grantmc

Aleana is both right and wrong, for a NZ registered pleasure boat. Cat 1 is a nautical matter and the certificate is granted by a YNZ approved inspector. But having Cat 1 does NOT give permission to leave the country, that is just a part of the process. Navy, Immigration, Police and Customs, absolutely all have the power and law to stop you leaving (and arrest). We were all set to go, and the boat received Cat 1 last Wednesday. But of course we had a new Covid outbreak, and on the basis of Friday's decision to extend the lockdown, Fiji agent couldn't guarantee entry. So

Agent in Fiji says do NOT leave NZ at this time. Fiji may refuse entry.

You make a very good point Aleana. All on board are required to have Covid tests within 72 hours prior to departure; so a very very unlikely scenario. When the announcement about the new Auckland infections was made last Tuesday evening NZ authorities also shut the border to NZ registered yachts. Am crewing on a yacht due to leave for Fiji this weekend, so now waiting for Fridays announcement with fingers crossed that they'll allow departures again.

The Solomons case is not the same family; nothing to do with them. Zatara did go to Fiji (via a short stop at Minverva) and is still in Fiji, will be a few months yet. Many boats wait out the cyclone season in Fiji.

Look I don't know the answers to your very valid questions. He manages to do some things and he's able to get people to help him. Obviously as you have and as have I. I don't think he goes out deliberately to rip people off, I think he just has no concept of consequences. When the marina manager, or lender or whoever starts screaming for their money he just moves on. But I seriously don't think that there's anything malicious in his intent. I sort of liken him to one of Barry Crump's characters: a bit of a likable rogue.

Interesting observations Wheels. Unfortunately the Mental Health Services in NZ are decidedly third world so I wouldn't hold out much hope for Shane there. Shane's life is a horror story of abuse, the worst of it experienced under State care. Also he's intellectually disabled; in times past he would have been under care of the IHC. He may have a metal illness as well, but I don't know. He was in State care at about 7 or 8 years of age where he quickly had to learn how to f*ck and suck his caregivers and the older kids. And the day he turned 16, like all kids in State care then, he

Thank you BP, have asked to join group.

New Zealand to Fiji passage Hi, I will be available to help crew once borders reopen. I've heaps of experience on monohulls, easy to get along with, can cook, bleed an engine etc. I own a yacht in Fiji that I am keen to get to. NZ citizen and meet all Cat 1 crew requirements of experience, sea survival and first aid, plus Skippers Restricted Limits. Email me at grant@jobspec.co.nz and I can send through a bit of a CV and we can talk more. __________________ Grant Mc

Rehabilitated I apologise for, and accept that I made an erroneous statement. I had always thought the requirement at Wellington Entrance was for commercial shipping only. But Section 6.1.1 of the Harbour regulations states the requirement for all vessels to call (with the visibility exception for pleasure craft mentioned under 6.1.2), I have learnt something today. Thank you. And I had certainly read those instructions on a number of occasions. I wasn't ignorant of them. As an aside, the requirement to call isn't mentioned in either of the Lowry Bay nor Port Nich Yacht Clubs' Cook Strait

There's no requirement to make a call to enter Wellington Harbour. But in respect to not having at least a VHF, that would be a sad state and obviously very stupid to head in to Cook Strait without even a a shitty $100 portable. Let alone the noncompliance with the collision regs for the Tory Entrance.

The reality is YES. Jacinda and the Health dude were very clear that professional sport is OK, but NOT community team contact sports (ie the 70,000 people that play rugby most Saturdays) is out for the time being). They talked about the fact that very careful rules have been worked out with the governing bodies of rugby, netball etc so that their professional teams can play.

I found it scary to be watching kids up on deck on a passage without PFDs.

Fiji has just increased the quarantine period to 28 days according to Radio NZ. Not clear in that article where the person has to isolate but it suggests it's similar to those arriving in NZ as it states "The government said those arriving in Nadi would be taken to a quarantine facility and monitored for 28 days.". Is that the same for visiting yachts? And I'm thinking that whatever the answer to that question those people quarantined are unlikely be in a tropical bay. It will more likely be somewhere like the Fiji Gateway Hotel across from the airport. A very pleasant place to stay, I conced

They're some PR firm up north that are the mouth piece for professional sailing.

I think that was an improvement in process after the loss of the Nina with 7 lives lost. Much criticism at the time about the condition of the schooner and yet NZ authorities were (seemingly) unable to prevent her leaving.

OP Any commercial machine will handle sails, whether walking foot or wheel foot. Best to have a zig zag stitch. Suggest you contact Bryan Paton 021 438 925 or (04) 902 5794. He and his Dad service commercial machines, but they're often in the know with machines for sale. You can chose your budget, but expect to pay $600-$900.

What specifically is the name of the app to which you refer? Available for Android and Apple?

I've found yachts and launches mostly make the call.

I so hope that never happens to him. He's no thief and wouldn't hurt a fly. And he means well, but I think he lacks any understanding of responsibility, certainly no money sense whatsoever.

Fantastic result. Could so easily have been a tragedy.

See this Stuff article.

Shane has an atrocious background as a child in State care. He's certainly not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I don't think he maliciously means to do harm. In my view he just doesn't appreciate consequences. So, for example, when he bought his first boat all he gave the owner was a promise to pay them $50 or so a week. Agreed price was about $5K from memory. So who was at fault when Shane didn't pay? I think in Shane's mind he hoped to pay one day, but he's in the moment. So in the current moment whatever money he has buys food for himself and the dogs (and always the dogs first).

Might help to get positive answers if you include the location of your boat.

Where: Evans Bay Yacht & Motor Boat Club When: 17-19 March What: O'Pen Bics are the most fantastic sail boats for kids Who: Just cool people with smiles. How: Train and bus or drive, but come along, it's going to be great! Read all about it: programme, food and timetable PDF

I simply put up the relevant sections from Maritime NZ's web site. In respect to a fishing charter being commercial, if that were the case then a fishing charter operator would need fishing quota.