Bo Povlsen

What a voyage! Drive belt failure leading to alternator failure and eventually Engine failure, generator failure, flooding of the forward cabin, switch failure of the furling winch, contrary winds, light airs and eventually a gale from astern (thank heavens) to blow us into the Bay of Islands. Phew, what a passage.

A bright but overcast day. Following a morning swim with plenty to see on the coral reef at Yanuya, we stowed the dhobeying and got under way with light airs to motor all the way. Passing Monuriki, the island where Tom Hanks filmed Castaway and others where the television series Survivor and Love Island were filmed, we slowed to half speed on passing over a reef but maintained 4m under the keel. On anchoring in the busy Anchorage of Musket Cove, the rain started!

Hoisted main a foresail before brief instruction on weighing anchor on the foredeck. Skipper was over excited and dragged the snubber hook over the gypsy, disengaging the anchor chain and this allowing it ALL to run out. Situation was quickly recovered and a pleasant downwind sail ensued with wind blowing F4 -F5 from the North East. Excitement dodging between reefs with only 2.5m beneath the keel at one stage but arrived safe and happy in a windy but calm anchorage.

The first sail after lifting, reparing and re-shipping the foremast at Vuda Marina. My sanguine and ever patient crew at last got to enjoy the delights of sailing Happy Spirit. Starting with a calm F2 from the direction we were headed, after a bit of motor sailing, the wind built to a healthy F5 from the NE allowing a rollicking end to the passage reaching 10.1 knots through the water. On anchoring, we discovered that the chain had tumbled upon itself in the anchor locker so would not release. Jenny coped admirably at the helm as we sorted the situation. The newly fitted brake wished to demonstrate its efficiency so continued to hamper efforts to let the chain out unless pushed against. All was well that ended well.