Hugh Robertson Sailingvideo

S3 E4 Sailing north in New Zealand

5 February 2025 · 9 min · 325 views · Bay of Islands

What this video covers

SeaChange underwent a refit at Marsden Cove Marina in April 2024, including a transmission repair, new engine mounts, replacement of the stuffing box packing, and a fresh coat of Hempel Olympic ablative bottom paint.0:10 After relaunching, the boat motored out of Whangarei harbor into a strong easterly wind and sharp swell in Breen Bay.2:42 The passage north included stops at Tutukaka Bay and an overnight anchorage behind Motarua Island to avoid arriving at Opua in the dark.6:04 Upon reaching Opua, the marina was at capacity with vessels staging for northern passages.6:17 While waiting for a low-pressure system to pass and completing customs and immigration formalities, the owner cycled the Opua to Kawakawa rail trail and rode the vintage train between the two towns.6:49 The vessel remained in Opua to prepare for a subsequent passage to New Caledonia.9:49 Proper maintenance of the transmission and stuffing box, combined with careful weather window planning, proved essential for the coastal transit.

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Boats in this video

Pacific SEACRAFT 34Their boat

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