Great Barrier island: Any NZ cruiser ll talk about this place, not far offshore of North Island: ALCYONE had to sail there before her trip to FIJI; a nicer place than any marina to arrange everything on board and to enjoy the best of kiwi spirit: One famous anchorage "of the island "smokehouse bay" offer a real heated bathroom to cruiser; you just have to enjoy it and leave it ready for next one. A first lesson of civism and friendship.

Next to us famous STEINLAGER drop anchor: This legend monohull could relax in a museum, but she is still sailing a lot;  3 to 4 dozens of teenagers use her to learn a very spartiat way to cruise; sure that this anchorage give to the crew an unic opportiunity to enjoy a hot shower.

This is the second lesson: how New Zealand use the young generation to carry the young history of the country; after all no wonder about these values...Is not Nea Zealand the country of rugby and sailing ?

ALCYONE, stronger than ever,  ready for her second season with us

Don't leave Whangarei without visiting this place

Under maori style bridge of Whangarei

Mistake:This back up hb with air cooling is noisy as a chain saw!

ALCYONE  sailing again in kiwi waters after 4 month

Just a few milles away from Whangarei head, in New Zealand, nature is still dominating almost everywhere.

How NZ keep the tradition: Mythic Steinlager, younger than ever, incubating tenagers a rustic way on board:

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And it works from years !

New Zealand is like France with 8 millions inhabitants including 6  in Paris...