We lifted out at Technimarine on Monday to do all the under-hull stuff that we can’t do when we’re in the water. The main task is to repair the rudder hydraulic ram that allows us to reduce the depth of our rudder and get into very shallow water. This is very handy in places like the Tuamotus.

Once we were out of the water it did not take long to work out what the problem with the ram was. The unit is about 12 years old and there is some corrosion at a connection that was causing the leak. Repair is going to involve some welding and machining – this is not the sort of thing where you can pop to the chandlery and pick up a replacement part. Fingers crossed. In the meantime, we are doing the antifouling, anodes and prop. Will we be out of here by Friday? Mmm….

Anyway, we have had a nice sociable time as our friends on Soneto are in the yard right next to us, also doing some repairs, so we have company and have enjoyed our evenings together.

This yard is a new experience for us. We have been in plenty of boatyards before, but this is a proper shipyard where they build and maintain big boats – there are only three other yachts here. It has to be the most professional and organised place we have ever lifted out. We arrived in the teeth of a nasty squall and the guys managing the lift were so efficient at getting us into the slings and lifted despite the conditions. The boat was on the hard within no time at all, propped up exactly as we wanted it, and we were able to get to work straight away. We have a lovely chap who is our Mr Fixit, on call if we need anything.

For the next few days we will live life at the top of a steep ladder, with our loos and showers across the yard, lulled to sleep by the sound of the flushing of the sewage works behind us. Not a palm tree in sight; instead of ukuleles we have the fairly constant noise of grinders, drills and hammering. Back to earth with a bump!

Removing antifouling is a grimy job - ‘living the dream’ in paradise.