Neil and Hallie and a new anchor!

Onboard this weekend we had friends Neil and Hallie Meyrick who own not one but two boats! They live on a canal boat by the name of Dragon Fly and own a rival 36 called Sea Ranger. We’ve spent a good number of winter evenings enjoying talks at the Cruising Association, which Neil and Hallie belong to.

The lovely Neil and Hallie!

Tom had sailed on Sea Ranger with Neil and Hallie when they took a sabbatical. At that time Neil and Hallie and endured some tough seas, and feeling a bit frazzled Tom had helped on a weekend trip trying to boost their confidence.

This weekend they returned the favour as unused to boat maintenance we had started to found our vast array of equipment and its difficulties overwhelming. As Neil and Hallie helped out they convinced us not to worry and that all boat owners are always fixing something! Phew!

On Saturday we had Seateach onboard demonstrating their parasailor. We’d gone on a demo at the boat show that left us underwhelmed especially given the high cost. Ric the Sales Representative had stated the sail was the wrong size and wanted to show us a sail that would work on our boat. Seatech also asked if we could take another two potential clients and we ended up heading out with eight of us onboard. Key to us was to get a good demo and drop them off so we could spend time with Hallie and Neil. Not so lucky. To be fair to the parasailor hoist went very smoothly. On the whole it sailed well although dead downwind did yawl from side to side which is something they state doesn’t happen. I was told to rather broad reach and then later after the demo told we should have tightened down the guys. Why not do it out on the water? But credit due it sailed well and I like the versatility of it. Then time for the drop. Jim from Seatech took the helm while Ric took us to the front to demo the drop. I remember thinking hope we get it down pretty sharpish as Jim is steering towards the famed shallow Bramble Bank. The drop is certainly not that smooth as you try to gather the extended wing standing out at the front. Never mind all the admin to clip the clew to a tacker device which helps secure it. Pull this line, pull that line, reach up etc. etc. This left me wondering how that would work particularly in open seas. Ric then started to show an alternative drop. This was just as a squall arrived and Jim was running out of water. Ensue lots of shouting between the two and an almighty struggle to get it down.

By now it was getting late and we had to head back. Ric had gone into full sales mode which was wearing us down. But we had to offer drinks while Ric made notes of extras needed in terms of blocks, lines etc. Fair dues they kindly helped get our new anchor on. By the end of the day Ric was pushing hard saying we needed to make a decision by Monday and make a deposit. End of the week now and still no final quote! To be honest the parasailor has advantages but like Neil said it’s still a spinnaker and comes with all the hassles which for double handers is not easy. There were so many rigging items and tacking the clew to this and that, releasing it, retrieving it. Made life look difficult on the foredeck in open seas! And it costs double a spinnaker. Jury is out and I’m still waiting for the quote.

I’d also ordered a top end Rocna anchor so we can sleep feeling secure. A little tricky as we are just too big for the 25kg anchor and a little small for the 33kg anchor! Picking it up from the marina office I was gobsmacked at how big it is! Safe to say it’s now on the bow roller and no-one dare mess with us in a right of way argument!

Sunday dawned with blue skies. A leisurely breakfast and we had time to head to Swanick Marina to empty our blocked holding tank. For the record it was a blessing Neil and Hallie were onboard as it required a tight parking spot using lots of lines to move it in and out of said spot by hand. But we needed to do that and next resolve the block!

So off we trundled for a good sail and blue sunny skies. Lunch was in Osborne Bay and the Rocna anchor was formally launched. And unlike other products it did what it said on the tin “be warned some are surprised it sets quicker than other anchors”. Splendid!

With the sun slowly sinking we returned to the marina and off to London to adjust to our city lifestyle once more. Thanks to Neil and Hallie – a truly lovely couple with a wonderful positive outlook on life!