High Performance Cruising Yacht Launches in NZ |
Early this morning the 65’ Performance Cruising Yacht ‘Spirit of Adventure’ had her third outing from Marten Yacht’s shed. The first was way back in January when the hull was turned over and the mould removed. Since then, she has been undercover until last Saturday, when she was taken out to have the 4m keel fitted and the hydraulic lifting mechanism tested. This done, she was returned briefly inside, until dawn this morning, when she was trucked to the McMullen and Wing boatyard just around the corner. After a few hours in the travel hoist waiting for the high tide, the moment we’ve all been waiting for arrived. Under an overcast sky, she was lowered gently into the Tamaki River. Some tension was left on the hoist straps, to enable controlled testing of the bow thruster, before they were cast off and she backed out onto the wharf. A mere twenty minutes later, all the engine checks were complete, and all systems functioning correctly. Skippered by Don Cowie she eased away from the dock for her first trip on the water. Assisted by the falling tide, swift progress was made towards the Hauraki Gulf. The Perkins engine was revved up to full speed and Rangitoto Island was passed in a very short time. Before entering the Viaduct Basin in the centre of Auckland, the manoeuvring was checked with a few tight turns and reverses. The bow thruster was also tested again before heading to the former Alinghi base to tie up. The rig will be installed over the next few days and, weather permitting, the first sailing trials will be on Friday 19th on the Hauraki Gulf.
For more information on this exciting sailboat go to:
Spirit of Adventure 65 Blue Water Cruiser
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