This auspicious occasion started with a rendezvous at Duder's Beach at approximately 1000hrs. The dinghey was swiftly loaded with food, beer and other personal effects. A small discussion occurred whilst we considered the age old question: "Two trips or one". Being males we opted for one trip, a decision which ultimately provided much entertainment. Duncan's introduction to Seafaring our way was fitting with his manning the bailer a great success. Once safely onboard we efficiently cranked the engine onto the stern and readied ourselves to get under way. Leaving the mooring under sail we sat for a while not going anywhere. A helpful passing yacht instructed us to "pull in the sails". Whilst this writer is sure they will never read this, one believes that they should stick it up their ***! Are we not allowed to luff around while getting comfortable?
We proceeded down harbour under main and genoa whilst enjoying beer (Tui and assorted foreigners including two Estrella), shapes (chicken crimpy) and soggy salty muffins (Duncan and the aforementioned Engineer). Opting to head north parallel to the main shipping lane we cruised at an easy pace enjoying beer, sun and identifying land marks on shore. At a point somewhere off Takapuna we changed course for Rangitoto and encountered some small dingheys (Europes?). Upon reaching Rangitoto we turned to head back towards the harbour, sailing with the wind fair astern and Sam still having one undamaged ear seemed like a good time to attempt to fly our spinnaker. Lo and behold with four men on board we were able to do this very successfully, alas due to non-optimum course decision (my apologies) and a lack of confidence in our gybing abilities we drop spinnaker and bore up to the wind a wee bit. We were later to raise the spinnaker a second time and complete a gybe!
Heading back down harbour we picked up EY015 with little trouble, a great day enjoyed by all. A significant amount of the ethanol based ballast was removed and this stock will have to be replaced next trip. Commendations to Able Seaman Duncan for his provision of Tui, although it should be noted that bottles is a more accepted form - nonetheless appreciated; Boson Frenchie for his brilliant Manwichs without which I am confident Sam would have ended up in A&E with damage to his starboard ear!
Heres looking forward to the next trip!
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