Departure means the beginning of unknown adventure. It is exciting and always tinged with a modicum of apprehension. Some sailors, Like Tony Gooch, like just being at sea best of all. For me, ocean passages…

Captain Cook named New Caledonia. At sunset, motoring through Canal Woodin from Baie du Prony I could see the resemblance to Old Caledonia – rolling hills in soft olive green, grey and lilac. What can…

We leave this morning on what promises to be Tainui’s last ocean passage for a while. Over the last twelve years she has visited 51 countries. She has served us well and has never complained.…

Yesterday we were becalmed on a flat glassy sea, 100 miles out from the south Queensland coast. Perfect for the 6 hour repair job on the Jabsco salt water pump without which we were engineless.…

For the technically minded, here is an account of our latest engine issue. Faced with sudden overheating we found that there was no salt water flow. Having checked the inlet and strainer for obstruction, we…