The next big step before completion of the boat restoration is to install a new jib roller reefing system. This fills me with dread as it involves cutting a steel cable and an aluminum tube to exact lengths and finishing them off nicely. I express my terror to the boat shop on the mainland who will be selling me the equipment and the wonderful Hiromi san says “Don’t worry Neil san, I will get Jigen san to help you.”

I meet up with Jigen san and he is another in the long line of Okinawan smiling boat saviours.

” Can you install the rolling reefing and set up the new sail, Jigen san?” He says, ” Why man, that’s my hobby.”

I explain that I will need eye splices at the end of all the new halyards and that I am too stupid to do it myself. In the past, legendary Sato san RIP and Nick san helped me with this sort of thing.

“Sato san taught me how to splice. I can do the eye splices nae borra.” explains Jigen san. He is a great guy.

Today I cut my new rope to the correct length for the peak halyard and the throat halyard. I lay out the old rope and lay the new rope alongside. I cut it with a razor sharp Opinel. This works very well until I notice that I have used up all the new rope but still need new jib halyard and topping lift halyard. I have completely miscalculated the length of rope needed. How can I be be so stupid? I curse myself as I will have to go back to Island Boats and buy lots more super expensive rope.

At this point a guy working on the boat next to me in the yard wanders over. He and his wife run a Parasailing business and their boat is moored near mine in the marina. They are doing a refit. I have often passed them out at sea, we grin and wave.

He, in Japanese, speaks about rope. At first I think he wants my old rope. Thanks to Google translate I realize he wants to give me rope. He has to replace all his rope every year to comply with safety regulations. I say “Yes please.”

He hands over 80 meters of brand new high quality rope. He refuses any payment. The rope is worth hundreds of dollars. What does it mean? One minute I am cursing about having to buy new rope, the next Kaz san gives me more rope than I will ever need. Is it the magic of Okinawa or the spirit of Xmas?