**** 25 more days to go till relaunch ****
This week has been very good workwise and we look forward to a very productive weekend from Peia, Maurai and the volunteers
All of the lashing holes and deck drains have been cut and the rubber pads have been placed ready for the beams to sit on. Robin Williams the surveyor will pay a visit to the yard over the weekend for a further inspection.
Work has begun on the aft companionway washboard tracks. Most of the work that Lloyds have been contracted to do is almost complete, the reassembly of the vaka is now our responsibility.
The decks are currently having their second coat applied and the hull has had topcoat on the areas where the beam lashing will be.
Lloyds also are working through fitting the engine and tanks to the starboard hull.
Alex is in Auckland for three days to assist Maurai and the volunteers, this weekend the beams are being lashed and in the coming weeks the final assembly and rebirth of the boat.
Safety gear replacement will be finalised in the next few days utilising the New Zealand High Commission Grant of $10,000 and Cook Islands Yacht Squadron Grant of $4,000. We are still facing a substantial shortfall for the work that was not included in the quote, the mast repairs $16K, toilet installation $11k, electrical wiring $14K and the fender boards $8K. We have had no more feedback from the Cook Islands Community in Auckland about a proposed community fundraiser. We need to urgently approach some potential sponsors and utilise the offer of the Gordon’s to match donations up to $5,000.
Launch date has been tentatively set for Tuesday the 30th April. A berth has been secured at Okahu with the local iwi Ngati Whatua and working with Lloyds on the logistics of launching there with Lloyds. CIVS will work with Cook Islands Consulate, Ministry of Culture and OPM for the official launch, farewell and welcome ceremony.
Tentative dates to sail home Mid-May, depending on Sea Trials, recertification. Captain has been confirmed with Hotu, John-Reid Willison from Haunui will captain Maru home, he meets all the insurance requirements to sail. His last voyage was Nolfork return in October 2018.