Weiti
River Cruise
Saturday 8th
March was set down in the sailing
calendar as "Overnight at Weiti
Boat Club Marina". What we didn’t
request was "Good Boating
Weather". Big mistake !! The
weather forecast said Easterlies of the
gale force nature. Whoops, but even then
some brave or stupid souls decided to
think of this as a challenge, and we set
off with fond memories of the previous
years encounter. For those who cannot
remember that far back or didn’t
attend, there was a hot topic of
conversation at the BBQ regarding what
to do when more than the meat catches
fire. These memories were rekindled this
year when we were treated to a brand
new" top of the range" multi
purpose BBQ to cook our dinner on...
Location of the
Wieti River. Click on the picture above
for more detail
Before arriving at
Weiti club house Monty Python &
Carafe overnighted on Friday at Rakino
Island. The anchorage was very calm and
enjoyable.. During Saturday morning
communications were established with
Safilo who requested the company of a
lead boat to accompany her over the sand
bar at the entrance to Weiti. Monty
Python was happy to lead the way, and we
had no trouble following the markers in.
Once inside the entrance the conditions
were very pleasant, and we were met on
the jetty by
Glen (Juno), who
assisted us to tie alongside. The
securing of Safilo and Hirrondelle to
the pile moorings was quite a spectacle
with three dinghies acting as tugboats
needed to coerce the H28’s against a
strong tide. However, plenty of
discussion and helpful advice was given
freely by all those in attendance. We
had time to relax and recharge before
making our way to the clubhouse for a
very pleasant BBQ, and evening.
Monty Python thought
we had to top spot to tie up, as we didn’t
even have to get our dingy wet. However
it is amazing what goes on after dark on
Jetties and how many people row their
dinghies out to boats in the middle of
the night. We however didn’t drag our
anchor or rock around, so there are some
compensations.
John and Evelyn from
Joie de Vivre along with Commodore
Kerry, were very generous hosts, and
insisted on providing us with bacon and
eggs for breakfast before we slipped
moorings and farewelled this magic spot.
The trip home wasn’t too bad, although
the promised North Easterlies did not
eventuate.
This event is
certainly a must for a return visit. It
is a very pleasant and friendly spot,
and there is talk of some racing between
"them and us" to be worked
into next years calendar. So watch this
space.
Heather and Richie
Williams
Monty Python
