Pictures taken of us on our first sail by Robyn from Aorere - Thanks heaps. Sailing just out of the cut in Tasman Bay, Nelson.

The Kids enjoying the sun, sea and light breeze.

The Crew for the day, Skipper Dan, Bud the Sailmaker and Sparky Al.

Jazz the Salty Sea Dog

Our first Sail after the Genoa going up the morning before. Light winds (breeze) up to 7 knots, and we got up to 5 knots of boat speed. Very comfortable for all on board, just lovely.

In contrast the next Wednesday afternoon we went out into the Sea Breeze, not very comfortable sailing but despite some seeming bigish bumps, nothing inside really moved which was great, but one block pulled straight out, so running repairs needed to be done, and Dan now has BIGGER bolts!! Also found in the stronger conditions that the winches aren't quite right for the controlling the boom, either need to be higher, or we need to run the sheet through another block to ensure it doesn't end up coming over itself again. Not sure if I used all the right terms there, but will get Dan to edit/explain as needed. The kids started feeling sick (and must admit so did I) but the talking books were great, they could just lie in the saloon, and not have to concentrate too hard on anything. Big thanks to Jess and Richard for coming with us with all of their experience and to Jess for the Girls sailing lesson for me!! Good to have these things sorted close to home in relatively easy conditions. Shake Down begins!