Reflections of a Rev: Sailed, sailed and... well, sailed again!

Monday 17th

A few little jobs to do on Monday morning, including meeting Roger Hall from the North Saills loft who I had asked to come and assess the condition of the the two main sails. He turned out to be very experienced, knew the class of boats as he commented: “Laurie Davidson didn't design any slow boats...”

He agreed that the mainsail was poorly cut, but was worth re-shaping as it had had very little use. The head-sail was “an old girl” and will need replacing at some stage. I'll have to do some saving up for a new 'laminate' version.

Then it remained to fill the water tanks, check the supplies and cast off - it was time to stop preparing to sail and get out there!

Yesterday had given me an appetising hint of the difference a slippery bottom could make, and Kalai slid easily through the estuary waters into a building northerly. Reached across toward Kerikeri inlet then tacked north of Roberton through the gap – great sailing conditions so kept going out to Urupukapuka bay and anchored for late lunch.

Gun and Adele arrived on “Instep” in the afternoon and anchored nearby. Swam and tested out the new ladder, which works great. No trouble up and down and would certainly be more than adequate if one had to re-board from inadvertently not being on board...

G & A came over for drinks and nibbles and shared a few yarns – didn't cook tea until after 9 so just had an instant meal...

...the full moon rising was magnificent!

Tues 18^th

Up early to catch some great sunrise shots... over the same hills from whence came the moon - go figure!

Another swim, in a balmy20.4 deg then a walk over the hill to Otehei Bay where I met 'Couta', the caretaker for DOC, and watched as he fed his "pet" snapper off the wharf - some of whom would have fed a family of five! Couta said he'd been there four years while the dispute between DOC (Department of Conservation), 'Explore' and 'Fullers' is still unresolved as to who can use/lease the island facilities... crazy stuff!

Walked over the island then back for another swim... magnificent views from the top!

Heard some birds calling and took some shots of the flock of Pied Shags roosting in the Pohutakawa trees along the cliff-face... magnificent!

G & A headed off, then I left a bit later just under head-sail and met themnear Roberton Island. "Instep", a Young88 (in shot on right)was under main and Gun hoisted the headsail and shot off through the gap east of Roberton, so I hoisted the main and gave chase (after I escaped the wind shadow!) and followed them all the way around the island and back to Pipi bay, staying about the same 3-400m distance behind... sometimes I'd gain and then a gust would see them shoot clear again. The old girl went all right, even towing the dinghy we were making 6-6.4 knots reaching.

Pulled in to Pipi bay with only two other boats (later 8!) Drinks and dinner on Instep – Adele had caught a snapper trolling - went well with the fresh sweet corn!

A new neighbour anchored out a little bit - couldn't quite get into Awaawaroa Bay...