The Perfect Christmas Present

I solved this years annual challenge of getting Mrs DIY the perfect Christmas gift, I have purchased her a really beautiful winch.
Every year I have this quandary as her birthday is only 10 days before Christmas and it stretches my creativity to find some gift that would really be appreciated but this year I had a moment of  shear genius.

Its a Harken Radial 46 2STA Winch, I'm sure she will be absolutely delighted...
A self tailing model, that means Mrs DIY willl not have to ask me to leave my steering duties and heave on the Genoa sheet...as well as keep the boat on course.
It's the ultimate in multi-tasking solutions.
It's the gift that will go on giving.

The Stern Step

The stern step has now been installed, a very tricky operation, sitting in a moving dinghy, drilling small holes very close to the waterline!
I might have overdone the sealant but better to be safe than sorry, it was a very messy clean-up.
Now we will be able to get on and off the boat with a little dignity, without having to hang off the stern ladder, plus we maybe able to load the dog on and off the boat when we are cruising around the Marlborough Sounds.
The design was a combination of information supplied by two Members of the Westerly Owners Association (ZEBEK & Camomile) who have similar yachts, luckily, I was able to see the Camomile model in action in Wellington, while it was on its world cruise.
It makes a very good place to store the dinghy, fits perfectly, more good luck than good management, I can even lift it on end by myself but I will need to install some extra pulleys to make it work efficiently.
Note: I was going to tidy-up the rope-work today but a very large weather front came through so I have to leave for another day.