Up the river - no need for a paddle
18 October 2009 | City Basin Marina - Whangerie
Mark Whitehouse

After finally clearing formalities we refueled the boat from the Jerry cans, took down the head sail, refilled the water tanks, charged the batteries from shore power and then waited for the rising tide so we could get up the river.
The tide would have to be at least on the top half or better or we would bottom out in the middle of the river. With all our chores done and the tide rising nicely we proceed away from the customs area and up to the Marina where the boat will spend the next few months. We spotted a large pod of dolphins feeding on bait fish along the way, unfortunately they were a bit to far for the camers to get a good shot.
We continued up the river and at one point had 0.0m depth of water under the keel, I was helming at the time and I must say looking at that on the depth sounder makes your sphincter pucker a bit. You dont want to park a million dollar boat in the middle of the river 500m from the marina.
We arrived at the marina and Colin did an excellent job of parking the boat, he had 58.2 feet to park a 57 foot boat, the man has quite a significant visual imparement and it amazed me that he managed to put it in so well. Thanks also to the guys in the next boat who jumped over to help as well.
Well that's it, dinner with Colin and Milin, thanks very much and flights home tomorrow. All in all a great experience.