Crew: Geoff, Jim, Lindie, Anthony.
On the way from Pelorus to Nelson I was concerned that the laminations at the base of Halo’s wooden tiller were separating. I had taped and strapped it up and to seemed to be holding but I was worried about it falling apart during the upcoming Nelson regatta.
I removed the tiller and got the spare one out of the hold and installed it. It fitted on OK but it was much shorter and the Spinlock tiller extension couldn’t be used. Not good for racing.
We took the tiller up to Jim’s workshop and glued the laminations together with marine epoxy and secured it with a new stainless steel bolt through the middle.
The next morning Jim and I refitted the tiller. All looked good. Time for a celebratory flat white at Ruby’s.
It was a beautiful Nelson day so I invited Jim, Lindie and Anthony to join me for a ‘sea trial’ cruise in Tasman Bay in the afternoon.
We cast off at 1415 hrs and headed out through The Cut.
It was quite breezy so we hoisted the no. 3 jib and left the reef in the main. We set the course to the Mapua Starboard Channel Pile. This is one of the marks used by the Nelson Regatta so it would be good practice.
There was a sea of small boats ahead of us. We found out later that they were holding the ILCA National Championships with 103 boats competing. The ILCA sailing dinghy was previously called the Laser.
We kept well clear of them and their support boats.
We arrived back at the marina at 1725 hrs. A lovely outing and the tiller worked a treat. Thanks Jim for your help!
16 Nautical Miles
Halo Log Book 