[the first new zealander to take part in the vendee globe]

Come on guys Conrad needs another 15000 euros to get to the start line. A few of us have made pledges. I have no connection to Conrad just watched his previous efforts and want to see him do the Vendee. He's working really hard to get to the start line using his own limited resources and sponsors

[the first new zealander to take part in the vendee globe]

Sailing Anarchy have a link to Conrad's fosburit crowd funding campaign. He has 55% of his budget which is still not enough to get him to the start line in November and seems has only 8 days to raise all the funding he needs. He needs more euros and sponsors guys

[Sewerage Treatment Systems]

IT Thank you so much. I love my airhead çomposting toilet. The lack of smell and ease of use make it one of the best boat mods I have done. Cheers

[Nearly as good as taking a packed lunch to the launching ramp]

Talk about entertainment today I anchored in the usual way in wind against tide at Opua. My boat decided it wanted to visit the neighbouring boats,close enough for me to have visions of no sleep tonight. Rather than re anchor I wrapped up the spare anchor chain, put it in a holed bucket with its own line and using hose as anti chafe sent it down the anchor rope to hold it on the bottom. That did the trick. The boat swings a normal amount and has stopped visiting the neighbours thankfully. Whew

[and we are off.]

Well done Wheels and Dawn!

[and we are off.]

Good to know you guys are safe Wheels

[This Weekend's Achievements]

Now that's a decent bimini set up BP nice

[and we are off.]

Wheels at least you are in a safe port in case the s hits the f. Enjoy!

[This Weekend's Achievements]

Well done BP that's a great step up from driving to Opua loading the dinghy etc. You must be chuffed your baby is only walking distance away now

[and we are off.]

Good luck Wheels and Dawn. Have a safe trip if not a comfortable one.

[One "idiot moment" leaves yachters (sic) destitute]

Very sobering

[Whats wrong with the marine industry in this country.]

harrytom what on earth are you thinking? Increase customer service? You have to be joking. Actually I agree with you it's always been a head scratcher for me

[Sydney Hobart]

For me the race is a great watch this year

[Merry Christmas and other things]

Wheels Have some great sailing and a safe trip. Merry Christmas

[Volvo sterndrive anodes]

Indeed IT it is a sail drive. Thank you for the correction and advice

[Sewerage Treatment Systems]

Cheers IT

[Volvo sterndrive anodes]

Awesome Bogan. Thanks. Have a great Christmas

[Volvo sterndrive anodes]

Hi everyone some advice please on changing the large anode on the Volvo sterndrive ie the one behind the prop housing. Is this an easy diy or should it be left to so-called professionals?

It doesn't need doing right now I am just being proactive. Cheers

[Sewerage Treatment Systems]

Hi IT I am finally in the process of installing the airhead on my boat. What composting bags are you using for the solid waste please and how often are you emptying this? Cheers

[Jules Verne Maxi Tri Face Off]

Good updates on Sail World. Idec Sport ie Joyon and Co maintaining speed exceeding 35kts crossed Indian Ocean in under 6 days

[Quayside Marine]

Arrogant sonso in need of people skills flouted haulout rules earlier this year by openly grinding rust depositing dust all over my yacht next to his rusty barge. Haulout informed me and washed my boat thoroughly so no harm done but he was in dire need of an attitude transplant.

[stern gland]

This can be done on the water though water will come in. I was advised to do it every 12 months. Its important to get the right size packing and right number of wraps, a sharp stanley knife and appropriate grease.

To get old packing out I screwed a screw into the packing then pulled it out with pliers.

Auckland Engineering Supplies in Beaumont Street were good for packing and grease.

To repack I put a snug wrap of packing around the shaft then cut it where it met, greased it up then pushed it in with a screwdriver all the way around the shaft. Once all wraps were done in this way the drip should be back to normal once the gland is back together. A thread file was also handy at this time to clean up the thread. I also found it was handy to be able to tighten the gland completely so there was no drip when I wasn't using the boat. Good luck

[Photo]

Wow what a shot well spotted BP

[Transom outlet for gas locker vent]

Thanks for that IT and so quick too. Central would put it about a foot from the exhaust. Is this a problem? Thanks

[Transom outlet for gas locker vent]

Some advice please guys? The gas locker bottom is conveniently located on the same level and in same area as the engine exhaust. I would like to run the gas vent hose straight to the transom. That would make it about a foot from the exhaust and about 6 inches above water. I could run the hose under the exhaust but to get a continuous slope would make the transom outlet about 4 inches above the water. Will this matter? Thanks in advance