Friday 7 August 2020
Reaction to Tongan incident hitting the news
We have sailed over 100,000 miles on Windora and it was the right thing to do, anchoring in North Minerva while the winds were strong and against us, waiting until the next day to repair our sails when it was calm and then leaving first thing the following day. It was pure luck that the other yacht contacted the Navy as they approached and so were given approval. When we arrived the Navy was not there. To be ordered to sea was very unfair. There are no people, not even any land, at these reefs, and after months of isolation from the virus, we were no threat to Tonga. We would do the same again in the same situation.
NZ were great in supporting our wish to stay. If the Navy had allowed us the extra three hours we required to finish our repairs, the whole nasty episode would have been avoided. In this time of lockdowns it would make sense for boats to be able to stop at these reefs, whether for rest, repairs or to await fair weather. It is not usual to sail to NZ or Australia at this time of the year, usually boats are heading north to escape winter, but options are limited for cruising folk at the moment and we felt lucky to already be in the Pacific and to have the option of returning home, even if it was out of season and meant doing it in just two long passages, passing all those lovely island groups we had hoped to explore. The Minerva Reefs have always been a safe haven for yachts.
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Kia Ora, so how do we get hold of you for comment? Tracy.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda
ReplyDeleteOnce you start writing articles for magazines or blogging, you seem to become fair game for those who like to snipe and criticise. I suppose that it makes them feel superior and the fact that they are coming from a standpoint of total ignorance, doesn't appear to inhibit them at all.
I long ago decided that I care only for the opinions of people I know, like and respect. The others are irrelevant noise. Of course, it's always gratifying when someone comments in complimentary fashion, and I take the kindness as it is intended. However, even these comments can be quite wrong because the person doesn't know one.
You and Phil have just completed a well-carried out and successful voyage over several years. You don't need to bother about stupid and ill-informed comments. I'd never join Facebook either! ;-)
I hear you Annie. As long as we are happy with our actions and haven't hurt anyone it doesn't matter what others think. Those who know something about cruising have been very positive. The thing that's most annoying is the recording of our vhf conversation with the Navy. We all know cruisers listen in, but this was a bit more than that. If they'd stayed around they could have got the really threatening conversation and told the whole story. See you next month
DeleteJust wanting information- did you have yo quarantine for full 14 days in NZ or did your sea passage count as part of your quarantine??? We are planning to sail home from Queensland in late October. Tks Julie
ReplyDeleteThe rules change now and then, but when we arrived it was 14 days and time at sea counted. You would probably have to have the test but that's easy. We had been isolated from it all for 4 months, lucky us. Make sure you let them know you are coming. If you have to stay on board for quarantine you will be looked after with food delivery, etc. Its good to be back in beautiful NZ with the boat.
ReplyDeleteThank you - looking forward to getting home too :)
ReplyDelete