Tasman Bay has its own climate, boasting the most sunshine hours in New Zealand. In the summer there is always an afternoon sea breeze providing perfect sailing and it is normally calm at night.

The Marlborough Sounds by contrast are next to the notorious Cook Strait where gale force winds are common. Here is sailing at its most exhilarating but shelter is never far away. There can be strong williwaws in one fiord and just round the corner is only a light breeze.

Summer is from December to March when the sun is most strong, but this is a temperate region and sailing is possible the whole year in both areas.There can be frost at night in winter but the days can still be pleasant and warm. July and August are the coldest months when Tasman Bay offers fantastic scenery with the snow covered mountains.