Voyage Notes

On arriving aboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first day will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works. For those who wish we try to give you a chance to be shown aloft in the rigging before we get underway.

East and north of Auckland lies the Hauraki Gulf, one of the finest sailing grounds in the world. The many islands and channels cover nearly 2000 square miles and are bordered to the east by the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island. Winds are usually reliable and the many options available in a voyage plan mean safe and exciting square rig sailing is assured. The exact passage plan will be decided by the Master depending on wind directions.

THE BAY OF ISLANDS

The Bay of 140 tranquil islands is steeped in the country's early history. Russell is the former whaling town which became the country's initial capital. Nearby is Waitangi, where the first treaty was signed between the British and Maori chiefs. We will drop anchor at Roberton Island where Cook first landed in 1769, and overnight there, for this is one of the most signifcant places in the Bay and is a favourite anchorage.

Today the whole area is a scene of overwhelming natural beauty whose passages and channels we shall cruise at our leisure. (The regular coach connection from Auckland takes a little over 4 hours and is a most scenic drive, for which we can arrange tickets.)

Cavalli islands

Sailing out of the protected entrance to the Bay we will turn northwards along the coast to the Cavallis. This small of pretty islands lies 3-4 miles off the coast and affords us quiet anchorages from which to explore deserted beaches and gentle hills. Here lies the wreck of the Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior. Laid to rest here after the French terrorist bombing in Auckland in 1986 it has become a reknown dive site.

WHANGAROA

Just north lies the sheltered entrance to Whangaroa harbour. This stunning natural feature is the princple destination for this voyage. The narrow entrance opens up into a spectacular Y shaped waterway. Awe-inspiring vertical bluffs tower over the sheltered inlets and volcanic plugs rise above the native sub tropical forest as striking promentries.

There's a superb bush walk and challenging climb to the peak high above our northern anchorage that rewards with unlimited views above the forest canopy and over this sparsley inhabited part of Northland.

At a southern anchorage we can get ashore to visit the small picturesque township of Whangaroa, where the game fishing club is centre to this world famous Marlin fishing area.

Combination Voyage

This voyage combines naturally with the 5 night trips from Auckland to Russell (V296) or from the Bay of Islands back to Auckland (V298) and provides a complete experience of sailing abaord Soren Larsen. Nights aboard between voayges are complentary.

The Russell Tallships Race - is on Sat 9th January immediately after we complete this trip. This classic boat regatta and light hearted race is a highlight on a calender and is not to be missed if you have time. We sell the day as a public daysail for NZ$135 - specifiy on booking if you would like to join in.

Wildlife

Throughout the voyage we will see an abundance of sea bird life; Petrels, Gannets, Spotted and White Shags, Caspian Terns are common, and ashore on certain forest trails Fantails are seen and the Grey Warbler heard. The lookout’s perch at the bowsprit is a front row seat if we’re lucky to see the displays of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins who delight in dancing in our bow wave. This is a unique way of experiencing the Hauraki Gulf’s wonders that conventional tourism has missed.

Anchoring and Underway

On this cruise most nights will be spent at anchor as distances between the destinations are small, perhaps only 15-20 miles. We will usually weigh anchor early each morning and aim to arrive at our anchorage by early afternoon. We then use Søren's 17 ft inflatable for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has sufficient sets of masks, fins and snorkels to allow everyone to swim from the ship in the warm waters around these islands.

Our sailing passage between anchorages may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However sailing by day and stopping most nights allows those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get involved in handling the ship under sail. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system which will operate while we are under way and once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.

For those interested in the voyages of Captain Cook this voyage by traditional square rigger does offer a unique insight and historical perspective on that amazing period of discovery.

Flexibility

Voyages are planned to allow us some flexibility on route as to where we stop and anchor, how long we stay at each place and where we choose to go. We feel this is the key to the sailing authenticity and the genuine adventure of the ship's voyaging. Itineraries may change due to weather conditions, readiness of the vessel or any other reason and so are without guarantee. If winds are unfavourable we may make use the ship's engine to maintain the schedule. All decisions regarding our route and itinerary will be that of the ship's Master.

Weather

January and February is the best of the NZ summer and the weather is usually warm, with light cotton shirts / shorts are sufficient during the day and a sweatshirt with jeans for evenings. Most go barefoot on deck and swimming gear gets worn most days. A hat, sun block and sunglasses are essential protection from sun over water.

Your Role on board

A Søren Larsen voyage is a holiday adventure where your enjoyment is of paramount importance. Participation in the ship and the voyage is central to the experience and you will be signed on ship as Voyage Crew as part of the ship's crew for your trip. However the level of involvement is up to you and no previous experience is necessary. The ship requires authentic seamanship to sail her but participating Voyage Crew are treated in a friendly and informal way and Søren Larsen's level of comfort and facilities reflect this.

On arriving onboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works.

Our sailing between anchorages at our island destinations may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. This allows everyone to get involved, although those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get on with handling the ship under sail can do so. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system as Voyage Crew which will operate while we are under way and you may have your turn at the helm, on bow lookout or helping trim sail or help tack ship. Going aloft is a unique experience but is not compulsory and everyone can decide when or if they’d like to. People of all ages join us and many have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary.

Crew

There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship who are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.