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We purchased our very first sailing boat in 2007 – a 23-foot-long Aquarius. It was a trailer-sailer, which meant we could explore different sailing grounds across the North Island of New Zealand.
Our maiden voyage was very adventurous. We were so keen to get out there that we ignored the wind warning and the fact we hadn’t yet purchased the dinghy. Luckily, Karl grew up sailing with his family, as I (Dana) had no idea how to sail.
We sold our trailer-sailer and started our family. But we were living on the doorstep of the beautiful Waitemata and Gulf Harbour. We couldn’t wait any longer and three weeks after our third son Luke was born in January 2016 we purchased Casco – a Davidson 28 sail boat. Luke was 10 weeks old when we ventured out onto the sea for the first time.
We had a great time during the six years of sailing Casco. We explored the Hauraki Gulf islands with our kids’ boats flotilla – a group of friends and their children who shared the same passion for sailing adventures…and a good rum and coke 🙂
The Captain.
Karl grew up sailing dinghies and later keel boats. He was 10 years old when his parents launched Mecanos - a 34ft Far 1020 his Dad built in their backyard. Later, Karl joined several crews to do competitive racing and offshore passages from New Zealand to Tonga and Fiji. Karl is an avid surfer, wing foiler and diver (both free and scuba diving). He loves fishing and Happy Hours 🙂
The First Mate
Dana grew up in the Czech Republic - a landlocked country in the middle of Europe. Her sailing adventures started when she met Karl 17 years ago. Dana holds NZ Coastguard Boat Master certificate and PADI Open water diving qualification. She loves exploring the under water world as much as a good hike through the mountainous islands.
The Rudies Crew
Boys grew up sailing around Waitemata and Gulf Harbour. Zak (our oldest boy) turned four when we bought our first family sailing boat, Casco. Now 12, 10 and 8 years old our boys have becme skilled crew members. The have fun skurfing, learning to wing foil, snorkeling, free diving, and fishing. They also love building LEGO, drawing, and learning to play guitar and piano.
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