Opua in the Bay Of Islands is currently host to a flotilla of 25 boats. They're waiting for the right weather conditions before hoisting anchor and setting sail on 2024 Pacific Rally, a six month voyage across the ocean.
This year - for the first time ever - the sailors have also been recruited for a huge science experiment.
James Frankham, is co-founder of Citizens Of The Sea - the charity behind the effort - and also the publisher of NZ Geographic.
generic boat waves Photo: 123RF
