Sort of normal

Just when we thought we were over the regattas the PRO did not turn up for the Flying Dutchman Nationals and I was asked to fill in for the first two days. It was a lot of fun helping a relaxed bunch of guys get their racing. There were only nine boats and they enjoyed their competition. And then it has been back to the normal run of things with the weather absolutely glorious. I think there was one rainy morning somewhere in the last week or two. Phil, Erin and Zoe arrived down last Saturday and we are becoming more and more besotted with our granddaughter! We have been doing touristy things withthem, like climbing to the "Centrre of New Zealand". Yesterday we visited the Hoglund Glass Studio and saw glass ornaments that were way out of our league - some priced as high as $12900! We also visited Redwood Cellars who make a big variety of fruit wines and ciders. Some of you will get to sample some of this. In the last few days a team of four young sailors has been selected to travel to Venice in May to an international teams racing regatta. The invitation was to the Nelson Yacht Club and I have been asked to be the Manager/coach. So all going well I will be accompanying some of the chi9ldren I have been working with to a major international regatta. There are only six weeks left of my tenure here this season and we are already planning for next year. We are also making plans for the coming six months back ion the North Island.