Boating New Zealand — February 2018

52 Boating New Zealand

and a spade rudder because unlike a skeg-hung rudder, which

has two pivot points and the skeg protects the rudder, a spade

rudder is prone to damage from underwater debris.

But on the basis that this design had a good reputation, and

that all yachts are a compromise, I remained interested.

The next mission was nine hours of train travel to Cherbourg

on the English Channel to view an Alubat Ovni 35. Again,

this was a go-anywhere vessel and her size better suited my

requirements. But it was clear the Carambola 38 was a lot more

boat for the money, so we travelled another nine hours back to

La Rochelle to have another good look at the Carambola.

We had to head for home before the offer could be

negotiated, but over time my original offer was accepted,

an English-speaking surveyor engaged who fulfilled my

requirement for a more detailed survey report than is usual,

which included checking that all equipment was in ‘good

working order’, because I would not be there to do the

acceptance trial before payment.

And yes, I converted my New Zealand dollars to Euros at

exactly the wrong moment. BNZ

BOTTOM A gaggle of rental boats in a lock.

BELOW La Rochelle is reputed to have Europe’s largest marina.

BOATINGNZ.CO.NZ

INTERESTED IN CRUISING THE FRENCH CANALS?

For more information about the French canals visit http://www.francecruises.com.