Still in Coffs Awaiting Parts

21/11/11


Hopefully today the 2 blocks I have ordered from Sydney will arrive, and replacement mainsail battens ready to fix. If the blocks don't arrive this morning then I cannot get the rigger, sailmaker until tomorrow morning, not that getting way tomorrow looks viable anyway. Northerly winds up to 30 knots with 3 m seas and storms forecast. The Hanse 470 "Seal" set out this afternoon for Broken Bay

I was able to replace one of the broken battens this morning with a length cut from one of the longer broken battens, so only need to purchase 2 new ones. The blocks arrived at around 1 pm, so the bridle block on the backstay will have to wait till tomorrow. The reefing block I can replace myself, which I decided to do later in the afternoon when it cooled down a bit. It was then I noticed that the no 2 reefing line was badly damaged in one spot where it had jammed in the block, so it looks like I will have to replace it to. I will get some double braid from the chandlery when it opens in the morning. Another little task is to reseat the boom bag in the groove in the boom, as in amongst all the storm activity, it had pulled out of the boom for about 30% of the way along its length from the mast.

I have also been in touch with Navico, regarding the Autopilot and they also now suspect the fluxgate compass. It may be resolved by relocating the compass, but I suspect it is faulty. They are looking to see if anyone in Coffs can help.

There is very little wind today, I could have headed south if not waiting for parts, however it did come up stormy later in the afternoon.

In the afternoon we caught a bus to a major shopping centre and had a walk around and did a bit of shopping, but hurried home when we saw the storm brewing. The winds picked, but that was about all we got.

We are having a BBQ on board tonight.