December 2009

We took a lovely reach out in to the Hauraki Gulf to try out Taleisin’s new sail.. Larry wants to make a few more adjustments so it sets perfectly for this years sailing.

Dear Friends:

Seasons Greetings and Happy 2010

For those of us currently residing south of the Equator, Christmas time coincides with summer. Here in New Zealand that means everyone, including ourselves, rushes to get ready for year-end celebrations, sailing holidays and the closedown of businesses (the majority of non-essential ones either close or let much of their staff off to enjoy the holidays for almost six weeks starting Christmas Eve.)

Larry has been busy rebuilding a spec boat in our boatyard. He has to figure out a way to get the centerboard keel out after someone hit some rocks, scuffed up the keelson and bent the pivot pin. Impala is a 20 foot trailer-sailor. Put it on a trailer and she goes to windward at 60 miles per hour. Great way for someone to explore the rivers, lakes and estuaries of New Zealand.

We assume our friends north of the Equator are enjoying the pre-holiday parties but also feeling the pressure of holiday shopping and planning. So rather than write a long newsy letter right now, we thought we’d share the following podcasts with you. By clicking below, you can download interviews we have done with National Geographic Weekend Radio, With Wind and Seas and with Furled Sails. Each one focuses on different aspects of our past sailing life.

Christmas at Mickey Mouse Marine, Kawau Island, New Zealand

We wish you good companions, good health, good sailing, and the time to enjoy it all this holiday season and in the coming year.

Lin and Larry

P.S. Thank you to everyone who sent checks for the Kawau Uncovered calendar. The Kawau Bookworms (readers group); had a complete sell out and earned $8,700 to help equip our emergency response team. We hope you enjoy your calendar as much as we enjoyed putting it together.