Skipper: Brian Renwick
We left Nelson at 8am, arriving in Abel Tasman at 9:10am. After a short 4km tramp, Kate and her mom Joanne, visiting from Canada, were picked up by Brian on his catamaran at Coquille Bay. The rest of the group tramped on to Anchorage Beach (12km) with a brief drop down to beautiful Watering Cove to have lunch.
Watering Cove is where Jules Dumont D’Urville stopped to replenish his fresh water supply back in 1827. D’Urville named many of the features along the Abel Tasman coastline while exploring in his ship Astrolabe; Adele Island (after his wife), Separation Point, Coquille Bay, and many more.
The three on the boat anchored at Anchorage Beach to wait for the walkers. Brian cooked up two kahawai he had caught the night before and we shared our cheese and crackers.
When the rest of the group arrived at Anchorage they found the catamaran waiting with a hot cup of tea provided at the infamous Café Brian. We all honed our rowing skills with trips on the dinghy, travelling back and forth between the catamaran and the beach.
After lunch we hauled anchor and set sail for Adele Island. On the way, Brian trained us in sailing skills, teaching us how to navigate, steer, raise sails and (wo)man the helm. As Brian says “if I go overboard, I need you guys to know how to come and save me!”
The bird song at Adele Island was absolutely beautiful and we watched a small seal scamper among the rocks on the beach. Joanne and Marianne explored some fascinating caves along the beach. Meanwhile, we climbed a track to the ridgeline for a scenic view and to hunt down the elusive saddleback. It was just warm enough for Kate to swim out to the catamaran while we rowed. Wind strengthened and conditions were perfect for a sail around Fishermans Island before Brian dropped us off back at Coquille Bay for our return along the track to the car park.
We had perfect weather for the tramp and sail, with the sun shining. Many thanks to Brian for generously offering to take us sailing and to Chris for organizing the transport and walking section.
Participants were: Kate Krawczyk, Joanne Krawczyk, Theresa Magrane, Marianne Hermsen and Chris Louth.