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SV Essence, a Bavaria Ocean Series 47, foundered in heavy seas off Northland with the loss of one life.
This is the link to Maritime NZ report which explains what happened and makes recommendations. The latter relate to requiring fixed hatch boards on large windows. It is an educational read. https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial/safety/accidents-reporting/accident-reports/documents/Essence-mnz-report-22July2021.pdf In an effort to keep the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle out of Efate the Vanuatu government has issued a state of emergency and banned all vessels from entering Havannah harbour. They also request that no lights are used by boats transiting and working around the area- with the exception of lights needed for navigation. We will update when further information comes available.
In the past couple of years boats have had problems trying to extend their stay in Tonga. Immigration has a clear process for crew and a stay of up to six months is possible. However a boat only gets 4 months on entry so a process needs to be followed with Customs. This is detailed in Flotsam and the key person in Tonga for all yacht related correspondence is Mr Felefonum Mapakaitolo.
May 15, 2018 sees the new requirements for boats entering NZ come into force. Hulls need to be clean and an approved bottom paint used.
See www.yit.nz/Forum for details and read the MPI publications.  Cascade Bay, Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island has finally opened their new dock at Cascade Bay. Previously cruisers had to use the dock at the main port of entry in Historic Kingston. Situated in the south of the island Kingston is rather turbulent in some weather conditions! The new dock at Cascade on the east of the island gives cruisers an option when there is a sou' wester blowing. And it enables you to get ashore more easily from this anchorage. It is a ways from town but normally passing vehicles will usually offer a lift. Thanks Ashley for the photograph - taken March 2018. Please note that you need to have a NZ or Australian passport to arrive at Norfolk without a visa. See Flotsam for details After 8 years of operation we finally developed our own web site in 2018 to concentrate on Weather and Communications for cruisers in the South Pacific.
www.ghradio.co.nz with email ghradio@xtra.co.nz Any questions and comments relating to weather and radio communications should be directed to ghradio@xtra.co.nz. Return emails may come from our home address chameleonhouse@xtra.co.nz. (winlink users please note). During 2021 we will be making some changes to our email address. This comes along with a move to fibre ( at long last) and the use of detailed AIS information. Stay tuned! Prior to our broadcasts we closely monitor where boats are so that we can include the weather for that area. If you email us it is useful to have up to date reports in by mid afternoon so that David can check your actual conditions versus model predictions. And let us know if you have AIS. |
