barrier Island, where a broken block in the furling system requires a replacement part found on the spot.2:43 Downwind sailing past White Island — site of the 2019 eruption that killed over 20 people — produces dangerous following seas and an accidental gybe risk managed by a boom brake rigged to a block at the bow and back to a winch.8:02 A loose steering wheel at 0300 forces a heave-to until wind drops.13:44 Ashore, an eight-day car hire from Napier explores the active volcanic zone inland, including a soap-induced geyser demonstration costing over $300 NZD total and the free thermal stream at Kerosene Creek.10:38 Tolaga Bay's sea arches, noted in James Cook's diary, and Napier's Art Deco architecture feature as coastal stops.8:49 The passage ends in Wellington, where a crew member named René joins for the onward leg to Australia.13:57 A boom brake is essential downwind solo sailing gear when following seas make accidental gybes a real risk.
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