Commodores Report – August 2025
Solo TransTasman Challenge
The Solo TransTasman Challenge departing Opua May 2026 has been confirmed with Southport Yacht Club finally agreeing to be the finishing destination.
Julie Kidman is the driving force; it is going to be an awesome event for the club to be involved in and certainly lots of work, she would appreciate any ideas in the sponsorship / promotional area in these early stages.
Notice of race and promotion will start soon, and we are still looking for a major sponsor if anyone has contacts.
Welcome to the team
Charlee Haunui-Thomas has come on board as our Social Convener. With more things happening around the club, it will be great to have someone coordinating the ideas and making sure we don’t drop the ball. Thanks Charlee!
It is also great to welcome Andy Vanasche to take up the role as Vice Commodore. Andy will work with Finn Topzand, John Ross and Ian Templeman to get our sailing programme more engaging and interesting. Thanks for stepping up, Andy.
Race updates
Rum race start times and any late updates will be advised on the OCC Whatsapp group chat again next season. Skippers and crew, please make sure you join up so you don’t miss any important notices.
Any problems, please give either me or the sailing committee a call.
A few activities coming up
13 / 14 September Elliot 5.9 Traveller series is being hosted by Opua Cruising Club.
Ian Templeman is coordinating the racing and we plan to do a BBQ night as a change. We’re also looking at getting Sky Sports back on the TV as there is an All Blacks VS South Africa match on. Should be a fun evening!
28th September Club Opening Day
This was a great success last year. It is the first day of daylight saving and we want to encourage anyone keen to go sailing to come along. We will put you on a boat, no sailing experience necessary.
We are looking at putting together a more structured learn to sail / crew programme this season, so please give Sheila a call in the office if you are interested in getting out on the water for this event.
And finally, we have just put a Suggestion Box in the Club foyer, so please, if you have any ideas, improvements or changes you would like to see, please tell us.
I am planning on heading to Fiji with Paul King on Nautilass next couple of days, hopefully the weather is a bit warmer / drier there, but will hopefully see you all around the club in the following months. Happy winter cruising!
Cheers, Terry
Terry Dunn
Terry grew up in Wellington, learning to sail in extreme conditions and spending his formative years in the Sea Scouts rowing around on pitch black nights playing Smugglers and sinking the enemy. He has never lost his love of just “playing around in boats”.
He moved to the Bay of Islands in his twenties and purchased the classic gaff cutter Aorere. It was also the start of many years cruising the Bay of Islands, the Northland coast and offshore voyages to the Pacific.
In 1990, he started Great Escape Yacht Charters and Sailing School to provide affordable sailing options in the Bay. Over the years, he operated a fleet of 14 yachts, passing on his enthusiasm and love of sailing to Kiwis and international visitors alike.
Now retired, Terry is currently a relief skipper with the R Tucker Thompson, and we are delighted to have him as the Club’s Commodore this year.
