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rfnk · 04-02-2013, 20:49

Hi, my name's Rick. The better half is Tracy. We have a Folkboat but we're about to buy a boat in NZ, with a plan to sail back to Port Stephens NSW in April. Don't panic - I won't be the skipper, I'll be the %&*# kicker! We'll have friends with plenty of good experience aboard to slap me when I cry.

We're still in the process of buying the boat so I'll wait til it's a done deal to talk about that. My primary interest at present is in seeking opinions about the wisdom of sailing west across the Tasman in April.

To the moderators - thanks for having me! The forum looks great!

Greetings to all! Rick

44'cruisingcat · 04-02-2013, 21:29

Welcome. Best of luck with your new boat. Port Stephens is a lovely spot, you're lucky to have such a great cruising ground as home base!

**Jim Cate** · 05-02-2013, 00:46

G'Day Rick and Tracy,

Welcome to CF and good luck with the purchase of the new obsession.

The April delivery might be a little early in teh season. While some say that the cyclones are gone by then, the only one I've ever been caught by was Lisa on May 15 1994 (?).

Since the rhumb line from North cape to Pt S lies in the W'lies, many folks sail north to the trades and then turn W for Oz, and that plan puts you right in the path of any late season cyclone that might pop up. Something to think about!

Cheers,

Jim

BlueSun · 05-02-2013, 00:53

Welcome Rick and Tracy!

We were down your way a few months back - such a great place. Awesome diving!

Good luck with your purchase and NZ/Oz passage!

SimonV · 05-02-2013, 02:26

Welcome aboard.

Doodles · 05-02-2013, 02:31

Welcome Rick and Tracy and good luck with the new boat.

**GordMay** · 05-02-2013, 03:07

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rick & Tracy.

**boatman61** · 05-02-2013, 03:38

Hi Rick... Hello Tracy... Welcome to CF

Folkboat huh... great seaboats even if a bit wet sailing..

Is she timber.. or one of the later GRP versions..?
Have a great sail..

delatbabel · 05-02-2013, 03:58

I'll disagree with Jim Cate here. The rhumb line from NW Cape NZ to Port Stephens NSW doesn't run through the westerlies, it's well north of that. Remember that the "roaring forties" run south of continental Australia due to the shape around the capes. The prevailing wind direction is highly variable although north-easterlies prevail in the summer months. You might find April a bit late to do the run in fact because the weather is starting to turn colder and you may find yourself facing westerlies along the route. However if you leave early in April it should be fine.

rfnk · 05-02-2013, 04:49

Thanks for the kind welcome everyone! The Folkboat is timber and Nordic. The new boat's timber too. We should finalise purchase within a week or two.

Rick