Day 34 March 6th The Tucker-Thomson

all aboard

the Tucker-Thomson


Again a nice day with plenty of sun and blue sky 
and a very comfortable temperature.  It was ideal because we had booked to go on a sail training vessel (the Tucker-Thomson) for a day long cruise around the Bay of Islands.  We had to get a ferry from Paihia to Russell to join the vessel.  

underway

We were a little early and so had time to have brief look around the town of Russell.  The boat soon arrived and us 15 customers were soon all aboard.  We 

Christine rope hauling

motored a little way clear of the jetty and then started hoisting and unfurling the sails.  The captain, Steve, was keen for all to be involved and soon  we were having a go at steering 

Captain Pugwash

and pulling on ropes to get the sails in action.  The boat handled very well and it was easy steering as we made good progress past the reefs

The Master & Commander

and towards the outer islands.  We did not hit any rocks or any of the many other boats which were milling around as it was the weekend.

Steve the real captain

Our Captain Steve was looking for a sheltered beach (Sunday picnic style) where he could drop us all off for a swim, walk or whatever and after an hour pick us up for an on-board chicken BBQ.  He found the right beach

more rope hauling

the beach where we swam

on an uninhabited island where several other boats had the same idea.  We were ferried ashore in a small inflatable dinghy and the beach was good (but not as good as St. Martin's) and we had a decent swim - the sea was definitely much warmer than St. Martin's.





our beach

After our swim we were picked up again and enjoyed the good BBQ which the crew had prepared while we were enjoying 

the journey home

ourselves.  After this the anchor was weighed and we went by a different route back to Russell.  Some of the younger guests were allowed to climb out onto the front of the bowsprit and climb the rigging up the beginning of the yardarms - not for us though.  It was a good experience and well managed.  We did see some dolphins in the bay as well which was an additional bonus.  Too soon we were leaving the boat and making our way back to the hotel.  The boat is run by a trust which also helps youngsters in the area (including disabled) have a good sea experience.