Great Escape Sailing

07/02/2025

Three days in and Fiji bound?? Ok, maybe not for their first voyage in a Noelex 25! 😁😆

06/02/2025

Happy Waitangi day everyone! So cool for our waka to see the traditional waka out on the water at Te Ti Bay.

04/02/2025

We really appreciate the Russell Radio service for all our sailors, thank you.

Good afternoon everyone!
Another fantastic week of boating with perfect weather, resulting in 437 trip reports logged. While there were no major incidents, we assisted with alerts for a dog overboard, relayed messages about a floating log hazard, and handled various boating inquiries.
Russell Radio is thrilled to welcome three new voices to our team: Martin, Arthur & Mike!
Remember, we're here for all your boating needs:
- Trip reports
- Marine weather updates (broadcast 6 times daily)
- Radio checks
- General boating inquiries
"Channel 63 - the place to be!"

03/02/2025

The bliss of rowing to your own private beach in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

30/01/2025

Want to understand the Yachting New Zealand and International Yacht Training Worldwide sailing qualifications we offer and the course pathway?
Check out our latest blog post -

With Great Escape you enjoy a fabulous sailing holiday in the beautiful Bay of Islands whist gaining IYT & YNZ internationally recognised qualifications.

28/01/2025

Some excellent guidelines for those dreaming of casting off for long term voyaging.

There was a note in the Seven Seas Cruising Associate Newsletter a few years back, asking, “What hints would you give to someone who was looking for their very first offshore cruising boat.” When the next issue of the newsletter arrived I read some of the answers and felt that they reflected budgets and desires that could discourage any but relatively wealthy folks from thinking they could get out cruising. So, I compiled the following list. I know this list reflects my experiences and some folks will disagree with me. But remember I am a woman who came to love sailing and enjoyed cruising for more than 55 years, first with Larry for 47 years, more recently with David. Sahula, the 40 foot Van de Stadt sloop which David lived on and sailed around the world during 10 years. Even Sahula, is considered a small boat by many contemporary cruisers. Though I enjoy sailing on board her and appreciate some of the extra comforts she offers, I do not feel she is “safer” or “better” for offshore cruising than the 24’4” Seraffyn or 29’6” Taleisin I spent so many years on.

1. Everyone will try to convince you the boat size they chose was the best and the gear they chose was absolutely necessary – after all if you buy the same it validates their choices.

2. Length, size or displacement do not equal safety. 3. Seamanship, preparation, forethought and flexibility equal safety.

4. The very best piece of safety equipment you can have is a skilled and willing crew.

5. Not one woman I have met cruising on boats over 42 feet felt she could maneuver her boat into port or move it to a safer anchorage without help if her mate was debilitated.

6. Security and comfort do not equal freedom and adventure.

Almost 52 years ago Larry first coined the motto: Go small, go simple, go now. I add, if you wait until you can afford perfection, you might find you or your partner are no longer strong enough or healthy enough to handle a sailboat in rougher conditions, nor mentally flexible enough to leave shore life and enjoy voyaging.

27/01/2025

Sunshine, sparkling water and three of the fleet about to set sail. After a few ups and downs with the weather, today is pure magic - perfect for sailing.

16/01/2025

One of our favorite anchorages.

Waewaetorea Island is a stunner! You can see why getting out on the water and exploring the islands of the Bay of Islands is a must do!

16/01/2025

How to Hove to. An essential skill to enable you to stop sailing with the sails up.
See our latest sailing tips post -https://www.greatescape.co.nz/sailing-tips/heaving-to-hove-to/

10/01/2025

Ready to set sail. Two of our newest sailors about to head off with Mum and Dad for a sailing adventure.

05/01/2025

Fundamental Navigation - Chart, hand bearing compass, and eyeballs!
Find your way safely in the Bay of Islands.

04/01/2025

Fundamental Navigation - chart, handbearing compass, and eyeballs.
Learn the basics for safe cruising.

28/12/2024

Hey sailors, if any of you are around today some great opportunities to join the community beach clean-ups.

Lets do this!

15/12/2024

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

15/12/2024

Great news from a wonderful local community!

🗑️ RUSSELL WHARF POP-UP RUBBISH & RECYCLING IS BACK! ♻️

Great news for summer boaties! Need to dispose of your on-board waste? The Russell Wharf Pop-up Centre is booked to be back over the Xmas break:

⏰ Daily: 8:00-11:00 AM & 2:00-5:00 PM
📅 26 December - 19 January
💰 Rubbish bags: $8 each
✨ Recycling: FREE!

Why not make it part of your Russell visit? Stock up on provisions, enjoy a meal at our local eateries, and keep your boat ship-shape - all in one stop!

Together we can keep our beautiful bay clean! 🌊✨

Photo courtesy of Kororāreka Russell Community Wharf Kaitiaki Trust

15/12/2024

Great weather for ducks and enthusiastic instructors!

15/12/2024

Your opportunity. RAVEN 31 now available - 19th to 25th January. Book online or get in touch. First in, first served.