Blue Water Cruisers from NZ

[EllanVannin]

Finally got around to joining this forum after having it pop up via Google so many times as I search for information. Looking forward to using and sharing ideas and experiences.

We are currently 13 months out from leaving New Zealand to head up to the South Pacific on an extended cruise. Will be out as long as we can afford it or until we get sick of it! This is year eleven for us in what was originally a seven year plan to do this trip.

Twelve months ago we bought a Beneteau 40cc which sailed to NZ from the US a couple of years back. Really happy with the yacht she has proved all our previous prejudices towards production boats totally wrong. We like so many others had a strong bent towards heavier displacement NZ designed boats, and had to be convinced to even view her. I would say that she is designed for blue water cruising as opposed to the charter boat Beneteau's that we had previous experience of.

It will be my first offshore experience, so far I have had all my sailing in the coastal trips up and down New Zealand. Fortunately for me the more experiences half of the duo has sailed extensively offshore in his hey day! I just don't trust his budgeting skills for the planning phases as all his information is twenty years old lol.

So that is us, nice to be here:-)

Kevin and Clare
SV Ellan Vannin

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Kevin and Clare.

You and “Ellan Vannin” are a long way from the Irish Sea.

Originally Posted by EllanVannin

... This is year eleven for us in what was originally a seven year plan to do this trip ...

Ah. The best laid plans of mice and men ... Robbie Burns

[Kordie]

Originally Posted by EllanVannin

Twelve months ago we bought a Beneteau 40cc which sailed to NZ from the US a couple of years back. Really happy with the yacht she has proved all our previous prejudices towards production boats totally wrong.

Kevin and Clare
SV Ellan Vannin

Can I ask if it was just the two of you who sailed it back from the US?

I would love to hear about that trip and more about how you found the boat.

Cheers,

Simon

[James S]

Welcome to the forum Kevin and Clare

[Southern Star]

Thanks for the introduction Kevin and Clare and welcome to the forum. I look forward to your imput and don't worry too much about budgeting - it ruins all the fun!

Brad

[EllanVannin]

Originally Posted by Kordie

Can I ask if it was just the two of you who sailed it back from the US?

Sorry to mislead you there, we purchased the boat here in NZ. It was sailed to this country, via approx 26,000 nm of sailing, from America by an American who then sold it.

Gordy - yes we are a long way from The Isle of Mann and according to my 20/20 sailor husband we will never be taking her to her namesake!!

Thanks Brad for the advice re budgeting too....I know it is sage advice....but it irks my brain in the wee hours. I am trying really hard to just let it go and see what happens lol.



Thanks Clare

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you posting on the forum.
regards,