Great Barrier: Smokehouse Bay

We were fortunate enough to catch up with Jeff and Lyn O'Neil of Lynette (another Logan33) at Great Barrier Island in February 08.

In addition to them sharing an energetic walk over to Katherine Bay from Karaka Bay (another story), Jeff had a catch of snapper that he was keen to try an smoke at the smokehouse at, Smokehouse Bay.

This is a fantastic facility offering washing facilities, clothes lines, a bath house with (fire generated) hot water as well as tables and benches for an on shore break.

Jeff's smoked schnapper come highly recommended. Thanks for the food and company.

Additional to the above, the anchorage wass very sheltered from the west - south west winds that plagued us for a few days.

Anchorage: Smokehouse Bay
Visited: Feb 08
Position:

Moturekareka Island

Called into Moturekareka and anchored inside the wreck "Rewa" (originally the Alice Leigh) sunk to make a breakwater when Charlie Hanson owned the Island.

When delivered it was complete with rigging and sails. I have just read more about it with photographs in "Dark Sun" by Erica Grundman about the Sailor/philosopher George Dibbern and his ketch Te Rapunga who visited Chalie Hanson in 1935 and obtained block & tackle and ropes from the Rewa .

Sheltered from all winds inside the wreck there is room for 1 or at least two Logan 33's rafted up.

Snorkelling the wreck is fun. A lot of of the ship was salvaged in earlier years, but still gives an awe when swimming inside the hull.

Lying on the northern side of Moturekareka Island is the rusted steel hull of the Rewa, a sad end for a once proud ship which at 3,000 ton had been the biggest four masted baroque afloat in her day.

The Rewa was brought to Moturekareka to act as a breakwater across the bay and to serve as a floating boatel for guests of its owner, Mr Charlie Hansen.

The vessel was fully equipped right down to table napkins. It was intended that the vessel should lie with her bow towards the shore but the ship keeled over in a storm and settled on a ledge where she has remained ever since.

Anchorage: Moturekareka Island
Last Visited: Jan 08
Position:
Contributed by: Alan & Nicky Good - Lucille - Logan 33