The 2020 Caper to Auckland was great fun. Read about it here
Photos of the 2019 Caper to the outer sounds are here
The 2018 Crossing The Cook Strait Caper was 'interesting'. Read about it here
Photos of the 2018 Messabout can be found here
The 2017 Kenepuru Caper was a great success. Read about it here .
Photos of the 2019 Caper to the outer sounds are here
The 2018 Crossing The Cook Strait Caper was 'interesting'. Read about it here
Photos of the 2018 Messabout can be found here
The 2017 Kenepuru Caper was a great success. Read about it here .
Cruising in Company
We are a group of Welsford yacht owners living in Wellington and between us own a Navigator, a Pathfinder, a Scamp and a Whaler.
The problem is that while day sailing here is fine (when the weather is right) there are not too many places in the Wellington region to have an overnight camping expedition or Raid.
We looked with envy at places overseas which have one or two week Raids Involving sometimes a dozen or more small yachts or rowing craft where they explore interesting waterways, rivers and coastal environments , camping each night on their boats or ashore under tents. Closer to home two similar Raids were held in Auckland in early 2016, although the majority of participants were rowing craft rather than yachts.
Clearly the best location in our part of the world to do something similar is in the wonderful Marlborough Sounds.
So us three blokes have decided to join forces for a congenial week or so of sailing on the beautiful Pelorus sound, an occasion that could almost be called a Raid.....but we won’t call it a Raid!
It is very easy to get bogged down in red tape by formally organising an event and we wish to avoid that, so this will not be a formally run event. There is no entry fee, rules or conditions. Instead we have simply decided to get together for a week of sailing and camping in the sounds. If this sounds like your sort of ‘event’ and you have what it takes, then you are welcome to join us.
The problem is that while day sailing here is fine (when the weather is right) there are not too many places in the Wellington region to have an overnight camping expedition or Raid.
We looked with envy at places overseas which have one or two week Raids Involving sometimes a dozen or more small yachts or rowing craft where they explore interesting waterways, rivers and coastal environments , camping each night on their boats or ashore under tents. Closer to home two similar Raids were held in Auckland in early 2016, although the majority of participants were rowing craft rather than yachts.
Clearly the best location in our part of the world to do something similar is in the wonderful Marlborough Sounds.
So us three blokes have decided to join forces for a congenial week or so of sailing on the beautiful Pelorus sound, an occasion that could almost be called a Raid.....but we won’t call it a Raid!
It is very easy to get bogged down in red tape by formally organising an event and we wish to avoid that, so this will not be a formally run event. There is no entry fee, rules or conditions. Instead we have simply decided to get together for a week of sailing and camping in the sounds. If this sounds like your sort of ‘event’ and you have what it takes, then you are welcome to join us.
We hope to visit many interesting anchorages throughout the length of Pelorus Sound but .. .we will decide destinations on a day by day basis which will be governed by the weather, tides and the capabilities of all vessels in our group. We may split into separate groups with differently goals or even disband entirely. What more do you expect when a group of blokes get together?
Care to join us?
Would you like to join us with your boat? Well from our point of view, within reason of course, the more the merrier although we envisage a group of about 10 vessels (and we already have our 3 ) . Some of the DOC sites are rather small so a large group would be impractical.
If you would like to join us with your vessel please contact any of da blokes via the contact page.
Please supply us with information about your vessel, your crew and your experience via the Contact tab. If we like the “cut of your jib” we will invite you to join us for our week on the water.
If you would like to join us with your vessel please contact any of da blokes via the contact page.
Please supply us with information about your vessel, your crew and your experience via the Contact tab. If we like the “cut of your jib” we will invite you to join us for our week on the water.
Sailing Skill LevelDuring the course of a week there is almost sure to be a day or two of bad weather. You need to be confident in sailing in 20kts of wind and with a short chop. That includes making ground to windward and managing the dreaded downwind heavy air gybe. You should know how to reef in bad conditions and how best to hove to in your boat. If you are worried about a capsize then this is probably not for you as there will NOT be a support or rescue boat to bail you out!
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Rowing skill levelFor rowers thinking of joining us during the course of a week there is almost sure to be a day or two of bad weather. You need to be confident to row in 20kts of wind and with a short chop. Again there will NOT be a support or rescue boat to bail you out! John Welsford has pointed out that you need to ensure your aerobic fitness is good enough for 4 or 5 hours nonstop rowing ....start training soon!
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Individual responsibilityIf you decide to come along, just like each of us, you will be responsible for your own vessel and all the decisions you make as skipper. There will be no mother ship or rescue craft and you will be entirely upon your own resources. The law of the sea requires each of us to do what we can to assist another vessel in distress, without of course putting our vessel in harm’s way.
Likewise we expect you to be self-contained and bring your own food, camping equipment etc. There isn’t going to be a mess tent with Annabel Langbien dishing out tasty meals - you need to have been on the Auckland raid for that! We are happy to look at your boat and gear.As each skipper is expected to be responsible for his own actions, there will not be a formal ‘pre raid inspection’. However one of us will only be too pleased to have a look at your boat and gear before departure if you invite us to . If you decide that you need anything at the last minute there is a chandler at Havelock who is very helpful.
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If you are interested please check out our facebook page
www.facebook.com/groups/1869029303325656/?ref=bookmarks Or seach facebook for 'Kenepuru Capers' Annual MessaboutWe have a annual messabout at Titiha Bay Boating Club on the Wellington Anneversory Day.
Starts at 10 ish, goes on until done Join us next year! |