Sally and Simon left Scotland in 2015 on board Shimshal to begin a slow circumnavigation taking in various high latitude destinations. After 3 seasons in Greenland we sailed south to northern Newfoundland. In 2019 we cruised the Canadian Maritimes. In 2022 & 23 we cruised via New England, Chesapeake, Florida, Cuba, Cayman, Providencia to Bocas del Toro. In late 2023 we began a 2 year crossing of the Pacific arriving in New Zealand in October 2025.
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Shimshal refit
Shimshal’s New Zealand refit (20 years) is coming to an end and we are booked to launch on Monday just as a big low pressure system collides with NZ’s East Cape. Much has been done since our boat was hauled in late November and all has been done by great Kiwi tradesmen who have stuck to schedules and worked their magic. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been achieved in 2 months:
New standing rigging
New Fridge & freezer
Solar panels upgraded to 1320 watts
Hydrogenerator fitted
Rudder removed, repaired and refitted with new bearings
New engine mounts and major service
Sails serviced and 20 year old staysail replaced
Copper coat patched up
Multiple through hulls either removed or replaced
Overhaul of our 12volt electrical installation
Replacement of the 5 pesky electrical switches that failed in Tonga
NZ compliant LPG system installed.
Many thanks to all the Tradesmen that made all this happen and to Helen Shrewsbury for keeping her watchful eye over all the work in our absence. Great job NZ!
If the boat still floats, our plan is to meander south to the Huaraki Gulf and look for a weather window to get down to the South Island for an NZ winter in Nelson. If the weather window doesn’t emerge we’ll still have fun in more local waters.
Saturday, 10 January 2026
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