Raoul Island

HMNZS Te Mana

After being passed by Anzac Class frigate HMNZS Te Mana (also en-route to Raoul Island), we slowed overnight to time our arrival for first light and anchored in 12 m on the north side, off Oneraki Beach

Just in time to see the NZ flag hoisted on 'flagstaff hill' under a spectacular double rainbow and be hailed on VHF to ask what the hell we thought we were doing! (Actually, they were quite polite.)

We were already aware that a plant fungus called myrtle rust had been discovered in the pohutukawa forest on the island and that DOC were forbidding landing by passing vessels to prevent the fungus spreading to New Zealand. No matter that we were headed from NZ and not to NZ - rules is rules.

Raoul rainbow

It must be a concern though, that such a remote island could become infected (the fungus is thought to originate from Australia) and doesn't bode well for even wider spread...

Anyway, we soothed any ruffled feathers by assuring the shore party that we would not be coming ashore, and broke out the traditional arrival rum to sterilise our drinking glasses from myrtle infection - you can never be too careful. Rinse and repeat.

Raoul Island

Then, late-afternoon, in the middle of nowhere in the wide South Pacific, who should pitch up but another CX captain, Dave Saggs on his Lagoon 450, Magique!

They had left Auckland the same day we had departed Whangarei but had stopped for a brief overnight at Macauley Island in the southern Kermadecs - about the same time and only about 15 nm from where we had caught our tuna the evening before! Small world.

They anchored nearby and, of course, were invited aboard to dis-infect (gotta watch that myrtle rust) and sample our fresh sashimi...

Arriving Raoul

Flagstaff rainbow

Magique