by daramos » Mon May 07, 2018 1:45 pm
I have to say the the trip to New Zealand to visit this incredible country exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations. Having worked in the big boat industry and being fortunate enough to work with world renown Yacht Designer Bruce Farr it was always #1 on my bucket list to travel to New Zealand. When Chris was here for the Oxford MD Nationals and we discussed the Morgan Back for 2018 and I made the decision right then to make the trip.
After hearing so much, all the stores from Kiwi friends and co workers about NZ i was really itching to go so adding the Morgan Black to the mix was just one more reason to go. Chris drove up to Auckland Thursday after Karen, Alex (Jr), Roger Baldwin and I arrived on Wed morning. Chris was kind enough to be our local tour guide as we worked our way south to his home in Parparaumu (about 45 miles north of Wellington). The sights and people of New Zealand cannot possibly be put into words or photos for that matter and let me tell you we probably took about a thousand photos between the four of us.
The Racing was absolutely awesome and the host fleet did an amazing job of putting the regatta together. We were welcomed with open arms and treated like kings. New Zealand is known for wind and boy did we have wind. Except for the first 3 races which were in heavy A rigs we sailed with C rigs and that was too much for a number of races and even caused us to postpone sailing a few times. Wave action was minimal and their new sailing sight is going to be absolutely incredible when they finish the improvements I was told were in the works.
While I came away with the win it was really secondary to the good time we all had making new friends, working on boats and getting to know these Kiwi's.
Karen was not sitting idle while we sailed toy boats as she traveled to Wellington to take in the city and do some shopping with Angela Morris. They had a blast and while Jr, Roger and I were able to get down there to take in some of the sights it was quickly decided that visiting New Zealand ONCE is just NOT enough and so we are going back!!!!!
If you have not got visiting New Zealand on your list of places to go put it on at the TOP.
We plan on heading back and taking in a few days north of Auckland before flying to the south Island meeting up with Chris, Helen, Owen and Angela renting some RV's and driving around the South island for about two weeks.
One Final note....Driving in New Zealand!!!....Well they do drive on the left side of the road and they have an aversion to straight roads this Mustang owner was having the time of my life blasting around these extremely well maintained two lane roads with banked turns in and out of the mountains. My only regret was that my Mustang was here in the states. You will not find a more courteous country of drivers in the World and the views have to be seen to be believed.
So thanks go out to Chris and Helen Harmer, Owen and Angela Morris for all your hospitality showing your your amazing country, hosting the four of us in your home and putting on a great Regatta. We had an awesome time....Thank You!!!
See you all on the Water
Dave