Ohana

Sat Jun 13 14:48 2020 NZST
GPS: 35 18.9888S 174 7.5672E

Position report sent via Iridium GO


Fri Jun 5 5:27 2020 NZST
GPS: 26 23s 172 31w
Run: 5.1nm (9.2km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 153nm

We've been making great progress through the "Goldilocks zone" where it's not too hot, not too cold, nice and sunny with just the right amount of wind. Just 4 days ago it was uncomfortably hot. It gets about 2 degrees cooler each day as we sail South. Apparently winter has properly arrived in NZ! From here onwards it is getting decidedly chilly and there will be mostly too little wind from the wing direction. A lot of motoring to be done after we lose the wind but we are only a few days away and we still have plenty of fuel. Opua cruising club is reportedly open (yay!). We are very much looking forward to a beer and a long sleep!


Tue Jun 2 18:28 2020 NZST
Speed:
7
knts
GPS: 21 51S 167 04W
Run: 1.1nm (2km)
Weather: East 16, swell E 1m, 1020 and 80%cloud cover

All going very well and making good progress. Chris has a great signal when reporting to Northland radio on 12Mhz and when he talked to me on 8 MHz he came through clearly too. They are making great progress and although there is the option of stopping at Minerva they have the bit between the teeth and will likely head straight for the barn. Patricia GHRadio


Sat May 23 8:39 2020 NZST
GPS: 11 11s 143 34w
Run: 4.8nm (8.7km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 153.6nm

After two great weeks in Nuku Hiva we are on the move again! Life in Nuku Hiva has returned to normal, there's no lockdown so we were able to do some good long walks, build sand castles, buy expensive food, enjoy fresh pamplemousse and even party with the other boats! Now back to easy trade winds sailing under clear blue skies. French warship inspected us today, seemed happy with our credentials.

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Fri May 8 2:48 2020 NZST
GPS: 08 02s 136 12w
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)

Great sailing conditions continue. The last couple of days have been a giant slalom between huge drift nets 30 miles long, marked by dozens of AIS buoys. We just entered French Polynesian waters so hopefully there will be no more of those. Our ETA at Nuku Hiva is daytime on the 8th (local time). We are really looking forward to getting off the boat for the first time in a very long time! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Sun May 3 23:09 2020 NZST
GPS: 05 16s 124 21w
Run: 28.4nm (51.4km)
Avg: 47.3knts
24hr: 1136nm

Sorry for the lack of updates, every day is the same out here! Mostly nice sunny weather with the occasional rain squalls once every day or two to wake us up. We are taking our time, sailing for comfort not speed. Satphone email is working normally again at last after two weeks of technical problems at iridium. Meanwhile we are now in range of the PacMagNet SSB radio net so we are less reliant on the satphone and it's nice to chat to other boats in Polynesia and the South Pacific. We are not alone out here after all! Less than 1000nm to Nuku Hiva now and we have been granted permission to stop there. Looking forward to stepping on land for the first time in nearly 2 months!


Thu Apr 23 11:06 2020 NZST
GPS: 00 22n 94 37w
Run: 0.8nm (1.4km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 128nm

After motoring through the lee of the Galapagos islands this morning we have now picked up gentle trade winds and making good speed under sail at last. Fine weather and comfortable seas. Everyone enjoying the ride today! We've had better wind and used less fuel than expected, plenty of fuel in reserve and we should have a good wind all the way to the Marquesas now. Tonight we cross the equator!


Thu Apr 16 6:18 2020 NZST
GPS: 03 53n 83 24w
Run: 6.7nm (12.1km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 160.8nm

Just a reminder: please do not worry if you don't see any updates here on YIT. There's no guarantee that the satellite phone will work, it could easily have a fault or get broken. We often have it turned off anyway for various reasons. Position updates here should be considered a bonus, not an essential! If updates on here stop then nothing is wrong, you'll hear from us in about 4 weeks when we reach French Polynesia (if we can stop there) or otherwise in about 7 weeks from NZ. Perhaps much longer if something slows us down. For example barnacles on the bottom could slow us down a lot! No need to worry for 12 weeks, if we had a problem we'd use an EPIRB.


Wed Apr 15 19:30 2020 NZST
GPS: 04 13n 82 28w
Run: 0.5nm (0.9km)

We had a couple of days of heavy rain showers with many wind shifts to follow. Hard work but we managed to make good progress to the South and we have been motoring SW in clear, completely calm weather for a few hours now. Bob McDavitt has updated our weather routing and we should soon find stable, light southerly winds which are the edge of the trade winds, then we will be South of the disturbed ITCZ area and can relax a bit. All's well.


Sun Apr 12 22:27 2020 NZST
GPS: 33 21n 11 20w
Run: 4670.5nm (8453.6km)
Avg: 15568.3knts
24hr: 373640nm

After a very stressful few weeks wondering how long we'd be stuck on the Atlantic side, we were in the first set of three boats to go through the Panama canal since the lockdown. All went smoothly and we departed Panama City at 1400 yesterday. We are now gently sailing South at three knots in flat seas, with a very light breeze behind us. A nice relaxed start and we are quite happy to be fully self isolated out here! Happy Easter to everyone ashore.


Thu Mar 19 20:12 2020 NZDT
GPS: 18 02n 63 49w
Run: 5nm (9.1km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 141.2nm

Departed Marigot 6pm today, heading for Panama canal. Greg has joined us as crew today and is doing a great job. Occasional showers, making 5kn average due west. Taking it easy for now with just the jib, will add more sail in the morning. All's well on board.


Tue Dec 31 13:39 2019 NZDT
GPS: 16 25.37692N 61 33.07366W
Run: 0.6nm (1.1km)

Mon Dec 30 20:40 2019 NZDT
GPS: 16 24.94327N 61 33.32970W
Run: 29.2nm (52.9km)

Wed Dec 4 9:35 2019 NZDT
GPS: 16 13N 61 10W
Run: 445.8nm (806.9km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154.2nm

Approaching Guadeloupe, be there in an hour or so! Tired after a long day so we will catch up with everyone after a good night's sleep.


Sat Nov 30 23:54 2019 NZDT
GPS: 13 15n 53 58w
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 132.9nm

We will cancel the satellite connection today as it is billed per calendar month and very expensive, so this will probably be the last update until we arrive. We still have the SSB radio for safety communication and weather information. Position updates will also stop later today until we arrive, which will hopefully be around the 4th of December. We have no wind so we are motoring for the first time since leaving Lisbon. This is good because the water tank (and the electricity tank) were empty. We are also carrying too much diesel, it's heavy! The engine is generating lots of power today, the batteries are nearly full now so we have plenty of spare power to run the watermaker. That means we can have a shower... Yay! There's more cloud now so the sun is not as fierce but it's still very hot and humid with no wind at all.


Wed Nov 27 1:51 2019 NZDT
GPS: 14 53n 45 32w
Run: 5.2nm (9.4km)

All's well, still enjoying fine weather and calm seas. Here's a message from Bea: Hello family and friends onshore! We are all good, sailing towards our destination slowly but surely. The current estimation to arrive is a bit over a week so I have plenty of time to improve my sailing and lemon cake baking skills. To read, sleep and enjoy the amazing sunrises and sunsets. Also meantime we arrived into the summer. 30+ during the day and 25+ during the night. miss you all and cannot wait to call you and send pictures! Million kisses and hugs!!! Bea


Mon Nov 25 7:51 2019 NZDT
GPS: 15 36n 42 05w
Run: 4nm (7.2km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 160nm

Another fine sunny day with light winds. Very hot, 30 degrees in the shade and we are not acclimatised! Progress is slow in these light winds but the seas are calm. We just saw the first other yacht since leaving the canaries, only on AIS, too far away to see it visually. All's well.


Sat Nov 23 4:27 2019 NZDT
GPS: 18 48n 37 53w
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 84nm

Half way day! We're getting heavy showers due to what the forecast is calling an "upper low" in our area. The rain showers are messing up the wind, which keeps changing direction and dropping to nothing. As the batteries were very low we are motoring for a while until we find a steady wind, charging the batteries as we go. The second jib is down and the main is up, ready to reach off to the south when the wind returns.


Mon Nov 18 6:15 2019 NZDT
GPS: 23 19n 24 49w
Run: 1.5nm (2.7km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 120nm

Very little has changed since our last report, still trundling downwind at good speed under just the twin jibs. Beata was attacked by a flying fish last night (at least that's her story, the fish may have a different opinion) but she eventually returned it to the freedom of the ocean.


Sat Nov 16 3:15 2019 NZDT
GPS: 25 48n 18 60w
Run: 2.5nm (4.5km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 171.4nm

We had a good fast day yesterday. We are now clear of the Canaries wind acceleration zone so we have slowed down a bit from our peak when we surfed at 17 knots. We are still making good speed dead downwind with just the twin jibs up, goosewinged on the new furler. This setup is working really well. We are managing to sail comfortably at half the wind speed with just the jibs. At this rate we will not need to use the main at all! All's well and the sun is shining.


Tue Nov 5 0:00 2019 NZDT
GPS: 33 21n 11 20w
Run: 191.8nm (347.2km)
Avg: 274.1knts
24hr: 6578.6nm

nice sunny morning, weather has been patchy showers but mostly fair. wind keeps shifting but all reaching. progress is very good. All's well and we are starting to get into the rhythm of watches and catch up on sleep.


Sun Nov 3 10:05 2019 NZDT
GPS: 38 45.23781N 9 5.58225W

We are preparing to depart early tomorrow morning if the forecast remains suitable. We will try to update our position here regularly but if you are following our updates here then please DO NOT WORRY if the position reports stop appearing, it doesn't mean there is any problem.


Fri Oct 25 1:29 2019 NZDT
GPS: 38 45N 9 6W
Run: 1339.5nm (2424.5km)
Weather: Rather pleasant

In lisbon preparing to cross the Atlantic


Mon Aug 28 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 53 52.52123N 8 42.33931E
Run: 107.6nm (194.8km)

Cuxhaven


Fri Aug 25 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 53 24.10526N 6 12.27414E
Run: 36.2nm (65.5km)

Lauwersoog


Thu Aug 24 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 53 10.37172N 5 24.95302E
Run: 58.5nm (105.9km)

Harlingen


Thu Aug 10 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 52 23.27309N 4 53.45144E
Run: 88.2nm (159.6km)

Amsterdam westerdok!


Mon Aug 7 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 51 24.46636N 3 33.92924E
Run: 113.8nm (206km)

Breskens


Sat Aug 5 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 51 19.28963N 1 24.07872E
Run: 80.2nm (145.2km)
Avg: 3.3knts
24hr: 80.2nm

Anchored off ramsgate


Sat Aug 5 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 51 0.90304N 1 0.73658E
Run: 27.1nm (49.1km)

Dungeness waiting for tide


Fri Aug 4 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 50 49.87305N 0 16.33757W
Run: 96.3nm (174.3km)

Sussex yacht club, shoreham


Fri Jun 30 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 50 36.68097N 2 26.68687W
Run: 55.8nm (101km)

Weymouth


Sun Jun 25 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 50 25.79732N 3 40.88217W
Run: 5.5nm (10km)

Totnes


Sat Jun 24 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 50 22.68237N 3 35.20551W
Run: 46.4nm (84km)

Dartmouth


Thu Jun 22 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 50 19.97822N 4 38.16111W
Run: 22.2nm (40.2km)

Fowey


Fri Jun 16 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 50 9.55831N 5 3.49439W
Run: 20.8nm (37.6km)

Falmouth


Tue Jun 13 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 50 7.04977N 5 31.39776W
Run: 55.1nm (99.7km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.3nm

Penzance


Thu Jun 1 1:36 2017 NZST
GPS: 44 25n 30 06w
Run: 58.4nm (105.7km)
Avg: 9.3knts
24hr: 222.5nm

we've had two days of strong winds and big waves, probably broken a few records for Ohana, surfed some huge waves... Max speed was 20 knots! Now the sun has come out, the wind is dropping and the seas are getting much more regular but still up to 6m high. The music is on and dolphins are playing around us, great fun sailing conditions.


Mon May 29 11:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 43 09n 41 52w
Run: 23.7nm (42.9km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 153.7nm

nearly half way there! Wind is filling in from the east after a day of motoring. Forecast looks good for moderate to strong tail winds from here onward, hopefully make good speed. A stop in Ireland is looking more likely depending on how the forecast develops.

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Fri May 26 12:12 2017 NZST
GPS: 40 06n 49 47w
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144nm

we've covered a lot of miles over the last 24 hours, maybe a record for Ohana! Wind dropping off gradually now. The satphone has an intermittent problem - sometimes it stops charging and then the battery goes flat so don't worry if our position reports are sometimes irregular. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Thu May 25 3:39 2017 NZST
GPS: 38 23n 55 00w
Run: 26nm (47.1km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 211.5nm

Wind picking up. Making very good speed now, 9-10 knots as we broad reach in 25 knots of wind. Great sailing!


Sun May 21 12:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 34 58n 62 38w
Run: 19.1nm (34.6km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 208.4nm

We picked up a fair wind early this afternoon and stopped the engine. Now making good speed under sail. Wind SW15, speed 8kn, COG 033. All's well. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Sat May 20 6:13 2017 NZST
GPS: 32 27.16402N 64 32.87815W
Run: 9.5nm (17.2km)
Avg: 71.7knts
24hr: 1720.8nm

We are on our way! Lovely sunny day. Flat calm. Motoring north east to find some wind.


Sun May 7 3:24 2017 NZST
GPS: 32 23n 64 41w
Run: 0.6nm (1.1km)
Avg: 12knts
24hr: 288nm

Arrived safely in a breezy Bermuda! Going ashore for lunch :)


Tue May 2 10:06 2017 NZST
GPS: 29 20n 75 18w
Run: 15.1nm (27.3km)
Avg: 10.1knts
24hr: 241.6nm

Another beautiful sunny evening. Due to a rip in the mainsail we are using an unusual sail plan (trysail+jib+reacher) but conditions happen to be perfect for it and we get to practice using all the special sails in nice weather! Still averaging 7 knots and the forecast looks good for the rest of the passage. Wind SE 12kn.


Mon May 1 0:36 2017 NZST
GPS: 27 00n 77 23w
Run: 17.6nm (31.9km)
Avg: 352knts
24hr: 8448nm

We departed green turtle cay at 6am, now clear of the outer reef and making over 9 knots on a course of 005t. Beautiful sunny morning, perfect conditions for Ohana. Wind ESE 21kn.

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Tue Apr 11 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 24 23.551N 76 38.13W
Run: 58.8nm (106.4km)

enjoying Warderick wells in the exuma national park


Sun Apr 9 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 25 0.7N 77 16.6W
Run: 44.3nm (80.2km)

Anchored off Palm Cay marina


Sun Apr 9 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 24 32.7N 76 47.6W
Run: 33.5nm (60.6km)

shroud cay


Fri Apr 7 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 24 10.5N 76 26.95W
Run: 63.5nm (114.9km)

staniel cay


Sun Mar 12 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 23 30.5N 75 45.5W
Run: 57.1nm (103.4km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138.7nm

Arrived george town


Sat Mar 11 14:07 2017 NZDT
GPS: 23 38N 74 52W
Run: 146nm (264.3km)

Arrived Rum Cay


Wed Mar 8 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 22 23N 73 01W
Run: 64.2nm (116.2km)

Arrived Mayaguana, Bahamas


Mon Feb 27 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 21 46N 72 16W
Run: 368.4nm (666.8km)
Avg: 5.1knts
24hr: 122.8nm

Arrived Provo, Turks & Caicos


Fri Feb 24 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 18 10N 76 27W
Run: 96.8nm (175.2km)

Departed Port Antonio


Sun Feb 5 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 18 28.34N 77 53.38W
Run: 236.1nm (427.3km)

Arrived Montego Bay


Sat Dec 10 4:36 2016 NZDT
GPS: 19 10n 81 13w
Run: 32.1nm (58.1km)
Avg: 42.8knts
24hr: 1027.2nm

it's a beautiful sunny day with a gentle breeze and we have grand cayman in sight! Progress is slow as the wind is very light now but we hope to arrive in Georgetown by early afternoon.


Wed Dec 7 0:21 2016 NZDT
GPS: 10 30.2n 78 54.3w
Run: 1.8nm (3.3km)
Avg: 3.6knts
24hr: 86.4nm

we picked up the trade winds and turned off the engine an hour ago, looks like a nice day for a sail and the shipping has thinned out. Wind ne 15kn, gradually shifting more easterly. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Mon Dec 5 15:37 2016 NZDT
GPS: 9 33.309N 79 39.773W

We are ready to depart tomorrow bound for Grand Cayman, Chris, Steve and Luke on board. Looking forward to some tradewinds and slightly cooler temperatures, it's way too hot and humid here! Forecast looks pretty good.


Tue Oct 18 15:12 2016 NZDT
No position sent.

arrived safely in panama this afternoon, very busy shipping lanes on the approach... time to catch up on some sleep now.


Sat Oct 15 15:27 2016 NZDT
GPS: 4 31n 82 38w
Run: 42.9nm (77.6km)
Avg: 11knts
24hr: 264nm
Weather: wind SSW 7kn

we used the spinnaker all day today as the winds are getting very light and behind us. For the night we have the big reacher goose-winged. Winds getting lighter, progress slower, might have to resort to using an engine soon...


Thu Oct 13 6:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 1 34n 87 14w
Run: 50.2nm (90.9km)
Avg: 19.7knts
24hr: 472.5nm
Weather: wind S 10kn

i've had a couple of emails reporting that our positions are heading south! We are still on course at position 1 34N 87 14W so there is a bug in the software somewhere, either in our satellite phone or YIT. Good to know you are out there watching our reports and please ignore any positions in the southern hemisphere!


Wed Oct 12 8:15 2016 NZDT
GPS: 0 21n 88 50w
Run: 48.2nm (87.2km)
Avg: 10knts
24hr: 241nm
Weather: wind SSE 10kn

crossed the equator this morning, toasted neptune with a glass of the finest sea water!


Tue Oct 11 14:33 2016 NZDT
GPS: 0 23s 89 43w
Run: 18.3nm (33.1km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 156.9nm
Weather: wind SSE 10kn

On our way to panama after a wonderful time in Galapagos! Departed this morning in fine weather. Forecast is for an easy downwind passage all the way. 5 of us on board. Dozens of dolphins played and jumped very high around us this afternoon!


Thu Oct 6 12:44 2016 NZDT
GPS: 0 44.84997S 90 18.79056W
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)

We are enjoying being in Santa Cruz - the "big city" of the galapagos islands! Explored a 1km long lava tunnel yesterday. Heading for Panama soon!


Sat Sep 24 10:52 2016 NZST
GPS: 0 57.43073S 90 57.98174W
Run: 0.6nm (1.1km)

Sorry for the lack of updates, we are all having such a great time in Isabella that I've not got on the internet very often and it's very slow when I do. We welcomed new crew members Uta and Lise last week. Everyone is having a great time here and really enjoying the wildlife, volcanic landscapes and snorkeling. We'll be in Isabella another week or more before a short sail to Santa Cruz, our last stop in Galapagos.


Fri Sep 2 12:27 2016 NZST
GPS: 00 53.78s 89 36.74w
Run: 22.5nm (40.7km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 136.7nm

anchored in San cristobal celebrating our arrival! Sea lion defences in place! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Fri Sep 2 2:27 2016 NZST
GPS: 01 45.7s 90 17.6w
Run: 15.1nm (27.3km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 190.7nm

Land in sight! We can see the volcanos on Santa Maria and Gardner islands. We should arrive in San cristobal this evening. Today the seas are flat and we are gliding along with a good breeze for the reacher, speed is 8-9 knots but there's 1-2 knots of current against us.


Tue Aug 30 8:06 2016 NZST
GPS: 08 54s 92 32w
Run: 40.7nm (73.7km)
Avg: 11.5knts
24hr: 275.2nm

still making good speed toward galapagos, not long now! Today we completed installing the new seat I've been building on top of the stern arch. It's like a giant deck chair/hammock, made from half of the old trampoline net on an aluminium frame we built. It has turned out to be every bit as awesome as i imagined it would be. Very comfortable indeed and the view is amazing. You can see twice as far as from the deck and can see everything on board too, with no blind spots. Many happy hours on watch will be spent in it! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Sat Aug 27 10:54 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 39s 96 01w
Run: 20.2nm (36.6km)
Avg: 8.6knts
24hr: 206.3nm

We are now at 96 degrees West longitude which means we are more than 90 degrees from our starting point at auckland at 173.4 degrees East... That's quarter of the way around the world already! This planet is pretty small and seems to be mostly made of sea! Celebrating this milestone with a banana cake, using the last of the pitcairn island bananas which we saved in the freezer.


Thu Aug 25 22:51 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 25s 98 46w
Run: 22.8nm (41.3km)
Avg: 9.9knts
24hr: 237.9nm

ohana is in her happy place with 18-20 knots of wind dead on the beam! Flying along at 10 knots average speed with spurts to 15 knots, the seat belt sign will remain illuminated throughout the flight due to turbulence... bumpy ride but fun! We can ride the trade winds all the way to galapagos now. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Wed Aug 24 13:21 2016 NZST
GPS: 22 26s 101 06w
Run: 1nm (1.8km)

after three days of motoring with no wind we finally had a light breeze from behind us today and have started sailing again, albeit slowly. very peaceful drifting along in the sunshine under the big reacher and jib goosewinged. Trade winds are forecast to be back in full effect from tomorrow afternoon, should be a fast trip north from then on. We're getting lots of jobs done meanwhile in the calm weather - today i made a new remote control for the autopilot and completed the first stage of installing the new stern arch/seat which we started building back in auckland.


Wed Aug 17 14:48 2016 NZST
GPS: 21 46.9s 115 53.3w
Run: 5.7nm (10.3km)
Avg: 16.3knts
24hr: 390.9nm

if you're wondering why we slowed down, unfortunately the bottom part of the main sail got torn yesterday so we have to sail with two reefs in it to avoid using the damaged part. It will slow us down having a smaller mainsail if we have to go to windward in light wind (like today). Otherwise it's not a big problem, we have many sails and hopefully this passage will be mostly downwind. I guess I made it happen by posting an ETA yesterday, I won't be doing that again!


Tue Aug 16 8:27 2016 NZST
GPS: 22 33.4s 118 15.7w
Run: 39.2nm (71km)
Avg: 20.1knts
24hr: 482.5nm

making great speed, got ohana so perfectly balanced that she has been on course for an hour without touching the wheel, autopilot off! Perfect sailing weather. Sunshine with patchy cloud, 18 knots wind, speed 8 knots, course over ground 060. Heading direct for Galapagos without stopping, looks a bit windy around easter island this week and we're lucky to have an ideal weather setup so we don't have to go that far south. ETA first week of September.


Sun Aug 14 7:48 2016 NZST
GPS: 23 51.4s 123 35.1w
Run: 76.2nm (137.9km)
Avg: 22.4knts
24hr: 537.8nm

A wonderful sail so far with mostly sunshine and starry skies. great conditions where ohana is so balanced she will steer herself at 7 knots for 5 minutes without using the autopilot. A front just passed through and the wind has switched from NW to SW, equally favourable for our course, just a quick gybe and on we go! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Fri Aug 12 2:45 2016 NZST
GPS: 25 04.5s 129 43.8w
Run: 2.1nm (3.8km)

had a wonderful ten hours in pitcairn before the wind changed, lovely people, spectacular and beautiful scenery. On our way again as the wind is coming round to the north now but it's still calm. A nice quiet night to catch up on sleep and tidy up all the fresh fruit and veg we've been given.


Thu Aug 11 1:36 2016 NZST
Speed:
8kn
knts
GPS: 24 56s 130 32.9w
Run: 44.3nm (80.2km)
Avg: 21.6knts
24hr: 518.6nm
Weather: sw 10kn

excited to be approaching pitcairn at last! It's only possible to anchor there when the weather is perfect so we will probably only stay one day. Very calm seas and light winds today, motoring as fast as we can now to maximise our time at pitcairn.


Wed Aug 10 3:30 2016 NZST
GPS: 23 46s 133 23.6w
Run: 108.2nm (195.8km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 130.2nm

On our way to Pitcairn! We have a very brief weather opportunity to visit pitcairn so we departed rikitea as quickly as possible yesterday. On our way, motoring with no wind. Hope conditions are still like this when we arrive! 3 POB, Chris, anthony and joachim.


Thu Jul 7 21:21 2016 NZST
GPS: 23 07s 134 57.9w

Arrived safely in Rikitea and enjoying some rest and relaxation!

everyone wishes pauline a happy birthday from mangareva, especially nico! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Wed Jul 6 13:36 2016 NZST
Speed:
6kn
knts
GPS: 24 29s 135 47w
Run: 42.3nm (76.6km)
Avg: 18.4knts
24hr: 441.4nm
Weather: sse 10kn, 0/10 cloud, bar 1022

course 050m, speed 6 knots. Beautiful sunny day today, gentle rolling swells, perfect weather as we approach the tropics and the trade winds start to pick up from the south east. Hope to arrive in the gambier islands tomorrow morning after a nice easy passage. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Sun Jul 3 10:15 2016 NZST
Speed:
8kn
knts
GPS: 27 35.8s 144 12.5w
Run: 7.5nm (13.6km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138.5nm
Weather: nw 17kn, 10/10 cloud, bar 1015

departed Rapa Iti at 1115 tahiti time bound for rikitea, gambier islands. 5 persons on board. On the move again! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Sat Jun 18 5:48 2016 NZST
Speed:
0kn
knts
GPS: 27 37s 144 19.7w
Run: 10.1nm (18.3km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 124.3nm
Weather: drizzle and squalls

safely anchored at Rapa Iti. Yay! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Fri Jun 17 7:01 2016 NZST
Speed:
1kn
knts
GPS: 29 08s 145 05w
Run: 12.6nm (22.8km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 95.5nm
Weather: wind S 2 knots, flat calm, 8/10 cloud

we motored through last night but we don't want to arrive in rapa in the dark so now we are conserving diesel and waiting for the wind, planning to sail into Rapa at dawn tomorrow. Mark took advantage of the calm to climb the mast yesterday on a successful mission to sort out a problem with the jib halyard. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Thu Jun 16 6:55 2016 NZST
Speed:
3kn
knts
GPS: 30 38.6s 145 40.8w
Run: 16.9nm (30.6km)
Avg: 42.3knts
24hr: 1014nm
Weather: wind WSW 4kn, 6/10 cloud, 1022 bar

baking cakes and bread, whistling for a wind, catching up on maintenance. Port engine all fixed and put back together last night! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Wed Jun 15 6:39 2016 NZST
Speed:
5kn
knts
GPS: 32 26s 147 17.6w
Run: 80.4nm (145.5km)
Avg: 603knts
24hr: 14472nm
Weather: wind W 8kn, 4/10 cloud, 1021

Nico has baked me an awesome catamaran shaped cake for my second birthday on Polynesian time and the sun is shining at last. Yay! It has been cloudy almost all the way from new Zealand, probably my fault for bringing a sextant. We are experiencing what i think David would call isolated convective systems and what most people call showers, but they don't seem to have much wind in them. Still gliding along with the reacher but the wind is slowly dropping. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Tue Jun 14 17:24 2016 NZST
Speed:
10kn
knts
GPS: 33 24s 148 36w
Run: 35.4nm (64.1km)
Avg: 16.7knts
24hr: 401.4nm
Weather: wind NW 15kn, 9/10 cloud

saw a pod of very large whales this afternoon! They followed us up close for about an hour. Making good speed again with the reacher up and calm seas. Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Tue Jun 14 7:12 2016 NZST
Speed:
7kn
knts
GPS: 34 04s 149 39.5w
Run: 64.8nm (117.3km)
Avg: 16.5knts
24hr: 397.1nm
Weather: wind NW 16kn, 10/10 cloud, bar 1025

jib furler jammed so we're going a bit slower under main only until the wind drops enough to set the big reacher. New oil pickup pipe improvised and manufactured, hopefully use it to get the port engine back in service later today as we might get becalmed tomorrow. Reading the waves to find Rapa, thanks mum (still on nz time on board!).

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Mon Jun 13 6:01 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.5kn
knts
GPS: 34 40s 153 22w
Run: 38.5nm (69.7km)
Avg: 14.1knts
24hr: 338nm
Weather: wind N 11kn, 10/10 cloud, bar 1029

lots of maintenance to do during the last two days of light winds and calm seas. Not a rest and relaxation period! Joe took an exciting trip to the top of the mast to reeve a new rope after the main halyard chafed right through and I've spent a lot of time getting the sump off the port engine to find a crack in the oil pickup pipe. Looks fixable! Meanwhile the starboard engine is good to get us into harbour if we can't fix the pipe before we get to Rapa. All's well and we're back up to speed again with a light northerly breeze and calm seas.

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Sat Jun 11 6:18 2016 NZST
Speed:
3kn
knts
GPS: 34 50s 157 42w
Run: 24.3nm (44km)
Avg: 23.5knts
24hr: 564.4nm
Weather: wind calm or light variable, 10/10 cloud, bar 1033, sea appears wet.

no wind, motored all night. Made lots of fresh water, water tank now full, showers for everyone! Electricity tank also full again. Very slowly motoring north east hoping the northerly winds will catch up with us soon so we can sail. Making lots of tea until then.

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Fri Jun 10 6:15 2016 NZST
Speed:
2-6kn
knts
GPS: 35 43s 159 45w
Run: 32.8nm (59.4km)
Avg: 15.9knts
24hr: 380.9nm
Weather: wind S 4-9kn, 9/10 cloud, long rolling 1m swell

light southerly wind still holding, it picks up again whenever we think of starting the engine. Gliding along under the big reacher at average 4kn. It's still cloudy in the middle of this high pressure system... we expected a sunny morning and we want a refund! Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Thu Jun 9 17:34 2016 NZST
Speed:
6kn
knts
GPS: 35 41s 161 25w
Run: 36.6nm (66.2km)
Avg: 26.5knts
24hr: 635nm
Weather: wind WSW 10kn, 9/10 cloud

Mark's birthday messages to the outside world... Russell Coyne Clan:All is well but please send supply of venison steak and Malbek... Kim: I opened your card, thank you so much, keep writing lots!... Eleanor: your pygmy hippo gift arrived safely, perfect pet for a boat! Tell Oceania hello! ... Frank, Noel and Gers, you are on Ohana in spirit!


Thu Jun 9 3:34 2016 NZST
Speed:
10kn
knts
GPS: 35 39s 163 34w
Run: 69.7nm (126.2km)
Avg: 20.6knts
24hr: 494.4nm
Weather: wind SW 16kn, 10/10 cloud, long rolling 1-2m seas

Nico on night watch. Conditions calming right down but we are pushing hard while we still have enough wind. making very good speed with the wind behind us at 16kn and still ahead of the high pressure. It might start to catch up with us tomorrow, which is mark's birthday! Weather routing suggests fair winds for Rapa after the high goes over. (N-NW then SE).

Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.


Tue Jun 7 8:10 2016 NZST
Speed:
8
knts
GPS: 36 36S 170 48W
Run: 26.8nm (48.5km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.2nm
Weather: 20S, 3-4m seas

not comfortable but good progress. Good radio signal.


Mon Jun 6 20:19 2016 NZST
Speed:
9-10kn
knts
GPS: 37 05s 172 40w
Run: 16.3nm (29.5km)
Avg: 139.4knts
24hr: 3345.2nm
Weather: wind steady S 18kn, 9/10 cloud, comfortable(ish) long period 3m seas

Going great speed, reaching with steady southerly 18kn wind, 9/10 cloud, comfortable(ish) long period 3m seas. Fun sailing weather, racing to stay ahead of the light winds in the high pressure system behind us. Pizza for dinner!


Sun Jun 5 11:11 2016 NZST
Speed:
6kn
knts
GPS: 37 02s 177 57w
Run: 41.1nm (74.4km)
Avg: 13.7knts
24hr: 328.8nm
Weather: sse 10kn, 3/10 cloud, occasonal isolated showers

On our way! Dolphins said goodbye off Tauranga, light winds, motored for most of day 1 but been sailing since then. Had the big reacher up for a while but now wind direction is too much ahead. Mark says hi lovely Kim. Nico performing well despite copious vomit! All's well.


Tue May 31 16:23 2016 NZST
GPS: 37 40.1664S 176 10.6164E
Run: 98.2nm (177.7km)

In Tauranga awaiting the right weather to depart then we'll be heading east towards Rapa Iti.


Sat May 28 12:42 2016 NZST
GPS: 36 49.401s 174 44.529e
Run: 109.8nm (198.7km)

Testing. At anchor in auckland. Heading for Rapa Iti soon!


Wed Sep 24 4:42 2014 NZST
GPS: 35 19S 174 07E
Run: 23.5nm (42.5km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 128nm

arrived Opua marina. Thanks very much to Patricia, David and Mike from Gulf Harbour Radio and YIT for a season of excellent weather information and a really well designed website, especially mike for implementing the special text message satphone weather service. We'll be sleeping through the radio sched today but we'll miss you!


Wed Sep 24 0:18 2014 NZST
GPS: 34 59.4S 173 59.9E
Run: 142.3nm (257.6km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 198.9nm

On final approach to Opua ETA 0400 and the wind has died, looking forward to a good but short sleep before being rudely awakened by customs!


Tue Sep 23 7:08 2014 NZST
GPS: 33 55s 171 52e
Run: 147.9nm (267.7km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.3nm

wind s10kn. Cloud 5/10.1020mb. Speed 5kn. Cog 115t. Trysail down main up again. All's well.


Mon Sep 22 6:42 2014 NZST
GPS: 32 52s 169 38e
Run: 156.9nm (284km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 185nm

wind sw18kn g32kn. Cloud 9/10.1015mb. Speed 8kn. Cog 155t. All's well.


Sun Sep 21 10:21 2014 NZST
GPS: 30 46s 168 37e
Run: 145.3nm (263km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 208.2nm

wind sw19kn gusts 25-35. Cloud 8/10.1016mb. Speed 6.5kn.Cog 160t.Busy morning.Mainsail down trysail up.All's well.


Sat Sep 20 17:36 2014 NZST
GPS: 28 43s 168 05e
Run: 73.3nm (132.7km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 191.6nm

land ho! norfolk island in sight! wind sw16kn. Cloud 6/10.1015mb. Speed 9kn. Cog 170t. All's well.


Sat Sep 20 8:25 2014 NZST
GPS: 27 43s 167 41e
Run: 13.6nm (24.6km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192nm

wind sw10kn.Cld 4/10.1017mb. Speed 6kn. Cog160t. Will wave at norfolk island & proceed direct to nz.All's well.


Sat Sep 20 6:43 2014 NZST
GPS: 27 33s 167 34e
Run: 158nm (286km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 160.2nm

wind sw14kn g18kn.Cld 9/10.1016mb.Spd 8kn.Cog 150t.Just entered band of showers.we'll decide soon norfolk or not.


Fri Sep 19 7:03 2014 NZST
GPS: 25 24s 166 42e
Run: 98.9nm (179km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.4nm

wind wsw8kn. Cld 0/10.1016mb.Speed 6.5kn. Cog 165t.6 hrs good sailing overnight but motor on again now.All's well.


Thu Sep 18 15:58 2014 NZST
GPS: 24 01s 166 18e
Run: 58.8nm (106.4km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.3nm

wind sw5kn. Cloud 1/10.1014mb. Speed 6.5kn Motorsailing.Cog 175t. Beautiful sunny day. All's well.


Thu Sep 18 7:34 2014 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 23 13S 165 59E
Weather: 0 wind, 10%clod 1016

New Cal to NZ


Thu Sep 18 7:07 2014 NZST
GPS: 23 13s 165 59e
Run: 69.1nm (125.1km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 132.9nm

wind 0kn. Cloud 1/10.1016mb. Speed 5kn. Cog 200t. Motoring south to find some wind. All's well.


Wed Sep 17 18:38 2014 NZST
GPS: 22 18S 166 25E
Run: 1.1nm (2km)

departing noumea in one hour bound for Opua with a possible pause at Norfolk Island to wait for weather, looks like we will miss the elections in scotland, fiji and NZ!


Tue Sep 16 21:31 2014 NZST
No position sent.

preparing to depart Wednesday afternoon and head for Opua with a possible stop at Norfolk island depending on weather.


Sun Sep 14 7:23 2014 NZST
GPS: 22 18s 166 24e
Run: 115.5nm (209.1km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 111.9nm

hove to off noumea waiting for marina to awaken. Sunday so may have to wait aboard til tomorrow for customs.


Sat Sep 13 6:37 2014 NZST
GPS: 20 58s 167 29e
Run: 94.5nm (171km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.9nm

wind se15kn.Cld 1/10.1016mb.Spd 5kn.Cog 158t.Running engines to push round cap des pins against current.alls well.


Fri Sep 12 15:04 2014 NZST
GPS: 19 40s 167 56e
Run: 84.1nm (152.2km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 114.1nm

wind se7-12kn. Cloud 3/10 .1016mb. Speed 5kn. Cog 200t. ETA Noumea 2 days from now. All's well.


Thu Sep 11 21:23 2014 NZST
GPS: 18 28s 168 09e
Run: 47.7nm (86.3km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 114nm

wind se7kn. Cloud 3/10. Patches rain passed earlier. 1015mb. Speed 4kn (occ. 6kn motorsailing). Cog 190t. All's well.


Thu Sep 11 11:20 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 47S 168 15E
Run: 74.1nm (134.1km)

cleared customs, departed port vila, three POB (chris, ryan & geoff), course over ground 185t, speed 5kn, wind se 12kn, 1/10 cloud


Thu Sep 11 1:38 2014 NZST
No position sent.

departing port vila in the morning bound for new caledonia.


Mon Sep 8 10:41 2014 NZST
No position sent.

arrived port vila this morning, lots to do now before we leave!


Sun Sep 7 11:09 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 43S 168 08E
Run: 23.1nm (41.8km)

departing Revolieu bay in a few hours bound for port vila. ETA 0700


Thu Sep 4 22:12 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 32.4S 167 50.2E
Run: 68.1nm (123.3km)

Fresh lobsters for dinner at uliveu, $10 for two! tomorrow we snorkel at the giant clam sanctuary.


Wed Sep 3 6:57 2014 NZST
GPS: 15 42.6S 167 17E
Run: 23.7nm (42.9km)

just departed malokilikili en route to port stanley or maskelines. 4pob. 5kn ne wind occ. shower, 9/10 cloud


Mon Sep 1 22:07 2014 NZST
GPS: 15 22.67S 167 11.7E
Run: 10.3nm (18.6km)

oyster island, peterson bay has been lovely. departing tomorrow to start working back south in short hops. Now 4POB with a 5th possibly joining us tomorrow. No wind for days, where did the trade winds go?


Wed Aug 27 18:49 2014 NZST
GPS: 15 31.4S 167 09.8E
Run: 75.9nm (137.4km)

arrived luganville, anchored at beachfront resort. Wind E7kn


Tue Aug 19 17:02 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 06.5S 168 07.8E
Run: 33.7nm (61km)

arrived nopul, staying here 3 days for the rom dance festival


Sun Aug 17 22:27 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 35.7S 168 9.7E
Run: 68.5nm (124km)
Avg: 5.1knts
24hr: 122.3nm

a peaceful night in Lamen bay, epi island


Sun Aug 17 9:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 35.1S 168 13.4E
Run: 13.1nm (23.7km)

departed havannah harbour under sail heading for epi island. sunny morning 1/10 cloud, wind se15 10kn here in middle of harbour


Sat Aug 16 14:42 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 44S 168 06E
Run: 26.9nm (48.7km)

departing port vila 3pob heading for havannah harbour wind se15 patchy cloud


Mon Aug 11 7:11 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 50.7s 168 29.5e
Run: 228.5nm (413.6km)
Avg: 9.4knts
24hr: 225.4nm

approaching port vila.Speed 6kn.Cog 260t eta1030 wind dropped 10-15se


Sun Aug 10 6:51 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 41s 171 44e
Run: 221.8nm (401.5km)
Avg: 9.3knts
24hr: 222.9nm

course og 255t spd 9 kn, occasionally 12! Trade wind steady ese 18kn.Cloud 2/10.No rain. Eta vila 08-1200 tomorrow


Sat Aug 9 6:58 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 44s 175 05e
Run: 163.2nm (295.4km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 202.4nm

course 290t. speed 8kn. all is well after a moonlit night with patchy cloud, no rain.


Fri Aug 8 11:37 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 39.85S 177 21.3E
Run: 3nm (5.4km)

cleared customs and departed Lautoka 1040 local time. ETA port vila monday afternoon. 5kn S wind here inshore off vuda point, motoring at 5.5kn


Wed Aug 6 22:17 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 41.32S 177 23.54E
Run: 51.1nm (92.5km)

preparing to depart friday morning from lautoka bound for port vila, vanuatu


Thu Jul 3 13:11 2014 NZST
No position sent.

back in the mamanucas, currently at Mana island


Fri Jun 27 15:28 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 57S 177 22E
Run: 104.6nm (189.3km)
Avg: 2.6knts
24hr: 61.8nm

Anchored at Nanuya Sewa Island, Blue Lagoon


Thu Jun 26 10:46 2014 NZST
No position sent.

departed navidamu 1015, no wind at the moment, hope it picks up away from the land. Probably destination Blue Lagoon ETA 1500 tomorrow.


Wed Jun 25 22:52 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 31.65S 178 53.06E
Run: 20.5nm (37.1km)

after three days with the super-friendly villagers of Navidamu we will depart in the morning for the Yasawa group, passage expected to take about 26 hours via raviravi passage, and outside the great sea reef. 4POB, wind SE10


Sun Jun 22 20:26 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 39S 178 36.18E
Run: 112.8nm (204.2km)

spent two wonderful days with the people of naviqiri village, N coast of vanua levu


Tue Jun 17 16:03 2014 NZST
No position sent.

Been at musket cove for a couple of days, heading out to yasawa group soon.


Fri Jun 13 19:24 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 39.21S 177 15.4E
Run: 12.2nm (22.1km)

At beachcomber island - will try to post photos in blog section


Thu Jun 12 23:58 2014 NZST
No position sent.

anchored at treasure island catching up on some jobs


Sun Jun 8 18:26 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 36S 177 26E
Run: 231nm (418.1km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 157nm

Arrived Lautoka, anchored and having a barbecue - awaiting customs clearance tomorrow.


Sun Jun 8 9:55 2014 NZST
No position sent.

approaching navula passage clear sky wind ene7kn,0cloud getting hot. Eta 1200 entrance,1800lautoka. Next update when we have internet.


Sat Jun 7 7:08 2014 NZST
Speed:
8
knts
GPS: 20 56s 177 41e
Run: 124.5nm (225.3km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 202.4nm
Weather: wind e 17 occasional squall to 32kn overnight as forecast. S

cog355ttill doing over 8 knots avg under trysail!


Fri Jun 6 16:22 2014 NZST
Speed:
8
knts
GPS: 22 44s 177 36e
Run: 88.2nm (159.6km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 209.6nm
Weather: 15kn e wind

ohana is a reaching machine! Swapped main for trysail due to broken batten.

Still doing 8kn in 15kn e wind! Cog005t eta sun eve


Fri Jun 6 6:16 2014 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 23 59s 177 19e
Run: 215.9nm (390.8km)
Avg: 9.3knts
24hr: 223.8nm
Weather: E18occ squalls and last night had 40kts

great day at 10kn yesterday, down to 6kn overnight. Cog 010t. Saw 3 strobe lights in the water at 24 47S and 177 03E and reported to maritime Radio. ETA Lautoka Saturday


Thu Jun 5 7:07 2014 NZST
Speed:
8.5
knts
GPS: 26 59s 176 21e
Run: 206.9nm (374.5km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 208.4nm
Weather: cloud, light rain, wind e 17kn

still 8.5-9kn, wind e 17kn, cloud & lt rain, cog015t all's well


Wed Jun 4 7:17 2014 NZST
Speed:
8.5
knts
GPS: 29 45s 175 03e
Run: 232.1nm (420.1km)
Avg: 9.7knts
24hr: 231.9nm
Weather: se 15-18kn patches cld showers

weather stable se15-18 occ. Showers,starry night 8.5kn 015cog


Tue Jun 3 7:16 2014 NZST
GPS: 33 05s 174 34e
Run: 140.8nm (254.8km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 183.5nm

increased sail at dawn now doing 9kn 005cog wind ese16kn


Mon Jun 2 12:51 2014 NZST
Speed:
6knts
knts
GPS: 35 06s 174 13e
Run: 12nm (21.7km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149nm

steering 030t at 6kn wind s 15-20


Mon Jun 2 12:40 2014 NZST
Speed:
6knts
knts
No position sent.

on our way to fiji!


Mon Jun 2 10:55 2014 NZST
GPS: 35 14.91s 174 06.44e
Run: 4.1nm (7.4km)

Cleared customs and departed opua. Forecast looks good and we are on our way!


Sat May 31 9:29 2014 NZST
GPS: 35 11.67s 174 04.69e
Run: 93.9nm (170km)

arrived safely in opua, quick passage but dead downwind.


Thu May 29 12:35 2014 NZST
GPS: 36 28.0s 174 40.0e

test message - departing nz soon 


Ohana - Rapa iti island

Some photos from our first couple of days in rapa...

Ohana - Photos from the voyage to rapa

We're struggling to get usable Internet here but this is an attempt to upload some photos of my birthday cake and the pay we made for the engine on the way to rapa. Photos of rapa coming soon if this works!

My awesome birthday cake, baked by Nico at sea on the way to rapa
The new oil pickup pipe we made on passage, getting it into the bowels if the engine wasnt easy!

Ohana - Pilotage chart of Olal, Ambrym, Vanuatu

We were warmly welcomed by the villagers at Olal who have built a brand new yacht club and bar there and organise the annual Rom dances and Back to my roots festival. Unfortunately yachts never visit there and anchor an hour's walk away just because Olal is not in any of the cruising guides or pilot books. We decided to fix that and carried out a survey of the anchorage which we will submit to all the vanuatu cruising guides... here it is so you can be one of the first yachts to visit!

Further Read more...

pilotage info:

Neighbouring Nopul is a good anchorage (Much better than Ranon) but it
means a very long walk to Olal including crossing a ford which can be impassable
after heavy rain. We spent 3 nights there before moving to Olal to do
the survey.

Olal has the new yacht club and bar and is where chief Sekur lives.
The Rom dances and two annual festivals are held about ten minutes
walk inland and everyone comes back to the yacht club afterwards.
While we were there the BBC were filming a documentary primarily about
the volcano but also featuring the dancing at Olal. The
villagers there are doing good things to raise money for the school,
keep their traditions alive and put on wonderful events where the
dances are very real, not just put on for tourists and they are making
a real effort to attract yachts. Chief sekur has travelled widely as a
cultural ambassador for Vanuatu. He can organise dances, pig feasts
and open the bar any time, all night on occasion! The chief at Nopul
was also very friendly but there is not much to do there.

I would say Nopul is the better anchorage in trade winds mainly
because it is bigger but on windy days you can get random gusts and
swing about there. In Olal the wind is less gusty and there is a
steady breeze which is better for ventilation and power generation,
not much swinging. The reef offers good shelter from all sides except
from the north. We had winds from due east and although the waves can
wrap around the end of the reef a bit our anchor location still had
very good shelter. It could be a little rolly right at the top of the
tide for a monohull but otherwise very calm.

The depth soundings were calibrated roughly to spring low tide.
The least depth I saw on the sounder as we swung at anchor was 1.9
metres and deeper water was available nearer to the entrance.

Waves were not a problem in the entrance at all in the conditions we
had but they did come over the reef towards the dinghy channel a bit
at dead high tide.

Locals reported that a major tsunami or storm surge a few years ago
had drastically altered the anchorage, destroying the wharf and
reducing the depth by several metres. silting up may be continuing and
the sands may still be shifting. Locals who came aboard were surprised
when they saw our depth sounder, expecting a lot more water (a small
cruise ship used to visit Olal until the wharf was destroyed).

We had only about 15m of chain out, there would be room for maybe 2-3
big yachts in there on short scope if they are not too deep drafted, plus a
couple more cats if they have daggerboards.

Holding seemed very good but avoid the rubble near the reef, there
were a few larger boulders there which could snag an anchor.

A new airstrip is under construction at Olal near the school, nearing completion
now. I got the impression Olal hope to become the main transport hub as well
as already being the main cultural centre of Ambrym.

As the waves push water in over the reef the current appeared to always flow
towards and out of the entrance and can be strong between the inner pair of stakes
and in the small boat channels both sides of the harbour, especially in the first half
of a falling tide. this current probably helps reduce swinging but might make it
unsafe to swim.

To download the chart - click on the image of it at the top left of this blog. A bigger but still squashed version will appear. Right click on that and select "save image as..." or the equivalent option in your web browser to save the full size image.

Ohana - Beachcomber island

Beachcomber island is welcoming to yachts and has moorings available. Free mooring with $10/person landing fee. It's a backpacker resort on a tiny island. (Etai island according to the charts)

treasure island and ohana viewed from beachcomber island
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