hb1849 12 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Hey all, Looking to get some opinions on good, value for money charter destinations... We are a young couple, relatively experienced (mostly dinghy and trailer sailer stuff but I've done some coastal and a passage from NZ to tonga) and looking for a good sailing holiday for next year. We've currently got a 22' TS, will be upsizing to an ocean worthy boat some time with a view to do some trips to the islands and beyond, but that might be few years away yet. So thinking a charter holiday might be good to do in the mean time. Any suggestions/recommendations? We'd prefer quiet/secluded rather than busy/sociable in general. Tonga (Vava'u) looks pretty good ..... Or even staying closer to home and do something around BOI (we've never sailed up there).... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,235 Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Tonga is good, but in our winter (summer here is cyclone season there...) If NZ, then where in NZ are you based (so we can recommend a different area) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bad Kitty 252 Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Whitsundays in Queensland is pretty nice, spent a great week there on a Seawind 1000. As IT said, Tonga is pretty damn nice too! Hard to go wrong really, warm clear water, trade winds, friendly locals. If you pick Aus just don't talk about the rugby! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darkside 61 Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Vava'u is really good, better than the Whitsundays IMHO but it depends on what you like to do. Also have a look at a charter out of Raiatea. It is an easy sail to Bora Bora from there which is stunning. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hb1849 12 Posted November 3, 2015 Author Share Posted November 3, 2015 Cheers guys. Island Time, we're in Christchurch -- anywhere outside the South Island will be new to us. A winter trip would probably suit us best though, since we've got a few trips planned for closer to home for the Summer.... Tonga definitely appeals -- been there briefly but just as far as Tongatapu. Thoughts on Tonga vs. Fiji? My partner has relatives in Fiji, but but looks more expensive and more crowded...? Raiatea looks very appealing too...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,235 Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Harder to find charter in Fiji, due to more difficult navigation. Lots in vauvau, so cheaper, and less crowded with tourists:-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darkside 61 Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 I don't think that you can charter in Fiji without a skipper (too much coral) There used to be some trailer sailors out of Musket Cove, not sure if they are still available. If you are going with a skipper try Take a Break (Grainger 46) with Dave and Judy out of Musket Cove. But then I used to own a sister ship so I'm biased. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hb1849 12 Posted November 4, 2015 Author Share Posted November 4, 2015 Yeah, that's a good point regarding just dragging the the 22 around NZ -- and we do a lot of that, but so far only within the south island. Big mission to tow it from CHCH to BOI..... Ferry + fuel (3.0l subaru drinks it towing!) would add up too. Summer is pretty full already (Lake Te Anau (Jan) and Marlborough sounds (Feb)) so a winter destination would be good -- assuming BOI would be less than ideal in winter...? Other option is to stay home for the winter and add the money saved to the fund for a bigger boat -- so cold down here though! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Greg Mann 0 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 Hi, I've chartered Catamarans twice in Vav'au and have been to Tonga 4 times in total. The time of the season you book can make a big difference to the cost and also crowding at the various anchorages. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have, I also live in CHCH so if you want to meet to discuss your plans PM me and we can arrange to catch up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bad Kitty 252 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Or freight the trailer boat up to Akl. and do some summer sailing out of there? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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