Tootling around the Marlborough Sounds

 We were up and moving early this morning to complete our boat jobs of filling the water tanks, diesel,  readying for sea, supermarket shop, food preparation for our next overnight sail.  Had the most awesome service from Fresh Choice in Picton, a full delivery service back to the marina.  Absolutely first class.

Left Picton 11am with a warm nor westerly blowing 20 knots for an explore of Queen Charlotte Sounds.  


Motored to Mistletoe Bay for lunch where we sat in the cockpit in beautiful warm weather but the water was a tad chilly for swimming.

Not quite Fiji ... but pretty special!






A Daniel Craig impersonation - cool, calm and collected!


Very professional helming from new crew member Bosun Bowman.




Up anchor, reefed genoa and cruising along at 8.5 knots in calm, flat water with short sharp gusts of 25 knots, heading to Torres Channel.  For a time the water looked like Piccadilly Circus with the Blue Bridge, InterIslander, fishing boats, cabin cruisers, monos, launches ... all out enjoying a beautiful Easter Monday.




Chef Alison contemplating tonight's dinner menu.

And it was delicious ... Mango and Coconut Chicken.







Motored into a stunning inlet off the Tory Channel, Opua Bay. 

 For me this was very reminiscent of our family time sailing in Maine during the autumn.  

Rocky outcrops, pines growing right to the waterline, larches in their autumn splendour.  Absolutely stunning piece of NZ.








Early night for us. 8am start for an overnighter to Akaroa tomorrow.



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