BOI Day 1 (the beginning)

We started today by ticking off a maintenance item. We pulled the mainsail down - something which hadn't been done since the boat was bought three years ago as it has an in-mast furler. After we figured out how to get it down, we motored across to Doves Bay (getting a bit of office work done on the way) where we met up with Nathan's parents.

We received a delivery of essentials (beer, milk and some fresh fruit and veg) and handed over the mainsail to be delivered to a local sailmaker for some repairs and upkeep.

An unexpected side-effect of dropping the mainsail was the foil (the piece which the sail rolls around) clattering around inside the mast. After a little bit of problem solving we managed to stop this for the most part - otherwise there would have been no sleep on the boat - and we headed off to find a spot for a fish and a dive.

We pulled into the Black Rocks, but unfortunately nothing was going on there for us, just a few undersized snapper on the rod. Nathan jumped in with his spear gun for a look around, but was only greeted with schools of Parore, two spot Demezel, and a couple of red Moki (which you aren't supposed to shoot as they're long lived and mate for life), and no sign of any crayfish.

Vela put together a delicious snack platter, and we cruised over to Tapeka to meet up with James, the owner of the boat for dinner. James, his family and friends have a bach booked for the week, and it handily comes with a mooring for Starling.Read more