Boat preparations inevitably involve two steps forward and one step back but we are getting there. The alternator stopped charging and needed repair, the three main steel and rope halyards, brand new in March, have rusted and are being urgently replaced by the supplier in UK. The generator seems to run when it feels like it and we are now having the fuel system sorted by a local engineer who has turned out to be a good story teller with a great sense of humour. Success with the change over of a fresh water pump to a sea water wash tap in the galley and the finding of more space for stowing provisions for the crossing have helped maintain the balance.

More crews are arriving every day and it's great to see Paul and Sylvie from the other Malo back again and now with Ben to complete their crew. Some impressive racing yachts have arrived to prepare for the start along with a most unlikely and unusual entry - a motor boat with a difference: http://www.rocna.com/press/press_0509_boatingnz_dashew.pdf   Steve Dashew and his wife were kind enough to give us a guided tour of their impressive craft.

Short entry today........ busy busy busy.

Photos Team Maymio

           The biggest catch so far

           Wilf helms and Robin fights the fish

           Jen organises the landing and then . . .

           . . . conducts a surgical operation

           Pontoon G Las Palmas

           Robin conducts operations . . . 

           . . . while Tony weilds the spanner . . . 

           . . . from where the boat looks rather small

           Club Nautico - venue for seminars, swims and the odd lunch

           Spot Maymio amongst some of the ARC boats (it's the one with the washing!)