Steamy ending to magical day at sea
OPINION
For a man whose first seafaring experience at aged 14 was spent kindly gifting what was left of his morning cereal to the marine life off the coast of Napier, it was understandable if I didn’t immediately confirm my invitation to view the Bay of Islands tall ships and classic invitational race from on the water.
However, chewing on some Sea Legs tablets and armed with the biggest straw hat I could find, I set off on Saturday for what would be my first time in Russell, my first time on a sailboat and one of the biggest hangi I will likely ever see.
Of the many things I learned on my northern venture, it’s that you can’t beat Russell on a good day. As I drove through the small beachside stores, the sight which greeted me was the definition of picturesque.
The calm, blue water of the wharf was packed to the brim with white sails and gleaming hulls. Eruptions of water flew from the jetty as children and adults alike leapt from the highest point while spectators looked on with coffees in hand from one of the many tables and chairs just metres from the red-tinged shingle beach.
I’m shaken out of my trance by the arrival of our vessel. The 38-foot, kauri-made Kingfisher sidles up alongside me, helmed by a man who, judging by his tan, has spent many days similar to this, under the sun and out on the water. Stephen Western, the skipper, gives me a strong handshake and a warm smile as I come aboard, his eyes hidden by reflective sunglasses which glint in the sunlight.
As we slowly left the wharf,