I return to Okinawa to spend six weeks of blissful sailing adventure. As usual with boats, things do not work out as planned. While away in California there was a small typhoon resulting in much tugging on the bow mooring lines made fast to the samson post.

The tenon of the bowsprit has also rotted so I need a new bowsprit and sampson post. I try the supermarkets but they do not stock Norfolk Gypsy stuff really. I consult my carpenter friend, Tomo san, in Onna son. He is a great guy and has made me bits and pieces for the boat before. He reckons he can make a replacement and there is much discussion with his Dad as to what wood to use. The originals seemed to have been some sort of pine but we all agree that there is no way that pine will resist the rigors of the Okinawan climate. We go for a hardwood called Apitong that I have never heard of before.

This was a great project but once again the crushing heat made it it very tough at times. I still need to adjust shrouds and fix the jib but I am more or less ready to start sailing adventures again, Er, unfortunately I go back to California in a couple of days!