Brynlee, our new Grand daughter was born 19th April and we spent some time enjoying her new presence in our World. After making an early entry into the World and weighing just 5lb 14oz she had to have a little help to start with but after a month she was coming along gang busters.
After 6 weeks, she was sleeping up to 8 hrs and it was time that we started thinking about returning onto Falshator and leaving NZ again, this time back to Fiji.
The boat has been checked and several things fixed under Warranty from Windcraft. They have been very good with the little things that needed addressing and never disputed any claims, fixing things like a new VHF handheld, new Outhaul line, new Mirrors(that had absorbed moisture somehow) and a couple of other things. Aaron from Windcraft is a pleasure to deal with.
The Rigging was checked as well as an engine service done so everything was ready to go again.
Our old Tender that we shipped up to Croatia at the start of our Journey was due for renewal. It was a Maxxon soft bottom and served us well with the ability to fold her up, put her into a bag and stow it away down below on the Legs. But she wasn't the most comfortable in a bit of chop, and 4 up was a challenge even in Calm water. So it was sold along with the 4HP Yamaha and we splashed out on a new 2.6m Highfield with Ali floor and large Pontoons. To push her along, I bought a new 9.8HP Tohatsu, the best power to weight outboard out there and only 5 kilos heavier than the 4HP Yamaha.
Trying to clock up 10 hours to run the engine in before we left was not the easiest thing to do and took several days going up and down the far reaches of the Auckland harbour in inclement weather going into Winter, but managed to get it done and the first service before we shipped out.
We sailed up to Opua from Auckland going through the night, making use of the light Westerly that was due to die away to nothing the next day. We arrived out side the bottom end entrance of the Bay of Islands just on 0530, around two hours before sunrise, so we anchored up for a quick rest waiting for the Sun to come up before tackling the slightly dodgy entrance there.
We have been through our CAT1 assessment here and after having to acquire a few things, we have had that signed off and are ready to leave NZ. The only problem is the Weather is not playing ball. We have been holed up here in Opua for a week now and the next week doesn't look any better with several Lows coming through and strong Northerlies forecast. Cards and Movies are pretty popular right now and trying to keep busy with little jobs is occupying our time but its not much fun when you have the mindset to get going but the weather won't let up!
The news from last week about a 80 ft Yacht getting into trouble 500km north of NZ resulting in one dead and another lost at sea is news nobody likes to hear especially when you are about to head out there as well. Our thoughts are with them, and it is another reminder that anything can happen whilst at sea resulting in tragic results.
Will keep you posted, once this weather picks up! :)
