Nearly 2 months since we arrived in Paihia in northern New Zealand. We thought it would take a month to get ready. But our boat, a beautiful trimaran named Te Kaihau is old and needs a lot of work to be seaworthy.
First we had to taker her out of water
. A serious business since she has 3 hauls and weighs 5 tons. We gave her a good scrub and a new paint. We installed the satellite phone system and put her back in the water.
Then the problems started. The rigging (the cables that keep the mast straight) had to be changed. We also had to put Te Kaihau on diet because she was too heavily loaded. Then the boom broke. That's the piece that keeps the main sail in place. We are still awaiting the repair to be completed. But winter is approaching fast and it is getting cold here. Soon the sea will be too dangerous. We are impatient to leave to our next destination : the Australes islands in the middle of the Pacific!
Waiting waiting
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Paihia, Northland, New Zealand
Other Entries
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1Waiting waiting
Apr 20Paihia, New Zealandphoto_camera2videocam 0comment 3 -
2Getting closer
Apr 222 days laterOpua, New Zealandphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 9 -
3More to do
Apr 233 days laterPaihia, New Zealandphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 5 -
4We are all set
Apr 244 days laterPaihia, New Zealandphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 9 -
5Au revoir New Zealand
Apr 244 days laterPaihia, New Zealandphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 6 -
6Petit selfie de départ
Apr 244 days laterRussell, New Zealandphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 8 -
7Le patron a la manœuvre
Apr 244 days laterRussell, New Zealandphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 2 -
8Third night at sea
Apr 277 days laterPaihia, New Zealandphoto_camera0videocam 0comment 0 -
9Fourth day
Apr 288 days laterPaihia, New Zealandphoto_camera0videocam 0comment 3 -
10Is this the end, my friend?
May 0515 days laterPaihia, New Zealandphoto_camera0videocam 0comment 9 -
11Rarotonga
May 0818 days laterPaihia, New Zealandphoto_camera2videocam 0comment 5 -
12Boat graveyard
May 1020 days laterAvarua District, Cook Islandsphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 6 -
13Blues
May 1121 days laterAvarua District, Cook Islandsphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 13 -
14One week in Cook Islands
May 1424 days laterAvarua District, Cook Islandsphoto_camera2videocam 0comment 4 -
15Te Kaihau has a new mast!
May 2030 days laterAvarua District, Cook Islandsphoto_camera2videocam 0comment 7 -
16Departure
May 2434 days laterAvarua District, Cook Islandsphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 8 -
17Raiateia
May 2838 days laterPatio, French Polynesiaphoto_camera2videocam 0comment 0
Comments

2025-02-17
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Marie N
2017-04-21
I hope you beat the winter winds!
Laurent Renia
2017-04-23
Good travel, Captain Haddock!!
Zunetta Herbert
2017-04-23
Hey Francois - not sure you'll remember me after many many years, but I met you with Martin Smith (he sent me the link) when we were both doing research for Amnesty. I now still work on Burma issues, but am also a sailor - well, my partner Robin is really, but we have done some trips on our trimaran called "Gleam' (40-ft ex-racing boat) and are planning to try and buy a reasonably priced cat (hopes indeed) for further long distance sailing in the next year, as our kids grow up (and leave.) great to see you doing this!! I wish you the very best, Zunetta