Pat has been back on board for the last few days, servicing bits and pieces and checking systems. We now have shiny new LED navigation lights, the old ones were looking very dodgy and although they seemed to work fine, we were nervous that they may fail soon. The lifejackets have all been serviced and the MOB and EPIRB devices all tested. The sat phone system (Iridium Go!) and weather data system (Predictwind) have all been checked.
 |
New starboard navigation light
|
We have invested in a seabrake drogue to help control the boat should we encounter bad weather. Hopefully just an insurance measure!
Meanwhile Debi has been working out what we need to do to clear customs in Australia and in New Zealand. Provisioning plans are well underway and we have even bought a vacuum packing machine, to pack all of our prepared meals.
We will be back onboard on board next week for a one week shake down in Moreton Bay. We are booked in for a lift and pressure wash of the hull next Friday at Scarborough Marina. That should make sure that we don't take any undesirable marine growth to New Zealand with us.
So X-Pat is just about ready, the question is are we? Debi passed her RYA Coastal Skipper qualification earlier in the year and Pat has just got his Offshore Yachtmaster qualification. We have also completed sea survival and first aid courses, so are feeling as prepared as we can be.
Our departure window for New Zealand starts on the 27th November, one month today!
 |
| Ready to set sail |
No comments:
Post a Comment