Islington Bay Raid - first overnighter aboard Kokako

[Richard Whitney CS#70]

I joined two friends for a 'raid' to Islington Bay (which is between Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland).

I have posted some photos on the site below (any of the photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.)

http://www.irwinwhitney.blogspot.com

Also if you go to the following site you can see some extra photos posted by Dave (the skipper of Jaunty a Navigator).

http://www.openboat.co.nz

On his site there is also a link to a description on a 'Boatin' happening in Nov.

A taster:

There has been some discussion of the relative merits of the Core Sound 17 as compared to the John Welford (local NZ designer). I think a race challege will be coming up[/img]

[Richard Whitney CS#70]

tried to put in one photo - will try again

[Travis Votaw]

Great set of pics, Richard. What type of anchor is that on your boat? Do you have a better picture of it? Manufactured of shop built?

[Richard Whitney CS#70]

Travis

I just have a manufacture stainless anchor roller on the bow. Don't think there are any pictures of the anchor itself. I use a locally manufactured anchor that is good in mud, sand and rocks. It has a slot you can slide the shackle up to get a straight pull on the business end of it.

Have loved seeing photos of your boat - I was looking at some today and fantasing about the next boat (Princess or Belhaven)

[Travis Votaw]

Richard, the anchor is shown in your picture titled "Getting ready to head off beach".

I envy your sailing options in NZ. I'll be pulling Pilgrim down to Matagorda Bay, Texas, on Thursday to sail with Charlie Jones and his wife, Laura. As you may recall, Charlie built Pilgrim. This will be his first opportunity to sail on her .

[P Doug (WA)]

Richard, great pictures. Thanks for posting them. Beautiful boat.

[Scott Dunsworth]

Richard your boat is Beautiful !!!!

Scott

[Richard Whitney CS#70]

Thanks Scott

Can't wait to see your Belhaven in the water. I have been measuring the garage today playing with the idea of a Belhaven or Princess 22. I love daysailing the CS17 - but at some stage in the future I would like to be able to 'sleep inside'

[JeffM]

Beautiful pictures, Richard. Is that open ocean you're sailing in? Though I spent a few weeks in NZ 18 years ago, I didn't spend much time on the coast, and don't have any clear picture of the coastal waters. Only a milk run tour of the Bay of Islands, and a ferry ride from Wellington to South Island (Picton, maybe? don't remember) which was absolutely breathtaking.

For my part, I'm unwilling to compromise between cockpit space and cabin space, so I'm making a tent for my CS20. I've stolen ideas freely, and expect to have a spray dodger I can extend aft to roof either the forward cockpit, or the entire thing. Sections can be un-velcro-ed independently and/or replaced with bug screen for view/ventilation. The whole thing will go over a tubular bows and snap to the outside of the coaming.

[Richard Whitney CS#70]

Jeff

I am going to do a tent for my CS17. I will be interesting to see some posts of yours as it develops.

This a a link to a rough map of the gulf I sail in . You can see Rangitoto is in what is refered to as the inner gulf. Motuihe Channel is between there and Waiheke Is. It is open sea but shelted somewhat by Great Barrier Island.

http://www.whangaparaoa.info/html/hauraki_gulf_map.html

[Tim Diebert]

Fantastic images Richard. Thanks for posting them.

I saw your boat first through the John Welsford group when Dave P. posted some images, and then Paul.

There was great debate over what design it was, but popping here occasionally and admiring Grahams stuff had the boat pegged in my mind.

The CS 17 is still a big contender for when/if I replace my current boat one day.

I thought JW said something about designing something for the Water Tribe event in a year or two. I believe he intends to skipper the boat himself. So two of my favourite designers may be going head to head eh?

Oh, btw....does this mean Varuna is not for sale any longer, or Paul has just not found a new home for her yet? A fantastic boat.

[Richard Whitney CS#70]

Tim

Paul is my Yoga teacher - so we regularly talk boats. He did have Varuna for sale (and has a standing offer to buy her) - but is hanging onto her for the moment. She is a lovely boat and very well built.

Paul is itching to build another boat - he ideally wants something the family can sleep aboard.

[Tim Diebert]

Right. Yoga huh? Cool. I have just recently discovered the benefit of stretch for my old back problems. A wonderful thing.

Seems to me that Paul had commissioned JW for a 20 footer called 'Scout'. Wonderful design so far.....if that is the correct one I am thinking of.

Paul is a lucky guy.

It is nice to see you documenting your sailing adventures. Combined with Dave and Pauls sites and postings, I will be able to vicariously sail right through our Northern winter. Thanks. Appreciated.

[Brent]

Thanks for posting the pictures and story. I enjoy sharing in the adventure.

Funny, I had a very similiar experience the first night on my boat, and came to the same conclusion about needing an improved shelter. Overall these are very confortable boats for a bit of cruising.