We are back to New Zealand full of energy:

We know, after this first season in Melanesia that we still enjoy cruising and we are ready to seriously upgrade ALCYONE before a second season. Motivation is important as a lot of work wait for us in Whangarei:

We love this little town a bit more than 2h00 driving north of Auckland; Whangarei is definitly an industrial city; probably the best place in New Zealand to refit a boat: cheap dry docks, and if you find a car, almost everything available just  few minutes away;  you can find here one of the best selection of kiwi workers from young simple beginner technician to best ingeniors, so far from some arrogance n prices sometimes met in Auckland n nobody

Around 2000 hours spent in 2 years mostly with Jim and Helena, but also with the team of Norsand for technical work.  This year 2018 we get the help of "doctor Guy", a french technician, offshore cruiser himself and able to help to repair everything.

After this first season, we know exactly how to improve reliability of ALCYONE: New rig except the mast, leds everywhere, change100% torlon ball, engine's prevention, watermaker, electricity, winlass, starting batteries, SSB, part of cork deck, new big port hatch, new lazzybag, new bowsprit, dinghy refit etc...and unexpected change of starboard rudder shaft.

Not so bad for Jim's 2nd year of study in Auckland: House, garden, friends , dogs...

Doctor Guy'help for watermaker

custom design of a brand new lazzy bag for our mainsail

Whangarei town basin, heart of town, easy catering in nearby supermarket for some, or just a nice place for a break

We could escape a couple of days do drive to Reinga cape...the way to understand how New Zealand offer wild areas without any other human presence... than some tourists

almost finished...even with a kanguru on board ?