ANCHOR LIGHT

This is our anchor light that we have had for 3 boats now. It has the smallest 'grain of wheat ' 12 volt incandesent bulb, made for model train buffs. It draws virtually nothing , but in an original kero dioptric lens lamp gives off about the same as a kero wick.
While I am on the subject of anchor lights, I am noticing that more and more boats are having their anchor lights down low. Not smart having them at the top of the mast, in with all the stars! Refecting off some part of the craft enables one to see the orientation.
Meanwhile we are now out at Great Barrier Is. with Richie for company. Planning on a return to the mainland in time for the Mahurangi Classic Regatta on Sat 26th.
Mason Bay performing fine. 5.22 liters/hour on the 50 mile run out here at 6.2 knots....

FOOTPRINTS AGAIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seems to be a bit of interest in my "SHOESTRING" design. And lo and behold she sailed into our anchorage.
10 mters long,about 5tonne 1meter draft.Can not remember all the other hydrostatics.
The sail with draft really works and I have never seen a Shoestring powering up like her - quite astounding....

SMALL JOBS

Still out cruising - and hope to stay out a lot more weeks yet.....
One of the little jobs done was to install little chains and hooks to hold open the opening ports to the sleeping cabin.Please note that ALL ports should open up, including round ones. The reason is that they will not rattle and bang in a seaway.

So we are in the Bay of Islands and are waiting for our friend from the USA to arrive tomorrow afternoon. He will be with us till the end of January. We will work our way south via Great Barrier Is. to the Mahurangi regatta on 27th.
There will be odd posts on the way...

XMAS IN WHANGAROA

 

 

 

 

Miserable weather for Xmas but we had a lovely late lunch aboard Mason Bay with 2 friends.Look at the size of the oysters! After a quishe then cold ham and hot new potatoes...what were the rich doing!