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.