Sailing the Pacific

I have a dream to sail on a yacht in the Pacific. Reading Johnnie Wray's book has increased that desire, despite the bit of the story where he ends up man over board, three times no less, in hurricane conditions. I finished this classic book of NZ sailing today, and thoroughly enjoyed it. His resourcefulness made me think of a book club book we read last year "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" where a young African boy builds a windmill using pretty much only recycled items from his local dump. Back in the 1930's, on a minimal budget, knowing nothing about boat building, Johnnie built himself an amazingly sturdy boat from Kauri logs he salvaged from beaches around Auckland. He then proceeded to have a fine time sailing backwards and forwards between NZ and various Pacific Islands with his mates, enjoying wonderful island hospitality wherever they landed.

Hopefully, I might manage a day sail in Akaroa Harbour next week with friends Nancy and Matt....