Black Panther

Haven't had a problem, but I don't have a tinnie. I normally hang it over a handle on the hatch above the chart table.

I bought a GPS "dongle", round thing on a wire with a USB on the other end. Trade me, under $100.

Finding the opportunities to have a "nap" is a very important and sometimes problematic part of cruising with kids.

When Nancy was about 9 she asked if she could have a go at rowing the dinghy by herself. Mum and Dad wanted a nap so I said OK if she stayed tethered to the boat. When I came back on deck she was a few hundred yards away, she had taken every piece of line she could find sand tied them all together so she could row a bit further. Took me most of the afternoon to re rig the boat.

We used to get underway very early (4-5 am), leave the kids to sleep, sail the days distance by midday and mum would take them into town/to the beach/whatever while dad had a catch up nap and we would swap p[laces the next day. You are right, do less sailing and more time with other activities.

That Tom is a good man, he saved us a couple of timers. Just arrived at GH after a delightful few days coming down from Opua. Xmas dinner in the house then down to the boat and see which way the wind is blowing.

It's nearly Xmas, go for the 9.2, all it is missing is a dodger and an oven.

Have you bought a boat yet? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 574107.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 043618.htm

or http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 914466.htm (Yes I'm stuck in the office and bored)

or http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 423759.htm

New Listing http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 687449.htm

What my daughter does when she isn't tuning pianos

Hey I have a bunch of them!!! Thanks for the post.

Another Chico http://www.tradeaboat.co.nz/detail/mari ... /30/185022

Bummer.

or http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 374184.htm or make a cheeky offer on this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 901639.htm

Stern hung rudder makes fitting a wind vane with a trim tab to the main rudder easy. Works a treat.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-m ... 747860.htm

Isn't Cho Cho San for sale.? Stand By

Let's not hijack the thread, but I'm not bloody old!!! And lately I have used a satphone to send a txt once a day to keep the family happy. I even own a computer . High latitudes - sounds cold to me.

yes, everyone will choose their own solution, I just don't do email or weather while at sea, so satphone is fine. Careful Cabrinha - any more of this talk and IT and I will come and gatecrash your party. All the best.

oops - just read your last post. Depart the factory about then, but target leaving the Canaries early Nov or thereabouts. You don't want to cross the Atlantic in summer (that's hurricane season). From the canaries dive south till you hit SE trades, turn right and enjoy. Download and study these http://www.offshoreblue.com/navigation/pilot-charts.php

Correction, I google mapped where the factory is, you need to cross Biscay, that November departure was for the Atlantic crossing. Do a few trips along the French coast as a shakedown, then to Oporto? and the Portuguese coast. That should be a couple of days to sort out your night sailing. Then to the Canaries. If you are still in good shape at that point you are ready to kick off for the Caribbean (Nov). The coast of France and Biscay will be way more difficult than a long passage. Perfect. I'm getting jealous.

Two up I normally set a watch 4on 4off daytime and 3 on 3 off night time, but always prepared to adjust if necessary. Just find what works for you. During the nights (if you have the power) I sit and read a book and scan the horizon every time I turn a page. Unless in a shipping lane or area of high traffic when you may be on deck all watch. At the other end of the scale I have gone weeks without seeing another boat and eventually gave up and went to bed 8 hrs a night. Don't sail at 100%, back off to 80% or even 50%. Pogo is a fast enough boat, you'll get there just fine and backing off will