Waiting out a blow at Pomare Bay, BOI

January 4th, 2023

Log 352 nm

We arrived in anticipation of an easterly blow, having left the beautiful Urapukapuka anchorage at Paradise Bay. We got here early to make sure we could anchor in a well sheltered position from the forecast winds which are predicted to reach 60 knots. Several previous stays here in Pomare Bay have proven the very strong holding offered by the mud substrates.

However beyond anchoring and security checks, there’s not much to do when waiting out a blow. So let the boat jobs commence!

The main jobs tackled were fan and interior light installation and wiring of a USB socket in the saloon. Also service of our two main life jackets.

Fan installation involved running 2 mm dual core wire from the dedicated terminal block at the stitch board to the port side saloon cupboard where a second terminal block was installed to connect a fan in the forepeak and to provide a connection for a fan in the saloon at this location.

The terminal block with the three wires connected to the right is the positive feed for our cabin fans.

Needed to find the best cabling route (shortest but with least modifications/drilling to the boat) which requires some examination of areas like the bilge to see where routing options exist.

Eventually found a preferred route for wiring involving only two 11 mm holes drilled to accommodate two fan installations.

Next was installation of LED lighting in the forepeak. These are blue/white stems, one on each side of the berth. These installations were much easier as existing wiring was used. The installation started with a tender ride to the hardware store to get correct size stainless screws (the screws provided were too long. Then really just a matter of using heat shrink butt connectors in place of the chocolate box connectors (which have been turning up throughout the boat from earlier work!) to connect the new lights before screwing them in place.

And the last electrical job was to wire the 12 V USB charger in the saloon. The hardware I had fitted some time ago so it was good to finally get the socket wired and working. Installed a 5 amp fuse on this.

And lastly servicing of our life jackets was pretty straightforward. Manual inflation to check each holds air, inspection for damages and that auto inflation components were operational.

Life jacket service involves opening and checking interior components.

Now as I write the wind is picking up which is good as the blow will soon be over!

Cheers from Skipper Adam.