Laughing long time

It may be autumn, but the weather has been more summer-like than the summer that fizzed out.

This morning's page, at 11am, was initially to jumpstart or otherwise tow a boat from Bon Accord Harbour to East Coast Bays, however, these folks managed to get their problem sorted and get underway just before we arrived.

The team from Crew 3 were happy to divert to a coffee stop at Mansion House Cafe instead, along with a picnic lunch under a shady tree, for those quick enough to make a sandwich!

We were still lurking about on the wharf, when asked to help a solo sailor who had only just cast off from Mansion House, and now also had mechanical problems.

While the engine went, there were nasty sounds coming from the drive train and not turning the shaft. So Plan A was to tow the yacht further out of the bay and let her sail back to Milford, (East Coast Bays, not Fiordland!) where another Coastguard boat would help take the boat into the Marina. (Milford Marina is tidal).

The main problem with "Plan A" was there wasn't any wind....so our tow continued at a sedate 6.5 knots all the way to Milford.

We were assured it was the fastest the yacht had ever gone.....while not so the case for Kawau Rescue.

So 5.5hrs later, we tied the yacht up to one of the river mouth moorings - pretty much on low tide. The good folks from North Shore would move it into the Marina later Sunday night.

Our time chugging along wasn't wasted, with Emergency drills, Nav practice and ship spotting keeping us amused while underway.

Andrew was on the helm chugging along at 6 knots, flat calm, in a straight line. "Are we there yet?" became his refrain.

However, the trip back from Milford to Sandspit (home) was a bit more his style!

Thanks to Craig, Andrew S & Derek for an entertaining day on the water.