Friday 1 May 2015

So, is this May fools day? Should be, else why are we still in this cruelly cold climate? It's going down to 10 degrees C at night. That's just wrong. Could it be because, after 6 months in New Zealand, we still haven't finished all the boat projects?.. give me a second, I'm thinking. Nah, not possible. Fortunately, there's really nothing we can't live without. New head vanities look fantastic and if someone on boat staff dredges up a little initiative, there might even be a photo (this is not something one should risk turning blue over in anticipation). Secondary winch will remain unpowered for the near future, but new solar panels may get wired before any of grizzled crew turns completely white (not in New Zealand). Most of worst deck hardware leaks have been addressed (including that hatch previously mentioned), bottom and prop have been anti-fouled and topsides are gleaming.

Wednesday 6 May

Now in Opua performing last minute preparation for next passage. Discovered, after 6 months on shore power, that battery performance had fallen off a cliff. Almost nothing left. Knowing this was coming in near to medium future, but expecting a tad more lead time, hoped to replace with lithium ion (prices have come down quite a bit) but wouldn't get them delivered quickly and couldn't wait to Australia. Jan & I removed three 8D, 72 Kg, and one 4D, 56 Kg, batteries and replaced with same. Ibuprofen and alcohol are our friends tonight.

This brings up the truism that one wants to depart with everything operative. En route it's OK and expected to have breakdowns, one can cope. Leaving inop, however, is not acceptable. Ergo the aphorism, "if it ain't broke, don't use it". Prior to a passage one attempts to use boat systems only as a last resort and the practice of denial should be a well honed skill if one ever wants to leave the dock and head out into the dragon-filled abyss.

Friend Maggie is coming tomorrow from Auckland for a few days, bringing chunks of dead, wool-bearing animal. Would love Maggie anyway, but the lamb doesn't hurt - mint jelly is on the list for provisioning run to Kerikeri in the morning. If winds shift midday Friday as forecast, will head for the Cavalli Islands for a night or two, possibly joined by Erie Spirit sailing up from Whangarei, followed by return to Opua for clearance and departure toward Noumea, about 900 NM, on the first decent weather window, maybe mid-week.

Jack