Waiting waiting

Thursday, April 20, 2017
Paihia, Northland, New Zealand
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!
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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

2025-02-17

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