Mid winter passage from Waikawa to Tauranga
Hartley Reality 37 Yacht Delivery | Waikawa to Tauranga
We provide professional yacht delivery services throughout New Zealand, including coastal passages between the North and South Islands. This Hartley Reality 37 was delivered from Waikawa on the Marlborough Sounds to Tauranga in mid-winter, requiring careful preparation and an appropriate weather window for the passage north.
The route covers approximately 350 nautical miles and includes exposed sections of the Cook Strait and North Island east coast. A winter delivery adds another consideration, with shorter daylight hours, colder conditions and the potential for stronger frontal systems making weather selection particularly important. We deliver from Auckland to Opua and all the other NZ sailing destinations.
Once underway, the yacht was managed for the conditions rather than simply trying to maintain a particular schedule. Sail selection, reefing, steering and autopilot performance were monitored throughout the passage, along with the engine, batteries, navigation equipment and other onboard systems.
For an owner, having a delivery skipper take responsibility for a winter relocation means the yacht can be moved without having to assemble a crew or commit several days to the passage. We handle the preparation, passage and delivery while keeping the owner informed of progress.
The Hartley Reality 37 is a proven New Zealand cruising design, and this passage adds to our experience delivering yachts around the New Zealand coastline in conditions that are very different from the summer cruising season.
