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Great Open Boat Cruising Destinations of the World
also known as "the Blackburn Files"
Please feel free to submit your own google earth files for publication here. Add a short paragraph or two explaining why this is your ultimate openboat cruising destination...
1. cl-11-06-06-327817627.kmz Islington Bay. Auckland, New Zealand. A superb anchorage close to Auckland city. Great walks and open fire places makes this one of my favorite overnight stop overs. Can get a little crowded during the weekend of course but during the week you should (almost) have it all to yourself
2. Garden_Cove-Cactus-Bay.kmz Garden Cove, Cactus Bay. Auckland, New Zealand. Anywhere along the N/E coast of Waiheke is a boat owners dreamland. In settled conditions, close examination of this outstanding area in a small craft would be extremely hard to beat.
3. central-Yasawas.kmz Yasawa Islands, Fiji. A great paradise of white sand, clear water, BIG fish and warm trade winds. Ok, so it's a little politically unstable at the moment but hey, in Fiji thats all part of the FUN.
4. NorthChannel-LakeHuronUSA.kmz The North Channel of Lake Huron. This is great water for smaller boats as there are thousands of islands scattered throughout the area with big water options nearby. This is wilderness sailing, with a number of small villages scattered throughout. You can shore camp, anchor in remote locations or find a slip (in a few places). Suitable for kayakers, small boat sailers and larger yachts. If you enjoy a wilderness sailing experience with both big water and sheltered waters easily accessible, this is a great place says Tim Ingersoll.
5. WOTHUMBACREEKONFRASERISLAND.kmz Rob Blackburn and family enjoy Wothumba Creek, Fraser Island. Queensland. (below)
6. western_province.kmz Looking for adventure? The 'Western Province' of the 'Solomon Islands' should have it by the bucket load. Getting there is not gonna be easy. Of course if it was easy, it just wouldn't be that adventurous.
7. stonington_me.kmz Phil Mislinski reports that Stonington, Maine and the surrounding islands of Merchant's Row are the ultimate small boat adventure playground. There are approximately 40 islands to explore, many of which are public. The tides, winds, and sheltered waters make it a great place to sail and row. Join the Maine Island Trail Association and you can easily find a great campsite. Odds are you'll have an island to yourself.
8. Hong_Kong.kmz With out doubt one of the worlds most exciting travel destinations. Exploring Hong Kong on a boat of your own would be quite an escapade.
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