OPUA CRUISING CLUB

The friendliest club in the South Pacific

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So far Lucie has created 81 blog entries.

New Year’s Cruise & BBQ

On New Year’s Day, Kotahi Rua (Les Alderton and his two granddaughters) and Libertee (Vera and Ernesto) welcomed the new year anchored in the beautiful waters of the Bay of Islands. It was a relaxed and enjoyable start to the celebrations, surrounded by calm seas and good company.

The following day, both vessels sailed north to Whangamumu Harbour, a stunning and historic location. There they were joined by After You II (Merry and myself), and together we enjoyed a very pleasant beach BBQ at the site of the old whaling station. The setting, steeped in history and natural beauty, made for a memorable afternoon of shared food, conversation, and camaraderie.

On Saturday morning, Kotahi Rua set off to return to the Bay of Islands, while After You II continued south to Whangaruru. Later that day, The Limit (Tom and Colleen) arrived in Whangamumu, adding to the gathering of club members enjoying the summer cruising season.

The following day saw Libertee return home, while After You II sailed back to Whangamumu to rejoin The Limit. That evening we spent another pleasant night together, enjoying good company, relaxed conversation, and the peaceful surroundings of the harbour.

The next day, all remaining boats made their way home, bringing to a close a thoroughly enjoyable New Year’s cruise.

2026-01-15T13:50:45+13:004 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Bay of Islands Sailing Week

Bay of Islands Sailing Week is on from 19–23 January 2026, delivering four action-packed days of racing in the stunning Bay of Islands.

As one of New Zealand’s premier keelboat regattas, the event brings together top crews, competitive racing, and an unbeatable on-shore atmosphere, all set against one of the country’s most iconic sailing destinations.

Entries are open, so get your team registered by clicking here and be part of the summer’s ultimate sailing event. Find out everything you need to know and check out all the action on our website: boisailingweek.org.nz

2026-01-07T19:54:39+13:001 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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Opua General Store – Sponsor of the Month

Opua Cruising Club are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our club’s Sponsor of the Month for January, The Opua General Store.

Nestled on the waterfront at Opua, this beloved local hub embodies the spirit of community, welcoming cruisers, locals, visitors, and club members alike with friendly service, quality provisions, and that classic Kiwi general store charm.

Whether you’re stocking up for your boat, grabbing a coffee on the go, or picking up fresh sandwiches and hot snacks for a day out on the water Opua General Store has you covered. People praise the store’s great coffee, well-stocked shelves, and friendly staff, and its convenient location makes it a favourite stop for everyone exploring the waterfront and marina area.

From takeaway lunches and sweet treats to everyday essentials and ice-creams, it’s the go-to spot in Opua, perfect for families, cruisers, bikers on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, and anyone enjoying the stunning Bay of Islands over summer.

Stop by and say hello to the team behind the counter and don’t forget to support the local businesses that help make our club and community thrive!

The Opua General Store
1 Beechey Street, Opua
Ph: +64 (0)9 402 7575
Em: admin@opuastore.co.nz

Open 7 days a week from 6.30am to 7pm

2026-01-15T13:50:57+13:001 January 2026|General, News, Social|
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A busy time for Opua Cruising Club

The Opua Cruising Club Car Park

The Opua Cruising Club car park is for the use of members, guests & visitors to the club. Please note, overnight parking is not encouraged.

If you must leave your vehicle overnight because it would be unsafe for you to drive home. You must collect your vehicle as soon as possible the next day.

Any vehicle left in the car park long term may be towed away at the owner’s expense.

The Dinghy Dock

If you are tying your dinghy to the OCC Dock please be respectful of other users. If you are chaining your dinghy to the dock, please leave line long enough so others can get in. We want everyone to be able to use dock safely.

Thank you and Seasons Greetings to everyone from the OCC Committee.

2025-12-18T01:24:44+13:0018 December 2025|Uncategorised|
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In Memoriam of Martin Clark 1955-2025

Martin first started his sailing career at Bay of Islands College and I first raced against him sailing Cherubs at BOI Yacht Club in the mid 70’s.

We crossed paths again when he owned a farm west of Moerewa, where we went gathering a truck load of volcanic rocks. From there he went to manage the Averil Court Motel in Paihia and reacquainted himself with sailing. Firstly, crewing on Dave Krebs’s “Black Magic” and Ray Lemon’s “Gambler” in two Coastal Classics.

Martin then bought the Ross 780 “Screw Loose” and racing at Opua was never the same again. On “Screw Loose’’ he competed in two more Coastal Classics with his brother Peter, when in one race, they won the “Cockle Shell” Trophy for the smallest finisher.

The other race was affected by a severe overnight storm, when he took shelter at Kauwau Island only to venture out at the height of the blow. I heard a Pan Pan call go out in the middle of the night and immediately thought it was him… but no it was the OCC Commodore at the time, up on Mangawhai Beach!

Other accomplishments on “Screw Loose” were winning the Russell Cup.

His next boat was a classic, Peter Burling’s Elliot 5.9 “Icebreaker” which Martin, David Krebs and I raced against in the E5.9 NZ Champs in “Frivolous Fish”. “Ice Breaker” was very competitive with Martin’s daughter, Tanya and Mike Levings crewing.

Martin Clark 1955 – 2025

The following boat Martin owned was the green machine “Vertigo”, a tricky yacht to sail but Martin made it look easy, always competitive. At this stage, he was driving up from Whangarei every Wednesday to race, along with his support crew Karen and Lucie.

Martin was a real expert on yacht racing rules… most of which, he made up as required, but he delivered them with such confidence, no one ever argued.

He was a great Club member, a two year stint as treasurer and lots of meals from The Galley and rum across the bar.

We miss him dearly and know he is on a perfect reach to the next mark in a twenty knot breeze!

Andy Vanasche
Vice Commodore

2025-12-16T02:59:48+13:0016 December 2025|Uncategorised|
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Commodores Report – Dec’ 2025

Well, a busy month at the club and last week really topped it off. Friday had 30 for lunch from Kerikeri Retirement Village, on the Saturday a great visit from Tumeke Riders Club with around 100  motorbike riders calling into the club for an afternoon beer. This was followed by an awesome ‘non-Commodores party’ with music and entertainment by Mike Preece that got everyone dancing. Sunday we hosted the Northland National  Party Xmas luncheon with 60 guests having a superb meal from Peini in The Galley.

Many, many thanks to those who helped, especially Andy as vice Commodore, who, I am told, happily put his credit card on the bar just as I would have. There was a lot going on, unfortunately, I missed all of it as I am down in SubAntarctic islands with Finn Topzend, checking out the Penguins and Sea Lions.

It’s a windy, wild part of the world, 350 miles south of Stewart Island. When the trees only grow 6 feet high and are all bent one way, it’s a sign of something !!!

We are dropping off DOC workers at The Auckland Islands, then head to Campbell Islands tomorrow to drop off the last lot, then hopefully back to Invercargill for Xmas.

Paulette’s kids’ fishing competition on 28th December is the next big event, we have booked the Opua wharf and have lots of prizes, but again need lots of helpers. Please call Sheila in the office if you can help out.

Remember to please get your entry into Bay of Islands Sailing week so we can plan for the numbers. Xmas wishes to everyone and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Cheers
Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

Southern Royal Albatross and New Zealand Fur Seals at the Auckland Islands

Terry Dunn – OCC Commodore

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.

2026-01-15T13:51:45+13:0014 December 2025|General|
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Happy Holidays

This summer we are forecasting weak LA NINA conditions and these help keep the HIGH pressure systems as seen on the weather map over central New Zealand, so that mainly maintains easterly winds over the Bay of Islands. It also keeps the “northern door” open to tropical lows that form near Fiji or Tonga to travel towards Northland.   The warmer than normal seas that are now covering the Tasman and Coral Seas will allows weather systems to bring more rain when they can.

Bob McDavitt

MetBob. Bob McDavitt is the weather guru that uses //etBoB to provide meteorological information for cruising sailors, primarily for those in the South Pacific.

Mid December marine heat waves as seen at https://www.moanaproject.org/marine-heatwave-forecast

Weatheronline is a UK website that gives spot readouts from a seasonal weather model.  This gives the weather forecast (wind, rain, temperature, and pressure).  It is unlikely that such a model can capture the exact timing or intensity of extreme events, but there may be some value in the peaks and troughs so I am showing them here for educational purposes only …please check the latest forecast before embarking on anything sensitive.

The barometric pressure forecast shows a good probability of a passing low on 9 January and a smaller probability of one around 1 January.

The wind forecast shows the possibility of stronger winds around 8 January and 5 February.

2025-12-14T02:10:31+13:0014 December 2025|Weather|
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Commodore’s Party A Big Hit

 

Saturday nights Commodore’s Party delivered exactly what everyone hoped for — a night full of good vibes, great company, and festive cheer.

With music from vinyl-spinning DJ Vintage Vinyl (Mike Preece), the atmosphere was warm and nostalgic vintage classics from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s set the tone and had plenty of people bopping around.

The turnout was excellent, lots of members and friends came together, creating a lively, friendly, and inclusive crowd. Everyone seemed in high spirits, enjoying the night and each other’s company.

All in all, it was a perfect evening, one of those nights where everything just clicked: music, atmosphere, attendance, and camaraderie. A great success for the Club and a wonderful start to the summer.

2025-12-07T22:51:16+13:007 December 2025|Uncategorised|
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