aardvarkash10

and deep!

After my first attempt, I have a tiny leak that is on a section of seam covered by the transom frame. Everything else is holding well. The leak was there before, but much larger. A photo of the soapy water test result is in the linked images. I think what I will do is make a large-ish patch to cover the section of the seam that is a problem, get that sealed, then rebond the transom frame over the top of that.

Actually, its been in place snce the relevant Act of 2009. A National Government was in power then, n'est pas? Phase 2 (the more invasive bit that KM had his fun with) is carried out under 2017 legislation - again during the time that the low interference government who were commercially astute ran the country. A requirement from the Septics in essence. Of course, this is a nation that requires you to take your shoes off and have them inspected before you get on a plane, but you can carry a loaded semi-automatic weapon in public and dressed in full camo gear... The love of theatr

yeah, I accept that the dinghy is near or at end-of-life. The chemstry of flexible polymers rules the roost here and the reality is that a plastic that starts to expel its plasitcisers is heading to the dump pretty soon. The people I spoke to (and who gave the idea of professional repair the thumbs down) were recommended and were in the position to just take my business if they were less ethical. My approach is therefore by way of an experiment in frugality and optimism. It'll get a water test in a couple of days time so I'll know then if its worked, although that might only be tempo

Over the weekend, the transom pulled away from the pontoons on our 12 year old inflatable. And one of the oar clips. Sigh. I was told that sailing was only slightly more expensive than burning $100 notes, but I foolishly laughed this off. The manufacturers were helpful, but not hopeful, and a second opinion agreed - age was against a cost effective professional repair. The phrase "throwing good money after bad" was used by both. So I watched several youTube clips on the process, read the very clear instructions on Lancer Boats website and threw a little bit of good money at

yesyesyes, but its all just ROPE to me! A damn good thing they are colour-coded these days - my Skipper (and a fine Skipper she is) can just yell at me to pull the one with the blue trace. Thanks Addem - a very welcome bit of education.

I had a very satisfying elimination this morning. Nothing disappeared until I flushed and even then, it continued to exist. Like the language of boats (why is a rope a sheet - its not flat, white and on the bed), the language of science can sometimes seem non-sensical. Its not meant to make sense to a non-scientist. Its a rum thing. Or is that rumb? Pass the bottle - lets discuss.

I drink other people's wine - its better than both of ours!!!

Actually, up against the others it prices in ok - $900USD converts to around $1350NZD plus freight plus GST so not excessively more at less than $2k all up for their "standard" unit. Still expensive, but in reality its only 5 tanks of petrol in the car more than the others isn't it. Or 20 bottles of wine.

Spencer Saraband, tiller steering. Very light on the helm for its 3.75t, 10m size. Probably looking at a simple, one-piece, stand-alone unit - we are not crossing oceans here. Predominantly two of us on board. Simplicity and longevity/reliablity are the two key parameters. I'm going to assume any unit on the market is accurate, and not a power hog. Raymarine? Simrad? Someone else? Advice and added considerations please.

Mounting blocks cut out of some unidentified hardwood, fairleads procured to take 18mm lines, now the weekend to fit them. I'm proposing to shape, then epoxy glue and screw the blocks to the deck and toerail inside, then cove, then paint feel free to correct me. It's freaking hard work this sailing lark...

And there is the rub. Having sold the yacht, our hypothetical sailor is pretty much limited to returning to the UK on commercial flights. If the govt of the day restricts seat numbers inbound (as we have) the effect is the same regardless of the citizen's rights. - they join a queue of people trying to book a seat. I understand the PM has sent this specific situation back to the MoH for a closer look. She definitely will not want to get involved as decisionmaker but has likely given some "direction and guidance" to MoH. Kindly, of course.

Hire a NZ crew to fly up (or sail up) and bring it back.

This specific family probably could Fogg, yes. At the moment. If the UK goes to the NZ or Aussie model and significantly constrains inbound travel, that may change. And that is the presenting problem. Literally nowhere is able to give certainty about how they will treat their border during COVID.

One of the key issues for the govt may be the exit options for anyone entering NZ. Ths is where the cruising fraternity run foul. Anyone entering on a specific purposes work visa HAS to have a statement from the employer guaranteeing return or repatriation at the end of the visa. I know - I write them. Fruit pickers, russian fishers, american AC sailors, strippers and CEOs all have to have a repatriation guarantee. Visitor visa holders do not. It has just been assumed that they will go. Currently, that cannot be assumed since there may well be nowhere for them to go. This espec