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.