From the Eye of the Storm to the Bay of Islands

For Gill ambassadors JP and Charlotte, arriving in New Zealand was a hard-earned milestone. After 16 months crossing the Pacific, the final leg on their Fast 500, Jacqeau from Fiji became a true test of survival – battling total systems failure and a dramatic knockdown in heavy seas. Dropping anchor in New Zealand was a moment they describe as a "deep exhale," marking the end of a gruelling offshore chapter.

Now, the duo has traded the relentless open ocean for the tactical "playground" of the Bay of Islands. We caught up with Project World Sail on location as they put our new OS3 Costal Cruising Jacket through its paces in the environment it was designed for. Built for agility and the rapid shifts of New Zealand’s "four seasons in one day," the OS3 has become their essential companion as they transition from offshore survival to active coastal exploration.

For those just joining your journey, where has the wind taken you over the last few months, and how did it feel to finally drop anchor in New Zealand?

We sailed into New Zealand in November, a massive milestone marking the end of our 16-month Pacific crossing that began in Panama. Dropping anchor here felt like a deep exhale. Since then, we’ve been immersed in the sheer scale of New Zealand’s nature. For a sailor, the North Island is a playground – hundreds of islands, protected flat water, and consistent, reliable winds. It definitely took us a bit of time to re-adjust to the cold water again!

 

Can you tell us about the crossing from to New Zealand? What were the standout moments, and what kind of conditions did the ocean throw at you?

We had a rough passage down from Fiji to New Zealand. We lost our autohelm and all navigation systems in heavy weather, forcing us back to traditional navigation methods. Our lack of autohelm meant we lived outside in the cockpit in relentless rain and spray. At one point a wave hit us beam-on with such force that we suffered from a knock-down. Water surged from one side of the boat to the other taking anything that was in the cockpit with it. Thankfully JP who was helming at the time was clipped on otherwise we would have lost him.

And whilst the weather was manageable, towards the end of the passage we were extremely sleep deprived. Our Gill Aqua Parka became our sanctuary – we’d literally crawl inside it to snatch a few minutes of sleep amidst the chaos.

 

Moving from a long offshore passage to the "144 islands" of the Bay is a big shift. How does the intensity of ocean sailing compare to the more tactical, active sailing you're doing now?

It’s a total shift in mindset. Offshore, you're playing the 'macro' game – long-term weather routing and self-reliance. Coastal sailing in the Bay of Islands is 'micro' and highly tactical. You have the luxury of choice – seeking a port of refuge or heading to the pub when the weather turns – but the sailing itself keeps you much busier. Between sea breezes, tides, and those famous NZ katabatic winds, you’re constantly trimming and changing sails. It’s active, exciting, and lets us really push the boat’s performance.

New Zealand is famous for having "four seasons in one day." How has that moody weather changed how you prepare for a day on the water?

This is so true. We now keep a 'cockpit bundle' of layers ready at all times. You can go from sweating in a T-shirt to shivering in a squall within ten minutes. We’ve mastered the art of the quick change; having the thermal base layers and the knit fleece within arm's reach is the only way to stay ahead of the wind chill.

 

You've been putting the new OS3 Coastal Jacket through its paces. Between short tacks and tight anchorages, you're moving much more – how has the kit handled this, and do you have a favourite feature?

This new OS3 jacket feels like a real step up from other coastal jackets. The dual-pocket system is a gamechanger; the side-entry pockets are perfect for warming hands between tacks, while the deep cargo pockets keep essential tools secure. Also, that high-cut neck is a lifesaver during those crisp evening watches.

Beyond the jacket, what is the one piece of kit that has been essential for you on this specific New Zealand trip?

The Knit Fleece has been our MVP. As soon as the sun dips behind a sail or the clouds roll in, it’s the first thing we grab. After two years in the humid tropics, our internal thermostats are still adjusting, so having something lightweight yet cosy that cuts the wind chill has been a dream. It’s officially 'fleece weather' again, and we’re not mad about it!

 

Looking back at the last few weeks in the Bay of Islands, what has been the definitive highlight of the trip so far?

While the anchorages are world-class, the definitive highlight has been the quality of the sailing itself. After the gruelling conditions of our last passage, helming Jacqeau through the flat, turquoise waters of the Bay felt like a reward. It’s reminded us why we love being on the water.

 

Now that you’ve conquered the offshore leg and settled into the coast, what’s the next big goal on the horizon for you both?

We’ve still got half the world to go, but this feels like the 'home run' of our circumnavigation. We’re picking up the pace now, aiming for a Mediterranean finish in the summer of 2027. The upcoming route is incredibly remote – New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomons, and Papua New Guinea – before we tackle the complexities of Indonesia, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal. The adventure is only getting started.