Arrival Sydney!

27 October 2011

Soren entering Sydney Heads -

Matt on the helm brings the ship into Sydney Harbour under pilot.

After some delays she proceeded to a berth at White Bay 3 for final AQIS clearance etc.

Two very fine vessels together -

Soren Larsen and Southern Swan / Svanan

Photos - thanks go to Clyde Dickens, Sydney

Passage to Sydney

V340 New Caledonia to Sydney 2011

Last Instalment - Marsha's Blogs Part 4-6

"We delayed dinner in order to go round Ball’s Pyramid. What a sight! While our cook Mary laughed at the scary faces she saw in the rock (goblins and ghosts apparently) the rest of us stood in awe as the tiny speck on the horizon grew into a huge spire sticking out of the ocean like a dark grey thorn. The sun set with luminous hues of red and purple and the stars came out in the hundreds. For a long time there was still a red glow on the horizon which made the rock stand out as we passed around it. Then the seas lit up. When a light was shown into the water, millions of shrimp sized creatures lit up in greens, blues and reds. I have never seen the sea so thick with phosphorescence and glowing blobs. As darkness finally crept in we got back into routine with the change of the watch a little past 8pm.

Reinhard is sitting across from me with his charts and weatherfaxes and computer and calculated we had just over 200nm till Sydney. Seems like a magical number to me.. "

Read the final blog - the passage into Sydney...

The Last Picture Show

The Last Picture Show - New Caledonia to Lord Howe and Sydney ..
Spectacular images of Lord Howe and Ball Pyramid - and arrival Port Jackson

See Gallery

Final voyage - south from Noumea

V340 New Caledonia to Sydney 2011

Marsha's Blogs Part 1-3

"Our final voyage of the season takes us from Noumea, New Caledonia to Sydney, Australia via Lord Howe Island. Joining us on this ocean passage are 8 faces mainly residing in Australia and New Zealand and one gentleman who designs racing sailboats in France.
We got underway after a few safety briefings and a nice salad lunch. We set sail just outside the harbour and sailed as far as the wind would take us before darkness set in. We toasted to the voyage with some real French Champagne, brought by Jean-Louis, as the sun set casting beautiful colours across the rolling seas.

The first night is always a good one. Much conversation is had getting to know one another and the sharing of stories about where we’ve each traveled to. After a quick snorkel from the beach the next morning we sailed off the hook and heaved to (and fro) in between islands and reefs. It was a good sail and we ended up at Îlot du Phare Amédée. The stark contrast between the blue of the water and sky with the brilliant white lighthouse shooting up out of nowhere is just perfect.

Read more of the Noumea to Lord Howe ocean passage...

Picture Perfect Pacifique - V339 Images

V339 Image Gallery Vanuatu to New Caledonia 2011

Pictures to dream over - Port Vila to Tanna and on the Noumea Grand Lagoon, New Caldeonia.

It looks a square life on a hard rigger..

See More...

Twas a dark n stormy night, etc.. V339 Pt3

V339 Vanuatu to New Caledonia 2011- Marsha's Vlog Pt.3

"There is nothing more dramatic than plunging through the South Pacific on an old wooden square-rigger during an intense thunder and lightning storm. The 12 - 4 watch got to experience such a scene (and a few of us who woke up during the downpour) last night. Big fat blobs of water fell from the sky at an alarming rate as forks of lightning lit up the ominous clouds around us. The bright flashes were followed by the chest thumping sound of thunder.

As I ran around down below shutting hatches and sopping up rain water that had dripped onto the floor, the deck above me was alive with the sound of feet running back and forth taking in sails. Every now and then a bolt of lightning would strike the water near the ship and laughter and sounds of amazement rang out from above my head."

Read More...

Volcano Wedding

V339 Vanuatu to New Caledonia 2011- Marsha's Vlog Part 2

At Tanna Island

"With a bit of Søren Larsen magic we pulled off a wedding, at sunset, at the top of a volcano while it spewing red hot lava high into the sky.

Captain Matt officiated the ceremony as the sun set behind the happy couple. The volcano took it’s cues perfectly sending molten lava and ash into the sky at the correct moments. Next they exchanged beautifully written vows (there may have been a tear or two) as the sun started to dip below the crest of the crater. The groom got a bit carried away and asked to kiss the bride before the rings were exchanged.

It was a great moment! Matt then gave a small speech and then the rings, made from pieces of wire from the ship, were exchanged. Before much clapping, cheers, hugs and kisses we pulled out glasses and toasted to husband and wife with some champagne and a hip hip horray. It really was amazingly perfect."

Read More...

V339 Part 1 Vila - Erromango

V339 Vanuatu to New Caledonia 2011- Marsha's Vlog No. 1

To the Skull Cave

"We ended up having to steam from Port Vila down to Erromongo. But it was pretty smooth and we didn’t get knocked around at all really. On arrival to Dillon’s Bay we, of course, met with the chief. Chief William and his son came aboard and took us over to a beautiful beach with excellent snorkelling.

Here we also found some caves. The caves were a steep climb up a cliff face and before entering, the chiefs son said a prayer to his ancestors. Once the prayer was done he removed the logs guarding the cave entrance. After a quick scramble and wiggle down inside we turned our torches (flashlights) on to discover the cave was littered with bones!. Human bones!..."

Read More...

Meet the Small Nambas- Malakula

Vanuatu Discovery Pt 3 -

Santo to Vila - Marsha's Vlog at Malakula

After a good lunch onboard we ventured out into the rain for some Kastom Dancing. The people of Malekula are generally divided into two clans. The Big Nambas and Small Nambas. A Namba is the peculiar traditional dress that the men wear. It consists of a Pandanus Leaf wrapped around a certain body part then tucked into a belt of bark.

We were fortunate enough to witness the traditional dances of the men and women of a Small Nambas. I think the drumming is always my favourite part. The rhythm differs so much from what we hear in the western world. Each dance had it’s own meaning and it was impressive to see the varied age of the participants. From the oldest elders to the extremely young. All wore traditional dress and all sang out from the heart. At the end of the presentation we were each presented with a coconut. They were not the largest coconuts we’ve encountered but they were by far the fullest. The delicious water inside was just never ending! "

Read More...

Santo to Vila Imagery V338 Gallery

V338 Image Gallery Vanuatu 2011

Santo to Port Vila - via Asanvari, Ambrym, Malakula and more

Image gallery from the ship - pictures of life in land far, far away.

See More...

Vanuatu Discovery Pt.2 String Band Inferno

Read MORE...

Banks Islands Gallery

Vanuatu Blog V337

Banks Islands Gallery -

Images of our voyage round the northern islands of Vanuatu
and some our our favourites peoples and places.

See MORE.....

Vanuatu Discovery - 1) Sailing Santo

Vanuatu Blog

Santo to Port Vila 01

"Embarking on a new journey is always exciting. Especially when it’s a beautiful sunny day and there is a nice fresh breeze. We left Luganville and the island of Espiritu Santo for the last time with 18 new voyage crew and some new crew.

One of our first stops was the village of Asanvari. We were given a very warm welcome. A small trek through the forest and along the rocky coastline led us to a beautiful waterfall cascading over black volcanic rock. It was a bit on the refreshing side of cool but we could have stayed there for hours.

The snorkelling here was great! Not so much in the way of coral but the volcanic shores gave way to interesting caverns and canyons to explore with tons of fish! Three big rays were spotted and a turtle or two..."

Read MORE.....

Sydney - almost there

Arrival Sydney

Captain Matt Chapman reports -
"From Matt @ 1730 today 27 Oct 2011:
33 46s 152 25e 8.4kts 270t SE20 kts - great sailing all day just reducing sail to slow for a 1000 arrival at Sydney Heads tommorrow."

The ship will then take 2 hours transiting Sydney Harbour and will go to White Bay berth 3.

+++

Note - Ian's laptop finally back from the repairers, with a replacement hard drive and with programs now reloaded we can resume posting outstanding Voyage Logs here.
Apologies for the break in transmission.

Inside the Volcano - Ureparapara

As we went ashore in Ureparapara, Liz said something that struck me. She said ‘You know every time we come ashore it’s like stepping into a National Geographic Magazine.” And it’s true. Each time we slip into the water it’s like a nature documentary (I swear I can hear David Attenborough narrating) and each time we enter a village it’s like an untouched land, each totally different from the last.

The anchorage in Ureparapara is possibly the coolest we‘ve been to. It’s inside the crater of a volcano. On every side we’re surrounded by steep, black cliffs covered in a thick carpet of green. The crater abruptly drops into the sea at one side with a small opening for us to sail through. The sandy beaches here are mostly black lava worn down over years and years covered with a thin layer of that picturesque white sand created from coral.

Read More...

Snake Dancers of Rah

V337 Banks IslandsVanuatu - Santo and Ra

Down the beach came first the singers and drummers. Next came the dancers painted black with white stripes. They held a large leaf in their mouths and wore a crown almost like a nest on their heads. Around their mid-sections they wore a sort of woven underwear and had many anklets and bells. In their hands were long thin branches with feathers and orange pom poms.

The dance was amazing. It represents the highly venomous sea snakes that are found in great numbers here in Vanuatu. Just off the beach from where the dance takes place every year there is a tiny island with two single palm trees on it. When the tide is high sea snakes can be found in abundance here.

The drummers beat wildly on their hunks of hollowed out wood and the chanters go faster and faster.

Read More...

Vanuatu - Kids welcome

V336 in Vanuatu

When Søren Larsen left Auckland at the beginning of May we took with us some special cargo. Until now it has been moved around from cabin to cabin, storage spot to cubby hole and finally resting on the deckhouse roof under tight tarpaulin to protect it from the weather. Finally after months and months it was time to discharge this cargo. We anchored in Uliveo in the Maskelyne Islands, Vanuatu on a Friday to much racket and welcome. We heard quite a lot of noise coming from the mangroves along the shore. ‘What weird birds they have here‘, we all thought. That’s when we started to see dozens of brightly coloured t-shirts climbing through the thin branches. The mangroves were covered with school children hooting and hollering, cheering and singing. We like to think it was to welcome us instead of trying to scare us off. Pretty soon half a dozen out-rigger canoes were circling the ship.

Read More...

First Arrival Vanuatu

V336 - Arrival Vanuatu - Marsha's first day in Pt Vila

This is Bislama for ‘Number One’ of course. Bislama is a strange mix of English, French and a dash of island language thrown in for good measure. Sort of a pidgin English if you will. There are over 110 ‘mother tongues’ in common use in Vanuatu. It’s spelt as it sounds… sort of…

Hello = Halo
Good Morning = Gudmoning
Good night = Gudnaet
Please = Plis
Thanks you = Tankyu Tumas
You’re welcome = I oraet nomo
Excuse me = Skiusmi
I’m Sorry = Mi sori tumas
How are you? = Yu oreat?
I’m fine, thanks = Mi orate, tankyu/ I gud nomo

It’s fun to walk around Port Vila trying to read signs in store fronts which look like an alien language but are actually almost English.

Read MORE ...

Yasawa Islands of Fiji

V336 - Lautoka and the Yasawa Islands, Fiji # 1

This just in - from Marsha:

"BULA!
We’ve left the hustle and bustle of busy Lautoka, Fiji behind us and are on our way to Vanuatu. As I write this we’re about 48 hours out of Port Villa, Vanuatu. The wind is coming and going and we keep going from 2 knots up to 7 and back to 2 again. The ship is rocking and rolling quite a bit and it’s taking some people a little while to find their sea legs.

One of our favourite stops was Waya Island. We visited the island the week before on our last voyage and discovered a truly hidden gem of the Yasawa island group in Fiji. We worked out a deal with this village. They were in need of some cement for a floor for their community center/ school and we were looking for a good time. We delivered twenty three 50kg bags of cement to the village in exchange for a feast! Getting the goods on board in Lautoka was no easy feat. "

Read More..

Action Replay - Slideshow V335

A humpback whale comes over to say hello - More stunning pictures just in from Tonga and Fiji - see the Slideshow here.

Bula! Its Fiji

Tonga to Fiji V335

Arrival Fiji - and the southern islands ..

Marsha's voyage log ontinues:

"After spending a few days in Levuka, (waiting for the weather to calm down a bit) we were on our way again. This time to the island of Beqa (sort of pronounced Beng-ga) where we would visit the village of Lalati. The Captains gift of Kava root was accepted by the chief and we were welcomed ashore. The village is nestled into the lush hillside and children run wild. There are only about 80 people in the village at the moment although some of the older kids are working and going to school on the main island. ..."

Read more.

Whale of a time - Vava'u

Tonga to Fiji Part 1 and 2

"I think the Vava'u group in northern Tonga is the crew favourite so far on our trip around the pacific this season. The people are extremely friendly and helpful and a good laugh.

Sailing around the islands and spotting whales in perfect weather was absolutely brilliant. One morning, before heading to explore the wonderful caves carved into the volcanic cliff faces, we stopped to watch a mother and brand new calf frolic and play less than 50m away from the ship. A day later, when 8 voyage crew went on the fantastic whale watching/swimming tour, we all got to see several whales breeching, tail slapping and fin slapping in the warm tropical sun."

Read More of Marsha voyage Log here

Samoa to Vava'u Gallery stunners

Photo gallery of the Samoa to Tonga voyage

Stunning images of of crystal clear waters around Vava'u of whales,
watchkeeping and wakeboarding ...

See the Picasa picture page here

Niuatoputapu: Bolding going ...

Samoa to Tonga - Marsha Voyage Log Part 3 and 4

"We crossed over the international date line and skipped Friday as well as July 1st (which is Canada Day where I come from) and so it became Saturday July 2nd. The Islands of Hihifu and Niuatoputapu appeared on the horizon. Hihifu is really dramatic as there is no reef or lagoon surrounding it. It is just a dormant volcanic cone rising 600 meters straight out of the ocean covered in lush forest.

We sailed past the pass into Niuatoputapu harbour and went further along the island to an anchorage well off the island. Back in 2009 the island was severely damaged by a tsunami and we were unsure whether the pass was safe or not. Deckhand Chris, Captain Jaap and myself (purser Marsha) took the very wet 5km journey to shore in our Avon in search of customs and immigration....

Part 3 Read More

Part 4 - Niuatoputapu: "The ship hosted a BBQ on shore Monday night. A few of us remained on board and 1st mate Toby made us a really yummy dinner. The people on shore ate a ton of food I’m sure and socialized with locals, puppies, pigs and horses. After dinner the Kava was brought out and our crew had their first taste of muddy, chalky drink. By 10 everyone was back on board and everyone slept really soundly.
I’d like to thank the people of Niuatoputapu. You’re friendliness is outstanding. You have a beautiful home and you’re strength in survival is incredible.

It was after sunset before we got everyone back onboard. We heaved anchor and sailed off the hook. That means we only used sail power. We didn’t even turn the engine on. We sailed on into the night and soon heard a familiar sound. The same minke whale followed the ship for almost 3.5 hours. Whale watching is tough at the best of times. Try whale watching at night!!

Read More part 4...

Samoa, Apia turnaround

Voyage Log V334 _Samoa-Tonga #part 1 and part 2

Purser Marsha's account of their 16 night tropical trip

"Talofa Lava! (that’s hello in Samoan)

Well it’s been pretty hectic on board here on the switch over in Apia, Samoa. With Captain Jim leaving and handing things over to Captain Jaap, flight delays and cancellations due to volcanoes half way round the world and of course the excitement of being in a new place while there’s plenty to do on board.

I just want to extend a massive thanks to the wonder people at Aggie Greys. They helped out not only the crew and ship but the incoming and outgoing voyage crew as well. You are fantastic and deserve a round of applause.

Even with the short turn around between voyages the crew still managed to find some time ashore. And there was plenty to see and do here on the island of Upolu; which is one of the islands that make up Western Samoa...

Read More...

Read Part 2...

Suwarrow - Anchorage Island

V333 - The Cook Islands part 2 Suwarrow - Anchorage Island

Part 2 of Marsha's Voyage Log - Northern Cook Islandsa

"Captain Jim and some of the voyage crew were the first ashore. Jim went to speak with the Islands caretaker James. Suwarrow is a National Park and bird sanctuary and the Cook Islands employs someone to look after the place for 6 months of the year. There is no radio or internet, no connection with the outside world except through the ships and yachts that pass through the lagoons crystal clear waters... "

Read more here ...,

Through the Cooks - part 1

Cook Islands to Samoa - Part One

Purser Marsha sends this Voyage Log of the first part north from Rarotonga..

"After finally leaving Rarotonga with all our anchors and crew on board we set out for Palmerston Island. About 2 days sails away. The seas were finally calmer and the sun was shining. Along the way we spotted a few whales during a practice fire drill much to the delight of everyone on board.
We arrived in Palmerston with quite a bit of cargo for the island ...

Read more ..

See the Voyage Picture Gallery HERE

Pictures of an Ocean Voyage

New Zealand to the Tropics in Pictures

Click HERE to see the photo gallery from our first voyage from Aucland to the tropical Cook Islands.

These have just been uploaded to our Picasa album - there wasn't time during the hectic time during the turnaround in Raro, but the ship is now in Apia, Samoa and Purser Marsha has sent in her image gallery.

Watch this space for more Voyage Logs and pictures just in..

Cargo for Palmerston

Monday 13th June

After visiting Aitutaki the Soren returned to Rarotonga over the week end.

Jim advises that they completed paperwork and cleared out of Raro at 1230 and sailed for Palmerston Island with 4 tons of cargo for the remote comminity there !

Forecast is for light easterly winds going southerly then SW over Tues/Wed but Jim
gives eta Palmerston as 1000 15th local time.

left- loading cargo at Avarua wharf.

X-Mate First Class

Our Superhero First Mate Eric left this ship this week in the Cook Islands.

X-Men mutant powers? Can clean a paint brush just by holding it..

(This gag is actually Gareth's) .

Thanks Eric for getting the ship through refit and the delivery voyage to the Pacific.

He has been relieved by past Mate and Skipper Toby Greenlees who has flown in from Tasmania for the next few legs of the voyage.

Great to see you back on deck Toby..

Aitutaki - First call

V332 Cook Islands Aitutaki - first call

Survivor Aitutaki? Not really: Marsha's log of the crew's first venture ashore at Aitutaki before returning to Raro.

May 31, 2011

Well we've been and gone from Aitutaki and I must say we all had an amazing time. It's not hard to see why so many travel magazines and people talk about its beauty, romance and friendliness.
We anchored outside the pass on Sunday afternoon and our passengers, voyage crew, local guide Mathias, the Engineer and myself took the first boat ashore.

Sundays are usually very quiet here on the islands as it's the sabbath and everyone is generally in their respective places of worship. If you ever get the chance to experience a Cook Island church service I highly recommend you go. The singing is beautiful and everyone is very warm and welcoming.

Geoff, our engineer, and I stayed onshore for the night at Paparei Bungalows. Right on the water with a perfect view of the ship at sunset. Sipping on ice cold drinks with our toes in the sand was an excellent way to unwind.

Monday saw the voyage crew and permanent crew ashore off exploring the island. Pete managed to find himself at a fancy resort. He apparently blended in SO well with his video camera that he took full advantage of their infinity pool, free beach towels and all inclusive bar! Our Bosun Peter didn't have quite the same luck... Mike found himself wandering round the island when a local stopped on his motorbike and they chatted for a while. He then offered to take Mike round the island then back to his home for cold beers and a bit of fantastic shopping!

The crew was invited to go snorkling with Mathias. He took us out in his boat and tore across the lagoon; winding his way around coral heads just below the surface. The snorkeling here is incredible! The giant clams are simply amazing. Any colour you can think of! Tons of different corals and a whole array of fish were just begging to be explored. Most of the crew got the chance to see a few giant moray eels and earlier in the day a sting ray was seen swimming out the pass.

We then sped across the turquoise water to a small island full of nesting Red-tailed Tropic Birds. There were fuzzy chicks everywhere and adults quietly sitting on an egg or two in the shade of the palm trees. Marcus also discovered hermit crabs for the first time. He was quite in shock when he picked one up and it jumped right out of its shell!

Now we are fully stocked again with bunches of bananas hanging everywhere and paw-paws hanging in the fruit hammocks. We heaved anchor last night after dinner and are sailing along back to Rarotonga where unfortunately it will soon be time for Mike and Pete to leave us. The sun is shining and guitars and ukeleles can be heard on deck. It must soon be time for lunch as the generator has just been turned off (aahhh soo much quieter) and my tummy is grumbling.
Until next time... Fair Winds my friends!

Marsha, purser

The Southern Ocean 2

The Southern Ocean - Auckland to Cook Islands 2

Our Purser Marsha gives us another except from her diary -

May 10 th … again…

Well we’ve crossed over to the other side… gone back in time. Really we just crossed over the international date line (180 ° ) sometime during the night and it’s magically become Tuesday all over again! And what an exciting one it’s been at that!

The crew we’re all very glad as the chocolate fairy tends to mysteriously visit on Tuesdays and wouldn’t you know it!! She managed to sneak a small treat and a little message into everyones bunks this morning. Just after Lunch we had some awesome luck! We not only caught our first fish of the voyage but just as we landed the big eye tuna on deck we caught a second fish on our starboard line!

I’m currently sat up against the whaleback looking forward. Jo is behind me on the helm singing some shanty in Dannish. Liz, one of our cooks, and the 1 st mate Eric have taken the task of cleaning and preparing the yummy fish for dinner this evening. I keep seeing Marcus walking around with a brass handle in his hand. I’m scared to ask where it’s going. Voyage crew Mike is currently on bow watch trying his darnedest to dodge the waves that keep breaking against the bow. Our Voyage crew, Pete, was last seen crawling into his dry top bunk with a kit kat bar after a rather wet watch. (That wave on the bow ALWAYS gets him)

We’re sailing along at around 6.5 knots with the Course, Lower, Upper, Main Stays’le, Middle Stays’le and the Main set. Apparently there is also a Jib set but it’s too wet up on there for me to go find out which one. There are several albatross dancing round the ship with their massive wing span. The occasional flying fish darts across our bow.

Yesterday is was a bit calmer (infact there was almost no wind for most of the day) and we were visited by a tiny flock of very tired little Welcome Sparrows. They look so graceful when in flight and so clumsy when they try to land on deck or hobble around trying hard not to be blown away by a slight gust of a breeze. They are so adorably tiny and ,as Jo found out, you can easily fit 2 in the palm of your hand.

The clouds are starting to steal my sunshine so it must be time for me to go see what Geoff, our engineer, is up to. No doubt eating the last of his birthday cake from Sunday.

Till next time… Fair Winds

Marsha Purser

The Southern Ocean 1

The Southern Ocean - Auckland to Cook Islands 1

Our Purser Marsha sends this account of life at sea.

May 7th

There’s nothing like listening to the creeking of a wooden ship. The sound of the timbers bending and moving with the water is wonderful. Especially as the engine and generators are off. This is truly an “old world” experience. The sun is shining and the sails are glowing in it’s warmth.

As we leave cell phone reception and internet behind (thank goodness) we now have to forget about all the things we wanted to get and make due with what we have with us on board. It’s a nice feeling; knowing that we will be self sufficient for the next few weeks while we make our way to Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Today is a good day to see how well we’ve stowed the ship. As waves crash across the deck, dishes, pots and pans slide along their shelves in the galley only to be caught by the bungee cords preventing their escape. The voyage crew are very quickly learning how full is too full for a cup of tea and how much is too much water in the sink for washing up. One of our amazing cooks Justin is getting really good at bracing himself against anything permanently placed as he stirs tonight’s supper (mmmm chilli) or chops up veggies.

We leave Auckland and the rest of New Zealand behind us and look forward to the open ocean of the mighty Pacific. Settling into a routine of watches and meals where any chance to take a nap is greatly taken advantage of.

We’re currently passing between an island and the mainland and the tide and swell just really aren’t working together. The laptop seems to want to be everywhere but on the desk so I think I’ll pack it away and write you all some more later.

Fair Winds to all the Soren Larsen Followers.

Marsha, purser.

Nathalie's Ocean Video

Ashore in Raro!

Arrival Rarotonga

Sun and bare skin

Approaching Rarotonga, Cook Islands

25th May 2011

22.15s 160.24w Various course: 105T Now 025T 3k eta 26th 1200.

Was a wet, windy then calm last night.

Sun & bare skin today! Jim"

Windy Oceans

23rd May 2011

Jim advises 030 True 5k SE10k eta Raro Updated: now 26th 1800. etd for Aitutaki on the 28th

See the latest position on our Google Maps app.

(Note that the eta 26th will be the 27th the other side of the date line in NZ time )

Will keep you posted with any updates.

19th May

33.24s159.43w 315T 7.8k SSE30k becalmed ovnite romping along now ETA 24th Jim" 

Before they sailed

Before they sailed..

Prior to setting out into the Southern Ocean the ship left the dock for a couple of nights training..

Here is Purser Marsha's account of those first days and pics..

MORE

Crew page

Meet the crew of the Pacific..

Crew Profiles picture page - glitch solved .. see who you'll be sailing with here

Tropics bound

On Sunday the ship altered course and is heading northeast towards Rarotonga and is makinf good progress.

Captain Jim advises -

"16th May 37.26s 162.05w 020 4.5k WxN 15k. Looking forward to warm weather now! all well Jim "

Across the Dateline

11 May 2011
Tallship Soren Larsen running her easting down - Southern Ocean Auckland - Rarotonga

"11th 38.27s 176.06w 105T 6.5Knots Excellent wx & forecast All well , Jim "

12th May "095 True making 7.2k N25k tearing along aiming turn NE phaps Sun. Jim" 

She's away!

Saturday 7th May 2011

She's away .. finally

Steve and Chris farewell Soren Larsen from Princes Wharf. Contrary NE winds and associated issues have prevented us from sailin from Auckland during the week.

Jim took the crew out for a couple of nights in the Gulf for training and drill and at 0900 the ship slipped her lines and departed for the Cook Islands.

See the Picture Slideshow here.

Checking you saw this

Between The Masts - April 2011

Just checking.

You should have all got this latest email newsletter a week or so back -

with latest videos, NZ summer review and new and unseen voyage logs from the last Pacific season

If you didn't then let us know - your email might need updating in the system.

And to pass this edition on to friends - just send them to
www.sorenlarsen.co.nz/Email/Email_Latest_contents.htm

The ship is back at Princes Wharf, Auckland, waiting for suitable winds for departure..

Rain rain go away

Friday 29th April 2011

Sea trials successfully completed in the river yesterday afternoon but the weather has finally turned and 40 Knots SE means we're not going anywhere today, esp SE to Auckland. There may be a weather window on Sat.

So crew busy completing jobs and doing safety drills this afternoon and Saturday's Auckland deliveries being postponed to Mon or Tues. The weather doesnt look like it will be kind for the next few days to we will have to be patient.

Left? Its the rare sight of an empty chain locker all cleaned out and dry.
(We found Sarah S.'s 2009 flight ticket under the 5th shackel on port, presume you may it home to Denmark without it..)

A Week to go

A week to go - nearly there ...

Refit crew from left to right : Terri, Mike, Liz, Colin, Chris, Jo, Eric, Jack, Mitch, Maisie, where's-Jarren?, Peter, Josh, Justin, Ben and Ian celebrate .

Since this pic was taken the main engine and shaft are back together and Jarren has started up 'Christine' over Easter, square sails have been bent on, Pete has the rig blacked down, Eric has had fore and aft hatches and the deckhouse reoiled with Ceatol, the shipwrights Mike Colin and Josh and Ben have finished in the hull and the starboard side, Marcus has arrived, Terri has completed a magnificent revarnish of the saloon tables, Geoff and Marsha have arrived, Gareth has been to assist, and Ian has used up his phone.

Captain Jim is aiming to depart for Auckland on Thursday, weather permitting, for sea trials and final provisioning. Tomorrow it all comes down to the starboard genset.. if its back from the workshop.. and if its ready .. and if it works .. and if we can crane it through to the engine room .. because all refits invariably always come down to the bloody starboard genset. Such is the natural order of things.

Virtually Real - Soren 3D

The Hole in the Rock Gang

14 April 2011

Soren Larsen at Hole in the Rock - near Bay of Islands NZ

This image was sent to us by Lyn Watts from Hunter Valley NSW, Australia
who took the picture from a Fullers boat from Paihia on 22 February- the morning of the Christchurch earthquake.

Re-launch

Monday 11th April 2011

Chocks away.. splash time.

We're off the slipway and back in the water.
the hull to all nicely repainted and the shaft and rudder are back on.

Captain Jim came down to supervise our unpowered short trip from the slipway with Hylton's tug bringing us back to the layby wharf within Ship Repairs NZ's yard.

More imgs here shortly

The date happens to be the 41st anniversary of the Apollo 13's launch on 11 April 1970.. Not that we anticipate there being any such issues on our next trip but its a flimsy excuse for a 'when-I' story..

I was in Cape Canaveral last November and was able to gatecrash a fundraiser supported by former astronauts. Several of the moon men of the Apollo programme were there including my particular heroes, Apollo 13's Jim Lovell and Fred Haise. They were most approachable and happy to chat and seemed very keen to hear about NZ, sailing the Pacific and particularly the running of a classic tallship...

So, while in the company of to two men involved in one of the most dramatic moments of human space exploration, all I could hear was the sound of my own voice trying to sell them a trip on Soren Larsen. Michelle gave me the usual for-god's-sake look that's customary for such circumstances and I turned the conversation to, well, flying around the moon.

However you never know, sail with us and you just might be on watch with one of only 24 people who have actually seen the dark side of the moon.
So, have you got the Right Stuff ?

Ian

On the Hard

31 March 2011

Picture galley of the ship's annual drydock and first week on the slip at Ship Repair NZ in Whangarei.

See Pictures

Up she Rises

Whangarei Slipway

- and up she rises. The ship is hauled out of the water onto the shipway for her annual blast off, clean and paint.

Taken 29/03/2011 and more pictrures of the fun that is refit follow Here Shortly...

Go on - Like us..

Those with an eye for detail will have noticed -
a Facebook Like button on many of the website's pages...

Do the ship a favour and Like her whenever you
see something that you, well, like.

You'll need to be logged in to FB when you do.

Our Facebook presence may be undergoing some changes,
but we'll keep you posted on that.

Friends of Soren Larsen group page is presently found here.

Maho's on TV!

Turn on your TV,

Last Daysail coming up

Offer For Christchurch

The catastrophe in Christchurch this week has occupied all our thoughts. Its been an awful week for Canterbury and for New Zealand
and our hearts go out to all who have been caught up in the quake. We're extremely relieved that those that we know in Christchurch are
safe even if their offices or homes have been damaged, but everyone there still faces huge challenges in the weeks and months to come.

I guess that most will know that they can assist via http://www.redcross.org.nz/donate . (Its a minor consideration but FYG Earthquake cash
donations by individuals over $5 through approved organisations can gain a tax credit. The Govt has said donations were also tax deductible
when made by companies. The Australian government has also ensured Australian taxpayers are able to claim an income tax deduction for
donations to the relief effort.)

We are able to offer some of our remaining berths on our last two Auckland voyages to anyone from Christchurch who needs a break and
who like to get away for a few days without charge. If you know of someone this would benefit then get them to give us a call.

While they are a very resilient lot down there, they will need the support and assistance of their friends here and around the world.

Don't forget Valentines

Anniversary Day

Reflecting on a week

Crew volunteer Mark P. gives his assessment of joining a working tallship and life onboard in his blog .

Spotting Miranda

This was in the papers this week -

"Scientists are calling for sightings of a mystery 4.5-metre Great White shark spotted swimming off the Coromandel Peninsula with fishing gear stuck to its side.

The shark - first thought to be the notorious Great White named Miranda - was reported by a group of fisherman cruising leisurely near Cook's Beach on Monday. ...

If it was a female, it would weigh up to 1.5 tonnes and would be nearing maturity. Female Great Whites grow up to 7-metres long.

Dept of Conservation said they would be very interested in hearing of any sightings of the mystery shark - or any Great Whites.

"The shark will be very distinctive - Any sightings can be reported to 0800 DOC HOT. "

Read More..

As it happens ... Miranda has come back to help crew for a couple of weeks and is onboard at present...

Coincidence ?

Oh What Fun We Had..

A Merry Soren Xmas

So this is Christmas - Soren style...

Kari and JP flew in from the States for this 5 night voyage from Auckland - here's her view of it:

"... I was surprised to find that of the 10 crew members, 6 were women. The second mate was a petite Japanese gal, and if I were a gent I'd tread lightly. She can heave the main boom with just one other man, which is impressive to see. I gave this a go myself, and brushed off the results to delayed jet lag. Once someone asked her for advice on how to pull such a heavy weight. She replied in all seriousness, "You have to pull with passion!" Perhaps, but I saw that in sailing, passion runs equally between the sexes.
..."

Full Story...

Pictures ..

One Show Only

OZ TV NB

ABC Australia

Rosie has spotted this on the TV in Australia,
the first of a 12 part series about the South Pacific on Sunday nights..

South Pacific Series 1 Episode 1
http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/696544

So those with an OZ IP and or TV can view it and plan a tropical escape with us..

South Pacific 2011

(and everyone else - will just have to do their research via past voyage logs...)

NB It beats watching The Ashes highlights.

It's 2011 !

Sailing into 2011

New Year voyage departs - 30 December
The ship departs Princes Wharf and sets sail for the Bay of Islands with Maho doing the Stand-by Tug thing in the Avon. Top marks go her brother and wife for their heroically brief flying visit.

Great also to see Murray, son of the late but truly great Trilby Dale aboard as well as seeing Bill Haig back after a 15 year gap - knew you could still get your buttocks over the futtocks Bill ...

Nb - Russell Tallship Race Sat 8th Jan ...