Category Archive

Motuarohia Island: A Wildlife Sanctuary Motuarohia Island: A Wildlife Sanctuary

Paroa Bay to Motuarohia Island Time for food restock, a return visit to Russell was required. Directly across from Paroa Bay was our lunchtime destination, the wildlife sanctuary of Motuarohia Island. As always, the beauty and vibrant colours of the surrounding landscape first attracted the eye. Upon entering the small bay neighbouring Cook’s Cove, heavenly […]

Oke Bay, Cape Brett to Paihia: New Zealand Oke Bay, Cape Brett to Paihia: New Zealand

Awaking to grey skies and misty drizzle, with the Corona Virus taking its deadly hold on the world and practically all services closing down as New Zealand’s Level 4 shut down took place, the decision was made to up anchor and head into the shops to restock. By doing this, we could continue our exploration […]

Boat Winch Battery Boat Winch Battery

Today found Bob working on the anchor winch battery. Connected to the house batteries which are situated level with the entrance to the boat, with the anchor winch battery positioned in the forward cabin, it is quite a cable run to connect the two. As a result, there is a lack of charge to the […]

Tale of a Mortar and Pestle Tale of a Mortar and Pestle

I have never owned a mortar and pestle, determining the expense just not worth while. On my exploration and rearranging of items within the cupboards, I came across one hidden in the space below the oven. Vibrantly bright in colour and large with two handles jutting out from the side, I chose to leave it […]

Water Filter Ugrade Water Filter Ugrade

Whilst the gear box is in being repaired, Bob is replacing parts on the water filter.

Removal of the Gear Box Removal of the Gear Box

The remainder of yesterday found Bob working on the removal of the gearbox, a process not as easy as one would imagine. Not familiar with the system and how it was interconnected, this was a slow steady process, as one misstep could cause a flood of seawater surging onboard, or a critical part severely damaged. […]

Radio Checks Radio Checks

This morning Bob worked on the HF Radio, and tuned the channels.

Drogue Attachment Adjustments Drogue Attachment Adjustments

One of the most critical connections on an ocean cruising yacht are those for the drogue. For the uninitiated, a drogue is a funnel shaped contraption that slows the boat down in times of heavy weather. Open at both ends, it is made from strong material that is attached to rope with a stretch in […]

A New Microwave Installed A New Microwave Installed

No – one knew the old microwave was turned on, so when Bob and Pete were going through the systems and turned on the power that activated the microwave, on it went. It was pure luck that Pete was passing it by and noticed said piece was in action. By that time, there was only […]

New Toilets Up and Running New Toilets Up and Running

Hand pump toilets are not our favourite, so Bob had been searching for a couple of reasonably priced macerator versions. Just a finger press required, when used the number two and toilet roll becomes slush and doesn’t over time become a rock hardened mass that is nigh impossible to remove from the holding tank. A […]

Rigging Checked and Phone calls Galore! Rigging Checked and Phone calls Galore!

In both New Zealand and Australia, insurance companies stipulate that rigging must be replaced each decade under the rational that in theory the constant flexing causes it to work harden. It is also the function of rigging size. On racing boats, the rigging is as light as possible and under constant heavy strain, whereas on […]