Summer Newsletter '08/'09
Ahoy there Crewmember! ,
Well summer is right on us and our "Peak Season" starts this Saturday in the Marlborough Sounds. Its been an up and down winter with the fuel prices going crazy, the change of government here in NZ, the global economy crisis etc etc. Well winter has come and gone and now we have fuel prices are way down, our new government is in, NZ doesn't seem to be as affected with the global crisis and the experts say its going to be a HOT one this summer. The Compass Crew has expanded and we are looking forward to the season as we have a new and bigger fleet this year. We wanted to update you all on quite a few new developments which are,
- We have new specials running for this season
- We have 4 new vessels added to our fleet for their first summer which are Jumelle, U4ria, Cosmic Thing and Orion.
- We have a new 44ft Beneteau yacht called "Bugamar" coming into the fleet this summer and will be ready in February.
- Our new great website which has been launched.
- We need your favourite recipes to add to our Compass Charters Cuisine book.
- New Kayaks and Outboards for hire.
So read on below to find out more and give us a call anytime on 0800 101 332 if you have any queries.
Summer and Autumn specials '08/'09
- Get an extra free day - Charter for 7 days or more and you get one free day. Ie charter for 7 days and pay for 6 days. (This offer excludes the period from December the 24th until January the 8th.)
- Waitangi Day weekend - Get 1/2 day free with a 3 day booking. That last morning not rushing back to base makes it all worth while. We have a few yachts still available so call us to find out what we have left.
- Boat and a batch relax - Hire a runabout and a Batch in the Sounds. We have a fully furnished 3 bedroom Batch with own mooring and jetty in Lochmara Bay. It
is the perfect spot to get away from the pace of city life. We also have batches in Endeavour Inlet and the Bay of Many Coves. Explore the sounds during the day with your own runabout. Fish, dive, bush walks, water-skiing or just read a book, you have the best of both worlds ashore and afloat. Prices start at $430 (depending on which runabout you choose, which batch and the season) for 24 hrs. Minimum stay is 48hrs (depending on time of year). Leave on a Friday afternoon and spend all day Saturday in your own paradise then head back Sunday afternoon. - The runabouts we use for this special is Compass Rose , Huntsman and Orion (pictured)
All our batch's are around 20 - 40 minutes boat drive away.
New toys to hire
Kayaks - single seaters
We have new kayaks to hire this season. The are a great way to get the kids out if they have cabin fever! Hours of fun for all the family. They are 
rugged and stable and easily stored on deck as they are only 2.7m long.
Cost is $25 load/set up on boat/wash down fee. $25/day for first 3 days and then $15/day after that.
Lots of bays can be explored from your mooring and saves pumping up the dinghy!
2.5HP - 4 Stroke Outboards
We also have new 2.5 HP 4-Stroke Suzuki Outboards. The new Suzuki 4 stroke is easy to start, reliable and very quiet. Great on fuel economy as one tanks goes for ages. It's very light to lift on and off your dinghy. Most of our dinghies have hard bottoms. Please enquire with us for further details on your vessels dinghy.
Cost is $25 load/set up on boat/wash down fee. $25/day for first 3 days and then $15/day after that.
For those of you who want a more relaxed way of getting to the shore!
New Vessel additions 44ft Beneteau A little late for the season but we are taking bookings now for those of you who want to try her out in the New Year! For more details on Bugamar click here. For enquiries please click here.
Our latest yacht addition to the fleet is a proven charter boat from the Caribbean. With 4 double cabins, 2 heads and a great cockpit she will be popular here in the Sounds. "Bugamar" has all the usual inventory onboard and is currently going through the MSA survey. We hope to have here available for charter at the start of February.
Call our staff to enquire on availability on 0800 101 332.
40ft Power Catamaran
We have a new Power catamaran called "Jumelle" coming into charter. It is a French designed 40ft Euphorie catamaran. "Jumelle" has 4 large double cabins, each with an ensuite, full systems, full electronics, aircon/central heating, great flybridge and viewing platform etc etc. With the stability of a 21.5ft beam, "Jumelle" also has the comforts of a luxury apartment. She has twin Perkins 250 HP inboard diesels which enables her to cruise at 16kts. Superb manoeuvrability in close quarters she is a skippers delight.
"Jumelle" has gone through a MSA survey and is now ready for the Summer season. For those who demand a bit of SPACE and COMFORT - go no further. Go ahead treat yourself!
For more details on Jumelle click here. For enquiries please click here. Call our staff to enquire on availability on 0800 101 332.
Farr 1020
Also new to the sailing fleet this summer is "COSMIC THING" a very tidy and racy mid-sized yacht. She too has had some upgrades this winter, new electric toilet, electrics, new showers and more. Cosmic Thing sleeps 6 in total but the ideal crew for her would be 4 POB. She has a double forepeak cabin, another double can be made up in the saloon as well as a single and there is also a good size quarter berth aft of the Nav station.
A great 35fter for 4 people with tonnes of room but also perfect for Mum and Dad and the family. Prices start at $400 in Economy, $460 -$480 in Shoulder and $520 per day in Peak season.
For more details on Cosmic Thing click here. For enquiries please click here.
Pelin Sterling 36
And "U4RIA" - our latest launch is ready for charter. She is a 36ft Pelin Sterling called "U4RIA" (Euphoria) and has finally finished her extensive refit. A classic Frank Pelin design and proven hull, she is in superb condition after going through a extensive professional refit in Christchurch. With upgrades too numerous to mention, you will love the layout and the features purposely installed for charter.
Built in 2000 with the latest systems she has undergone another new transformation this winter with a new saloon, cockpit, boarding platform, new heads, cabin, galley etc. With a Volvo 165hp on a shaft producing a cruising speed of around 8 - 9 kts she is more of a gentle explorer for the Sounds. She can sleep 6 but 4 is the ideal crew with two double cabins and the saloon has a double bed which folds out. A perfect sea worthy boat for 2 couples or a family who want to amble along at their own pace in comfort.
Excellent electronics, new fridge and freezer and new galley. All the comforts on board to make you feel at home. New photos of the interior and exterior will be available on our website soon.
For more details on U4ria click here. For enquiries please click here.
Call our staff to enquire
on availability on 0800 101 332.
Float plane trip
For something new this season, we are working with Picton FloatPlane Service. What a great way to see the Sounds if you are short on time and you didn't get to all the spots you wanted to. These guys can meet you at your mooring and then you and your crew jump into the plane and off you go. Your'e up at D'Urville Island in no time. If you are interested then check them out at www.nz-scenic-flights.co.nz
Compass Charters Cuisine Book
We are gathering all our favourite boat recipes for the galley. This will be published in the winter ready for next summer. So for all you budding galley chefs out there that have a favourite tasty number, send them into us and it may be added to our new Compass Charters Cuisine Book.
Also Don't Forget ..........
Fishing
One of our fleet favourites, E.J , has been fitted with and brand new Raymarine colour chart plotter/radar as well as a diesel heater for the winter/early spring season to keep you warm and cozy. So with those perfect clear and calm days during winter/early spring you can keep your shorts and t-shirt on in the evening now! Don't forget we have a fully stocked shop with all the gear, tackle and bait you will need for your trip here in the Sounds. We have over 40 rods for hire and the shop has grown since last season and has been updated with the latest stock, soft baits and so on. The scallop season is in full flow at the moment and there are plenty of them around so give us a call to organize your trip. We specialise in fishing and diving trips for all group levels. Send an enquiry
Diving
New for 2008/09! - We can organize to have you picked up from your vessel by Dive Marlborough on their boat and take you diving and then drop you back to your boat afterwards. All your gear and equipment can be organised here at our base before the start of your trip so you don't have to carry anything on board. So if you have some of your crew who are not divers they can relax safely at the mooring for the morning while you are out exploring underwater.
Charter News and developments
If you have always wanted to give sailing a go or are a bit rusty then we have a few programs for the spring/summer, which may appeal to you.The Academy
Follow this link http://www.rpnyc.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=13&Itemid=54 to get to the courses offered by the Academy based within the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. The courses are run by Mathew Wood over in Wellington. But when Day skipper courses are held, Matt uses various yachts in our fleet here in the Queen Charlotte Sound. The Day skipper course held is the "YNZ National Sailing Scheme Level 3" Day Skipper course. Day Skipper is a direct follow-on from the Next Tack course and enables participants to gain the YNZ National Sailing Scheme Level 3 Cruising Skills (Skipper) Certificate.
Please contact Matt Wood for more details at http://www.rpnyc.org.nz/index.php?option=com_contact&task=view&contact_id=3&Itemid=114
Learn to Sail
Learn the basic skills needed for competent crew level. They will usually run Monday through to Saturday with one of our 5 professional skippers, but call us for more details. Contact us for further details.
If you prefer a short cruise with less or no emphasis on sailing tuition and skills, spend 1 to 3 days with us in Queen Charlotte Sound just relaxing. It's a wonderful way to spend a weekend. We also have a skipper who specialises in nature cruises for groups of up to 6.
Single Sailors
We have several enquiries from single sailors who want to team up with a crew of other single sailors. We will provide the skipper and will put together a crew for you. This takes a little longer to organize as we have to get all you singles together but once everybody has a date in mind then off we go! Please enquire for further details on a great holiday in this area.
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Prices 3 Days $650, 5 Days $990, Discounts 10% off for each: 90 day advance booking; 2 or more persons. Minimum of 4 people required per trip. |
Catamaran cruising
If you want to cruise in luxury, comfort and style, then we are running daily skippered charters aboard "Jumelle" and "Panache Cat" this season. For a great day out on Queen Charlotte Sound taking in all the sights, these luxurious vessels set a fast and stable pace on the water. We can take groups of up to 20 (Jumelle) and 22 (Panache Cat) minimum numbers do apply. Included is a Professional MSA qualified skipper and chef (if required) to cater to your needs.
Perfect for corporate events, Xmas parties and team building, sheet in that sail, hoist the main, take the helm to feel that exhilarating feeling of gliding past the islands – Jumelle or Panache Cat will be the highlight of your trip here in the Sounds. Picnic lunch and refreshments included.
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Prices Daily rate per person. $195.00 includes picnic lunch and soft beverages. Discounts 10% off for each 60 day advance booking with 4 or more persons in one party. Minimum of 8 people required per trip aboard Panache Cat and Jumelle. Qualified Skipper is included in price. "Treat yourself to the finer side of life - you deserve it!" |
That's it from us here for the time being until our "Autumn Newsletter" in March.
Waikawa Marina * PO Box 334 * Picton * Toll Free 0800 101332 * Ph +64 (0)3 5738332 * Fax +64 (0)3 5738587 * Mob 027 4340247
Email: crew@compass-charters.co.nz Web: www.compass-charters.co.nz