Back in the water

We put Kabuki back in the water about a month ago now. We managed to get everything achieved that we had planned, new chainplates, re-varnish the companionway and drop boards, remove thru-hull fittings, install composting toilet, install new zinc anode plate on hull, anti-foul and polish. Was a busy time, but all worth it.
We took Kabuki for a sail over the Labour Weekend holiday, managed to have a practise with the Monitor windvane self-steering, it went like a charm. Also tested out the new head, was very happy with the performance, but it was only 3 days. It was great to back on the boat and out again, that was the first expedition we have had since March 27th ,when we arrived back in our home port. We are now itching to get out there again, but commitments are holding us back in the mean-time.
Our Son Jason came back from a 6 month stint in Afghanistan with the NZ Army. He came up to visit last weekend, He looked great and it was good to see some of his photo's and video's. He seems interested in sailing, so we may be able to ring a family member into the sailing fraternity, no one else has shown much of an interest so far.
The oversea's yachts are starting to come into Whangarei now, escaping from the Cyclone season in the islands. Whangarei is a great place for them to come as all of the facilities are available within close proximity to the Town Basin Marina. In the past a lot of the clearing in yachts went to Opua, in the Bay of Islands. But clearing in can now be done at Marsden Cove Marina, at the entrance to the Whangarei Harbour. Paul and I enjoy walking the Town Basin Marina, checking out the yachts, meeting the people, and dreaming about our departure next year.
Anyway things have slowed down abit at the moment, we are rounding up items that we need for our Category 1 certificate to leave NZ. All NZ owned boats have to reach a Category 1 standard on leaving the country. This involves lots of money, time and patience in fitting all of the stuff. We are nearly there, only about 20 more items on the list to acquire.