sv evi

We checked out of New Zealand customs at 3 pm today, and untied the dock lines with our friends there to wish us well at 5 pm. Some boats honked their horns as we left and others yelled out “goodbye, we love you, safe passage!” Also our friend Andrew came and cleaned our dinghy for us while we got fuel, and Dan tied our dinghy on deck for us.

It’s been stressful trying to get everything done and ready to go on our first big passage (while still dealing with head lice)….and also a little sentimental as my auntie evi left Opua before disappearing into the Tasman ocean in 2013. Different boat, different crew, different weather, but it still weighs on me.

Also, it’s one thing to say we are going sailing to these various places, to talk about it, and then it feels different the day you are actually doing it — like wtf, this is crazy taking our small boat out into the big ocean!

We sold our car — for $150 more than we bought it for! and then Ted let us borrow his car for the last week. We sent the kids to school even today, the last day in the country!

I’ve tried to make sure we are ready for everything, medical kit wise….we have malaria prophylactics and treatment courses, antibiotics, burn cream, painkillers, etc. We have lots of food. I cooked chicken & rice and a white bean chicken chili yesterday and pizza this morning.

Riki had been busting his butt installing the Starlink properly, mounting the new 8 person life raft, and replacing the raw water pump on the engine.

We have said goodbye to lots of friends, gave flowers to the 2 librarians at Paihia Library, Imogen & Fiona and to the marina staff, and we will carry so many lovely memories of our 7 months in New Zealand with us.

We hope to stop in Minerva Reef for a few days if the weather continues to look good.