Progress
Things are looking up on board the Kate. Since finally getting a mooring licence in a workable location progress has been steady, converting the once-bare interior into accommodation for six trainees, a master and mate for 5-day voyages.
Floorboards, bulkheads, knees, water tanks, settees and bunks are happening. The unfinished panelling is tidied up and refurbished, a new companionway ladder is in making access much easier… Much of the work is adding strength to the cabin structure to cope with the stresses of sailing.
We’re not far off stepping the mast, and with a suit of sails lined up, if finances permit we should be sailing by next summer.
Pure sail, fossil free
The decision has been made to initially work under sail alone, to train crew in the skills of working in and out of the inlet, using the tides, practising precise manoevers such as man-overboard recovery under sail. This is an extra challenge, but it brings us closer to nature. For propulsion in a calm we plan an electric outboard on the dinghy lashed alongside, achieving zero emissions as demanded by today’s youth.
Eventually we ‘d like to go for electric inboard drive, with re-generation from the propeller when sailing with power to spare. The technology for this is developing rapidly.
More relevant than ever
Now more than ever it’s vitally important to give our next generations the opportunity to experience Nature at close hand, to explore what’s possible, discover and develop their strengths to be part of a fast-changing world. Every child deserves this chance of a lifetime.
Finance
We have a very economical operation, thanks to much donated labour and materials and almost zero overhead costs, so your invested dollars go a long way. The more finance we can raise the better job we can do, and we want to do a good job, well into the future.
Donations of any amount are always appreciated, either one-off or regular monthly contributions, plus we have these beautiful, high quality prints of David Barker’s painting for sale for $225 each. Help us reach our target of 100 prints sold! email info@waihekeworkingsail.org.
Volunteers
We’re looking for volunteers for carpentry, rigging and eventually sailing, as well as publicity (Facebook, website updates, crowd funding ) and fundraising. Please contact Bernard to discuss.
Onwards and upwards!
Cheers, Bernard.