By Tony Reid
The first New Zealand team to row cross the Tasman made it to shore today, but for a brief stop only.
Team Gallagher made landfall in the Bay of Islands where they picked up supplies and prepared to say goodbye to one of their crew.
The team pulled up to a small welcome party after a long time at sea. It has been 51 days since Nigel Cherrie, Martin Berka, Andrew McGowan and James Blake set off from Sydney.
“We've gone through so many ups and down,” says Berka. "A dream come true.”
Berka agreeing, saying it is a “fantastic” feeling to be home.
The aim had been to get to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, but Berka needed to get off.
“[I’m] gutted that I can't continue,” he says. “It is a hard choice to make, that's what I did.”
The four were met by Colin Quincey, who made history in 1977 when he became the first person to row solo from New Zealand to Australia.
“The weather was far kinder to me than it was to them,” Quincey says. “They got stuck for three weeks going nowhere – that is real tough.”
With the small celebration before more rowing needing to be done, team manager Rob Hamill says Berka “has his reasons” for departing.
Team Gallagher say they will try to leave Urupukapuka Island again before nightfall after restocking the boat and resuming their slog to Auckland.
McCowan says it will be hard getting to Auckland, “it is the finish that will keep us going down”.
The team say the end is bittersweet, not the journey they planned, but still a huge achievement.
They are the first Kiwi team to row across the Tasman.
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