100 Boating New Zealand
and down on big tides against a rough pier. But I did
get a lot of help from the local fishermen.”
By now Kerstin’s goal was simply to return to a
liveaboard lifestyle in the Sounds. Given her limited
finances, even that more modest goal took two years
to achieve.
But in December 2014, Kerstin, a friend and her
two eldest children successfully sailed Tara over the
infamous Greymouth bar, around the top of the
South Island and into the welcoming arms of Queen
Charlotte Sound.
“We had good weather, pretty much a dream run.
The wind followed us around.”
Kerstin’s been based in the Sounds ever since and
has no regrets as to her location.
“Look what we have here in New Zealand – people
come from all over the world to see it [the Sounds]. It’s
safe, yet challenging – an absolutely magical playground.
For me it’s the ideal place to bring up kids.”Kerstin recently relocated Tara from Queen
Charlotte Sound to Keneperu Sound and I caught up
them in Te Mahia Bay.
“We came around [to Keneperu] for a change of
scenery, new places to explore and for the kids. There’s
less of a boatie community here, but more kids so it’s
better for them.”
It was the first time I’d been aboard Tara in 11 years
and she’s held up well. For most sailors, the interior
of a George Stadel Pilot 26 (see sidebar), would be
cramped for one, let alone four.
There’s a V berth in the bow but as the cabin begins
aft the mast this has limited headroom. Immediately
aft the mast there’s a bucket head to starboard with
storage opposite, while the rest of the cabin is occupied
with twin settee berths.
A Origo 3000 meths cooker sits on a shelf over the
starboard bunk while the numerous books required for
schooling fill all spare space. Anyone coming aboard
has to find a spot, sit down and stay put. But since the
elderly Arona diesel inboard has been removed, there’s
a little extra storage under the cockpit.
Despite the tiny space Tara has a compliant WC, aLook what we have here in
New Zealand – people come
from all over the world to see it...