[Non racing flare question?]

But still there are no accounts / examples of when a flare has actually been used in anger.

Does that not indicate that the other means of communication are reliable and effective?.

When Aztec was lost in the Welly to Gisborne race, it was a flare that attracted the attention of another competitor, who arrived in time to rescue the crew as the yacht went down.

[Another ridiculous lifejacket article]

They have been out hard at t down here in Marborough.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/87871595/marlborough-boaties-pinged-with-fines-for-lifejackets-and-speeding-ahead-of-busy-summer-period

Doesn't seem too harsh to me - speeding is a big problem in the Sounds, and the requirement is only to carry the life jackets. Mind you, I'd be a bit pissed if I got a ticket for not having a lifey in the dinghy while rowing the stern line 10m to the shore.

[This Weekend's Achievements]

Me and a couple of the crew emptied the 'ship out ahead of pushing her into the shed for keel and cockpit replacement. This week I'll be cutting out the false floor and grinding off the interior gel coat.

 

Then I made pies roast lamb and vegetable pies for the race management team, but the racing was cancelled, so guess what I'm having for lunch

[30ft-ish offshore-capable cruiser/racer?]

Whiting half tonner?

 

I think Candu II might be for sale in Welly.

 

Last I saw she'd been refit inside.

[This Weekend's Achievements]

Yesterday I went sailing.

 

Bart put the new rig in on Wednesday. Gordy got the boom finished at short notice. Matty G did some fiddly bits. With Rodney yesterday morning we finished running all the other bits of string.

 

Then we went sailing in a cold and wet southerly.

 

It's good to be sailing on your own boat again.