Issue date
Late February I received an email from Les Baker of Timaru inquiring about the possibility of some Timaru yachts having an Easter cruise on Lake Te Anau.
After a quick phone around it was decided to move the Southland Trailer Yacht Easter Cruise from Lake Manapouri to Lake Te Anau.
Arrangements were put in place for the visiting yachts to access the facilities of the Te Anau Boating Club Marina. TBC would charge a small fee for the launching of the yachts and to leave the cars and trailers in the compound for the week.
Launching at Lake Te Anau
Next item was an up to date Cruising map for Te Anau. Colin Caird an experienced cruiser on Lake Te Anau put together all the anchoring spots for Te Anau and I transferred these to an A3 map. I managed to get these printed locally and was able to distribute these to the visiting yachts at no cost. While not laminated, the paper copies would do the job.
The yachts agreed to meet at the Te Anau Boating Club Marina at 12noon, Easter Friday. Time moved on and it became apparent quickly that sailing to the Middle Arm was not possible, so the plan was changed to stay at Dome Island for the first night. A very present and sheltered spot.
A fire was quickly arranged and a very pleasant evening was spent yarning, catching up on old friends and making new friends.
Saturday dawned with the hint of rain and a very questionable weather forecast. A deep low was off the West coast and heading our way, so Arran Island was decided as the next stop. Not much of a place for social activity, a muddy beach, but very sheltered should the weather bomb arrive. Yachts were all anchored and made safe and a few made short walks in the bush and visited other yachts. A little unpleasant as by now it was raining. A VERY early night for all.
Sunday dawned with a fresh westerly blowing past the overnight anchorage. Our yachts were as safe as could be. Golliwog had to return to Te Anau, but not before showing the visitors the next likely overnight spot, the Snag Burn beach. Even with a fresh Westerly blowing it was well sheltered.
With Easter eggs exchanged and farewells made Golliwog hoisted sail and set off for Te Anau. A great trip back in good sailing conditions.
Yachts
Colin and Florence N25 Bellbird Timaru
Rob and Crew Noeleada Encantadora Timaru
Les and Beryl N25 Skidmark Timaru
Murray and Andrea N25 Alabi Timaru
Brian and crew Lloyd 6.8 Schnook Milton
Lex and Amanda Rover 6.8 Solar Invercargill
Daryl and Perijo Aquarius 22 Old Bill Te Anau
Bruce and Lance Joker 820 Ameldee Invercargill
Colin and Lorraine N25 Golliwog Invercargill
