First Marlborough Sounds outing an unqualified success Row #19 January 11-13 2019

Post date: Jan 14, 2019 10:46:39 AM

A long time challenge with Toroa was finally completed with our first venture into the Marlborough Sounds in the beautiful Kenepuru Sound. (Crew Neil ,Bruce and Denis )  Sounds rowing presented us with some new challenges in Adventure Rowing -namely scoping out Doc  campsites in the locality/ timing rows with the rise and fall of the tide /and tidal currents / been precautionary with the volatile weather changes /and finding appropriate launching ramps and car and trailer overnight parking . We ended up launching at Portage with its very functional ramp and parking facilities, and were fortunate to have a tail wind and tide to our first choice campsite at Ferndale approximately 70 mins rowing time away . This Bay proved so ideal we decided to stay both nights there. The morning of the second day we were invited to breakfast at the beautiful Raetahi Lodge , owned by a friend and a 45 min row away, and somehow we ended up playing 9 holes at the local golf club to the delight of the North Island crew.(both golf fanatics) During the day we had two novice crews "Try out' rowing in Toroa and we were delighted with their enthusiasm and enjoyment as first time rowers, This boat continues to attract interest and attention wherever we go, so we are always happy to share the rowing experience if people are keen and ask.

Our row back from Ferndale camp to Portage on the third morning saw us score yet another tailwind and tide, with Toroa in top performance mode   with a ample but well distributed load of camping gear and our skeleton crew strategically distributed as helmsman and rowing 3 and 2 seats. This boat almost flies with a strong tail wind directly behind (and even just with two rowing and a considerable load ! )  Two memorable patches saw us gliding over some temporary flat sheltered waters and our final leg where we altered course to come in directly with wind and swell directly astern ..and rating highly. We even received a compliment on our boat speed from on shore watchers. All in all a perfect introduction to Sounds rowing and special thanks to North Island visitors Neil and Bruce for their interest, expertise and effort on the trip. Kia Kaha Bros!!!