Balvenie

Balvenie is a 47ft cutter rigged sloop, designed by Des Townson and built in New Zealand in 1991. We (Mark and Amanda) left New Zealand in May 2004 to circumnavigate the world in what we thought would take about 5 years. 12 and a half years later we have arrived back in New Zealand, circumnavigation done Back out cruising in Northland then heading towards Auckland until March 2018, bring on the good weather ☺☺

Recent Updates

Posted: Fri, 6 Apr 2018 - 16:39

Our 7th night out in the Gulf with fabulous weather. Been along Waiheke and out to Coromandel, glided back to Ponui today. Fresh fish for dinner and Mark in swimming - in April! !

Posted: Tue, 13 Feb 2018 - 17:39

Left Kawau with 15kt nor'esterly forecast. All the sails up and poled out. Quite flat water but 33 knots thru Tiri channel was not quite what we were bargaining on. Speedy arrival into Issy Bay

Posted: Mon, 12 Feb 2018 - 18:35

Back at Kawau Island. We have rejoined civilisation after our sojourn at Great Barrier sitting out storms. That would have to be the worst spell of weather we have have for a very long time. Winds

Posted: Fri, 9 Feb 2018 - 10:59

Karaka Bay, Port Abercrombie, Great Barrier Island. Came here 2 days ago after a short stop at the grocery store in Fitzroy as the ferry was supposed to have delivered fresh supplies. Well it was

Posted: Mon, 5 Feb 2018 - 16:34

Finally off the boat today before cabin fever set in! Ashore to Port Fitzroy. Boating Club for lattes then 1hr 30 min serious uphill hike to Rocky Lookout, returned to Boat Club for lunch (wasnt

Posted: Fri, 2 Feb 2018 - 20:37

A rather sporty and speedy sail across from Kawau to Rarohara Bay in Port Fitzroy on Great Barrier Island. Looking forward to doing all the walks here over the next few days. Weather a bit

Posted: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 - 10:27

Came back up to Kawau yesterday for the Anniversary Weekend Bash. Forgot how many people we know own boats here. Our social schedule has been very hectic and shows no signs of slowing down. Having

Posted: Sat, 27 Jan 2018 - 13:53

At Mahurangi for the Auckland Anniversary Weekend Classic Yachts Regatta. Let the photo tell the story!

Posted: Tue, 23 Jan 2018 - 00:00

A few days of perfect conditions made us revise our plans. A pleasant sail in very light conditions saw us head south to Auckland. We anchored off our home beach at St Heliers Bay, surprised my Mum

Posted: Sat, 20 Jan 2018 - 17:55

Great sail south back into the Hauraki Gulf from Whangarei, 10 to 12 on the beam, gentle swell, sun shining and we caught a fish. Does it get any better? Anchor down in Stockyard Bay, Bon Accord

Posted: Thu, 18 Jan 2018 - 12:13

Moved again, McKenzie Bay was sheltered but was copping incredible bullets down the hillside, peaked at 46knots as we were upping anchor to move into Taurikura Bay. Although gradient wind in here

Posted: Mon, 15 Jan 2018 - 23:00

Moved along a little to McKenzie Bay as looked like there was better wind protection

Posted: Sun, 14 Jan 2018 - 18:46

Tucked up with anout 18 others in Urquharts Bay at the mouth of the Whangarei Harbour entrance. Bit of a mixed bag coming down but only motored 10 mins out of 9 hours. Whangarei Heads look just

Posted: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 - 16:23

Super sail in light winds, flat seas and blue sky. Another top anchorage, will be here a few nights

Posted: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 - 11:00

Just had 2 nights in gorgeous Whangamumu. Caught up with friends last seen in Fiji 2004 and others in US Virgins in 2014. What a life this is. Off to Whangaruru today

Posted: Tue, 9 Jan 2018 - 18:18

Checking out Kerikeri inlet, quite different to the rest of the Bay of Islands and rather beautiful

Posted: Sun, 7 Jan 2018 - 11:23

Sat out that very nasty weather system in the marina. Now we have started our summer of cruising, made the move 3 miles to Pomare Bay! Looking forward to the weather perking up again for a long hot

Posted: Thu, 16 Nov 2017 - 13:25

Hanging around at anchor in Opua while the All Points Rally events are on.

Posted: Tue, 7 Nov 2017 - 13:37

Pottered up the Waikare Inlet, miles of space all to ourselves but can still see Opua. Good spot to sit out a blow

Posted: Tue, 31 Oct 2017 - 21:59

Sitting at Matauwhi Bay while the north easterly blows then we will go back to Opua to anchor for a few days to meet up with friends coming in from the islands

Yachts In Transit

Balvenie

Balvenie

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