Sailed, rescued, rowed...

After a day of paying bills and sorting out 'stuff'  yesterday, it was time to go sailing today... so I did!

First there was the obligatory trip to the Chandlery to pick up some essential items, including a new pack of "Coastal" flares.  It turns out that the old pack had expired in 2007(!).  It seems a little wasteful having to spend $300 every three years, but I guess in the end it is no different than insurance premiums.  A little more epoxy to finish the additions to Karuna and an obligatory coffee at Di's cafe and I was 'out of here.'

Engine started smoothly and an outgoing tide pushed me down the estuary.  A little grey smoke but much smoother than previously means that it looks like the engine repairs have been effective.

6-8 knots of NW meant that two or three tacks saw Tapeka point close to starboard as I headed to the old favourite Roberton island for a late lunch.  Kalai even saw 6.2 kts a couple of times in less than 10 knots of breeze with Karuna in tow. She does sail well to windward! The new Genoa and re-cut main gave some very efficient 'slots' for effortless progress.

Anchored several hundred metres offshore in 12m of water - plenty of 'rode' to ensure a good holding.  A relaxed lunch was disturbed by a loud noise forward and I poked my nose out the hatch to be greeted by the sight of a 45 foot sloop trying to mate with my bow - What the?  Racing forward I had to first release my anchor rope which, 'naturally' was wrapped around "The Bozo's" rudder, then quickly grabbed his Genoa sheet while all the time trying to fend off this large vessel being blown against my hull.  I managed to secure the line to my stern davit and looked up to see a father and son frantically rowing their inflatable to the rescue - I reckon if the boat hadn't have t-boned me the next stop was Opunga Cove!  They wouldn't have caught up with her.

After the excitement I rowed ashore and lo and behold my alterations had worked on Karuna - I can now row her without resembling a contortionist!  Amazing what a differences a few more inches makes.  Walked up the hill to the lookout (in bare feet - having forgotten shoes in the excitement.)

Headed back at 1600 hrs with a dying NW breeze meant that I switched the motor on off Russell for the last few kms.  Looks like the house battery is on its way out - fully charged it now drops very quickly.

Arrived back in dock with no hassles as the last light faded around 1900 hrs...

Great day - great sail - great to motor with no alarms sounding!