Breeze, square-rigged brigantine, sails from Auckland

by Sail-World Cruising on 17 Mar 2014 Breeze - what we all long for, not too much and not too little, but it's also the name of a square-rigged brigantine, built in 1985 as a replica of the traditional wooden sailing ships used for New Zealand coastal and inter-Dominion trade in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Now it's sailing regularly from Auckland.

In an exciting development, it now sails just one Sunday a month through the Hauraki Gulf for 12 lucky seafarers a time. So if you're yearning to sail but don't have a regular crew spot here's a way to get the wind in your hair under sail. The voyage takes just six hours and will usually anchor in Takutairaroa Bay just off Motuihe Island for lunch.

Mind you, you might feel more like part of a crew of buccaneers than an America's Cup Team, but maybe that's the way it's meant to be, and America's Cup Teams don't get the delicious lunch or the opportunity to relax enough to go for a swim at the same time.

There's an able crew who can make sense of the web of ropes managing the ten sailr that might baffle the rest of us, but you can help if you like, although you need a certain amount of muscle power to do some of the jobs, particularly as there are no winches and all sheets are handled manually. It's not all clear sailing either and if you find yourself in a blowy day you could get just a little bit wet on the way.

If you want to see what you might be in for, the Breeze can be seen anchored at the Maritime Museum when it's not sailing. The voyage is only suitable for children over the age of 12, and sailing gear is the go - waterproof jacket or clothes that you don't mind getting wet, rubber soled shoes.

Next sailings: Sunday, March 23 and Sunday, April 20. Tickets $90 a person (or $80 for Voyager Crew Members), includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Bookings essential. Ph (09) 373 0800 or email: info@maritimemuseum.co.nz.