Many sailors take their vessels out on day trips often but take a while to dabble in their first overnight anchorage. If you’re gearing up for your first overnight sailing trip in New Zealand – whether you’re a local or visiting us from across the pond – there are one or two things you should know.
To help you have that smooth, stress-free trip, our resident boat experts have put together a few of the best sailing tips in New Zealand to ferry you safely from shore to shore.
And then check it again. New Zealand is known for many things, and chief among them is our wild and unpredictable weather. We’re in a subtropical part of the world and heavily impacted by the Roaring Forties, both of which means the weather is likely to turn on a dime. We’re also well-known for having some of the roughest sailing conditions in the world, so knowing what you’re headed into and preparing for rougher seas is a must.
Even if you have a dodger built into your vessel, getting caught out in the rain can be a real nightmare. Aside from the tossing and turning, the lack of visibility can be a danger, especially if you’re new to sailing or cutting through a popular area.
To that end, one of the best sailing tips in New Zealand is to always double-check the forecast and have a backup plan if the rain becomes too much to handle.
Outside of sheltered harbours, sailing in New Zealand can be rough, thanks to our position firmly within the Roaring Forties. Big waves and big winds plague the coast the further south you go, so if it’s your first time heading out overnight, it pays to find a quiet spot to anchor overnight up north.
Luckily, there are quite a few overnight anchorage spots to choose from on the North Island. Think Whangamumu Harbour, which is fairly forgiving in almost all conditions, or Tutukaka, which has a beautiful little mooring tucked away in Kowharewa. Make sure to check in with the local Department of Conservation guidelines for the spot you select before you set sail.
One of the many vital sailing tips in New Zealand sailors’ repertoires is the ability to assess one’s own skill level as a sailor. This is a big part of being safe on the water, especially when things have the potential to get rough. Consider how confident you are at the helm and how difficult a particular spot might be to sail. For instance, New Zealand’s southern seas are fairly unforgiving, so first-timers are best suited to sticking to the north or bringing a more experienced skipper along.
Anchoring overnight, even in a sheltered bay, means you run the risk of dislodging while your boat swings or moves around in the night. If it’s a busy mooring spot with many other vessels, you could also unwittingly swing into another boat in the middle of the night, and that’s a nasty way to cause some serious damage.
This is why doubling down on your anchorage is the best idea for an overnight trip. We recommend bringing along two anchors and stern tying toward the sea to prevent swinging as much as you can (especially good for vessels more likely to capsize).
As a New Zealand boat builder, we have plenty of experience crafting vessels designed to stand up to rougher seas. We also know that no matter the hull shape you’re working with, nothing is a substitute for excellent preparation. While dual anchoring takes more time, it’s worth your safety (and that of those around you).
When it comes to sailing tips in New Zealand, one of the most vital (and yet unfortunately overlooked) is to bring a beacon with you. Our coastline is stunning but can also be quite remote, meaning help may not be immediately available in an emergency. If you’re venturing out beyond well-trafficked areas, it’s worth investing in an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
Both devices can send distress signals to search and rescue services, pinpointing your location if you run into trouble. While they may seem unnecessary for a casual overnight trip, having one onboard could be a lifesaver if conditions take a turn for the worse.
No matter how careful you are, things are going to get wet. Whether it’s a rogue wave splashing over the deck or just the general dampness of being at sea, anything not stored properly is at risk. And trust us, there’s nothing worse than discovering your spare clothes are soaking wet when you really need them.
Dry bags are a lifesaver. Use them to store everything loose, especially your electronics, clothes, and any important documents you’re carrying with you. Stow them in your interior cabin to make sure everything stays dry and safe.
There you have it! Using these five fundamental sailing tips in New Zealand should ensure you’re prepared for your first overnight anchorage in one of the many gorgeous mooring sites around our North Island.
When in doubt, always consult with the local Department of Conservation page, pay careful attention to the forecast, and don’t hesitate to overprepare. We wish you fair winds; this is one sunrise you won’t forget waking up to anytime soon.
Circa Marine is your trusted team for aluminium boat design, fabrication, and building. Whether you’re crafting a superyacht to sail the open seas or hugging the coast with a smaller vessel, our team has forty years of experience creating streamlined vessels that can take on the sea with ease.
Reach out today to begin your custom boat-building consultation process.