Happy Jack's Elephant Cove on Motukahaua Island off the western coast of Coromandel Peninsular is one of the most outstanding anchorages of the Hauraki Gulf. A bit of breeze can't change that.

Happy Jack's Elephant Cove is also one of the more isolated anchorages of the Hauraki Gulf.

It is a jewel in the Gulf crown with steep sided cliffs on either side of the entrance, gannets circling overhead as you approach and a boulder beach at the head of the cove. After the anchor has been lowered and the engine shutdown, the peace and quiet is broken only by the intermittent lapping of water against the rocks.

Yet whenever I exchange stories of this tranquil spot, I often hear somebody grizzle about the Firth of Thames' reputation for throwing up a South Westerly as the evening approaches. Those SW breezes shouldn't be allowed to spoil one of the Hauraki Gulf's most outstanding anchorages.

My first magical experience of the anchorage was in the 1980s and included the overnight sail over there. An old friend and I, our two daughters and my son left Auckland after one of those helter skelter weeks in the corporate world. Roger and I were determined to wash away the week with a couple of rums, but it was also time for a bit of paternal bonding with our rapidly growing daughters. At that stage the girls considered sailing OK but did not rate it cool enough for either of them to be seen enjoying themselves.

It was a beautiful evening with a light northerly and Prize slipped along under full sail out through the Motuihe Passage and down the outside of Waiheke Island. A small moon lit the way as far as Gannet Rock when it set in the NW horizon hours at leaving us with a beautiful night sky with stars above and brilliant phosphorescence below. One of the girls came up on deck just to check out the old fogies and spotted the phosphorous glow of dolphins coming at us from both sides.

It was an unforgettable experience. All of a sudden sailing was "cool" as for the next ten minutes we were entertained by the dolphins. They really turned it on for the kids. Eventually Roger and I were left to sail the remainder of the voyage in peace and around 0400 hours we arrived at Elephant Cove.

What a spot to wake up in on a beautifully still morning. A shore party was rapidly organised and the island thoroughly explored. A spot of fishing off one of the islands had us returning to the Cove with supplies for an early meal, only to have our banquet spoiled by that south westerly filling in just as dinner was on the table. Still that's yachting for you!

A short run to the NE side of Motuwi Island found smooth water for the night. We have attempted to anchor at Elephant Cove on at least half a dozen occasions since and have often had to re-anchor on one or other side of Motuwi Island or else in the lee of Motukaramarama Island. But don't be put off by the south westerlies, Elephant Cove is definitely a good spot to spend some time. Its good holding in the Cove with deep water right up to the rocks, so there's plenty of room to swing even if a couple of other boats are with you. And if the weather should turn, the nearby islands provide highly acceptable alternatives.

Perseverance is the name of the game and the rewards are seclusion and privacy at one of the most isolated anchorages in the Gulf.

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