April update

image by Juha Merila

















These images are of the Toroa, or Mollymawk, after which a headland in the area I grew up was named by the ancient Maori.
Regrettably these beautiful birds are no longer found on our mainland, they have dispersed themselves to remote offshore islands. I believe that there are less than 300 breeding pairs left.


















Toroa is completely glassed over and after a heavy sanding is ready for a coat of primer.
Things are progressing more slowly presently as I have had to find full time employment.
I'm so drained after a days work I find it impossible to get out to the proa project at night. Ben Tombs (a local boat builder and musician friend, Ben plays wood wind instuments) has kindly been assisting me with the really toxic stuff and has got me over a major hurdle. I've decided to get him back to finish the paint aspect of the project. I'll post some images soon to illustrate the progress shortly.
Not too long now and we'll be ready to launch.
I've assembled the luff spars which are second hand carbon sailboard spars. The luff spar has been glued butt to butt with a sleeve, the boom has one spar telescoped inside the other.

The trailer has its new draw bar extension and is now waiting for me to take it to the local vehicle service center for a warrant of fitness.

Last thing on the list is the colour scheme which will mimic the colours of the mollymawk.

More later

Harmen