Dtwo

I'm not sure that this is a valid argument - if you have a NZ passport you would receive that "help" anyway? I'm yet to be convinced that the astronomical increases in all these fees are justified by actual representation/benefits. Seems to me that it relates more to the cost of administration, or rather a share of the total cost of the the Government Department responsible. I am tempted to let mine lapse and simply photoshop the laminated form.

You can still run another track up the mast, you would need another halyard obviously.

Hey Frank, these bowriders really work!

Pretty much what was pictured above - took about 5 months. Then all the armchair admirals got stuck in and criticised the crew for getting off... I thought I would keep quiet otherwise every second word would have been f**k, in between c**t. I will put some thoughts down when I get some time, I am happy to pass on what I learned from the experience.

It's not often that I have to strongly disagree with you guys, but here it is. I have been through the experience of abandoning a yacht mid-Tasman. Dismasted and very bad weather on the way (not forecasted and came as a "surprise" to Bob McDavitt). The real fear was being rolled and injured - we had one crewmember that was not really mobile to start with. Speaking to the Aussie marine rescue centre, they told us that a container ship had been diverted and we were to abandon the boat. Now, for all you guys who feel like you have an opinion on this, picture yourself in about 4 meter seas

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503450&objectid=11599205

https://www.facebook.com/KITV4/videos/10153293937721861/

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11591286

If you use foam and glass you will end up with a strong and light bimini. Plywood will be heavy, the weight will be in the wrong place, even for a boat your size. If you use foam, you do need to plan attachment points etc but that is not real difficult.

Not H&S but no doubt produced by the same people

Current favourite is the warning you get when you turn on the GPS - "Not to be used as your primary source for navigation info" or somesuch drivel. WTF? Why would you turn it on if you didn't want to use it for navigation?

Modern Childhood

Trick question? Caledonian Canal (Scotland), North Sea, Norway, Cap de Sud (not sure), trans-Atlantic, Martinique. Those froggies just get out and do it.

Talk to Steven, new owner of Duende, a steel boat that he has just bought to Akaroa. He has a contact for a helpful guy down there.

Great to hear someone with the right attitude!

I have been in touch with YNZ, they don't seem to be actively lobbying on our behalf but did suggest "anecdotally" that there may be a review going on at MNZ. Lets hope that someone can rein them in a little!

Professional Skipper have been spewing about this for some time, as you are probably aware. Would it be worthwhile reaching out to them Island Time? I asked a friend at YNZ and he forwarded my email to Angus Wilson, who is listed as Safety and Technical Officer.

The British SSR is the best by far I think, the biggest problem is that you need a permanent address in the UK.

Good question. I might forward that email to them and see if anyone is awake. D2

The thing that really rips my reacher is the fees increase. See: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Commercial/Ship-registration/Ship-registration-fees-Part-A-and-B.asp How in (insert omnipotent being's name here)'s name do they justify that scale of increase? What do you get for $920 ? An A4 sized laminated piece of paper. I did the sums when I wrote and complained to Parliament in February. My email is below. Angry D2. "I have a yacht and intend to sail overseas with my partner. Although not compulsory, it is considered wise to register your vessel in your home country. Ther

Have arrived 2-up from Tonga in early September. Easterly the entire way. Cold as. WX forecasting - try SwellMap.co.nz. Got switched on to that by a fishy mate and it is proving to be more precise than MetVUW, my previous favourite. Somehow the timing seems to be more accurate.