Katinka on the hard

Dry is a slight exaggeration, it has been raining for two days and on the very days Katinka is supposed to be out of the water. The sky is overcast and every now and then a gray rain roller rolls in. I sit in the cockpit and watch the natural spectacle. I've been in Nikau Marina for six days now and will be moving to the Norsand shipyard today to park Katinka there for the time being. The days here in Whangarei have flown by. The day after my arrival, I meet up with the crew of SV Freya, who we met in Papeete. There is a restaurant in the Hundertwasser House and we enjoy a delicious dinner. As usual among sailors, we have plenty to talk about. As the hustle and bustle in the bars around the harbor basin is too loud for us, we retire to the Freya and have another beer there in comfort. The next day, I make my way into town on foot to do some shopping. I order a new radio as the Raymarine service in Papeete destroyed my old one. It actually arrives three days later and I can pick it up. On the way back to the marina, a car suddenly pulls up next to me and I jump in. I meet Renate, who is on her way to the Inox dealer and drops me off at the marina. Renate is also from Germany, but has been living in New Zealand for quite some time. She has taken over unofficially from the TO base manager and knows her way around Whangarei very well. I'm really glad that I met Renate, because it's quite a walk from the town center to Nikau Marina.

Nikau Marina Whangarei, New Zealand

The day before Katinka is due to be taken out of the water, Kevin comes by and misses the boat. I always assumed that I would be lifted out with a crane. But that turns out to be a false assumption. Now I realize why Kevin measures the boat so meticulously and precisely. The clear width of the boat and the width of the Traveler make the whole thing exciting. Kevin thinks it's just about right. I'm curious.

Arrival in Norsand Whangarei, New Zealand

As I'm the only boat that day, I'm supposed to arrive an hour earlier than agreed. So I prepare the lines and cast off at 3 p.m. to slowly cover the mile to Norsand. Fortunately, there is almost no wind, so the casting off maneuver is not particularly difficult as a single-handed sailor. I avoid the small shoal off Norsand and sail in a wide arc from the northwest into the box. Katinka is secured and aligned in the small basin with a total of eight lines. It really is precision work. 

Katinka on shore leave

The traveler is driven into the water and the boat is repeatedly realigned. Finally, the vehicle is under the boat and the stamps are placed as they were measured the day before. After a good hour, Katinka is on dry land. That means first of all on the washing area. The hull is steamed and then it's finally time to call it a day. I spend the first night on the traveler.

Katinka cleaning the hull Norsand, New Zealand

Coffeeshop Whangarei, New Zealand

The next morning, I first need a coffee. I realize with horror that I am locked in the shipyard. Without further ado, I climb over the fence and make my way to the nearby coffee shop. A sandwich and a coffee revive my spirits and I set off on the second leg of our shore leave. On the way back to the shipyard, I find the gate open. Further measurements follow and we discuss removing one wheel of the Traveler's twin tyres. Even after measuring, they are not quite sure whether it will be enough. In the end, they decide to give it a try. The gravel road leads to the parking area. The SY Lady Blue is parked diagonally opposite. We meet up with old acquaintances who, like us, obviously have the same route.

Katinka is pushed between two boats and parked with wooden planks on the keel. There is no room to move inwards, so the planks must not protrude. The measurements are checked again and again until you are sure that it will work. The boat is parked, the planks are lowered and all the wooden blocks are removed from the traveler. Katinka is now standing freely on the ground. Now all that remains is to remove the Traveler. Centimetre by centimetre, the vehicle is pulled out. I am amazed at the precision with which this is done. The Traveler actually comes out from under the Katinka without touching it. Good job, guys!

Millimeter work

So now Katinka is on land. Somehow the sky is crying and my heart is heavy too, but it's the best solution at the moment. I hope Katinka soon finds someone who will take her back into the water and have lots of fun with her. For me, it's time to say goodbye over the next few days. Safe in the knowledge that our Katinka is in good hands, I'm looking forward to our Katinka-Enjoy and hope to continue having exciting experiences with our new boat. As usual, we will continue to keep you up to date here and wish you fair winds at all times and keep a stiff upper lip.