Modest ambition achieved

[rotrax]

Went for a day out in Wellington Harbour yesterday with a guy who helped me with a problem with the car.

His wife and grandson came too, First Mate as always I/C the helm.

No wind early on, so by the time we had got aboard, loaded, did the safety briefing and done the engine checks it was about 10 AM by the time the old Bukh DV 20 was thumping away to itself.

We motored out of our new berth in Evans Bay Marina into the Harbour proper, trolling a spinner behind for Kawhai.

Got a huge strike, hooked it but it leapt clear of the water and got off. Another hooked up, smaller, but also came off.

We put the rods away and anchored by the fountain in Oriental Bay. This was something we have always wanted to do in our Kiwi boat, but never achieved until yesterday.

Had a nice picnic lunch, the wind came up 8-10 KTS SE, just perfect for sailing in the harbour. Despite a well knackered main the 32 foot steel Hartley sails OK for a heavy cruiser.

During the sailing we caught several Kawhai, including two stonkers, one about 3 KGS the smaller about 2 KGS plus several small ones.

Our guests Grandson-who had never caught a fish before-was like a dog with two dicks. Lovely to see.

It was a beat to windward to get back into Evans Bay, three tacks each way before we dropped the sails and entered our berth.

We ended the day having a couple of beers on a friends boat before picking up a Chinese and getting home pleasantly knackered.

A great day, 23 degrees, lots of sun and a perfect breeze.

We get back to the UK 4th April. It wont be as nice..................................

 

[Ningaloo]

Sounds like a nice day out. I share your misgivings about the UK weather. I have just enjoyed a challenging delivery trip across the Great Australian Bight with fantastic sunny days. Here in Perth it is 27C today with a light easterly wind.

I am heading back to Europe in a few weeks to sail back to the UK from the Baltic. I think the North Sea will be more of a challenge than the Southern Ocean!

 

[Irish Rover]

Sounds like a wonderful day out. I've been without a boat for 3 months for the first time in 20 years and unlike your young friend I'm like a dog without any. I had to go to Google to find out what a stonker is so at least I learned something today.

 

[RIBW]

Went for a day out in Wellington Harbour yesterday ....No wind early on, .......Had a nice picnic lunch, the wind came up 8-10 KTS SE, just perfect for sailing in the harbour.

Great to hear that 'Windy Wellington' didn't live up to its reputation for you - I have memories of passengers being 'handed' up the steps onto planes by the crew.

It was a beat to windward to get back into Evans Bay,

There used to be a fantastic seafood resto called the Shorebird (I think) on Evans Bay in the 80s. The owners berthed their trawler alongside. Long gone, I expect!

Enjoy! We have our second pitching snow of the year and the kids have taken over the roads for tobogganing.

 

[fredrussell]

I call this talk of clement weather rather tactless!

 

[johnalison]

Why the Chinese? Can't you eat the kawhai, or is that kahawai?

 

[duncan99210]

I call this talk of clement weather rather tactless!

I know. Friend just been telling they love snow - from the warmth of the Caribbean. Grrr.

 

[CrikeyChris]

I used to live in Roseneath (just down from that large block of (ugly) flats), with fantastic views overlooking Evans Bay and know the area very well. Your post brings back memories. Wellington on a nice day is hard to beat.
Perhaps it will have warmed up here by the time you get back?

 

[rotrax]

Why the Chinese? Can't you eat the kawhai, or is that kahawai?

Yes, you can eat Kawhai. They are good fresh, but many in NZ prefer them smoked. It is essential to bleed them immediatly after killing or a strong flavour develops.

My friends grandson wanted to show them to Mum and Dad plus his brothers and sister before the whole family cooked them on the barbie.

Despite loving fishing-and being a very successful angler- First Mate is not too keen on eating fish. I love it.

Daughter in law's parents live in Maida Vale Road, Roseneath. Their home has fantastic views over the Harbour, Oriental bay to the left and Soames Island and Evans Bay to the right.

I spelt the fish wrong-should be Kahawai. OOPS!