BIG WEEKEND ON THE LERMONTOV
With the weather being a bit unpredictable over the past 4 weeks, we were hoping to score a good one this weekend. Luckily the weather gods were smiling on us and just as well as we ventured out with 4 full boats of keen wreck divers hoping for a look at the Mikhail Lermontov.
GO DIVE MARLBOROUGH GUIDES NINE AND ANDREA WITH WATERWORLD EXPEDITION DIVERS FROM ESTONIA
Paul and his group from Underwater Sports in Christchurch and a group from Nelson Underwater Club ventured out in near perfect conditions on Saturday. Enjoying an early 7.30 start they landed above the Lerm at around 10am and kitted up for the first of their three dives. It was the first time for most of the group on the Lermontov, with the wreck living up to their expectations. Visibility varied between 6 to 10 meters, with it being much better inside for those who were prepared for penetration.
On Sunday Paul and his group enjoyed another early start and headed out again for the day. Followed closely by a large group from Estonia fresh from a 5 day charter at the Poor Knights. The weather unfortunately contrary to the forecast was overcast and a slight Northerly building up throughout the day. However surface conditions were still good on the wreck with dive guide Guy mentioning the visibility being up to 15 to 20 meters in places. The trip back got a bit hairy for a time as the boat rounded Cape Jackson, this is where tide meets swell and it can be a bit nasty, it is also the place where the pilot of the Lermontov made his fateful error of judgement hitting the rocks between the Cape and Lighthouse.
The Underwater Sports group dropped in for a Scallop dive on their way in from the wreck, and also a look at the wreck of the Koi, a nice way to finish off a good weekends diving by taking home a feed of fresh shell fish for the family.
SKIPPER TANIA WITH UNDERWATER SPORTS DIVERS
A big thanks to all the groups and especially the dive guides and skippers. Paul from Underwater Sports is keen on making the Lermontov weekends a regular event, so if you are living in the Christchurch area and keen on visiting this world class wreck drop into Paul at his shop in Tuam street for a chat.
Brent 
Go Dive Marlborough