Crew 1 Training plus plus

Crew 1 wanted to do early training today as some had afternoon commitments. We started Training at 0830 and were on our way home just after midday.

Coastguard operations called us on VHF and asked us to hold station for a while. This generally means they have a developing situation that may require us. We much preferred to wait a while, rather than wash and clean the boat and then go out again just as we finish.

We waited for 15 mins or so practising coming in alongside Sandspit wharf then we received a tasking. The call was for a yacht anchored mid-way between Rabbit island and the mainland. Apparently, he had lost power on his engine and so put down an anchor, (to be honest in about the worst spot possible). From the forecast, (and our experience showed it was right); the winds were SW 35 knots gusting to 50 knots from time to time. Even Kawau Bay was exciting.

When we arrived, the yacht was bucking like a wild horse. The bow where we needed to tie on was covered with sail and the owner was in the cockpit looking distressed. We stood off to assess the situation and then agreed a plan.

We came alongside the boat, (great work by Rob) and put Marcus aboard with a radio, as there was no radio on the boat, just a mobile phone. The rest of our crew was tethered up to assist on the back deck. Marcus hooked on once he was transferred.

Marcus first job was to clear the bow area. Then we had agreed he would raise the anchor, and we would hook them up while drifting. So, anchor up, tow line handed over. We only had one cleat on the starboard side on the yacht so no central tow and no running through a fairlead. Luckily, we weren’t going far and headed into the wind. We used a sacrificial rope to protect the fuse line.

Halfway to Algies Bay the tow line to his inflatable tender broke and disappeared, tough, there was no getting it with him tied on the stern.

We then played “find the mooring” as the owner wasn’t sure where it was. We found it finally and, on a short tow, put him on his mooring. We then took Marcus back on board to get warm and dry and went off to look for the tender. We found it just past Christian Bay (Waikauri Bay), and returned it to a grateful owner, fears that it had gone ashore and would be unreachable in the conditions were unfounded.

Great job with special mention toe Rob on the helm and Marcus who managed a great job on the other boat. Mark and new recruit Don were on the back deck getting wet and shoved around while managing the lines.

Good job everyone!

 

I have decided to "collect" more nautical terms - there is so much colour in the mariner's vocabulary. Thanks Kawau for the opportunity.

Feel free to "translate" any or all of today's collection and add it in your comments