The Week On Board

From our base in the Nelson Marina we sail down the Nelson harbour, behind the unique natural feature of the Boulder Bank with its old lighthouse, and then out through the harbour entrance, known as The Cut, and into Tasman Bay.

The wind and weather conditions dictate our route. We typically sail North-West and make the 4hr passage to the Abel Tasman National Park and during the week often continue on round Separation Point to Tarakoe Harbour in Golden Bay. Alternatively, we might head North-East visiting Croisilles Harbour, Durville Island and French Pass.

We will also spend a day practicing boathandling at close quarters around the marina and in the harbour. This includes docking manoeuvres, picking up mooring buoys etc.

The courses are very hands on and during the week living on board; nights are spent at anchor or on mooring buoys at different sheltered scenic locations. We take every opportunity to teach something new. It’s a lot of fun and by the end of the week our students are usually amazed at how much they have learnt.

Whilst we are never all that far from civilisation, the week’s sailing is very much a wilderness experience. With the exception of our departure point at Nelson City and perhaps a visit to the small Tarakoe marina, close to the tiny village of Pohara, we spend all our days and nights away from shops and restaurants. We cook and sleep on board, making this a true cruising experience. The spectacular backdrop of mountains, native bush and birdsong ringing out across the anchorage all make this an experience to truly remember.