At Anchor in Islington Bay Rangototo Island

Cathy has been working weird shifts with split days off since the beginning of the year to cover for everyone else who was lucky enough to take vacation.  Now, back on Monday to Friday as of yesterday, we can get away on weekends again.  I had the boat ready to go and when she got home at 5:00 we let go the lines and gybed out way out of Auckland harbour.  Islington Bay (Izzy Bay to the locals) is long and deep and lies between Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands in the Hauraki Gulf.  Very popular as it's close and pretty protected from most winds.  There are great walking trails on the islands as they are both Department of Conservation reserves.  Rangitoto is a currently inactive volcano; we hope it stays that way!  Not too many boats in last night but by noon today it looked like they were lined up waiting for a parking space.  Anchor carnage quickly ensued with people just not getting the idea that you actually need to put out a bit of scope or yes, you will drag.  Very entertaining as it really is a spectator sport.  Had a nice walk on shore this morning, and then back to the boat for some scrubbing on the prop and general look see under the boat.  The prop wasn't too bad but the keel is a mess and if we don't sell it soon, we'll have to haul out and antifoul as well as strip the keel and get it cleaned up again, the ongoing joys of yacht ownership.  Maintenance hasn't been too bad this year so far.  I had to replace on salon window as the safety glass failed.  I went back to hardened, tempered glass, what I should have been using all along.  Hopefully the other 3 will be OK, regardless; I bought glass for all of them anyways.

 

On the work front, I've ended my association with MMC Software and the My safe Ride Home program.  The cost to set up in NZ is quite high and the financial risk, as I evaluated it was too bloody high as well.  I'm working on getting McApples Enterprises Ltd up and running.  So far, I have 4 contracts to develop and deliver some training which will bring in a bit and give me some great exposure.  I'm also looking for a JOB, yes and real JOB.  The economy is picking up and my skills seem to be more in demand.  Working full time would be a change and a way to build the critical NZ experience.  We'll see how it all pans out.  I have one hopeful in mind and should know in a week or two.

 

We've dropped the asking price on Tarun from NZD $150,000 to $135,000.  It seems Kiwi's are not likely to offer much below 10-15% of the asking price so there is no point in trying to get them to give low offers and negotiate upwards, they just don't deal that way, generally.  We'll see if this gets us any more action.  In the meantime, anyone interested in a cruise ready, ocean going yacht with great gear and impeccably maintained, call us or email.

 

Phone: +64 (0)21 270 2151

Email: mcapples@gmail.com