BAY BELLE

This wooden ferry is now in private hands, and for sale. But I remember her going back and forth between Russell and Paihia ( a couple of nautical miles) since before I first arrived in Russell in 1973 7 days a week and 12 return trips a day. Powered by a Gardner which was reconditioned once in 1977.I certainly would not use her for coastal cruising as her bilges are very 'hard' the hull only draws a couple of feet.The motion would be violent to say the least. A over 50 wooden boat retired to domestic servitude.
Here she is passing us on the way out of Whangarei harbour last December.

MARY HARRIGAN

Met up with Len on his Schooner 'MARY HARRIGAN" in Whangaroa .
A L.F.Herreshoff JOANNE design built USA. now resident here.

NEW DINGHY IN ACTION

The new dinghy built last winter, remember?, prooved to be a big success. The electric outboard is great  giving 4 knots max or about twice rowing speed. The 100 ah battery gives about an hour at full throttle.
The big drawback with the dinghy is its weight combined with the flat floor makes it hard to pull up yhe beach. Thinking of a set of portable wheels for the skeg. Bolger was right - its easy to row at moderate speed but hard to match a real rowing skiff. Lost one hatch cover in a blow at Kauwau Is.

Great Barrier Island

This Island which is the forth largest here in NZ is located 45 miles or so east of Northland.
We spent a bit of time out here in two goes. Pop is about 800 and we know some friends here.
The contrast between 'A' and the sail training ship 'Spirit of NZ' shot here in Port Fitzroy is startling.

FISHING

Still out cruising and back at Great Barrier Is. Fine Bonito caught on the way and kept me on fish and rice for a few days.

Only get a connection every now and again so forgive the gaps.

Plan on being back at the ranch at Easter- late this year which is great!

ALICE ALAKWE...........again

 

We are away cruising, so posts not so frequent!

BUT we found our boat Alice Alakwe on which we circumnavigated.
We think it is about time someone took her in hand.
We have the contact for the present owner and would gladly put any enthusiastic future owner in touch.
She will need some work, it looks like she may have been broken into and some bronze fittings are missing.
If you want my estimate of value and work I suggest email me first.

OUT THERE AGAIN

 

 

 

Back on board for the summer holidays.
as you can see weather a bit inclement!