The faithful JQ217 failed to materialise at its predetermined hour in Melbourne (late leaving Auckland) and consequently we were delayed until after 1am before finally pushing off toward Aotearoa.
Having arranged to be picked up from the Airport to meet some old cronies at Kohi beach for the 7am swim, it was sadly after 0700hrs before we touched down and Heather C. met me at the arrivals exit. Still, we did make it down in time to see the lonely souls exiting the still waters of the Waitemata harbour - it was great to see some familiar faces and to drink a bowl of great coffee at the Kohi cafe.
Back on the road to meet Paul and Chris at the Greenlane servo and then on to Whangaparaoa Peninsular and the Enrights for Brunch to celebrate Mike's 60th and the 40th anniversary of the forming of the world-renowned Balunatix! Hard to believe that it was two-thirds of a lifetime ago that the four young lads entertained the youth gathered at that 1976 Easter camp complete with Garbardine Coats and Gumboots!
After watching Mike 'thrash' his aged body around a Soccer pitch with like-minded (deluded?) middle-aged and older men, I concluded that kayaking, walking and particularly sailing were much more sensible activities for those of advancing years!
So it was with some relief that I met two even more senior fellow sailors in Fenton and Terry that evening and we sped northward in the light rain to the blessed climes of the Bay of Islands and our waiting 'mistresses' ; Kalai and Hirondelle II (a Jeaneau 29.2).
Sunday 17th April
Sunday dawned slowly as the low clouds turned to drizzle and we ventured into Paihia for the essential Supply Trip.
Nekminute we were back on the dock, loaded, watered and off down the estuary. 
Motoring through to Tapeka in a light nor-easterly we raised sail and the first race was on! The boats were fairly evenly matched on paper with identical water-length and mainsail areas. Kalai was however slightly longer overall and heavier (3660kg v 2650kg displacement) and carried a larger head-sail with her masthead rig. Awaawaroa Bay was the agreed destination and the entrance the finish line...
It quickly became apparent that the old girl was certainly no slug in the 5-7kt breeze and she and I gradually pulled away to be some six minutes ahead by the time sails were doused and various Pipi Bay libations partaken thereof...
Monday 18th April
A fine day dawned with the promise of light SE breezes so a new course was set mid-morning to terminate at the luncheon destination of Oke Bay. A fierce tacking duel ensued as we worked our way toward Urupukapuka bay and the northern entrance channel. Again Kalai held the advantage upwind but in the light airs it was neck and neck by the time we rounded the entrance to the bay as Hirondelle gained ground hugging the rocky coast. A call of 'starboard' was heard from the Swallow as Kalai steamed through on Port tack just inside the entrance (well clear of any obligation to yield according to her skipper!). Horondelle promptly dropped her main and claimed victory - though a later meeting of the race Committee failed to agree on which point was the agreed finish line! We'll call it a draw...
A lovely spot for lunch but exposed to the northerly swell and not a great place to spend the night...
A contrary wind and a narrow entrance so we motored 'rock-hopping' back inside the main Bay and checked out Omakiwi before settling on Pareanui Bay - a beautiful spot...... more to come as the racing continues in earnest!
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