Winter Cruising in New Zealand, and On a Mission

Here we are, in chilly, wet, wintry New Zealand, the last place we expected to be during peak tropical cruising season! But, like so many people ashore, our plans have changed… changed to the point of having no real plans, but rather, living and taking each day as it comes.

The borders are closed all around us, and while there’s talk of some countries opening, we’d have to hurry through the islands to reach safety when cyclone season begins again in November. And that’s if each country after the next will even permit us to carry on with our itinerary (we not only need Fiji to be open to cruisers, but also the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and then Indonesia). It’s safe in New Zealand, the people are kind, and it’s terrifically beautiful, so I’ve decided to take a more conservative course of action and stay here instead of venturing back to the tropics this winter.

The benefit of staying is that if things shut down again in November, we’re in a safe country and Zia has already gone through the expensive importation process. Another benefit: we were going to have to skip Australia, because Zia can only enter if we come directly from New Zealand. Now, if a trans-Tasman bubble opens, we could potentially choose a completely different itinerary, skipping the tropical islands and cruising Australia’s coastline until we reach the Indian Ocean.

In the meantime, I actually do have some plans. Two, in fact, and you can help with both!

1. We are going to do some epic sailing in New Zealand, and see more than most foreign cruisers do. What does that mean? Maybe we will circumnavigate one or both islands! Maybe we will even go to Stewart Island! I haven’t decided yet, and that’s where you can help: let me know where you think we should go! Have a sailor-welcoming friend somewhere you want to connect us with? Drop me a note!

2. I am going to connect with youth, especially foster children and their carers, as much as possible — both here in New Zealand and over Zoom to any other interested folks! I’ve already had the chance to speak about our journey with youth attending Happy Trails For Kids’ virtual Zoom Summer Camp, and speak on their theme, “Imagine . . . You Can!”. Now I’m looking for more opportunities to connect with kids. Do you know of a summer camp looking for speakers? Do you know a classroom, a social worker or foster parent association, or a nonprofit working with foster or at-risk youth? I am even willing to let opportunities in New Zealand decide our sailing itinerary: I will even sail to wherever they are! So, drop me a note and connect me. :)

As always, we couldn’t do this without the backing of our supporters, so please consider signing up to join the journey! For those of you who are already supporters, be on the lookout for new Logs in your inbox soon! Until then, you can stay posted on our day-to-day via our instagram or facebook.

xo & fair winds
elana, zia, and s/v windfola ⛵️💕

📍Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, New Zealand

Theft of Our Dinghy!

Yesterday, we went ashore to walk to the nearest grocery store (90 minutes away!) I landed the kayak on a tiny beach by a quay at the foot of Mount Maunganui; it’s at the end of a road beyond the signs saying the mountain’s park is closed.

When we returned, our kayak was gone. Who would steal someone’s dinghy right now?!

It’s like having your car stolen. It’s how we haul groceries, food, and water; it’s how we get ashore for walks, or for emergencies. It’s especially important right now, since we aren’t permitted to get a slip in a marina.

New Zealand is in an extremely strict lockdown. You can’t buy anything online that isn’t deemed an “essential” good by the government. It appears that Trademe — New Zealand’s eBay/Craigslist — isn’t permitting sales or shipments for inflatable kayaks right now.

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The police were so helpful and kind when I called them last night. With their understanding, we borrowed a small yellow canoe from shore so that we could get home. I’m really thankful for how smoothly it all went... and at how little it ruffled me. I really believe that these things usually lead to something good, if you just trust and stay kind. The universe is surely making room to bring us something lovely.

So, I’m putting it out to my community here: If you happen to know anyone in the area that might be able to sell & drop off an inflatable kayak for us in the Tauranga/Mount Maunganui area, it would be a huge help! Or perhaps you know someone who could ship us one — like someone at the awesome Sevylor — or a local who could receive the shipment here for us. Any help would be so so greatly appreciated! Thank you!

And, above all, please be kind right now. We really are all in this together.

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UPDATE: Thank you so SO much for the outpouring of support! You all make my heart so happy; it's like receiving a big hug!  A member of a NZ women's sailing group shared this to her community, secured us a one-person rigid kayak to use for the duration of our stay here, and towed it out to us!  I'm so happy that we have a way to get to shore again, especially so we can return Little Yellow.

We still need to replace our inflatable, as there just isn't enough room on deck to stow a rigid kayak for passages. Thank you SO MUCH to the members of this community that reached out to contribute some $ to our kayak-purchasing fund! A new one is certainly beyond my means right now, so I cannot express how grateful I am for the help, especially at such a dear time for so many. I promise to pay this forward in every way possible.

Wishing you love and kindness. xo

Finding Safe Harbor in the Time of a Global Pandemic

It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re ok.

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We were off-the-grid when COVID-19 hit pandemic status, & the New Zealand government locked down the country. We temporarily had a US sailor friend aboard who was touring NZ, but borders were closed & flights were cancelled. So our friend is stuck, and technically supposed to remain in our (34-foot!) bubble (for four weeks!)

When we reached cell signal & heard the news, we were low on food, fuel, & water. Marinas aren’t accepting new tenants, but will allow us to tie up for an hour or two to re-provision.

Liveaboards are supposed to stay put unless moving for safety or necessities. It’s important to me to be a respectful guest in this wonderful country, & to help prevent the spread of the virus. It took us awhile to figure out and execute the right long-term plan for a safe self-isolation into the winter months.

We feel lucky to be here, but we are concerned about our community (I have sick friends at home, & my grandma fell and is now in a facility).

I’ve also been thinking a lot about how this pandemic must be affecting the foster care community, as carers now have limited support whilst caring full-time for children (many with special needs). Now, more than ever, it is important to me to raise awareness about the needs of these families.

Once we settle into safe harbor, I plan to continue bringing attention to ways we can help the foster care community, while also sharing joyful glimpses into the beauty of this life.

Stay safe, stay kind, & stay generous. It’s the only way forward, because we are all in this together.