Living on a large island surround by the Pacific Ocean I have sailed a little. As a child my family always had a boat, starting with a dingy in which I learnt to row on the Akaroa Harbour and the Avon River.
Later we had a boat with an in-board motor and in my early teens was often able to use the boat to go down the Styx river, over a lagoon, then across the Waimakariri River, near the mouth, to a camping ground where we would buy an ice cream then return back to our holiday camping site. A journey which I’m sure no parent would allow their child do today!
Given that background it’s not surprising that of the four in my family, 3 of us had yacht — I am the odd one out! However I have sailed on their yachts, and in recent years have sailed on a Dutch yacht in the Mediterranean for a week and best of all, 6-weeks sailing from Brisbane to Cairns – through the Great Barrier Reef – on Hatty, a French yatch.And during which time I did two dangerous things (of the many stupid and dangerous things I’ve done in my life) Read the story, and see the photographic proof!
Kiwi Travel Writer talks food, travel, and tips 