Author: duet

22:16:60S
166:26:40E
Noumea Monday, June 15, 2009.

The hydraulic vang needed to be repaired. This is something that no-one here in New Caledonia could do and we were warned not to try this our selves. We were offered various solutions. The first was to fedex it to New Zealand and back. Second was to have a guy fly up from New Zealand to fix it or thirdly to wait until a friend was coming up later on at the end of July. We didn’t consider option number 2 and the third was far too long a time. So off we set for a 5 day visit to the islands in the northern part of the lagoon.

We were told that as soon as it was on it’s way back we would be informed by email. So we set off for a bit of exploration to anchorages that normally are untenable but as the wind was very light we used this as an ideal opportunity for exploring.

We loved the snorkeling and generally pottering around on pure white sandy beaches with not a soul in sight. Not to be deterred by lack of emails we returned to Noumea as bread and pate were running low. Now we had the tracking number of the item and we knew it was ready to be sent back to us. It was out of the hands of Kiwi Yachting and down to the deliverers and the vagrancies of customs this end. A week down the line we are still here. The parcel has arrived and they are awaiting customs to make sure that it isn’t something highly undesirable or possibly illegal. Today we spoke to the lady who is in the know. Oh yes, it arrived Sunday. Do you want it this week? Whatdymean this week, I want it now. Well very sorry Customs is closed. Maybe tomorrow.

21:59:91S
165:55:89E

At last we have sent the vang off to Auckland for repairs. No one here who can do it unfortunately. It will be at least a week before we see it again – excellent in a way as it releases us from the evil smelling Port Moselle. At last we are at anchor off a tiny islette with some good diving and snorkelling. Just the odd sea snake for company.

As the weather is calm and settled at the moment we have the opportunity of exploring all kinds of different anchorages.

22:16.61S
166:26.40E
Friday 29th May. Port Moselle

Our last night at sea was perfect. There was just enough wind to fill the sails on a reach and we slid along at 4.50 knots. We didn’t want to arrive in the middle of the night so timed our arrival for first light. 0630 we were through the well lit Passe de Boulari and motored gently to Port Moselle. Formalities were quickly and easily dealt with. Sounds all trouble free BUT. Thursday Simon had noticed hydraulic fluid leaking from the bottom of the vang strut. This is a serious problem. Email contact with Auckland and we were told that it has to be sent back to them to fix. What a bore. So now we wait until the long weekend holiday is over, pack the vang and fly it down to Auckland and wait for it to be returned. Waiting for spare parts in exotic places. However step ashore here and we are in France. Fabulous produce market, delicious patisserie, pate and cheese – and warm weather too.

27:49.84S
169:16.60E

Thankfully the wind picked up during the night at we were able to turn off the engine and sail. Duet has been flying along averaging over 8 knots all day. How long will this last? Des is the radio ham that operates out of Opua and has been for years. His gravelly voice is familiar to cruisers far and wide. He provides a great service of checking yachts in up and down the pacific on a roll call and giving out weather information. last night a yacht called in asking for advice. they had checked out with customs from Opua and a couple of hours later called into Des on his nightly schedule saying that they didn’t like the forecast of 40 knots and were sheltering in behind some islands whilst they sorted out their reefing lines. Could Des tell customs? I await tonight’s schedule with interest…

35:18:85S
174:07:32E

We here in Opua amongst a dozen or so other yachts all waiting for the right weather “window”. It’s the same old story, this time last week we thought that Monday looked perfect. We were all prepared and ready to go but the weather changed track and here we are for at least another week. In the meantime there are a lot of anxious looking people wandering up and down the dock asking every one when they are going to leave. The yacht club does good business, the chandlery too as last minute shackles or what nots are bought. Now there is plenty of time to catch up on all those not quite completed tasks.

Still in Gulf Harbour

Some people keep asking us why do we keep returning to New Zealand each year. Could this photo give you a clue? We were lucky enough to have a break in the weather allowing us to cruise the east coast of Great Barrier island. A lovely sail of about 5 hours away from our berth. The east coast is usually exposed to all the swell and prevailing winds. Nice to have had the opportunity to go there.

Long walks along the beach before moving around to another anchorage for the night for a BBQ of smoked fish. A bottle or two of wine makes for a perfect evening – and no sandflies.

We are still waiting for the right weather window to move up to Opua before clearing out and heading north up to New Caledonia. Very cold and rough SW winds with thunderstorms, hail and all kinds of foul stuff has kept up tied up to the dock. Hopefully this week we’ll get away – keep you posted.

Tuesday, 05 May 2009

Gulf Harbour Marina

Duet may have some brand new covers but we still have the same old problems!

36:37.42S
174:47:28E

Sunday, 03 May 2009

We’re still here finalising all the jobs on the To Do List. Just as you think you have finished the last job another one jumps up to take its place. This is normal boating practice. When we first bought Duet she was dressed inside and out in a particularly virulent green. It had to go! Nearly two years down the line we have made some improvements.

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We are very pleased with the end results even though it has taken quite a while for it all to happen.

36:37:43 S
174:47:28 E

Yes, we are back on board in Gulf Harbour. Simon sailed single-handed from
New Caledonia to Opua in August then back down here. Since then we’ve been
to UK and back. We have 2 new grandchildren and another on the way. We
have visited China, by air, train, bus and car; Hong Kong for the most
fantastic wedding and now back to earth and getting Duet ready for the
coming season. We plan to head up to New Caledonia and cruise that area
thoroughly before heading off ….. well no plans as yet. We hope to meet
up with old friends and make new.

The diary will be kept up to date – oh and a happy new year and Easter to
you all.

31:48.67S
172:05.54E
25th May 2009.

We are close to the magic 30 S where the ocean turns blue and dolphins play in your bow wave – yeah right. At least the water temperature has improved from a miserly 12 to 22 degrees and I’m not wearing 2 layers of thermal knickers. We have been motor/sailing as the wind is too light for anything else. It’s a new moon and the stars wash across heavens in a waterfall of light. That is the magic of a clear pacific night.