Karie-L

Sun Nov 29 18:09 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 36 50.546S 174 45.101E
Run: 97.4nm (176.3km)
Avg: 2.9knts
24hr: 68.8nm
Weather: Beautiful spring day.

We've arrived!!! YAY! Found the Q wharf in Auckland with some difficulty at 1am. We then crashed for 5 hrs (bliss) and got woken by customs knocking on our hull at 7am. All done and dusted in 30 mins but they did take my baby clam shells. Oh well, was worth a try. We're now back at Pier21, berth A16. Just had a lovely day with Sara, Ham & Lily who came with avocado, strawberries, bacon. The bottle of bubbly that did the trip up and back was opened and we toasted family and friends. Thank you all for your comments and support. Thank you Karie-L, our strong little 65yr old ship.


Sat Nov 28 8:11 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5kt
knts
GPS: 35 31.680S 175 22.948E
Run: 137.5nm (248.9km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142.8nm
Weather: NNW 10 kt, .5 N swell, 100% cloud cover, baro 1020

Day 8. We're nearly there! Will see Great Barrier Is soon. Currently we're motoring waiting for the wind to build so we can sail. We've got all our wet weather gear on as its raining on and off. ETA into Auckland Saturday midnight at our present speed. Looking forward to being home. All well and rested onboard.


Fri Nov 27 9:04 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4.5kt
knts
GPS: 33 36.184S 175 59.649E
Run: 118.4nm (214.3km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 113.4nm
Weather: N8kt, 1.5m N swell, 50% cloud cover, baro 1022

Day 7. We've just seen a whale breach! Currently sailing downwind with the jib and mizzen. The morning drizzle is giving us a break. Last night got pretty uncomfortable with confused seas. We've still current against us. ETA will more likely be Sunday. REALLY looking forward to getting there. Dreaming of avocado and bacon (the free range variety) on Burgen toast and fresh berries. All well on board.


Thu Nov 26 8:00 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5k
knts
GPS: 31 56.500S 176 29.403E
Run: 137.1nm (248.2km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 136.4nm
Weather: E5k, .5m NE swell, 90% cloud, baro 1025

Day 6. Currently we're motor sailing but have mostly been sailing. Our fuel consumption has been very low as the motor is just trickling along. The weather so far has been just unbelievably good. Sunnier enough for hot showers during the day. Apart from having to wake up, the night watches are a pleasure especially with the full moon.

Current ETA into Auckland is looking like Saturday. All well onboard.


Wed Nov 25 7:53 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4k
knts
GPS: 30 04.728S 177 17.168E
Run: 122.2nm (221.2km)
Avg: 5.1knts
24hr: 123.6nm
Weather: NE8k, NE swell 2M, 10% cloud cover, baro 1023

Day 5. 380nm to go so YAY, over half way there. We have current against us between .5 - 1k which is frustrating as we're making good boat speed. Broad reaching still on port tack. We know that we're definitely headed in the right direction as the temperature is slowing dropping. All well onboard.


Tue Nov 24 8:09 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5k
knts
GPS: 28 26.830S 178 03.902E
Run: 125.9nm (227.9km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131.5nm
Weather: ENE5k, 5% cloud cover, 1m swell, baro 1022

Day 4. We're having to motor sail for bits when the wind is just too light and we drop to below 3k. Another sunny day so not complaining. All well onboard.


Mon Nov 23 9:10 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5k
knts
GPS: 26 46.9855S 178 54.018E
Run: 131.8nm (238.6km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 128.2nm
Weather: ESE4k, 5% cloud cover, no swell, baro 1021

Day 3. We are feeling very lucky for such a good weather window. Thanks Predict Wind and Gulf Harbour Radio for the forecasts. It's still looking like favourable winds all the way. We've been motor sailing since 12pm. Night watch last night felt like more of a pleasure than a chore as it was so starry. Having a moon is pretty special as well. All well onboard.


Sun Nov 22 8:29 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4.5k
knts
GPS: 25 07.724S 179 57.324E
Run: 124.9nm (226.1km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 132.3nm
Weather: E8k, sunny, skies clear, swell 1m, baro 1021

Day 2. Yesterday the seas were pretty lively making for a hard ride but they've settled down today. As has the wind but as long as we've got enough to sail then we're happy. Time for chores. All well onboard.


Sat Nov 21 9:50 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4.5k
knts
GPS: 23 37.573S 178 56.593W
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)
Weather: S-SE 12k, sunny, 10% cloud, swell 1m, baro 1020

Day 1 passage N Minerva to Auckland. YAY we're off as are the other 4 boats. Currently beam reaching. Hoping that the forecast winds on the top of the H will continue. We're feeling very rested and pleased to be underway.


Fri Nov 20 9:34 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 38.935S 178 53.541W
Weather: SE15k, 100% cloud cover, light rain has cleared, flat sea inside the lagoon, baro 1018

Minerva stopover. No more fish speared. Doug made a cray trap using the kingy remains as bait, placed it on the reef but no luck. Sitting quietly today itching to leave tomorrow. All well onboard.


Thu Nov 19 10:24 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 38.935S 178 53.541W
Weather: N 3k, low tide so flat calm sea, 100% cloud cover, baro 1018

Minerva stopover. We were already to leave today but there's no wind until the evening, can't leave on a Fri so Sat is the new ETD. Gulf Harbour Radio this morning are predicting the best weather window for next week leaving on Sat. So time for some more relaxing, exploration and socialising. Our day has started with some excitement as Doug speared a big kingy from the deck of our boat! Amazing!! Then walking at low tide on the reef yesterday evening I found a HUGE and very old copper nail. I've decided it's off the Endeavour.... The ship's carpenter biffed an old piece of timber with the nail in it overboard about 150 yrs ago, the timber finally rotted away on top of the reef leaving the nail waiting for me. Yes really. All well onboard.


Wed Nov 18 9:49 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 38.935S 178 53.541W
Weather: N 3k, some chop at H tide, partly cloudy, baro 1020

Minerva stopover Day 2. We're just savouring the last day(s) of being at anchor in tropical waters, enjoying the sun, pristine waters (no plastic rubbish in sight), seafood and company. The current Minerva Yacht Club got together last night. SVs Yara, Saraoni, Macleshia, Oceanna & Us. Oceanna were the hosts and shared the crays Greg found on the reef. YAY! Fresh, tender, sweet....complimented with Poisson Cru, vegan pizza and cake. At the moment it looks good for leaving tomorrow (Thurs) morning. All replete onboard.


Tue Nov 17 9:59 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 38.925S 178 53.551W
Run: 11.1nm (20.1km)
Weather: NE 5k, no swell inside reef, cloud clearing, baro 1021, temperatures a little cooler.

Minerva stopover. The entry yesterday was made easy with our chart plotter and good visibility. We're anchored in 12m over sand, on the SE corner with currently 4 other boats. We're getting used to our view of surrounding reef and no land! The surf can be heard constantly pounding on the outside of the reef. We've been told that Tongans have been over here and taken most of the crays. However a neighbour speared a big coral trout at the entrance and shared it around. We took the dinghy over to the reef just after low tide and water was streaming across it into the lagoon like a river. It's fun walking on it and then a snorkel back to the boat across 2m of sand and rocks with a little coral, tropical fish, heaps of clams and bigger fish over a bigger rocks in deeper water. Visibility is A1. Doug saw a reef shark under the boat. Our neighbour reported tiger sharks at the entrance. Waiting until the big H in the Tasman spreads N onto NZ. ETD maybe the weekend. All rest ed and well onboard.


Mon Nov 16 9:12 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.8
knts
GPS: 23 31.644S 178 46.676W
Run: 154.2nm (279.1km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 152.4nm
Weather: E12k, 1.5m swell, 20% cloud cover, baro 1020

Day 3. Only an hour away from Minerva! Feeling excited. Also weird to be dropping the anchor soon in the middle of the ocean with no sight of land. Feels like the right decision to go in and wait for more favourable weather to get to NZ. We've had some easy sailing in the last 48hrs. Good full sail reaching conditions. Another yacht behind us in the night but lost sight of them when they turned their nav lights off this morning. We thankfully just lost a really big fish on Mike's lure. Hopefully plenty to be got in Minerva. The bread has gone mouldy but all good with the crust cut off. I'll be able to bake some soon. All well onboard.


Sun Nov 15 8:55 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 22 15.740S 176 46.958W
Run: 136.8nm (247.6km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 137.9nm
Weather: baro 1020, S-SE15k, Sky clear, seas lumpy 2m swell

Day 2. Making good progress to Minerva reef. Started our 3 hr watches with Doug 6-9pm, Nikki 9-12pm etc. A tight reach. With stronger weather during the night we got a bit wet. No seasickness yet. All well on board.


Sat Nov 14 9:07 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4
knts
GPS: 21 07.851S 175 02.072W
Run: 8.2nm (14.8km)
Weather: Sunny, SE10kts, slight swell, baro 1018

We left Nuku'alofa at 7am. Coming out of Piha passage now. Just finished listening to Gulf Harbour radio. Thanks for the weather update. Heading to N Minerva reef. ETA Monday morning. Will decide whether to go in or not closer to this destination. Both very well onboard. Farewell Tonga. Malo apeito '️


Tue Nov 3 18:24 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 21 07.529S 175 09.699W
Run: 51nm (92.3km)
Weather: overcast, light easterlies, baro 1012

We arrived in Nuku'alofa 4 nights ago and are staying anchored off Big Mama YC on Pangamotu Is, only 1nm from town. We got here just in time to enjoy the Halloween party and then watch the ABs. What a match! We've seen about 20 boats leave for NZ with about 10 left and a few new boats trickling in. My expectations of Nuku'alofa were low so I've been pleasantly surprised to find I quite like it. Good cafes, bigger markets and the ferry ride across the harbour make it pretty stress free.

Our plans are to leave on a good weather window in about 1-2 weeks time, or wait longer if we need to. There is "no hurry". In the meantime we will explore Tongatapu and get to one or two of the local islands.


Thu Oct 29 16:25 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 20 30.129S 174 44.432W
Run: 16.1nm (29.1km)
Weather: blue skies, 8-10 NE, 1/2 m S swell, baro 1012

This is the longest period (2 weeks) of fine weather and light winds that we've had in the nearly 5 months we've spent in Tonga. This morning we had a lovely reach from Nomuka'iki to Kelefesia Is. This is the southern most island in the Ha'apais. Apart from the narrow entrance into this anchorage we are surrounded by surf breaking onto the reefs, some of it good enough to surf. The island is very pretty with high sandstone bluffs and sandy beaches. There's lots of live coral to enjoy and I particularly enjoyed watching 2 squid.

An early start tomorrow to cover the 45mm to Nuku'alofa while the winds are favourable.


Mon Oct 26 19:57 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 20 16.622S 174 48.266w
Run: 29.5nm (53.4km)
Weather: 30% cloud cover, a couple of showers, E, baro 1016

A pleasant sail south from Ha'afeva to Nomukaiki today. Another mahimahi on the lure. I've promised Doug that I won't cry next time watching one die.....Highlights of Ha'afeva were the best coral we've seen just off the boat plus a snorkel on the wreck. 10 other boats in the anchorage there so always fun socialising and visiting the village. The surprise so far at Nomukaiki is the new yacht club where the prison used to be. We missed the opening by a week. The Crown Prince, plus Unofa (the only qualified Tongan female skipper) plus 130 others attended. They will be building small sailing outriggers here, plus fales. Our plan is to be in Tongatapu to watch the rugby by the weekend.


Thu Oct 22 18:13 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 57.976S 174 29.615W
Run: 9.5nm (17.2km)
Weather: sunny, NE 15-29k, choppy seas, baro 1017

Since our last update the weather has settled.

Hoorah. After a quick trip back to Pangai to clear customs and re provision we went whale watching & swimming on Tues. it was a great day out with the Aussie operators on a wooden Tongan boat with a 40 hp motor. As it is late in the season we had one brief swim but some amazing breeches. We headed South and spent last night at 'Uiha Island visiting the 2 villages and school. Taro leaves for dinner. Today we headed further South, nervously skirting around the reefs and are anchored off a sandbar connecting the 2 islands Uonukuhihifo & Uonukuhahake. It feels like we have this place all to ourselves and then were very surprised to see 2 black cows walking the length of the sandbar with turquoise water in the foreground and an uninterrupted sky behind them. I wonder what they drink?


Wed Oct 14 19:47 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 51.029S 174 24.922W
Run: 14.8nm (26.8km)
Weather: 90% cloud cover, showers, 20-25 SSE, baro 1012

Our 3rd night at the southern anchorage off Uoleva Is. As it's one of the few more sheltered anchorages in the Ha'apais we'll be staying here for at least another week as the forecast is for even stronger winds. The highlight here would be the extremely long deeply sloping white sand beaches that surround the whole island. We are yet to explore underwater. There are no villages but 4 budget type resorts. We had a night in Pangai (small town) on Lifuka Is to clear customs and provision. There was one cafe....phew. Cyclone damage and the ongoing recovery was evident.


Sat Oct 10 13:38 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 40.328S 174 17.347W
Run: 69.2nm (125.3km)
Weather: Sunny, light SSE winds, baro 1014

Overnight passage from Vava'u was good practice for the trip home. Motor sailed to windward. Battery was not charging so auto-helm stopped working. Doug feared that the alternator had broken but once at anchor he found the fault so all good. We caught a tuna on the lure Mike gave us. YAY! Lower lying islands here, more untouched, water is cooler but great snorkelling.

Have seen whales.


Fri Oct 9 9:14 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 18 42.040S 174 01.790W
Run: 4.3nm (7.8km)
Weather: Sunny, SE winds 10-15 knots, baro steady 1015

Our last day in Vava'u anchored at Port Maurelle. It's been 4 wonderful months exploring this beautiful area and enjoying our visits to Neiafu. Having visitors has been a highlight, seeing whales, snorkelling, exploring on land and making friends. We are sailing down to the Ha'apais tonight to enjoy a few weeks there before carrying on further South to Tongatapu where we will depart to NZ from in Nov.


Sat May 30 12:34 2015 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 18 39.539s 173 58.918w
Run: 57.6nm (104.3km)
Weather: beautiful! Warm and humid.

Day 14. We made it! Arrived Nieafu at daybreak. Were lucky to clear customs and immigration as Saturday isn't a working day. We're all ecstatic!! Thank you to all our family and friends who have posted comments and messaged. This meant so much to us. As we don't have the web on passage we couldn't view them until Jodes copied and pasted some into an email. We look forward to seeing our wonky track. Have been to the market, the crew are doing laundry and showers onshore and Doug and I have just finished an initial clean up. Thank you Karie-L.


Fri May 29 8:41 2015 NZST
Speed:
4.5 kts
knts
GPS: 18 55.168s 174 49.091w
Run: 143.1nm (259km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143.5nm
Weather: Overcast, rain, 1015 baro, 16 kts NE, lumpy seas

Day 13. So close but so far away! Very unpleasant night motor sailing into headwinds and seas. Decided so far this morning that we're going too hard and cutting it too finely continuing this way and risk not getting in before dark. Currently just sailing N up past Late Is (non anchorable), Meg at the helm, will still try to get in but are prepared to have another.....yes, another night out. Might be the sensible option. Otherwise all fit and well on board. OMG it's going to be AMAZING when we get there.


Thu May 28 8:45 2015 NZST
Speed:
5.8 kts
knts
GPS: 20 42.942s 175 54.855w
Run: 154.6nm (279.8km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.7nm
Weather: Overcast, showers, 25-30k E, lumpy 2 m swells

Day 12! Bashing uncomfortably to windward. Passed Tongatapu but can't see it as too low lying and we're a fairway out, plus cloud. Approx ETA Vava'au tomorrow. We have a hard 24 hrs ahead of us but we've unanimously that we can do it!! Best mileage last 24hrs = 155nm. Have completely run out of fresh food. Dreaming of salad, fresh fruit.... Lost a ginormous mahahi yesterday which was a relief. Would have caused injury bringing it in and turned the deck into a blood bath. Have had flying fish land on the boat at night and this morning welcomed by a tropical bird and gannet type birds. All well!


Wed May 27 9:22 2015 NZST
Speed:
4.5 kts
knts
GPS: 22 44.505s 176 56.122w
Run: 144.2nm (261km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143.6nm
Weather: Partly cloudy, mod sea, fickle wind! with not enough SW in it, 1020baro

Day 11. Good mileage again in the last 24 Hrs but mostly spent motor sailing as the winds have been very light. Our crew are yearning for tropical beaches so are having to be very patient as we have another 3 days to go. We're trying to sleep less during the day so we can sleep at night. Pleasantly warm. Pretty much run out of fresh food so are having to be creative. So pleased we have a fridge. All well.


Tue May 26 9:16 2015 NZST
Speed:
5.2 kts
knts
GPS: 24 38.955s 177 51.45w
Run: 145.8nm (263.9km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.3nm
Weather: Fine, 13kts S, slight seas, 1m swell

Day 10. Best mileage yet last 24hrs 135m. Lighter winds forecast so we will work harder at tweeking the sails. Constance (auto helm) has been great but is high maintenance on battery power. SO!! our skipper has sorted a very good backup wind steering sheet to tiller system that's working well. Running a little bit of motor now at low revs to charge batteries before the sun does its work with the solar panels. Another day closer to our destination YAY. Currently gull winging it. All well onboard.


Mon May 25 9:11 2015 NZST
Speed:
5.5k
knts
GPS: 26 44.987s 178 03.927w
Run: 99.7nm (180.5km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142.3nm
Weather: Clear skies, SW 15k, seas moderate

Day 9. This is what a passage to Tonga is supposed to look like! Sailing at a good speed, in the right direction and with a good weather forecast. YAY! We're all settling down to a leisurely day after peaches, muesli and yoghurt for breakfast


Sun May 24 16:22 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.8 kt
knts
GPS: 28 11.385s 178 10.455w
Run: 13.6nm (24.6km)
Weather: SW 20 k, confused sea, baro steadied, cloudy with occasional showers, warm

Day 8. Phew! Weather change as forecast early pm. Sailing again and in the right direction. Dinner time


Sun May 24 6:38 2015 NZST
Speed:
1.5 k drift
knts
GPS: 28 16.543s 178 22.539w
Run: 53.2nm (96.3km)
Avg: 2.5knts
24hr: 60.1nm
Weather: Severe gale, 45-50 knots, 6-7 m seas breaking, NNW. Partly cloudy. 1010 baro

Day 8. All well onboard, hove to since 8pm last night, reefed mizzen and tiller lashed. Riding to the seas well.


Sat May 23 9:24 2015 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 28 06.966s 179 13.835w
Run: 82.3nm (149km)
Avg: 3.6knts
24hr: 85.3nm
Weather: 30 plus NW, 2 M swell, 90% cloud cover, 1018 baro

Day 7. All good. Pleased to have wind even if it is on the nose and we're heading in a more easterly direction. Our strong little ship is handling it beautifully. Looking fwd to better weather after Sunday. Enjoyed porridge with Cherie's plums!


Fri May 22 10:14 2015 NZST
Speed:
3.6
knts
GPS: 28 54.992s 179 46.0303e
Run: 138.7nm (251km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 137.3nm
Weather: Sunny, NW 5knts, flat seas, 1021baro

Day 6 begins! All in very good spirits. After motoring for 80hrs we're finally sailing. Pleased how well fuel is lasting. Still have 3 days in reserve. MPS, main and mizzen. Nice surprise to see Meg had posted our menu for the day. Started with scrambled eggs. Anna is now French plaiting her hair. Got some music happening.


Thu May 21 9:59 2015 NZST
Speed:
5knts
knts
GPS: 30 35.651s 178 29.854e
Run: 231.5nm (419km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 119.1nm
Weather: clear skies with cirrus, flat sea, nil wind, 1024 baro

Day 5, been motoring 34 hrs, looking fwd forecast wind on Saturday, all well rested, clean clothes & domestics, porridge with bananas and honey for breakfast. Time for a little sunbathing yay


Tue May 19 11:19 2015 NZST
Speed:
4.8
knts
GPS: 33 41.861s 177 00.489e
Run: 160.9nm (291.2km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138.7nm
Weather: 50% cloud cover, 12knts S, sea 2M swell

heavy night last night but made great progress. 25nm averaging 6.2knts on one 4 hr watch, crew are top notch, all well


Mon May 18 7:29 2015 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 35 48.836s 175 49.697e
Run: 93nm (168.3km)
Weather: 15knts SW blue sky

1st day and night gone really well. No seasickness! Out of sight land.


Sun May 10 17:52 2015 NZST
No position sent.

This Sunday 17th is it! Clearing customs at 9am. YAY


Wed Mar 25 20:39 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 50.567S 174 45.095E

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