Balvenie
FollowBalvenie 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
Enjoying all the hiking trails on Urapukapuka Island. Pretty quiet out here, just us, the sheep and birds. MAGIC
Moved to Orokawa Bay with great protection from expected strong northerlies. Flat water, huge bay. All good
Out cruising again at last. Busy as its Labour Weekend. Can watch the Coastal Classic fleet arrive into the BOI from here. Great walk around island on DOC trails
We have left Balvenie tied up in Opua and we are both in England as Marks mum sadly passed away suddenly in January. Not sure when we will return to our flosting home.
Had last night anchored off teeny Whangaroa township, did the climb up St Paul's Hill this morning and have moved this afternoon for better shelter (mind you its only 15knots), another top spot
Came north to Whangaroa Harbour a couple of days ago, what a stunning spot. Sunny skies, light breeze and mid 20's, absolutely perfect
<p>Gloomy day with 10knot westerly so came across to Waitangi to shelter and do grocery run. Fun last night with hangi and band after tall ships racing</p>
Moved a little way across to Matauwhi Bay by Russell as its the Tall Ships Regatta today leaving from here. Should be a fun day, Hangi ashore later.
Tucked away from the cool southerly in the western part of Pomare Bay, just a stones throw from Russell. Had a busy Xmas and NY, back taking it easy
Up on the hard doing antifoul and other boat stuff. Catching bus to Auckland then back Boxing Day. Merry Christmas everyone
Anchored off little Pine Is (Moitutokape Is) by Opua, getting ready to haul out on Tuesday morning to antifoul
<p>Had a cloudy but great 2 days at Roberton Island, just moved to Matauwhi Bay, adjacent to Russell for the night. Might go in for fish n chips for dinner</p>
<p>Moved this morning to beautiful Roberton Island, just an hour from Russell, rather lovely here.</p>
Had a week in the marina now anchored off Russell, absolutely beautiful, not a breath of wind, sun starting to dip. Stunning
<p>Yes, we did actually arrive! Got in about 0230 yesterday morning, beat the cold front in, had a great night celebrating last night, big sleep. Tied up at Bay of Islands Marina, phew</p>