Hi from Wellington, New Zealand!

[lh4]

Long time lurker, first time poster. Grew up sailing Opti’s / P Class / Starling route most kiwi kids take. Then beachcats with the occaisonal Trailer Sailer (generally derelict) thrown in.
We’re looking to make the jump to cruising our own vessel, from round - the - cans and light offshore racing on other peoples money pits.
Cook Strait can be boisterous, so thinking Cavalier 39 / Pacific 38.
If anyone has any “hot leads on suitable boats circa $50k NZD, please sing out!
Thanks in advance,
Logan

[GordMay]

Greetings and belated welcome aboard the CF, Logan.

[Fore and Aft]

Hi and welcome Logan, great place Wellington. I did my boat building apprenticeship at Mike Muirs on Evans point. The yard is long gone, but I would not be surprised if some of his designs are still floating around the Harbour?
Cheers

[lh4]

Long gone now, Evans Bay is prime real estate! The surveyor we’ve engaged worked there I think though. Kim McMorran. Bloody good bugger.

[Fore and Aft]

I remember Mike complaining about the cost of rent back in 1995. I can't remember Kim, he must have been before my tme?
Cheers

[mikebnz]

Hi fellow Wellingtonians, I came from a similar background, sailing P Class off Eastbourne beach as a kid.
Cook St isn’t that bad, don’t let it dictate the boat you buy. Any well kept keeler will get across safely on a good day, and on a bad day any boat will struggle. The trick is only to cross on good days.
We’ve had a Lotus 950 and now have a Jeanneau 43DS, both handle the Strait easily. The Jeanneau even handles it on a bad day (yes I broke my rule and crossed when I should have known better).
So find something you will enjoy sailing and can afford, rather than an icebreaker to handle the Strait on a bad day.
Cheers
Mike