Solo Sailing with Trev White

Send us Fan MailTrev White Sailing: Buying a yacht, one without training wheels? a monohull.  I'm just not a cat guy unless its for drinking beers and talking shit with your mates.So what is better a sloop or a ketch?I owned a offshore sailing yacht a sloop, I now tank a offshore sailing tank an alloy ketch built tuff back in the 70's.Reflecting on why I now own a alloy Ketch - blisters, ship wrecked in ice, beaten against a wharf in a storm, older boats are tuffer and used beautiful wood. Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Trev White Sailing:Lets discuss Diesel Bug and how bad it really is if you get it. More importantly I discuss how to prevent it and also how to fix it if you have caught the dreaded boat bug.Just know if you get it, your life will be shit for at least 2 weeks and you will be many $$$$$ lighter.Try prevention.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailLets talk about portable generators for us yachties who don't have enough room to install a saltwater cooled generator or who those of us who only need a little extra power when the solar is not working.I discuss the the pros and consModels used: Honda 2.5 and GT2500Cheap Generators not to buy Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailPodcast Trev White sailing 2 of 26 Ep 50Have you ever dreamed of sailing but your unsure if you are just too Old.I meet lots of people mostly men, but some women. These are people from all walks of life who have lived full lives, raised children, built businesses, paid for homes they are no longer interested in. These people have left the dream of sailing long behind but now there is a voide and the desire to sail is back. Do you still have what is takes? How do you know without buying a yacht?Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailWe strip away the noise of land, testing our psychological limits against the relentless rhythm of the swell and the crushing silence of the horizon. We confront the raw reality of isolation, finding strength in the discipline of the watch and the quiet acceptance of forces far beyond our meager control.Searching for simplicity.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailRecently visited Epi Island and was blown away to swim and dive with Dugongs. They were super curious and visited the yacht on several occasions over many days.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailDiving and exploring Emae Island and Cooks Reef in Vanuatu sailing from Port Vila to Epi IslandSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailI talk about my strategy for cleaning my hull in shark or croc infested waters.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailOld Mr Stinky, has been giving me a work out of late, my Leyland Thornycraft 2.52 diesel is generally super reliable and easy to fault find if theres an issue, not this week. Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailHarriet shares her highlights of sailing on the voyage from the Town Basin in Whangarei New Zealand to Port Vila in Vanuatu.Harriet was a great crew member, she was fun to have on board,  Harriet was also an awesome experimental cook. A big inspiration in the galley and lots of tasty food.Welcome back anytime providing she brings the ingredients for ocean brownies.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailLeaving Tanna Island for Port Vila we decided to stop at the mysterious island of Erromango.We sailed from the North Western part of Tanna near the Blue cave and arrived in Dillon Bay, it was an easy 5 hour sail. We anchored in 3m of water near the river entrance just off the Dillon Bay yacht club. Yes its worth stopping the people are super friendly.   Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailShould you visit the Blue Cave in Tanna Island, in my opinion yes.The Blue Cave can in the correct light be a majestic open top sea cave.I talk about the best times I found to get photos. Also where to anchor your yacht.Photo by EmilSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailAfter sailing from New Zealand to Tanna Island in Vanuatu, the crew and myself decided to explore the island of Tanna by 4x4 and visit the famous Tanna Island Volcano Mt Yazur.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailTinTin and a crew sailing a 1000nm from the Bay of Islands in New Zealand to Vanuatu and the land of fire, Tanna Island.  Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailLets chat about the food that lasts the longest when your cruising. What is the best fresh produce to buy, how to store it, also where to purchase it from to ensure it lasts the longest.Just a bloke who sails but still needs to eat.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailWhen I sailed from Fiji to New Zealand last year I got caught by the first cyclone of the season. I only got a little touch up, 78knots came thru when I was asleep about midnight, I was solo and halfway back to New Zealand. I expected a gale but I got flogged. I was triple reefed down with just my staysail and a reefed mizzen. All three sailed got torn as did my dodger. This was my decision to upgrade to a new main and mizzen. the main was repairable but it only had a season left in it even after repairs. I got many quotes and went with Wallis Sails from the Bay of Islands area. Craig and I chatted a lot trying to get the sail I wanted for a decent price. I received a great sail for less than half of what several sail makers wanted to charge in Whangarie and Auckland.I wanted a New Zealand made sails not a cheap knockoof out of a chinese sweatshop. A fuller roach, three reefs and five batterns, also I wanted solid construction as I solo sail.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailThe anchor chain on TinTin was old and rusty, still strong but needed to be replaced. I spent a lot of time researching a replacement that would be suitable, strong, last for 10 years, and most importantly was certified to an international standard and tested for its breaking point.It took several weeks of research, emails, telephone calls, and me driving to Auckland to source the chain that now resided in my newly expanded chain locker.I have a new Italian chain of 100m, its called 10m AQUA3 short link, grade 30, the ISO standard ISO4565, I chose a galvanised chain with a 50kn breaking load.It was purchased from Chains Ropes and Anchors in Auckland, NZ   Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailMy all-girl crew shakedown sail to the Bay of Island in NZ. This is the last chance to change your mind before we depart on a 1000nm sail adventure to Vanuatu. Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailNow back in New Zealand after nearly five months away and the boat jobs have only gotten bigger. The list:mold, paint, repairs to hull, sails, engine, stern gland, electrics, new sails, it goes on for ever and took six weeks of hard graft to complete by myself.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailDo you want to sail around the World?  What do you think is the best material for your yacht. For me that is always going to be Alloy. I sail a Alloy 44 foot Ketch its 50 years old, I think this vessel might last another 50 years.Recently I've been watching Peter (AKA Plucky) from Sailing into Freedom. Peter is building a new 48 foot catamaran, an Odisea 48. It looks great it also looks fast.If your interested in learning more about Alloy Yachts.  I reviewed the Expedition 52 monohull when I recently visited the German Boat Show. I also look over Peters catamaran and talk about 5 fiberglass yachts the hit reefs in Fiji in 2023.Visit my Website  for more info: On Why I Think Alloy Yachts make the Best Solo Boats, if you want to learn about how a yacht survives getting crushed in pack ice.check out Sailing in Antarctica Checkout: Peter and  Sailing into Freedom if you would like to watch an alloy catamaran being built,  he is also looking for crew. Check out Peters early video, the Italian girls with have you in stitches.Safe sailing and see you out there. Regards TrevSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailPlanning a South Sea sailing adventure, when was your last dental checkup? What emergency dental care are you carrying onboard, do you have a plan on how to fix a damaged tooth? if not then consider learning more about remote dental.Maybe read or listen to where there is no DentistSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailTinTin needs a new anchor chain so my current project is finding a distributor in New Zealand.  Somebody who will sell me the best high-quality galvanised 10mm Short link chain that is strong and rated, it must last 20 years.If you know of somebody appreciate if you leave a link in the comments or drop me an email.Regards Trev Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailSailing with Whales in Tonga, we sailed with some very curious whales sailing from Nuka'olofa to the Island of Lifuka in the Middle Kingdom. We also sailed over the the new island of Hunga Tonga which recently erupted in 2022, this was the biggest eruption in the 21st century.  Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I talk about preparing to leave Whangarei in NZ, clearing customs at Marsden Cove. Arriving at Nuka'olofa in Tonga after a 1200nm sail. Clearing customs and finding provisions.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailIn this Podcast, I discuss how you can survive big seas and storms using:Sea anchorsSea droguesParachute sea anchorsTowed warps (ropes)Improvised sea droguesStorm TacticsSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailThis podcast details the amazing benefits of yoga for the mind, no ridiculous lycra pants are required.Yoga Nidra for Sailors is a method of gaining deep relaxation without needing to sleep, it can also help sailors also obtain deeper levels of sleep and a greater feeling of rest.Is it just for chicks? No. This was taught to me by a hard-drinking Ex SF dude who had discovered a method to manage pain from injuries.  I used it for pain management also but found it left me feeling fully rested. I've been using it for sailing ever since.This is the link to Lizzy Hill on YouTube - it's free: Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailLearn how single-handed sailors get better sleep It is possible! For a single handed sailor to get sleep. While a full night's sleep onboard might be a luxury, getting adequate rest is not just possible, it's crucial for safe and enjoyable single-handed sailing. In this comprehensive talk about getting enough sleep as a solo or short handed sailor I explain and describe sleep patterns while sailing alone and how to master the art of the "power nap."For more information getting enough sleep as a solo sailor, visit my website.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailOn a recent sail passage from Fiji to New Zealand I got caught in a storm of 78 knots, violent, and confused seas. The blow came through in the middle of the night. TinTin was knocked multiple times, the inside of the boat was a real mess. It was incredibly violent for many, many hours until I was able to Hove to and then wait it out for several days.The storm was caused by a big low coming from Australia and a cyclone changing course and heading in my direction. The resulting squeeze created a storm, was not a fun time for me.Once the storm eased off to 35 - 40 knots I was again able to continue sailing. Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailIn this Podcast I discuss some tactics and techniques for surviving storms and other emergencies that we face as sailors.Many of these tactics I have used first hand to save my ass and arrive in port safely.Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Enjoy every sunrise and sunset.live in the now.None of us can know what tomorrow brings.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailAnchoring your vessel is the one skill you need to master. Become a master in the dark arts of anchoring.Why do so many sailors drag anchor and endanger the lives of their family, crew and their vessel. This podcast details my tactics, technique and the procedure I use for anchoring in most locations. This Technique relies on a working motor, furled sails. I also discuss my technique for recovering my anchor as a Solo sailor.I will discuss sailing into an anchorage and anchoring without the use of your motor in a future episode. For the times when you motor dies.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailBeyond the Helm: Understanding Autopilot TypesLet's discuss and explore the two main types of autopilots for cruisers:Electronic autopilotMechanical autopilot or windvaneSelecting the correct autopilot, windvane and redundant system requires careful consideration of your specific needs and long term plan. It is crucial to set yourself up for success.Conquering vast stretches of ocean requires more than just skilled seamanship. For long-distance cruising, shorthanded sailing and solo sailing, an autopilot becomes your tireless first mate, allowing you to , sleep, rest, navigate, and even take a dump while your autopilot keeps your yacht on a safe course.  Understanding the concept of redundant systems.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailA solo sailor needs a unique set of skills, knowledge and experiences to operate a yacht solo. There are however only two skills the stand out in my mind as essential.Independant thinkingConfidenceSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailSolo & Secure: Essential Mooring Tips for picking up a floating mooring as a Single-Handed SailorMissed the mooring bouy again. It happens, often when the winds up, currents strong or you just, miss-timed picking up the mooring bouy.Then the worst case situation your sailing with your wife or girlfriend and she is at the bow, but she can't pickup the bouy, its too heavy, drops the boat hook and the bouy, as the vessel drifts away or injures herself when trying to secure the mooring rope to your vessel.This happen every day in a port near you.It can ruin your day, "been there done that". This podcast, I discuss a  4 step techniques that works for picking up mooring bouysSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailOn a recent visit to the boat show in Germany I discovered the amazing magnetic beer glasses made by Silwy.Do you know that feeling, You're sailing along in a gentle breeze, soaking up the sun, and suddenly, a loud bang and broken glass.  Your glass tips over and explodes onto the deck with a loud noise. Frustrating, right? Silwy puts an end to that, With their clever magnetic tableware, No more picking glass out of your feet. I like drinking beer in glass. its not practical for a yacht, however, I dont like to compromise everything for sailing. Thats why I got excited about those beer glasses.Magnetic attachment for relaxed sailing:Silwy has integrated small, invisible magnets into their glasses and bowls. These come with special metal pads or magnetic nano-gel, which you can flexibly stick to tables, benches, or even the cockpit. This keeps your drinks or snacks firmly in place, no matter how rough the seas get. So you can fully concentrate on sailing and forget about toppled glasses or flying snacks.See for yourself and experience the benefits of Silwy:No more falling glasses and bowlsSecure hold even in rough seasStylish design and high-quality materialsPractical reusabilityMade in Germany and sustainableThey have a good store Silwy website.  On TinTin I'm conducting a refit,  I will be including many products from the Silwy range to make life onboard, more conveinient, also to ensure I dont spill my beer and rumbo's, may even get a few wine glasses for ladies.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailThe night Alice lead me down the rabbit hole of mouth taping. The Kraken bar in Tonga, It was a warm, wet night in Tonga, It had not stpped raining for hours. Esther, Justine, Pierre and myself were soaked through after taking the dinghy from the yacht to the bar.  I managed to get a couple of quick rumbo's under my belt whilst I chatted with the crew from little fish. About this time I met this mysterious chick called Alice. It may have been one too many Rumbos,  Alice, was talking to Esther one of my crew. Alice was looking for a berth from Tonga to Fiji, my intended sailing route in the next week or two.I did not have any spare berths,  and not enough room for a good looking, random American stunt woman on my yacht. That's where the night started to get weird, by closing time, Alice convinced me that to increase my breathe hold times and depths for free diving, I needed to learn how to do mouth taping and use it as a tool to increase my free diving capacity. I had one foot in the rabbit hole,  just I did not realise it.Now, this might sound strange, but some people swear by taping their mouths shut while they sleep. Mouth taping encourages nasal breathing, which has several potential benefits.Reduce snoring, its bloody hard to snore when your mouth is taped, I like a bottle of red, it likes me. My crew however dont like the results, I can snore like a legend after a night on the red. So give up the red or try mouth taping. Mouth taping does work to eliminate or reduce snoring. Improved sleep quality: Nasal breathing filters and warms air, leading to deeper, more restful sleep.Enhanced athletic performance: Nasal breathing promotes oxygen uptake, potentially improving stamina and endurance. Brainpower boost: Better oxygen flow to the brain can lead to improved focus, memory, and cognitive function.Free-diving superpower: Mouth taping and breathing exercises can help freedivers hold their breath for longer periods, pushing their limits safely.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailToday I discuss the various options to consider when you first think about buying a cruising yacht.I have owned two cruising yachts, my first a 39ft Cheoy Lee sloop, constructed from hand laid fiberglass, built in 1974, my current yacht is a 44ft Koopmans ketch constructed from alloy plate. I have looked at, worked on, and sailed dozens of different types of yachts including cats. I have assisted many friends and people I know, find,  and purchase their dream yacht. Generally by steering them away from large, oversized and overpriced yachts that are not suitable for offshore cruising. The single biggest mistake, most people make when buying their first yacht. Purchasing a yacht, too big, for their needs. Then they try to turn that yacht, into the house they just left. A sailor needs to think like a minimalist, purge your life and your boat of everthing weighing you down.  Why own a coffee machine, when a coffee plunger provides excellent coffee, at a fraction of the size and space on your yacht. Need more italian flare get a stovetop expresso like my Garrett Wade, minimalisim with style. You leave behind one life in the the burbs, to explore another on the ocean, reduce your footprint in this world, embrace a simple clean sailing life,  for the life it is.A yacht is your dream machine, it can take you to places most people will never see. Providing it stays light, lean and hungry for andventure.  I believe the best cruising yacht, is only just big enough for your needs and no more, it must always be sea worthy, enough to endure and survive a storm at sea,  is fitted with sailing systems, that enable the solo skipper or short handed crew to sail it safely, and safely to me  is a 1000nm in gale force condtions, to the next safe port if required.   Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailFendertex FendersHigh quality inflatable fenders for cruising sailorsprotect your vessel from other vessels and wharfshigh qualityrange of sizesrange of colors and custom designsdeflate to a small size for easy storage when sailinginflate easily using your foot pumpThese might be the answer to gaining more deck space on TinTin. Traditional fenders use a lot of space to secure, they can be lost in storms or stolen in port.Checkout https://fendertex.eu/gb/Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailWe sail from Vuda marina to the Yasawas. The plan is to dive with Bull sharks, Manta Rays, and other sea life in some very remote and beautiful bays, while we explore the exotic islands of the Yasawas.The reality we encounted was stormy condition, big swell and some difficult anchorages, too many boats and some reckless skippers trying to seek shelter in the same small bays. Weather conditions turned really nasty without warning, a fouled anchor and huge loads resulted in a broken drum on the windlass.   This forced me to cut an anchor away to escape a lee shore or risk becoming shipwrecked. We also experienced some terrible conditions at anchor, this was caused by big swell and storms, life on anchor became truely horrible, the worst conditions, on anchor, I've experience in over 25 years of cruising.    Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailBest small electric outboard for cruising sailors wanting a ship to shore motor thats light.6kg45min run timeeasy to installrecharge onboardbattery built inClick here: to checkout the Elite outboard at epropulsion I dont have any deals with epropulsion just super impressed with the designSupport the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailThe anchor winch needed to be completely rebuilt and we experience some Fiji rubber time.  Tomorrow becomes next week.We decided to get away from the yacht and do a dive holiday and enjoy some solid ground whilst staying at the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji. Leaving the comfort of the resort we arrive back to the yacht and find a rat hobo party on board, I'm now an expert at trapping rats.With our winch back together and the rats wiped out we make plans for the Yasawas and more diving.Vuda Marina Fiji Send them an email but I think contacting them on Ch16 when you arrive is the only positive communication.tel:+[email protected]://www.vudamarina.com.fj/For a very comfortable resort and excellent diving experience near SavuSavu visit Jean Michel, Yachties can book dives here but dont expect to buy a beer or a meal. You can anchor near the resort and the tender vessel will pick you up.Jean Michel Cousteau Resort in FijLesiaceva Point Road, Savusavu, FJ 9999+61 3 9815 0379https://www.fijiresort.com/Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailYes its windy in Fiji and why do conditions get worse when something is broken. In my case the anchor windlass seized at Paradise Resort, I was not able to fix it in Savusavu and need to sail to the Vuda Marina in the South of Fiji to find an engineering shop. We decided to spend a couple of weeks travelling to Vuda Marina and also stop and do some diving enroute, however the wind decided to make that a real challenge. Anchoring in 25m of water without an anchor winch and recovering your anchor by hand in gusty conditions, not fun. We also found an island  where the wind never stops, Yadua Island is quite beautiful but we never saw less then 25 knots of breeze. Be warned. However the locals there where great. Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailOne of the challenges of sailing is transferring money from currency to currency and paying the bills without incurring large international banking fees.Four years ago I found a banking product that changed how I pay the bills in multiple countries whilst sailing and travelling,  it saves me between $500 and $1500 in international bank transfer fees every year it also works at every ATM and shop that I have tried from London to Fiji and even in a little truck stop in outback Mexico. Wise previously know as transferwise is my travel card of choice. This little green debit card works everywhere.  The only place that would not accept it was a car rental in Europe, car rental Tonga accepted with a smile. If you find somewhere it does not work let me know and I'll avoid that location.If you use the following link you get a fee free transfer of up to 500 euro or the approximate amount in the other currencies.   I dont now how long the offer will remain valid for.Click here to check out  WiseThis is also a great travel card for young people starting on thier first backpacking adventure.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailToday I discuss the town of Savasavu in Fiji, a yacht first point of entry into Fiji, I discuss the different marina and mooring options, provisioning and where to find a sim card and a cold beer.Savusavu has most of the requirements fora visiting yachty. The town is also a great spot to conduct crew transfer, as the airport is close by and it only a 1hr flight from Nadi Fiji.Its also one location where basic repairs can be made and equipment obtained. The new marina is built to cyclone standards, if you need to leave your yacht.I also discuss diving at Paradise dive resort on the Island of Taviuni its about 25nm or a 6hr passage from Savusavu. Paradise is a great spot for visiting yachts to access fantasic dive spots such as "the white wall" and "Rainbow Reef" we went with the resort dive team on their fast boats, we also dived nearer to the resort using our own tender.  Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailAfter several day anchored in Neiafu Harbour locted in the North of the Vavau Island Group in the North of Tonga The crew splits up to chase different adventures.Crew parts way with little warning and we sail to Savuavu in Fiji. Sailing short handed as a two person crew Esther and I sail close to the French Island of Futuna, We added an extra 200nm to our planned sail to avoid a huge storm that was passing over Fiji and bearing down on Tonga.In hindsight stopping at Wallace or Futuna would have been a smart choice as other cruiser stopped and loved the place.Fiji Customs surprise me on my third rumbo at 1900hrs, yep super keen to work Sunday at my expense when there overtime to be earned.  Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailThis Gear Talk is about Anchoring, one of the most essential elements of sailing and something people fail at far too often.Some anchorages in the Pacific islands can pose real challenges to yachts if your gear is not up to the challenge.Gear Tip: 1 x anchor is not enough for a Pacific cruise. I consider 2 to 3 decent anchors essential and a backup anchor rope with at least 15m of chain .  Lets talk about anchors, chain, anchor buddies, snubbers and shackles.Good anchors and anchor gear is the best form of self insurance. In todays world it is getting harder to insure a cruising vessel in the Pacific, if you can. Its becoming very expensive to insure cruising vessels. Being able to convince and demonstrate to your insurer you have the best gear and your an expert in using your gear may help you obtain insurance and reduce you premium. Many people I know are turning to self insuring and buying the best gear that works.Click here: to visit the Rockna Website I don's have any deals with Rockna just bloody good anchor, that said I'd accept a couple of anchors from Rockna or another anchor manufacturer to test and review. So far my orignal rockna sets like a gem. Its easy to praise something that just works first time everytime. It also recovers over the anchor roller much cleaner than my previous delta, the delta was also a good anchor, just not in hard coral sands.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailOn a beautiful morning we leave Nuka Alofa sailing for the newest island on planet Earth, Hunga Tonga. So after 36nm we reach a barren rocky island take some photos then plot a course to the island of Ha'affva in the Middle kingdom its 50nm to the Nth Est.  I cannot say my crew were thrilled at my choice of photo opportunities but how often do you see a new island. The crew were rewarded with an island tropical paridise and hump back whales the following morning.  We made landfall and spent the next few days exploring and diving the waters of the Middle Kingdom before we sailed North for the Vava'u group in the Kingdom of Tonga.I would revisit the Middle Kingdom and I think July to August is the preferred months, it is isolated and exotic in a Tongan way.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailIts been a long hard 12 day ocean sail from Whangarei in New Zealand to the Kingdom of Tonga. We clear customs find and then find an anchorage where it is safe for TinTin. Time to explore the largest city in Tonga called Nuka Alofa.  The Southern Kingdom, its also where the King of Tonga lives.Sailing in Tonga means I need to obtain cruising permits for the yacht and crew from customs before I depart to the North. I will need to find fresh food, top my water tanks, obtain some fuel and also LPG gas. We have been advised its the Kings Birthday in a couple of days,  this means a massive party and a parade.  Count us in for a party and booze.However the first item on the agenda is a seedy bar in the Port district, meeting the crew of little fish for a beer. The bar is only 100m from the yacht, this requires the dinghy and its Tongan Rum time.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailCrew or no Crew.This trip has been tuff, the first few days I was basically solo sailing. I was also looking after my 3 sick crew members, Pierre a frenchman has recovered from the worst of his sea sickness by day 3 but his girlfriend was still quite ill, Esther my other female crew member was also  doing it tuff. After 7 days at sea I decided to interview my crew and get thier impressions of ocean sailing its a little over half way to Tonga and they have experienced some really bad weather, we also avoided a huge storm by slowing down this adding a couple of days to our journey. Today is beautiful sailing and I'm seeing somes smiles on my crew.I like solo sailing I also like teaching sailing and meeting new people who have different life experiences,  but sailing with crew can be harder than solo.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailI tore the main in a gale solo sailing from Picton. So now I needed to find a sail maker who can repair my main sail quickly so I can depart for the Pacific. UK sails in Whangarei agreed to do the job,  if I aarive in the next couple of days. They also recommended I sail to the Town Basin Marina, its only 400m away from the sail loft and 100m from a really big supermarket. I was surprised at how big this town was and the amazing level of services available to visiting yachts. A quick night sail had me approaching Port Whangarei for the morning tide.Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos

Send us Fan MailA four day solo sail from Picton in the South Island of New Zealand to The Great Barrier Island in the North Island of New Zealand. I get pushed along in a 50 knot Southerly Buster.Three days of big seas, storm conditions and dodging ships in the middle of the night. My journy started in perfect calm conditions and thats what I had for the last 2 days. Becalmed, I motor the last day or about 36hrs of the journey. Trying to find a sailmaker to repair my main and a super market to provision for the journey ahead. I also have a nagging question. What country to sail to and where to leave from in New Zealand,  and what is Whangarei. Support the showWebsite: www.trevwhitesailing.comSailing Blog: trevwhitesailingNewsletter: The rumbo expressYou Tube: My podcast and interview videos