Trip around the bay of Islands

Sunday dawned clear and blue and warm. we have booked a trip on a catamaran around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Get the ferry across from Russell, thinking that possibly the boys are on the Isle of Mull ferry, But that is next Sunday. We board "On the Edge" a superb looking sail boat, tho what do we know about it, it's red, white and shiny! Max 60 passengers, not too crowded. Before you can say Popeye the sailor, the spinnaker is up, and we are splicing the mainbrace.We think that was after the driver had turned off the diesel engine. Sail off, it is a big bay, along 200 other boats of different shapes and sizes, but there are plenty of Islands to go at. A lovely sail to a very quiet beach, where we have a barbecue lunch, delicious! and plenty of it, smoked chicken and thinly sliced beef and salad. More factor thirty, which is as thick as sand and cement, then a dip in the ooloo. It took my breathe away, but Peter said it wasn't cold! After a couple of hours we set sail again for more Island hopping. It's a fabulous experience gliding along in the breeze with hardly any noise, apart from the squeals of the young girls on the net at the front who were getting sprayed from the bow wave! Sunbathe, laze about, take photos,sleep It's Tough! Called in the pub when we got back to Russell, which is actually called "The Pub" We try to book another night at Russell campsite but they are fully booked so must move on must get the maps out.
Catarmaran skippers view of the aussies was a bit jaundiced, giving safety instructions on how to don a lifejacket, Jacket said on it front and back, Skipper said "made in Australia-------- for Australians"