Part ofthe reason to stop in Kona wasto check out of the country. A fairly important thing these days.
Blaze shoreside support (who?) called the local office of Homeland Security five days before arrival in Kona. To ask where it would be most convient to have them board and check the boat out. We wanted to make sure we didn't go to the "wrong place." We were very specific on the voice mail.
Three days later a gruff official (didn't get his name...) returned my call. As I was explaining the situation breifly he said "I don't mean to cut you off....." and then rudely did so. He sounded to be in a tremendous hurry for a man who's department sees just one international flight day.
We followed his direction to call from the http://www.gentryskonamarina.com/.
So as the boat prepared to depart on Monday...the requisite call was placed. Left message on voicemail. Yep...no return call. No return call Tuesday. On Wednesday, the adventurers contact their other new friend, Brian, and grabbed a ride out to the airport.
Wednesday afternoon, 3:30 pm and the Dept of Homeland Security is gone. "They leave at three" was the answer upon inquiry. Back to the boat. Another day wasted.
Thursday, Brian saved the day again. He drove Devon and Dustin out to the airport again.
Surprise!.....a real person was there. He checked 'em out. Then handed them clearance papers
while asking "what time are you guys leaving?". "Three o'clock sir".
The correct response.
What started as a phone call on Monday......ended with signed papers on Thursday.
Oh well...........that gentleman is still at his job today. The crew of Blaze is off on an adventure.
Who really won that round?
Friday, August 31, 2007
Kona and the fisherman
As we all know, Devon and Dustin are fairly easy to know. So it's not a surprise they managed to find some new friends in Kona.
First there was the printing press journeyman (name unknown for now) they met in the harbor bar. Seems he had fishing boat and offered to take the "adventurers" fishing. So last week, on a calm morning, he motored out to where the boat was anchored. With a loud hail, he rousted Devon and inquired if they would like to go fishing....right now.
They jumped at the chance to learn deep sea technique from a local. Strategy was discussed, lines were rigged and then re-rigged. The boat tolled for a couple of hours. Nuthin.
But the did learn a lot about what to buy, what to make....and what is just useless.
Armed with fresh fishing knowledge, they headed to Ace hardware the next day. Raw materials were purchased to be able to make their own lures. A few store bought ones as well.
We shall see how the newly armed fishermen fair in the next few weeks.
As usual, no photos were taken. Damn.
Why the hell did you buy that expensive camera Devon?
LOL
First there was the printing press journeyman (name unknown for now) they met in the harbor bar. Seems he had fishing boat and offered to take the "adventurers" fishing. So last week, on a calm morning, he motored out to where the boat was anchored. With a loud hail, he rousted Devon and inquired if they would like to go fishing....right now.
They jumped at the chance to learn deep sea technique from a local. Strategy was discussed, lines were rigged and then re-rigged. The boat tolled for a couple of hours. Nuthin.
But the did learn a lot about what to buy, what to make....and what is just useless.
Armed with fresh fishing knowledge, they headed to Ace hardware the next day. Raw materials were purchased to be able to make their own lures. A few store bought ones as well.
We shall see how the newly armed fishermen fair in the next few weeks.
As usual, no photos were taken. Damn.
Why the hell did you buy that expensive camera Devon?
LOL
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The new mainsail is ordered!
As we all know, UV degradation just eats sails.
24 hr exposure while on a passage. Constant chaffing and stress.
The mainsail was limited in life when we acquired the boat. The plan from the beginning was to buy a new mainsail in New Zealand. Since lead times with good sailmakers runs up to 2 months, we felt it was prudent to order a new mainsail now.
http://www.lidgardsails.com/Locations/auckland.php
Sean Lidgard is a great guy. He understands the situation and has offered to build the sail and have it ready...just in case there is a problem BEFORE we get to NZ. SO the new sail is being constructed in such a manner thatthe old battens can be used if needed. Freight from NZ to Papeete is about $500. We may not have to send the sail....but it will be ready if needed.
Best of all...we received a pre season discount by ordering before months end!!
Lidgard sails has built the sails for Mirabella.
http://www.mirabellayachts.com/mirabella1/
I think they know how to do it right.
ps note the charter fee on the above link! Yikes!
24 hr exposure while on a passage. Constant chaffing and stress.
The mainsail was limited in life when we acquired the boat. The plan from the beginning was to buy a new mainsail in New Zealand. Since lead times with good sailmakers runs up to 2 months, we felt it was prudent to order a new mainsail now.
http://www.lidgardsails.com/Locations/auckland.php
Sean Lidgard is a great guy. He understands the situation and has offered to build the sail and have it ready...just in case there is a problem BEFORE we get to NZ. SO the new sail is being constructed in such a manner thatthe old battens can be used if needed. Freight from NZ to Papeete is about $500. We may not have to send the sail....but it will be ready if needed.
Best of all...we received a pre season discount by ordering before months end!!
Lidgard sails has built the sails for Mirabella.
http://www.mirabellayachts.com/mirabella1/
I think they know how to do it right.
ps note the charter fee on the above link! Yikes!
Moving on down the line...at night!
Blaze left Lahaina on Wed afternoon and is headed tothe Kona side (west side) of the Big Island.
The passage thru Molakai channel in the dark and with 14 -20 mph winds was exciting. The night passage was planned so as to be able to make landfall at dawn. Fifteen hours estimated crossing time.
Plan to land at http://www.gentryskonamarina.com/
At anchor just offshore and outside the channel.
Need a new bilge pump, more varnish for the cabin sole and propane refilled.
Rest up and restock here for 2-3 days. US Customs will board and check the boat out of the country ....probably MondayAug 27
Sunday, August 19, 2007
pictures!!!
Top to bottom
Lahaina
Dusty at the helm sailing to Lahaina
Between the Islands
Ko Olina Resort
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