The Devil Wears Foul Weather Gear

 MIMU - Length 17.78m, Beam 5m, Draft 2.1m And what is the purpose of the black strap tied to the stripper's pole at the bottom of the companionway steps? We use the strap on a starboard tack, sailing downwind or in lumpy seas. Prevents us from accidentally being thrown across the boat. At the galley sink, you can brace yourself in using your feet, legs and hips.  A daily workout! All electric with hot and cold running water, salt water foot pump, dishwasher and icemaker (both currently not used), gimballed hob/oven combo with a separate single burner induction cooktop, fridge, freezer, microwave, kettle toaster, crockpot, toasted sandwich maker, food processor.  Big storage compartment under the galley floor and easy wipe down corian benchtops. Top opening fridge with door for access into the lower compartments. Separate top opening freezer to the right of this pic. When sailing our passages ... Breakfast is DIY - cereal, muesli, porridge, toast, muffins Lunch - soup, pa...

  You could say the beautiful township of Picton is abroad ... it feels like we have crossed an ocean to get here!  Have enjoyed a whole week of sunshine and blue skies, balmy temperatures, happily settled into marina life ... flush loos and hot showers plus industrial size washing machine and drier less than 30 seconds walk away. Shore power ... heating ... it's positively tropical onboard Mimu. Just like fancy apartment living. Experiencing dinners on other boats, drinks with the local fisherman plus fish for the freezer, chatty marina dwellers and locals passing the time of day. A 5 minute walk into a vibrant town center, the best library you can imagine, a $4 bus ride away from the big metropolis of Blenheim, picturesque cafes along the harbourfront, views of the Cook Strait ferries arriving and departing. Spending this downtime bringing Mimu back up to scratch and to put a smile on our Skipper's face.  It is never a hardship to be involved in boat maintenance and the...

 Well ... the news is ... a new turbo has been ordered from the States, a 10 day wait time, rigging expert onboard tomorrow to sort out the genoa furling.  Skipper, Commodore and crew are now on the InterIslander heading to Wellington followed by flight to Rotorua and home to Taupo.  Jean staying onboard Mimu, jobs to do ...  (a huge thank you to the Maple Store team for allowing me the extra weeks off work, a heartfelt thank you). Joined by Troy of Lionheart.  Final crew bonding session - changes afoot. Lamb rack @ Mimu 5 Star Restaurant. Farewell Mimu ... but the circumnavigation will continue.  All going to plan the next leg Picton to Napier in a couple of week's time followed by final leg to Auckland in Mimu with all systems go.

 Left Mimu for the day, hired a car and headed to Blenheim for a bit of sight seeing and girly shopping ... Aviation Museum for the boys. Bubbles, Sav, Pinot at Cloudy Bay Winery.

 A stunning day in Picton ... getting into the maintenance whilst waiting on news re the engine. The push button furler has spat the dummy so resorting to old fashioned muscle power to winch out the genoa and winch back in again in a more tensioned and tidy fashion. Our brawny Farmer Cam has been a great addition to Mimu - what a bloke!!! And where would we be without Alan - hard at work resoldering the VHF cables ... and the best cup of tea maker onboard.

Definitely needed a night of letting our hair down after some tough times!   Our Peachy Queen's shaken not stirred. Well deserved fun times. Alan has rejoined us for the Napier leg ...  Into our 7th week of sailing and turning into raving alcoholics! Can recommend The Oxley for great food, great drinks, great vibes and awesome service.

  The right decision made to change course and head into Picton for repairs. Maui dolphins accompanied us into Picton Harbour. Heading to Picton with the BlueBridge behind us. Marina berth booked. Repairs, rest and recover. Mermaids looking a bit weather worn and tired!... and slightly squiffy by this stage. A great dinner out!  Making the most of our change of plans. Have mechanic coming tomorrow, a trip to Burnsco planned, maybe the hairdresser, movies.  Will be here for next few days sorting out repairs, a boat haul, plus we are handicapped by the weather forecast.  Plan is to head straight to Napier once we have a clear weather window.  Alan joining us tomorrow to make a crew of 5 heading north.