Riko Riko, North Star and Atea

On 29 April I adjusted two compasses for Bryan Connell who has his own charter vessel to run and looks after other boats besides his building business-busy man. Riko Riko has a Ritchie compass which required serious adjustment to get it pointing in the right direction. Good practice steering for Bryan as we spent a bit of time out near the harbour bridge running different courses, watching the bungy jumpers and observing the America's Cup cat flying around the harbour faster then most powered vessels could go.

Next it was a drive over the bridge to West Haven to repeat  the process on North Star with another Ritchie compass that was better behaved.

Back to Bayswater to attend the Atea which is a yacht heading for the Pacific Isles to escape our winter weather.  Owned by a British and Yankee couple Atea had guests on board for the compass adventure. Once the Suunto compass was swung it was on the road to face the Friday afternoon traffic on the way home.

Maverick and Ascot II in Raglan Harbour

 On April 4 a couple of compass adjustment jobs in Raglan entailed a fairly long drive from home to the middle west coast of the North Island. Raglan is famous for surfing and is also home to a few commercial fishing and charter vessels. First of the mark was a well kept charter vessel called the Maverick owned by Aaron Laboyrie who farms dry stock and charter fishes part of the year.

Next it was out on the Ascot II to adjust his Saura Keiki compass. Ascot II is a steel gill netter, fishing mostly for sharks out in the Tasman Sea. Hard work at the best of times says me who used to fish the Tasman also.

 

Taitimu in Mangonui

On 31 March Sylvia and I were up early for a long drive to Mangonui in the far north. We used to live in the area so could get in a visit or two around the compass swings. First up was the Taitimu which is owned by Chris Low of Picses Charters. I had the pleasure of successfully going out fishing with him just before Christmas while camping next door to where we used to live. Tucker included fish and chips from the well known fish shop on the harbour in Mangonui.

Later in the morning it was time to swing the compass on a Coast  Guard vessel for the local Coast Guard branch. Good As Gold was launched and we did the adjustment with one of two outboards awaiting maintenance.

Stars Jet

 Valentine's Day was an early start for me. Left home at 0320 to head for Coromandel to swing the compass on the Mussel Barge Wanderer. Underway just after 0600 and off to the lee of Waiheke Island to watch the harvesting of mussels while I caught a few snapper for myself and the crew. Compass was not working so it will mean another trip at some time.On the way spotted the SV Spirit of New Zealand on the way to anchor. I used to do a bit of volunteer work on her years ago.
 The lower photo is the fishing charter and mussel bargeStars Jet which operates out of a lovely private setting on Te Kuna Harbour which is over a steep hill and down a long driveway from where the Coromandel barges work. Out in the harbour for the swing and then the long drive home.

Tumeke in Taranga

On the 8th of Feb after 3 visits and a new compass stand we finally swung the compass on the small pusher tug Tumeke. I last saw this tug for a compass swing 13 years ago in Auckland. Again nice folks to deal with and a trying job but we got it done. She is a bluff bowed steel tug.

Lanakai

Hidden away in the Panmure Basin I found the lovely launch Lanakai owned by Capt James O'Donnell. Several electronic changes had been made since I was last here 4 years ago.  Into the basin we went to swing the compass in fairly restricted waters and was good to watch a competent helmsman at work. The compass was soon readjusted and I could spend a bit of time admiring the new woodwork etc. Always a pleasure to go out on the Lanakai. It was a lovely warm summer day on 12 February 2011 and the boat should be fine til next time.

Rough Cast

Also in November I swung the compass on Rough Cast and we went out from the boat club ramp at Maraetai. Rough Cast is an alloy runabout and is set up for small charter jobs.

Anita Bay II

On 11 November, 2010 a fairly long drive from home took me to Sandspit to swing the compass on the Anita Bay II. She is a traditional style wooden charter vessel. Earlier I had swung the compass on another older wooden vessel D'Urville in Auckland. Makes for a busy day but nice weather and good people made it enjoyable.