Steadfast Sailing on the Sound

Our sail yesterday afternoon was exciting in 20 knot winds with gusts up to 30 knots our of the South.  It's a little tricky getting consistent winds in the sounds with so many mountains on all sides.  Our captain, Laurence, is from West Australia and built The Steadfast in his backyard, and eventually a dry dock, from plans of a 1913 French cutter, an amazing feat.  He eventually sailed her to east Australia and then across to New Zealand where he and his wife have settled in French Pass close to Nelson but in the outer sounds. 

That's Lana, the first mate, at the wheel.  She's a trained trapeze artist from Lyon, France, but has traveled and lived all over the world.  She's presently studying Chinese medecine and has spent several months in China assisting in hospitals.  Her goal is to return to China after several more months of traveling and working part time jobs in NZ, the Phillipines, Japan, etc. and teach English to Chinese children.  She speaks English very well, but no Chinese, YET.  She will.  A trapeze artist makes a darn good sailor with strong upper body, good balance, and skill at tying knots and handling ropes.  Amazing the people we have met! 

Raising the mainsail took incredible strength and two people.  It's huge, and it takes very strong experienced sailors to hoist it up the mast.  We were so impressed that Bill and I were taken out on such a big boat - the only two passengers for all this work! 

A beautiful day, beautiful ship, and two fascinating people.  The Steadfast carries 34 passengers for a day sail and can sleep 7 plus in her cabin overnight.  If you are interested in more details go to Laurence's website:  http://www.steadfastsail.com/

Tomorrow we are off to LA, a 12 hour trip from Auckland.  We'll be staying at the Sheraton one night, and then home on Saturday evening,  I'll post from the hotel, assuming I have a good internet connection - surely.  This afternoon we have one more trip on the sound in the Magical Mailboat cruise.  More adventures before we leave.  See you all soon.