Tag: adventure

Our New Zealand travels comes to a close, time to sail up to Tonga!

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in adventure

We have had an absolutely amazing half a year in New Zealand. About 3 months adventuring and sailing around Auckland and 2 months traveling up and around the beautiful Bay of Islands. Rumors of this place are right! What a great, clean, safe and friendly country with beautiful anchorages. Stay tuned for more stories of the Bay of islands. We are now planning our next half a year sail plan, which starts in just a few weeks. Cyclone season is over in NZ about May 1, so we can head north again and enjoy warmer weather, warmer water and swim in the beautiful South Pacific Islands. We are prepping the boat for the jump (or passage) to Tonga. This means a long list of “to-do’s” including check in and check out paperwork, filling the ditch bag, setting up the jack lines, doing a float plan, listing our 2 crew (Dave La Rue is joining us and a local Kiwi friend wants to hop aboard) updating the first aid kit, all system checks, buying flags and currency, completing oil changes, (that’s 2 since have 2 engines)…

On this passage, we hope to do a diving stopover in the famous Minerva Reef, which is about a 3 day passage, but as we always say, depends on the wind Gods! We will rest up, then set sail another 2 days to Tonga, hopefully also staying in the remote area of the Ha’apai island group. We will cruise new islands of Tonga for about 6 weeks, then our next passage will be about a 2 day sail to Fiji, planning for 8 weeks stay there. Last year, we were so busy prepping and selling Sea Bella, that we didn’t explore many spots in Fiji, so hope to include at least the northern Yasawas, and a month in the Lau group of islands. We still are hanging out with a few great friends from Mexico and have met a dozen new fun cruising friends here in BOI (Bay of Islands) who also are planning a similar route this season. It’s always good to meet new friends, typically quite international, now that are so far from the US. We will need to put Kalea on a mooring early September for our flight to California, as our daughter Montana is getting married. This is special news, and we will be able see all the family as well. Another big trip! This will be our only visit back this year and a rather short one, since last year was nearly 3 months and had many cherished memories with all!

The Lau Group, Fiji

We will then fly back in September and return to our new home on SVKalea. We are loving her and are relaxing into our new special place on the water. She is spacious, safe, and comfy both anchored and at sail, so no regrets. Happy Scott & Kathy! We soon will see how she is on overnight passages.

Our third passage will be to Vanuatu, our 8th country to sail to. We have heard amazing things and hope to adventure into the local people and culture. I believe a favorite TV show, Survivor, is filming there and they have blocked off a few islands. This happened years ago to some cruisers and local fishermen back in the Marquesas’, French Polynesia. Same show! No wonder I really liked that program! A little secret; I actually applied to be a participant in 1999! Another way for me to see the South Pacific I suppose.

For our next cyclone season, our Insurance company needs us out of the South Pacific again, so we aim to return to New Zealand for a few months then cross to Australia for the remainder of the season. We plan to head north and into Indonesia after that! Big Plans!

The last few boat projects on the dock in Auckland are done! We finally set sail, New Zealand.

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Getting a boat is kind of like your first date, so exciting but it takes months to get to know them. Well, same here on SV Kalea. We were sure busy in Auckland, New Zealand, both on and off the dock. She came equipped with everything needed for sailing, and some of the basics and extras like scuba tanks, paddle boards, compressor, an extra portable freezer, and this and that. However, like any boat, things break or need to be replaced, just like a house. Scott spent time trouble shooting our main power winch. This is a must have, as the mainsail is very heavy and our shoulders are starting to feel it. The gear box had seized up and needed to be replaced. Luckily, we were docked and just a stones throw away from a Marine store that luckily had our replacement. Then, our house stereo and our portable freezer (backup) both needed to be replaced, under warranty still thankfully! A quick uber ride across town, a bit of labor and all is well. Other items repaired including the water heater, diesel heater, head sail tac and obviously getting all the fishing gear prepared.

We got off the dock a few times to explore the neighboring favorite tourist island of Waiheke. Fun, but a bit high priced. We toured around, learning our sails and systems and as always meeting fun new people. We even met some friends who all wanted to go for a day sail to a favorite beach for a picnic and yoga. 12 of us in all had a good day.

Monthly scrubbing
Boat polish
Filling up
New power winch
Roland inspects
Chain regalvenized

Kathy searched high and low for a Heavy duty sewing machine for her various canvas projects for Kalea. The Sailrite LZ1 machine is most cruisers favorite. New machines flown in from the states would be too pricey for our budget. Used ones are hard to find and nearly the same price. Placing many adds on social media groups lead us to a great connection with a past cruiser needing to part with her LZ1. Hurray! Back in action. BBQ and Jerry can covers, helm seat cover, side shade screens pillows just to name a few.

Loading chain
Counters every 25’
New/used Sailrite
Sewing notions
Grommets are tricky
Shower curtain
Fun pillows
Shade screens

AC Panel
Drones come in handy to view the mast top

Now, back to cruising, it’s been nearly 8 months to switch boats and countries, but we did it! The first few remote islands were blissful and so rewarding. Our favorite was Motutara island with its huge sunken ship, see our reel below.

Travel the South Island, New Zealand. Round trip in 7 days: Christchurch, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Wānaka, Manipouri, Te Anu, Dunedin and back to Christchurch.

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Travel
Queenstown Church

After spending a great, action packed, few weeks with my folks from California, and driving a rental car 1089 miles (length of California) here’s a few fun facts of our own South Island, New Zealand experience. (Turn up the sound in the videos for the full effect)

The inquisitive Kea

The most lush and loudest forest was seen/heard was near Lake Te Anue, biggest waterfall seen; in the Milford Sound, tallest building and best views: Sky tower (1076 feet) best town: Wanaka, best beach: Palm Beach, Waiheke. The funniest bird: The Kea, most common house: common white painted with pickets, prettiest flower: Hydranga, most interesting building: Ponsonby Hotel/Post office (built in 1911, was robbed and the postmaster was murdered). Best lamb served: Mudbrick Winery, on Waiheke island. We took two sailing adventures here on Kalea. The wind and weather was perfect, great to share this experience with my folks.

The most evasive wildlife: Kiwi bird, most fun activity: 1,000 sheep crossing the highway, cutest couple: my parents, largest tree seen: bottle brush in Auckland. Fun Trip for sure!

A little fun fact, Kathy has family heritage from New Zealand! The below book was written by her great, great grandmother on her father’s side. It is the endearing story of Esther’s parents from Scotland, who sailed for 3 months to Dunedin, in 1875. While traveling the South Island, Kathy and her own Mother, Sue Krevitt read aloud this story, recounting the steps the ancestors took, the places they lived, the gardens they walked through, the farmlands they planted and the old little towns they lived in. Going to settlers museums, cemeteries, churches and libraries. Searching the names and facts of Kathy’s heritage was a highlight!

Another book was written by Esther’s husband, soon to be read. Both books will soon be electronically scanned and preserved.

Auckland New Years Eve!

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in adventure, Sailing

Staying in the biggest Marina in the Southern Hemisphere has its benefits! Views Galore! Parties Galore! Everyone on holiday for the month.

Us cruisers from Mexico having fun for New Years in Auckland New Zealand last night. We get to recover today and watch California celebrate at 9:00 tonight. Strange world. Strange time zones. The kids here are all on their 2 month summer vacation, picking berries and going swimming! Walking around the city I noticed the new architecture, clean streets and laid back attitude. Liking New Zealand a lot!

Maybe a bit too much fun! Pictured in this post is Michele and Michael on Elvira, the boat with the pole, and it is actually for sale now. Joanne and Scott on Fundango and Candice and Jason on Deguello.

KALEA video tour-Outremer 49, we love her so far!

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Travel

Hi folks! This is the tour we promised everyone. We are sitting in an Auckland Marina, enjoying the lively city. We are busy fitting the boat for our needs. We had to learn to drive on the left side of the road, with our rental car, 😵‍💫. New Zealand is beautiful so far.

We have been doing a few boat jobs, have some bits of fun in the big city, and a ton of shopping. Kalea had some basics, but not the full Monty. Thank goodness Amazon Australia has most of what we need, they ship to NZ too.

So we were walking around Westhaven marina yesterday and dropped in a local Yacht Club for glass of wine. I looked up and said Holy Moley,
I looked around again searching for the name of the Club and it was the “Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron”. LOL


Right above our heads on the balcony was the Americas Cup!!!! Too fun and so random. The club walls were covered in hundreds of years of sailing history and trophies. The New Zealand folk take sailing very seriously and we were amazed how open the club was and how much the community is involved.
We had a very welcoming visit with a few of the members and one invited us back to see the Sail GP races here next month from the club restaurant.
Yup, gunna do that, after the holidays!

Outremer 49, our new home!

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing, Uncategorized

WE DID IT! 🤪😳😃😂. We are again boat owners!!!!
SV Kalea is officially ours! We had a few stops and starts but the deal finally went through today.
This boat we have drooled over for 4 months, 2011 Outremer 49.
A big thank you to Grant and Sam that are helping make the transition smooth. They are local New Zealanders, from South Africa. They sail from NZ to Fiji every sailing season to surf and live the life, in the fast lane!

Now to explore New Zealand in style…

Kalea means “happy” or “joy” in Hawaiian. Well, we sure are that! Keep pinching ourselves. We actually got lucky and found our great cruising friends who sailed all the way from Mexico with us on our last boat, Sea Bella. They were out here in Auckland for the day! They helped us celebrate our day and new life in NZ for the season.

From left, Kathy, Addicus, Adam, Scott, Jason, Candice, Ingrid.

Now, back to the new boat to finish off our contract, hand over the keys and discuss boat systems, processes, survey… all good! Better yet, all done and official.

Our Sailing and Yoga Blog Site Moved back!

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in adventure, Sailing, Travel

We had tried a different domain for our BLOG, but was disappointed in the style and features. So, we moved back! Please bookmark this site for future posts pictures and videos. In addition, we have many fun sailing, scuba, yoga and travel videos on our YouTube channel.

Thank you for following our journey and wild experiences! See you over there!

Old address: sv.seabella.com

New address:

https://svkalea.com/

Kathy and Scott

Sierra Mountains, California, Family Time and Horsebackriding Fun.

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Travel

About 35 years ago, my brothers and I started an annual tradition of a California wilderness backpacking trip up in the Sierra Mountains. ☀️ We have enjoyed so many experiences up at the alpine lakes, granite slabs, amazing colors, vast views, great talks and the yummiest S’mores ever.

As soon as our children were old enough, we introduced them to this amazing hobby. Most of the kids love it and continue on these annual trips with each other. So Cool. 🤗 Very special for me to have shared this love of nature with my family. Dinkey Wilderness was our choice this trip just a week ago. We had a creative afternoon of Andrew Goldsworthy.

And of course my yoga practice

😁😁 I can’t thank my friends and family enough for such an amazing birthday!! I loved and appreciated all of it! Such amazing people in my life, I am blessed for you all! 🥰🥰

My day was filled with family, hugs, games, flowers, pizza, cakes, cookies, dogs and the best of all…LOVE! ❤️❤️

Happy National Daughters Day! 🥰🥰 It is celebrated every year on Sept. 25. It is a day to celebrate the great gift of daughters, and the relationships we share with them. 🥰🥰So, I have tons to be grateful for this day! My daughter Montana is a pure GIFT in my life! And.. I got to spend 2 weeks with her, WAHOO! 🥰🥰

Morro Bay Beach Ride was FABULOUS! A totally terrific time, back in the saddle again!! I can’t thank my good friend Penny Crawford enough for sharing her beautiful horses with me for the day in Morro Bay! Now that I got my fix, I am ready to start thinking about boat life again in another month.

Fun times in California, Seattle, and the San Juans!

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Travel

Adventuring up in Seattle after a terrific week visiting family in Santa Cruz, California. Below Kathy and Mom (Sue Krevitt) find a yummy spot for a lunch date. It’s so super being with my parents and extended family doing a few special hikes, Redwoods Yoga, hot tubs, and yummy dinners. We went out necessary clothes shopping, since everything we had was a bit salty and sun bleached.

Up in Seattle, we visited our great boater friends we met in Mexico; Dean and Gaby. They hosted us on their 72 foot motor yacht (for sale, btw). We were so lucky to have 10 great, sunny, beautiful days with them cruising around the San Juan Islands.

Two weeks back in the States and we are slowly getting use to “American” habits.
-Taking a shower with as much water as we used to use in a week
-phone and internet service available 24/7/365
-meat selection that would feed a whole village for a month
-ability not only to buy basic vegetables but also genetically altered veg like brokiflower.
-the need for shoes other than our trusty flip-flops
-blankets, sheets, blue jeans and sweatshirts oh my.
-pasty white skin again. Where’s my tan!!???

We also had an amazing week in Washington with Dean and Gaby on Ave Marina (we met them in Mexico and made quick friends). Kathy and I were invited to speak at the Seattle boat show and we then headed north to the San Juan’s.

We loved the variety of boats and great food both served up by an amazing cook Gaby and nice meals out in the city(s). Seattle and Tacoma.
We also got to spend some time with Nashun Robinson which we also know from Mexico. It’s just amazing how many new friends we have all over the world now.
The San Juan’s are beautiful but very different than other cruising grounds. No swimming for sure and the cruisers typically don’t relate with each other (🤷) but there is stunning scenery and flat calm waters. Nice to be crew for a while and not the captain. 🙂


Yes! You too can enjoy the cruising life on Ave Marina as she is for sale. Dean and Gaby are looking forward to building a house in Montana and looking for the next boat……(maybe a bit smaller).

We attended the Boat Show here, did a talk about our World Sailing Adventure and explored the big city. We motored up to the San Juan’s, Victoria and Sucia Island, Friday and Roche Harbors. A bit cold and rainy though a few days, but very fun and beautiful.

(For those following our boat buying story, we are hopeful for the boat we have been looking at in NZ, in December, stay tuned)

🌎 Yoga! Now online for anyone needing some PEACE for mind and body. My gentle Yoga is very relaxing and rejuvenating. 😇

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Uncategorized

I am having fun with my new hobby, it’s a distraction while we wait for our next big sailing adventure. I recently had a fun interview with CanvasRebel, a personal interest online magazine. Tom, the editor who contacted me, was interested particularly in my newly hatched Yoga pursuit. When he found out that Scott and I were also on a big sailing adventure, he said to tie it all together. Kind of a fun recap, article below . 😊

https://canvasrebel.com/meet-kathy-e-erwin/

Transform your mental health and inner body, only 3-4 days a week. Just Pick a class and enjoy gentle poses, easy flows, and healthy Hatha movements.

Yoga around the World combines a FREE online yoga class in magical travel destinations. Try the above online session and you will feel like you’re at a yoga retreat in Fiji. 

I have been hooked on yoga for 20 years, and last year got certified to teach. Many friends say I have that special touch.

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