Whistler

Thu Nov 14 8:21 2019 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.258S 174 28.085E
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: Showery and windy with occasional lightning.

Marsden Cove. Working through the boat jobs.


Fri Nov 8 6:57 2019 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.23s 174 28.15e
Run: 348.3nm (630.4km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 178.6nm
Weather: wind 8 knots N, 40% cc, Bar 1016, temp 16 degrees

Arrived at Marsden Cove. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Thu Nov 7 8:09 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 knots
knts
No position sent.
Weather: wind 10 knots ENE, swell 0.5m, 20% cc, Bar 1014.9, temp 19 degrees

Motor-sailing. Winds backed to N overnight but have veered to the ENE this am. 150m to go. ETA Marsden Cove Tomorrow (Friday) daybreak. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Wed Nov 6 8:09 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 30 51s 173 36e
Run: 177.5nm (321.3km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 176.8nm
Weather: wind 10 knots NNE, swell 0.5m, 30% cc, Bar 1013.7, temp 21 degrees

Beautiful morning. Motor-sailing. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Tue Nov 5 8:03 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 knots
knts
GPS: 28 19s 173 07e
Run: 183.3nm (331.8km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 179.6nm
Weather: wind 14 knots ESE, swell 0.7m, 2% cc, Bar 1016.2, temp 20 degrees

Motor-sailing. Beautiful morning. Clear skies. Last night we had a mango coloured half moon. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Mon Nov 4 7:33 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.5 Knots
knts
GPS: 25 43s 173 42e
Run: 200.6nm (363.1km)
Avg: 8.5knts
24hr: 204.9nm
Weather: wind 19-23 knots ESE, swell 2m SSE, 50% cc, Bar 1018.7, temp 20 degrees

177 miles in 24 hours. 620 miles to go to Marsden. Sea conditions have improved some overnight. Still lots of wind. AWOB.


Sun Nov 3 8:03 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.5 knots
knts
GPS: 22 52s 174 18e
Run: 208.7nm (377.7km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 212.2nm
Weather: wind 18-23 knots ESE, swell 2.5m, 70% cc, Bar 1018.3, temp 21.5 degrees

185 miles in past 24 hours. About 800 miles to go to Marsden Cove, as the crow flies, though we will likely have to continue SSW for another day waiting for the winds to back. Focus yesterday was to miss Ceva-I-Ra (Conway Reef). It took some close-hauled sailing to pass east of it but we managed to leave a 4 to 5 mile margin. We had a strong current, set drift of 2 knots, pushing us west toward it. Supposed to be a great place to fish but it was dark and certainly too rough. Hard enough in these seas just to move around the boat to get to do simple tasks. Sometimes my foot was airborne when I thought it would find a step. Fortunately, Whistler is well designed with plenty of handholds. Though the seas are not quite as angry this morning, they are still confused and we take one over the coach roof now and then. Nice to have Monty?s tasty passage meals in the fridge. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Sat Nov 2 8:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
8 knots
knts
GPS: 20 13s 175 40e
Run: 198.2nm (358.7km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 199nm
Weather: wind 23-29 knots SE with higher gusts, swell 2.5-3.5m with a short period (lumpy), 90% cc, Bar 1014, temp 23 degrees

We made it out the Navula pass yesterday around 9am, had a helping current. Winds picked up through the day to 25 knots and seas were rough, 2.5m, and confused. Winds dropped overnight to 15-20. Before dawn, a squall arrived, and the winds picked up. Seas are worse this morning. Glad we have seasick pills. Hope these conditions subside a bit soon. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Sat Nov 2 8:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.5 Knots
knts
GPS: 20 09s 175 43e
Run: 4.1nm (7.4km)
Weather: wind 22-27 knots SE, swell 3-3.5m short period (lumpy), 100% cc, squall to east, Bar 1014, temp 23 degrees

Sailing to Marsden Cove, NZ. Rough and windy yesterday afternoon and evening, similar to this am. Winds dropped to 15-20 knots overnight but picked up again before daybreak with a squall. Some higher gusts to 30 knots. Sea state a bit worse this am. Saw some dolphins yesterday. Taking seasick pills, so far so good. AWOB. https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Sat Nov 2 8:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.5 Knots
knts
GPS: 20 06s 175 45e
Run: 9.7nm (17.6km)
Weather: wind 22-27 knots SE with higher gusts, swell 3m, 9 second period but lumpy and confused, 100% cc, Bar 1014, temp 23 degrees.

Sailing to Marsden Cove. Yesterday made it out the pass fine with a helping current. Fairly rough with 2.5 to 3m waves and 20-25 knot winds yesterday through the afternoon and evening. It calmed down to 15-20knots overnight but picked up again before daybreak. Squall just east of us. Sea state worsened this am. All is well on board. Tracker link: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler


Fri Nov 1 8:32 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 48S 177 18E
Run: 63.4nm (114.8km)
Weather: Winds 10 knots ESE, 10% cc, baro 1010.5, 27 degrees.

Sun Oct 27 7:17 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 18.8S 178 06.9E
Run: 6.8nm (12.3km)
Weather: Wind 15-20 Knots SE, 30% cc with showers to the east, Baro 1010.3, 26 degrees.

Heading to Port Denarau to get ready to depart for NZ this week.


Thu Oct 24 7:47 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.482S 178 13.056E
Weather: Winds 10-15knits ESE, 90% cc, baro 1011.0, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Cake: Good kiting conditions. Hoping we see a good window open up to NZ soon.


Tue Oct 22 8:01 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.482S 178 13.056E
Run: 63.1nm (114.2km)
Weather: 10 knots ESE, 10% cc, Baro 1013.4, 29 degrees.

Back at Nananu-I-Cake, waiting for a window to NZ.


Thu Oct 17 7:39 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.246S 177 22.953E
Run: 61.1nm (110.6km)
Weather: Calm, 100% cc with showers, 1012.6 Baro, 25 degrees.

Port Denarau. May head out to Musket Cove later.

For our video on Kiting in Wallis, see link below.
https://vimeo.com/366683100


Mon Oct 14 7:36 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 18S 178 10E
Run: 3.8nm (6.9km)
Weather: Wind 15Kt E, 30% cc, Baro 1011.1, 26.5 degrees.

Just left Nananu-I-Thake for Port Denarau. Hard to leave. Lucked out with the winds for kiting (kited 25 of 30 days). We both made good progress with our kiting.  Had another good session yesterday, both kiting at the same time with no others around. Working our way around to get ready for the next passage window, should it materialize. Hoping pumice has finally moved on. Lots still around in the past few days. 


Streams of pumice floating by Kite Point at Nananu-I-Thake on Oct. 11th.
Pumice floating by Nananu-I-Thake on Oct. 11th. Foot credit: Monty.
Fri Oct 11 8:00 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Wind 8-12 kt ESE, 40% cc, scattered, Baro 1012.0, temp 26 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Waiting here till we see a possible passage window to NZ. More kiting weather in the forecast. Yesterday, winds were light but we both got in some kiting.


Thu Oct 10 7:43 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Light winds ESE, 10% cc, baro 1011.3, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake. Another chore day yesterday. Hoping winds pick up enough to kite this afternoon. Waiting here for a weather window to NZ. 


Wed Oct 9 8:05 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Winds 5-10 knots NE, 20% cc, Baro 1012.3, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Mostly clear today with some towering cumulous clouds to the NE. Yesterday was calm, a good chore day.


Tue Oct 8 7:50 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Calm, 100% cc, baro 1012.8, 24 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake:: Rain overnight and a light shower this am. Monty got out kiting for a short early morning session yesterday, his 21st day in a row.


Mon Oct 7 8:06 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Winds 8-10 knots E, 100% cc, Baro 1013.0, 26 degrees

Nananu-I-Thake. For a video on the pumice arriving in our anchorage from Tongan eruption, go to https://vimeo.com/364565518.


Fri Oct 4 8:06 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Winds 10-15 Knots SE, 80% cc, Baro 1014.4, 26 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: We went on a downwinder with Warren from Safari Lodge. Streams of pumice floating around the area. It was weird kiting through it yesterday. Avoiding the big chunks was like skiing through trees (glades). One guy delaminated his board when he hit a large chunk. Winds picked up to 20 Knots+ yesterday afternoon.


Pumice raft by Whistler
Pumice floating by Whistler
All Canadian kiters out with Warren on a downwinder yesterday.
Mon Sep 30 7:20 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Wind 5-10Kt ESE, 80% cc, Baro 1016.5, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Winds picked up through the day yesterday. Got out for some good kite sessions. Winds looking a bit light this morning.


Fri Sep 27 6:41 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Wind 8-12 Kt SE, 70% cc, Baro 1016.9, 23 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Lighter winds yesterday but both of us got our kiting. Looks like more wind today. AWOB.


Wed Sep 25 7:20 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Winds 10-15 kts ESE, 10% cc, Barometer 1018.0, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Clearer skies with a little cirrus. Calmer this am. Good kiting conditions yesterday.


Tue Sep 24 6:48 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Winds 7-12 Kt E, 20% cc, Baro 1018.1, 23 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Windy (20-25 Kt) and gusty yesterday. Calmed down some this morning but we are somewhat protected in the anchorage. Hopefully a better kiting day ahead.


Mon Sep 23 6:53 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Winds 15-20 Kt SE with higher gusts, 30% cc, Barometer 1019.4, 22 degrees.

Chilly morning in Nananu-I-Thake. Winds were 20-25 knots yesterday, gusted up to 35 knots. Too inconsistent and choppy for good kiting.


Fri Sep 20 6:52 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Winds 5-10 kts, 20% cc, Barometer 1015.0, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Light showers overnight. Nice rainbow this am. Wind picks up in the afternoons here. Enjoying good kiting conditions.


Thu Sep 19 7:03 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: Wind 10-15 Kt E, 50% cc, Bar 1015.7, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake: Excellent kiting conditions. Blog on Wallis holiday celebrations available at: https://www.svwhistler.com/wallis-territory-day-celebrations/


Tue Sep 17 7:04 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Weather: 17-23 Knots SSE, 50% cc, baro 1016.2, 25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake. Windy!


Mon Sep 16 6:59 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.46S 178 13.051E
Run: 63.1nm (114.2km)
Weather: 2 Knots E, 90% cc, Baro 1014.2, 26 degrees.

Back at Nananu-I-Thake. Kiting weather in the forecast.  Blog on our Wallis Island Tour: https://www.svwhistler.com/wallis-island-tour/


Tue Sep 10 6:59 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 46.24S 177 22.96E
Run: 62nm (112.2km)
Avg: 2.5knts
24hr: 60.9nm
Weather: Wind 6 knots ESE, 90% cc, Baro 1010.5, 22 degrees.

Moored in Port Denarau. High overcast.


Mon Sep 9 6:34 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 18.41S 178 11.28E
Run: 2.4nm (4.3km)
Weather: 10 knots ESE, 40% cc, Baro 1011.3, 24 degrees.

Had a good day of kiting with Citrus Tart yesterday. Kited 8 of 10 days. Just left Nananu-I-Cake for Port Denarau.


Sun Sep 8 8:52 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.50S 178 13.154E
Weather: Winds 15-20 kts, 10% cc, Barometer 1014.1, 26 degrees.

Had a good day of kiting yesterday. One more day of kiting here and then we will head to Port Denarau. Recent blogs up on Wallis: https://www.svwhistler.com/arrival-at-wallis/
https://www.svwhistler.com/spotted-eagle-rays-in-wallis/


Fri Sep 6 7:41 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.50S 178 13.154E
Weather: 10-12 Kt SSE, Clear skies, Barometer 1013.3, 21 degrees (19 at 0630).

Winds switched from west to SE yesterday in a flash. Monty got out on the 14 for a short session. Chilly overnight with the southerly winds. Going to Rakiraki with Citrus Tart today for some fresh veg. Should get out for some more kiting today. A few more days here.


Sunset at Nananu-I-Cake
Wed Sep 4 6:47 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.50S 178 13.154E
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: Winds 20 kts WSW, 100% cc, Barometer 1008.1, 23 degrees.

A trough has just hit us, with winds swinging around from north to west and up to 45 knots. Heavy rain. Anchor watch is on and lots of chain out. Daylight now which is good. Citrus Tart is anchored here with us.


Mon Sep 2 7:01 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.460S 178 13.073E
Weather: Winds 10-15 kts, 40% cc, Barometer 1014.6, 24 degrees.

Anchored at Nananu-I-Thake, kiting last few days. Hope to eek out one more day and then think about heading for some good shelter from the low heading toward Fiji.


Fri Aug 30 8:26 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 19.460S 178 13.073E
Run: 67.4nm (122km)
Weather: Winds 15-22 ESE, 70% cc, Bar 1013.3, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Thake. Squalls rolling through.


Wed Aug 28 9:06 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5 Knots
knts
GPS: 16 58s 179 10e
Run: 17nm (30.8km)
Weather: wind 16-21 knots ESE, swell 1.0m short period (lumpy), 90% cc, Bar 1014, temp 26 degrees

sailing to Makogai. Taking Save-A-Tack pass across Namena. AWOB.


Tue Aug 27 7:20 2019 NZST
GPS: 16 46.586S 179 19.711E
Weather: Wind 15-20Kt SE, 100% cc, Baro104.4, 24 degrees C.

Windy this morning, even here in the Nakema Creek, which is usually quite sheltered. Glad to be on a mooring and not out bashing in the open seas. Getting ready to leave for Nananu-I-Thake, but will wait till tomorrow when the winds are supposed to drop a bit. This week's market finds: Pineapple and passionfruit. Wallis had neither. Met up with Curly and bought a few more lures. Hope to start moving south tomorrow so we can be settled by Thursday evening, as winds may pick up again on Friday.


Sun Aug 25 7:30 2019 NZST
GPS: 16 46.586s 179 19.711e
Run: 72.3nm (130.9km)
Weather: Wind 5 knots SE, 100% cc, Barometer 1014.8, 23 degrees

Moored in Savusavu. Arrived Friday late evening. Checked in Saturday morning, very efficient but expensive OT. Picked up some passion fruit (one of our favourites) at the market and bought cheap internet data, $25FJD (~$13USD) for 30GB. By comparison, in Wallis, 3GB plus a SIM card was $100USD. Gotta love Fiji Digicel! Met some familiar faces at the Coprashed. Dinner on board, rain, wind and cooler weather had us dining inside our cabin for first time since Tonga. The drop in temperature is requiring an adjustment to our wardrobe. 


 


Fri Aug 23 9:42 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.5 Knots
knts
GPS: 16 22s 179 40w
Run: 181.6nm (328.7km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 201.8nm
Weather: wind 10 knots E, swell .5m, 10% cc, Bar 1011, temp 32 degrees

Motor-sailed yesterday. Maxing speed to beat strong southerly winds expected Saturday. As we turned west last night, winds were from behind so we had to drop the main and motor. Beautiful clear night and day, with only a brief sprinkle. A splendid mahi-mahi decided to join us on board for breakfast! AWOB.


Thu Aug 22 12:06 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.0 Knots
knts
GPS: 14 45s 177 31w
Run: 15.3nm (27.7km)
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 108nm
Weather: wind 10-12 knots ESE, swell 1m ESE with a short period, 20% cc, Bar 1012.9, temp 32 degrees in the cockpit.

Motored in light winds since departing Wallis. Some showers. Amazing towering cumulonimbus clouds! Felt the drop in temperature overnight, down to 26. Ahhhh! Had to put on a long sleeve shirt for last night?s watch. Haven?t done that since leaving Tonga! Had a favourable current (+1Kt) yesterday afternoon and overnight but it was against us for awhile this am. It is favourable again but not quite as strong. Covered 120 miles since leaving yesterday afternoon. Winds have been variable this morning but have picked up so we raised a genoa and now are motor-sailing. Beautiful day now. Fishing line is out! Needless to say, AWOB.


Thu Aug 22 8:42 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.5 knots
knts
GPS: 14 35s 177 22w
Run: 121.8nm (220.5km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 183.9nm
Weather: wind 2-5 kt SE, swell 1m, 90% cc, Bar 1012.5, temp 26 degrees

Motoring in light winds since departing Wallis. Frequent showers. Feel the drop in temperature already. Ahhhh! Had a favourable current overnight but it has now switched, and is slowing us down. Covered 100 miles since leaving yesterday afternoon. Winds just picking up to 10-13 knots, but may just be from this squall. If it persists we will raise a sail. All is well on board.


Wed Aug 21 16:48 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 17.442S 176 07.888W
Run: 1.8nm (3.3km)
Weather: Wind 3 kt E, 50% cc, Baro 1010.9, temp 30 degrees.

Moored off Nukuhifala, near the reef and our kitesurfing island. Wonderful calm night with the stars out in force. Leaving for Fiji today.  More coming in blogs to follow. 


Moorage off Nukuhifala (beautiful but mooring not recommended)
Mon Aug 12 7:37 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.780S 176 09.322W
Weather: 13-18 knots E, 20% cc, Baro 1013.1, 29 degrees.

Same anchorage in Wallis.


Blog on Foa Island, Tonga, posted at

https://www.svwhistler.com/foa-island-haapai-group/


Been getting some nice kiting weather for the past week. We have been enjoying kiting in the area to the east of our anchorage. It is a wet rough 20 minute dinghy ride to get there, but it is worthwhile. We launch from the sandy spit off little islet next to the barrier reef called Nukuhione. We are the only kiters there. Large area to kite both north and south of the islet. We can stand up in much of it at low to mid-tide. Even works at high tide. Monty is working on his jumps, toeside turns and jump transitions. I am working on my transitions and riding.


The air temperature is about 30-35 degrees during the day and the water often feels warmer than the air! Air quality and water clarity are as you would expect of an isolated island group with a small population and no industry.


No one lives on the islet but small groups of locals arrive daily in skiffs for gatherings and swimming. They rarely interact with us other than a smile and a "Bonjour".


Had a local movie crew ask permission to do a scene on Whistler. They had been trying for weeks to shoot this scene on a boat and it finally worked out. It was funny, they were shooting with an iPhone and a GoPro. They said it was part of a dream sequence so the quality was not important. Monty was asked to push the actor off the bow, so I guess his hands will be in the movie!


We are looking at the weather forecast and it looks like several more days of good kiting weather with the occasional shower. It would be a good time for a passage to Fiji too. The skipper wants to stay another week. We are eating well, baguettes, croissants, french brie, excellent ham, papayas, pamplemousse, starfruit, etc, so it is hard to leave Wallis!


Part of the kite area.
Monty working on his jumps.
Margy working on her transitions.
The local movie crew on Whistler.
Wed Aug 7 8:14 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Weather: Winds 12-20 Kt ESE, higher gusts in squalls, 50% cc, Baro 1013.0, 29 degrees.

Been able to get in some kiting sessions over the past several days.  On Monday, we had a fun reunion with Mahina Tiare III (www.mahina.com).  We had taken an expedition with John and Amanda from Tahiti to the Cook Islands in 2014. We got together for a visit and tour of Whistler and dinner on MT. They left for Savuavu, Fiji, yesterday as a trough rolled through.  Intense squally conditions with heavy rain and 30 knot winds. Their students will be getting some heavy weather sailing experience. We feel sorry for them hand-steering. Whistler collected more rain than she could use yesterday. Tanks are full! Hopeful to get in some kiting today, between squalls.


John and Amanda visit Whistler.
Another delicious dinner with John and Amanda on MT.
Mahina Tiare III and her crew saying "au revoir"!
Mahina Tiare III heading off to Fiji.
Fri Aug 2 9:07 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Weather: Winds 15-18 knots ESE, 20% cc, baro 1011.4, 30 degrees C.

Monty got in a short kite session near an outer islet called Nukuhione. Just beautiful area for kiting but a 20 minute wet dinghy ride to get there with the waves. We saw a squall approaching and had left our hatches open, so we packed up and headed back to close the boat up. Turned out the squall missed the boat, but you can't take the chance here. Winds died with the squall anyway. Had some lightning over the mainland and a couple brief showers overnight. Sunny and windy this morning. Be a rough ride out to that kite spot. Will go and try again today.


Thu Aug 1 6:59 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Weather: Wind 10-13 Kt E, 20% cc, Baro 1010.4, 29 degrees.

A few light showers yesterday but none overnight. Sunny this morning. Went ashore to buy some steaks and pork chops yesterday morning but the SEM supermarket had not unpacked their meat from the supply ship as yet. It was too late to find croissants but we managed to find a higher quality baguette, but at 3 times the regular baguette price. Only one left on the shelf! We found local lettuce there for the first time. It disappeared quickly. Another trip in to town will be needed before it gets too rough in the dinghy with the winds picking up. Oh, the challenges of the cruising life!


Wed Jul 31 6:47 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Weather: Wind 11 knots ESE, 30% cc, Baro 1009.9, 29 degrees.

Still at same anchorage. Had a beautiful day yesterday. NO RAIN! Went for a snorkel in Devil's Hole but didn't see any more spotted eagle rays. We erected the sunshade for the first time this season and sat on the trampoline in the shade with a light breeze flowing through. It was a nice change!


Celebrations for the anniversary of Wallis & Futuna becoming a French territory.
Colourful performances by local villages at the Fete.
The supply ship finally arrived. Looking forward to fresh meat from NZ!
Enjoying an afternoon under the sunshade.
Tue Jul 30 7:20 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Weather: 3 knots E, 10% cc, Baro 1011.4, 31 degrees C.

Anchored off Fugalei Island, a mile from Mata-Utu. Attended the festivities celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the agreement between Wallis and Futuna and France. Very colourful. Blog to follow soon.


Sun Jul 28 9:30 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Weather: wind 15- 20 kt E to ESE, 80% cc, temp 28 degrees

We managed to make it to the little produce market early yesterday. Got some nice fruit, Strawberry papaya and pamplemousse! Heavy rain with numerous squalls much of the day. Never collected so much rainwater. Big supply ship just arrived. Windy but not raining now. Kiting conditions this am. Monty will be giving it a go. Sent from Margy?s iPad


Fri Jul 26 7:17 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Weather: Winds 15-20 E, with higher gusts in squalls, 50% cc, Bar 1011.7, 28 degrees.

Had tons of rain and wind with numerous squalls yesterday and tonight. Two French yachts have arrived. Monty got out for a short kitesurfing session between heavy squalls. Try again today.


Thu Jul 25 7:04 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.766S 176 09.308W
Run: 4.4nm (8km)
Weather: 5 knots SE, 80% cc, Baro 1011.7, 27 degrees.

Relocated to the anchorage closer to Mata-Utu off Fungalei and Luaniva. Did another snorkel in Devil's Hole but the viz was not good. Had a visit with Mark and crew, Jill, on Excel last evening. Heavy rain and wind overnight. Filling all our containers. More squalls on the horizon (east and south) this morning. Will filter and add to your water tanks today. Big celebrations on the weekend with the Miss Wallis contest and the anniversary of Wallis and Futuna joining France.


Wed Jul 24 7:22 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 20.134S 176 11.150W
Weather: 8 knots SE, 70% cc, Baro 1011.0, 27 degrees.

Anchored in Baie de Gahi. Got some showers yesterday. Can see more to the east now, but not raining here. Going for a walk to buy some croissants. We plan to move back to the anchorage off Tekaviki, Luaniva and Fugalei Islands today.


Outrigger canoe racers in Baie de Gahi.
This morning's sky looking east.
Tue Jul 23 7:06 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 20.134S 176 11.150W
Run: 3.1nm (5.6km)
Weather: Wind 10-15 Kt ESE with gusts to 20kts, 100%cc, rain, Baro 1009.7, 26 degrees.

Anchored in Baie de Gahi, pronounced Nahi. It is pretty well protected but wind is still making it in here. We finally have wind for kiting but we are getting some heavy downpours. Not ideal. Forecast looks the same for several days, wind and rain. Hopefully we get some nice breaks.


Mon Jul 22 7:08 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 22.747S 176 10.591W
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: 3 knots NW, 20% cc, Baro 1008.9, 30 degrees C.

Moved to anchorage off Ile Faioa. Been beautiful weather here, though warm and humid. A squall blew through last night. Photos of the other anchorage are attached. Snorkelling in Devil's Hole, not far from that anchorage, we saw a couple eagle rays. Yesterday we snorkelled along a wall and saw another pair of spotted eagle rays and a turtle.


Spotted Eagle Ray seen at Devil's Hole.
Anchorage between Fugalei and Luaniva Islands, Mata-Utu in the background. Looking west.
Anchorage off Fugalei looking south.
Spotted eagle rays seen near Ile Faioa.
Fri Jul 19 7:15 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.770s 176 09.309w
Weather: 1 Kt ESE, 80% cc, baro 1011.2, 28 degrees.

Anchored off Fugalei Island. This anchorage looks very promising for kiting but could get rough in strong trades. Supply ship not here yet. Had numerous sun but showers yesterday and some powerful squalls last evening. Filled the buckets with rain water in no time. Very calm but appears to be clouding over this am. Hearing good reports on snorkelling from other yachts. Plan to check them out today. Waiting for a sunny day to rent a car, but not sure when that might happen! Sent from Margy?s iPad


Thu Jul 18 7:36 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 16.770s 176 09.309w
Run: 0.9nm (1.6km)
Weather: wind 2-6Kt SE, 80% cc, baro 1009.8, 28 degrees.

Anchored off the eastern islands called Luaniva, Fugalei and a tiny motu called Tekaviki which appears to be a cemetary. We are kept busy opening and closing hatches when squalls pass over us. Water is 30 degrees so we will have to go snorkelling on the reef. Enjoying some French products like French cheese, pate, baguettes, fresh NZ beef and pork. Some foods are very expensive but not much worse than our home town. We plan to rent a car and tour the island when we have a nice day, but we might have to wait a while as showers frequently roll through. 


Wed Jul 17 7:21 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 17.175s 176 10.023w
Weather: wind 10-12 Kt NE, swell 0.3m, 20% cc, Bar 1009.1, temp 29 degrees

Anchored off Mata-Utu in Wallis. Had a few squalls through here yesterday. Will move to a more protected anchorage today. Supply ship coming in so we have to move away from the wharf anyway. Two NZ yachts here with us now.


Tue Jul 16 7:45 2019 NZST
GPS: 13 17.175s 176 10.023w
Run: 16.3nm (29.5km)
Weather: wind 14kt E-ESE, swell .5m, 20% cc, Bar 1010, temp 30 degrees

Anchored off Mata-Utu in Wallis. Did our checkin with customs and les gendarmes. Hitch-hiked to get money from the only bank here and bought a few items, very expensive here. Nice here but warm and a bit of a bump off the wharf. Will move to another anchorage today. Imagine from NZ is the only other yacht here.


Mon Jul 15 4:33 2019 NZST
Speed:
4 Kt
knts
GPS: 13 31s 176 07w
Run: 108.5nm (196.4km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.3nm
Weather: wind 12kt E, swell 1m, 10% cc, Bar 1007.9, temp 28 degrees

10NM to the entrance of Wallis Islands. Timing arrival at daybreak. All is well on board.


Sun Jul 14 10:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
6 Kt
knts
GPS: 14 55s 175 23w
Run: 169.9nm (307.5km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 164.1nm
Weather: wind 20 kt ESE, swell 1.5m with a 7 sec. period, 30% cc, Bar 1011.1, temp 30 degrees

Nicer broad reaching conditions today with steady winds and calmer seas. Sailing with genoa now. Sun and some cumulus but no squalls today so far. Time to lather on some sun screen. 100 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th. One fishing line is in the water. All is well on board.


Sat Jul 13 9:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
6 to 7Kt
knts
GPS: 17 16s 174 38w
Weather: wind 25-30 kt SE, swell 2m, 100% cc, Bar 1013.8, temp 25 degrees

All is well on board. Saw whales leaving Vava?u. Motored in light variable winds overnight. Occasional squalls and showers. Winds picked up and have been steady in the 25-30Kt range for the last 2 hours. Sailing with just a little bit of Genoa out. Sun is trying to break through. Too rough to fish just now. Lots of white caps. 250 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th.


Sat Jul 13 9:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
7Kt
knts
GPS: 17 16s 174 38w
Run: 9.5nm (17.2km)
Weather: wind 25-30 kt SE, swell 2m, 100% cc, Bar 1013.8, temp 25 degrees

All is well on board. Saw whales leaving Vava?u. Motored in light variable winds overnight. Occasional squalls and showers. Sailing with just a little bit of Genoa out. 250 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th.


Sat Jul 13 9:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
5 Kt
knts
GPS: 17 24S 174 36W
Run: 96.1nm (173.9km)
Weather: wind 12 kt SE, swell 1.2m, 100% cc, Bar 1013.9, temp 26 degrees

Sailed for a few hours but wind died. Motored in light winds from behind. Not pushing it as we don?t want to arrive in Wallis in the dark. 260NM to go. We were about to raise a foresail but saw squalls approaching. Gusting to 25-30Kt now. Waiting to get the trough so we can start sailing again. All is well on board.


Sat Jul 13 9:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
7Kt
knts
GPS: 17 16s 174 38w
Weather: wind 25-30 kt SE, swell 2m, 100% cc, Bar 1013.8, temp 25 degrees

All is well on board. Saw whales leaving Vava?u. Motored in light variable winds overnight. Occasional squalls and showers. Sailing with just a little bit of Genoa out. 250 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th.


Tue Jul 9 6:52 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: Wind 8-12 Kt SE, 100% cc, baro 1010.7, 24 degrees.

Heavy rain overnight in Neiafu.


Mon Jul 8 7:15 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: Calm, 70% cc, Baro 1012.2, 25 degrees.

Took local couple (Canadians) out for a sail and a little fishing on the weekend. We had never caught a fish in Vavau so we didn't have much hope. We were motoring back and hooked a sailfish! Kind of appropriate our guests run a Fish & Chips business on the old floating Ark Gallery here in the harbour. They were keen to keep the fish, so with a big team effort we did manage to land the poor old beast Over 9ft from tip to tail! About 40kg of meat! Lots of excitement for us all!


Fri Jul 5 8:42 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: Wind 5-15 E, 80% cc, Baro 1015.9, 26 degrees

Thu Jul 4 6:55 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: Wind 8-15kt E to ENE, 50% cc, baro 1016.0, 26 degrees.

Gusty conditions overnight and this morning. Ferry arrived. Waiting for a good sailing window to go to Wallis.


Wed Jul 3 7:13 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: 5-10kt ESE with higher gusts, 95% cc, Baro 1015.4, 26 degrees.

Moored at Neiafu. Occasional squalls.


Tue Jul 2 6:26 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: 5-10 Kt NE, 80% cc, baro 1012.9, 25 degrees.

Light breeze in Neiafu.


Mon Jul 1 6:28 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: 3 kt, NE, 100% cc, baro 1012, 25 degrees.

Celebrating Canada Day today! Calm in the Neiafu Harbour. Occasional showers.


Blog on Telekitonga available at:

https://www.svwhistler.com/telekitonga-island/


Fri Jun 28 6:44 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: Winds 10-15 Kt SE, 50%cc, bar 1015.3, 24 degrees

Moored in Neiafu. Winds picking up, gusty and a few squally. Blog on Kelefesia available at:
https://www.svwhistler.com/kelefesia-island/


Wed Jun 26 7:08 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Weather: 10 knots E, 50% cc, Baro 1016, 25 degrees.

Moored in Neiafu. Harbour emptied out yesterday with the ICA Rally boats on their way.


 


Tue Jun 25 6:39 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.648S 173 58.936W
Run: 75.7nm (137km)
Weather: Calm, 30% cc, bar 1015.7, 24 degrees.

Moored in Neiafu. Lots of familiar faces in town. ICA Rally boats gradually leaving for Vanua Balavu.


Fri Jun 21 7:14 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 43.118S 174 17.019W
Weather: Wind 15-20 ESE, 30% cc, 25 degrees.

Anchored at Foa. Checking out and heading to Vava’u tomorrow. Counted 17 ICA boats in Port Maurelle this morning. See photo.


Tue Jun 18 7:01 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 43.118S 174 17.019W
Weather: Winds 15kts SE, 50% cc, Baro 1015.0, 25 degrees.

Anchored at Foa. Getting in some kiting.


Sun Jun 16 7:14 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 43.121S 174 16.977W
Weather: 10-15Kt SE, 80% cc, baro 1015.5, 24 degrees.

Anchored at Foa. Winds picking up. Kiting should finally start today.

Attaching photo of the World ARC rally boats in Neiafu. They are scheduled to leave tomorrow. On top of them, the 35 ICA Rally is all converging there, many are already there now. Good luck finding a place to drop the pick! This is a major reason why we are staying in the Ha’apais, besides, it is nice here! Saw a leopard shark again while snorkelling in the channel yesterday.


Fri Jun 14 6:58 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 43.121S 174 16.977W
Weather: 5 knots NNE, 90% cc, Baro 1012.6 (rising), Temp 25 degrees.

Anchored off Foa. Another trough appears to be just south of us.

With all this raining weather, I had time to post a blog on our passage to Tonga. https://www.svwhistler.com/passage-moments/


Thu Jun 13 6:31 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 43.121S 174 16.977W
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: Winds 23-28 SW, 100% CC, Rain, Baro 1012.8 rising, 23 degrees.

Anchored at Foa Island, near Matafonua Lodge. Another trough over us, and doing another swing around. See photo. Have had lots of lightning in the area, nothing close fortunately. Showers off and on. Rain with gust over 28 knots from WSW.  Again, this wind strength and direction was NOT FORECASTED.  On a leeshore like almost everyone else in the Ha'apais, but we were fortunate to be anchored here alone and have sufficient swing room. For our blog on South Minerva, please go to https://www.svwhistler.com/south-minerva-reef/.


Wed Jun 12 7:12 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 47.372S 174 21.087W
Weather: Calm, 70% cc (high cloud), Baro 1013.3, 25 degrees.

Anchored by Haapai Beach Resort. Calm morning. Photos show the forecast and a screenshot of our anchor watch using Vesper Watchmate AIS. The swing around the anchor yesterday afternoon happened in about 90 minutes! Winds picked up to 30Kt+. Glad we had lots of swing room!


Forecast never showing the West and South! It happened too fast!
Our boat swinging around our anchor.
Tue Jun 11 7:03 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 47.372S 174 21.087W
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: Wind 12-17Kt ENE, 95% cc, Baro 1014.2, 24 degrees.

Anchored off Ha'apai Beach Resort. A little drizzle now and then. Rain expected later. Had a nice lunch at Mariners Cafe yesterday with crew from a couple other yachts.


Mon Jun 10 6:57 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 43.113S 174 17.027W
Run: 6.7nm (12.1km)
Weather: Wind 15Kt E, 50% cc, Baro 1016.8, 23 degrees.

Anchored off Foa Island, (Matafonua Lodge). Been enjoying last few days here. Did some paddle-boarding, snorkelling and had a few lunches at the lodge. Great to be back. Darren and Nina are very welcoming. Today looks like a kiting day. May have to move to a more protected anchorage for the low that is approaching tonight. Photo of sunset on Saturday evening.


Fri Jun 7 7:12 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 47.415S 174 21.121W
Run: 14.4nm (26.1km)
Weather: No wind, 20% cc, Bar 1014.5, 26 Degrees

Anchored off Ha'apai Beach Resort near Pangai. Plan to head up to Foa Island today.


Thu Jun 6 7:06 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 57.642S 174 28.699W
Weather: Winds 10Kt ENE, 30% cc, Bar 1015.4, 26 Degrees

Anchored off Uonukuhahake. May head up to Pangai today.


Wed Jun 5 6:57 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 57.62s 174 28.70w
Run: 1nm (1.8km)
Weather: wind 15Kt ESE, 50% cc, Bar 1015.0, temp 24 degrees

Moved up to near the northern end of Uonukuhahake.


Tue Jun 4 6:57 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 57.611S 174 29.607W
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Weather: Winds 10Kt, 40% cc, Bar 1014.1, 24 Degrees

Anchored off Uonukuhihifo. AWOB.


Mon Jun 3 6:42 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 57.90s 174 29.59w
Weather: wind 1Kt ESE, 95% cc, Bar 1013.7, temp 24 degrees

Glad we motored here yesterday in good light. Anchored off Uonukuhahaki and Uonukuhihifo. Calm and overcast. 3 other boats in this anchorage but tons of room. Much less rolly here with the SSW swell but a SW wind (10Kt) came up in the middle of the night so we swung around the anchor. Great to have no bommies on the bottom to worry about during that rotation. Check out svwhistler.com for NZ blog additions.


Mon Jun 3 6:42 2019 NZST
GPS: 19 57.90s 174 29.59w
Run: 30nm (54.3km)
Weather: wind 1Kt ESE, 95% cc, Bar 1013.7, temp 24 degrees

Glad we motored here yesterday in good light. Anchored off Uonukuhahaki and Uonukuhihifo. Calm and overcast. 3 other boats in this anchorage but tons of room. Much less rolly here with the SSW swell but a SW wind (10Kt) came up in the middle of the night so we swung around the anchor. Great to have no bommies on the bottom to worry about during that rotation.


Sun Jun 2 9:09 2019 NZST
GPS: 20 23.795s 174 32.172w
Weather: wind 6Kt N, 2% cc, Bar 1014.9, temp 29 degrees.

Leaving Telekitonga for Uonukuhihifo. About 40 miles. Clear calm weather, a good day for this passage.


Sat Jun 1 16:48 2019 NZST
GPS: 20 23.795s 174 32.18w
Run: 15.1nm (27.3km)
Weather: 2Kt NNW, 5% cc, baro 1012.7, 29 degrees

Anchored at Telekitonga Island. Walked around the deserted island, mostly sand beach with some volcanic rock. No real signs of civilization other than stuff washed up on shore. By ourselves here. Waves crashing around our little anchorage.


Fri May 31 7:09 2019 NZST
GPS: 20 30.128s 174 44.431w
Run: 42.5nm (76.9km)
Weather: Wind 5-10Kt SE, 10% cc, baro 1014.1, 25 degrees.

Anchored at Kelefesia Island with 4 other yachts. Caught our first mahi-mahi on the way here. Had a snorkel yesterday around the anchorage. Lots of bommies and nice reef. Great to listen to the waves crashing on the reef. Beautiful clear day here. Some local fishermen arrived this morning and are out on kayaks. Will check out the island this morning. Not sure how long we will stay. Depends if conditions remain calm.


Thu May 30 5:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
6Kt
knts
GPS: 20 59s 175 09w
Run: 9.8nm (17.7km)
Weather: wind 5Kt E-ESE, swell 1.5m E, 20% cc, baro 1015.2, 23 degrees.

Underway motoring, heading for Kelefesia. Hoping there is room in the anchorage. Nice red sky this am. Sent from my iPad


Wed May 29 6:16 2019 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49S 175 09.72W
Weather: Wind 5-10 NE, 20% cc, Baro 1015.7, 24 degrees

Anchored at big Mama's. 12 boats (5 catamarans) anchored here. International affair with boats from Germany, Denmark, Amsterdam, Finland, Norway, US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Some puddle jumpers have started to arrived from Niue. Plan to head north tomorrow. It looks like we will be motoring!


Tue May 28 6:38 2019 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49S 175 09.72W
Weather: 10-15Kt NE, 30% cc, 1016.6 bar.

Anchored off Big Mama’s at Pangaimotu Island. Looking to move north later this week when (northeast) winds die down.


Mon May 27 7:04 2019 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49S 175 09.72W
Weather: 5-10Kt E, 60% cc, bar 1016.0, 24 degrees.

Anchored at Big Mama’s. Squall to the north. Nice to have some calmer conditions.


Sun May 26 7:41 2019 NZST
GPS: 21 7.49S 175 9.72W
Weather: Wind 10kt E, 70% cc, 1016.7 bar, 24 degrees.

10 days Anchored off Big Mam’s now. Bad weather broke yesterday afternoon so we went ashore with some other yachties for a beer at Big Mama’s. They are now serving fish & chips and hamburgers at lunch and construction of their deck is progressing, no doubt targeting completion prior to the ICA rally’s arrival. 


Fri May 24 7:33 2019 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49s 175 09.72w
Weather: wind 10-15kt ESE, 100% cc, baro 1013.9

Heavy rain all night, continuing this morning. A half dozen boats arrived and cleared in yesterday, kept the port control and customs busy till after hours! Sent from my iPad


Mon May 20 6:57 2019 NZST
GPS: 21 07.497s 175 09.729w
Weather: 5 knots SE, 20% cc, Baro 1016.1, 24 degrees

Anchored off Big Mama?s. Waiting to get a clearer picture of the weather and path of the tropical depression northwest of Fiji before we head north to the Haapais.


Fri May 17 7:06 2019 NZST
GPS: 21 07.497s 175 09.729w
Run: 162nm (293.2km)
Avg: 3.4knts
24hr: 80.7nm
Weather: wind 10 kt SE, 10% cc, Bar 1016.3, temp 23 degrees

Cleared in yesterday morning in 2 hours! Used the little Customs Dock. Port authority had to get a couple fishing boats to move for us but all went smoothly. Anchored off Pangimotu. Very quiet here, only us anchored. Big Mamas is still busy rebuilding after cyclone in early 2018. They are short staff and construction workers and not serving meals for another couple weeks. Will take their ferry into town today and get some supplies. Not sure when we can go north to the Ha?apai as the forecast appears to have some 30 knot easterly winds and rain starting Sunday night. May stay here till it improves.


Wed May 15 6:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
5Kt
knts
GPS: 22 42s 177 02w
Run: 156.7nm (283.6km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.7nm
Weather: wind 15- 20 kt E to ESE, swell 2m ESE with a very short period, 20% cc, Bar 1018.1, temp 23 degrees

Not the most pleasant night at sea. Spent the first half of the night dodging wide-ranging squalls. Winds backed to NNE, died and then picked up, gradually veering to E. Motor sailing but will try to sail again soon. May be a tacking day. Sea state very bouncy.


Tue May 14 7:12 2019 NZST
GPS: 23 56.21s 179 06.12w
Weather: wind 10-15Kt SE, 30% cc, Bar 1018.0, temp 24 degrees in the cockpit.

Leaving S. Minerva this morning. Had an explore on the reef yesterday morning. Monty found several crays, bagged 3 between two and four lbs. All is well here.


Mon May 13 6:57 2019 NZST
GPS: 23 56.23s 179 06.13w
Weather: wind 8Kt E-ENE, 4% cc, Bar 1018.7, temp 21 degrees

Winds dropped over the last 24 hours. Went to the reef yesterday to check out a large object that washed up onto the reef. It was a red buoy, and would have had a light at the top. It would likely stand 6m tall when floating. The only marking on it wasP6. It is over 10m long from end to end. We are wondering where it came from, South America? We are glad it is on the reef and not out at sea! On a high high tide, it could float off again. Planning to leave South Minerva tomorrow (Tuesday) for Tongatapu.


Sat May 11 7:00 2019 NZST
GPS: 23 56.23s 179 06.13w
Weather: Winds 15-19 ESE, 20% cc, Bar 1020.9, temp 22 degrees.

Short excursion to the reef yesterday at low tide. Bagged a couple crays. All is well here. Plan to depart for Tongatapu, probably on Monday.


Fri May 10 7:30 2019 NZST
GPS: 23 56.23s 179 06.13w
Weather: wind 15-20 ESE, 50% cc, Bar 1020.4, temp 23 degrees

very windy here. 24 knots for a time yesterday. Rough at anchor at high tide. Had a go at a snorkel with Pilgrim and Midnight Sun next to the lagoon at S. Minerva yesterday. Beautiful reef with lots of sea life. Still waiting for the winds to ease and go more South. Wishful thinking...may have to use the iron sails to get to Tonga. Looking at leaving on a Sunday or Monday.


Thu May 9 7:39 2019 NZST
GPS: 23 56.2s 179 06.1w
Run: 24.2nm (43.8km)
Weather: wind 15-20Kt ESE, 30% cc, Bar 1018.4, temp 25 degrees.

S. Minerva. Got to the reef yesterday. Interesting. Watching for the wind direction to move more south for a sail to Tonga.


Tue May 7 7:39 2019 NZST
GPS: 24 14.8s 179 16.7w
Run: 24.1nm (43.6km)
Weather: wind 15-22kt ESE, swell .5m, 90% cc, Bar 1018.4, temp 22 degrees, showers

Had a great sleep at anchor at S. Minerva. Glad for the shower to wash the salt off the deck. Not exactly exploring reef weather at the moment.


Mon May 6 14:30 2019 NZST
GPS: 23 56.233s 179 06.138w
Weather: Wind 22 kt ESE, 20% cc, Bar 1018.3, temp 28 degrees

Anchored in South Minerva. All is well on board. A couple boats here with us. A bit to breezy to go exploring. Looking forward to a good rest tonight!


Mon May 6 13:48 2019 NZST
GPS: 23 56.23s 179 06.13w
Run: 24.1nm (43.6km)
Avg: 3.7knts
24hr: 89nm
Weather: wind 22 knots ESE, 20% cc, Bar 1018.2, temp 29 degrees.

Anchored in South Minerva. All is well on board. Breezy!


Mon May 6 7:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
7Kt
knts
GPS: 24 14.8s 179 16.7w
Run: 207nm (374.7km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 198.7nm
Weather: wind 20 kt ESE, swell 2m, short period, 20% cc, Bar 1018.7, temp 23 degrees

All is well on board. A few more squalls over night. 20 miles to S. Minerva. Plan to stop there.


Sun May 5 6:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
7Kt
knts
GPS: 27 06.7s 179 45.3e
Run: 186.4nm (337.4km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192.8nm
Weather: wind 15-18 Kt ESE, swell 2.3 ESE, 20% cc, Bar 1023.6, temperature 20 degrees.

All is well on board. Had to sail through some vigorous squalls yesterday with gusts over 30 knots and heavy rain. None over night thankfully. A few suspect clouds on the horizon this morning. Had a nice sail overnight with more consistent winds on the beam in the 17-22 range. They are backing off now as is the seas state. 180 miles in 24 hours. 200 miles to go to S. Minerva. Might feel like taking my down jacket and toque off today. What a Canadian wimp!


Sun May 5 6:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
7Kt
knts
GPS: 27 06.7s 179 45.3e
Weather: wind 15-18 Kt ESE, swell 2.3 ESE, 20% cc, Bar 1023.6, temperature 20 degrees.

All is well on board. Had to sail through some vigorous squalls yesterday with gusts over 30 knots and heavy rain. None over night thankfully. A few suspect clouds on the horizon this morning. Had a nice sail overnight with more consistent winds on the beam in the 17-22 range. They are backing off now as is the seas state. 180 miles in 24 hours. 200 miles to go to S. Minerva. Might feel like taking my down jacket and toque off today. What a Canadian wimp!


Sat May 4 7:06 2019 NZST
Speed:
7Kt
knts
GPS: 29 38s 178 40e
Run: 171.3nm (310.1km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 170.2nm
Weather: wind 20 kt ESE, swell 2m SE but confused with short period, 80% cc, Bar 1023.6, squalls about.

All is well on board.


Fri May 3 6:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 31 54s 177 30e
Run: 127.8nm (231.3km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.5nm
Weather: wind 15 kt SSE, swell 2m SE, 20% cc, Bar 1023.3.

All is well on board. Gradually warming up. Winds just starting to get some east in them.


Thu May 2 12:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 33 09s 175 53e
Weather: wind 12-17 S, swell 2m SE, cloud 10%, bar 1023, temperature 18 degrees.

All is well. 160NM in 24 hrs. Seas were over 3m early this am but have dropped down. Winds also easing. Please advise if this format is not working for the yit site updates. Thanks!


Thu May 2 12:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 33 09s 175 53e
Run: 180.5nm (326.7km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.4nm
Weather: wind 12-17 S, swell 2m SE, cloud 10%, bar 1023, temperature 18 degrees.

All is well. Seas were over 3m early this am but have dropped down. Winds also easing. Please advise if this format is not working for the yit site updates. Thanks!


Wed May 1 7:10 2019 NZST
GPS: 35 19.00S 174 07.18E
Weather: Sunny, calm and cold, 1026 bar, 9 degrees.

Leaving for Minerva Reefs today.


Thu Apr 18 7:59 2019 NZST
GPS: 35 19.00S 174 07.18E
Run: 97.6nm (176.7km)
Weather: Sunny.

At Bay of Islands Marina


Mon Oct 29 8:03 2018 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.24S 174 47.42E
Run: 97.8nm (177km)
Weather: Light NW winds, 90%cc, baro 996.5, 15 degrees.

Whistler is in Gulf Harbour.


Wed Oct 24 9:09 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 18.783s 174 07.352e
Run: 43.8nm (79.3km)
Weather: calm, 80% cc, Bar 1025.2, 15 degrees.

Docked in the Bay of Islands Marina. Glad to have this passage behind us. We had been concerned we would not find a window before our Fiji visitor visas expired. Our 8th and fastest trip to/from Fiji, 6 days and 2 hours, averaging 7.4nm/hr over 1080NM. Like a good Canadian-built boat should, Whistler easily met the challenge of the boisterous conditions for the first 3 days. It was a sporty ride and then a beautiful sail for a couple days before the winds died and currents slowed us down. Dolphins and nice weather greeted us to the Bay of Islands! Now we turn our attention to cleaning, polishing, mounds of laundry and boat maintenance. The fun never stops!


Tue Oct 23 9:51 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5.6 kt
knts
GPS: 34 40.91s 174 11.66e
Run: 184nm (333km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.2nm
Weather: wind 7-9kn 0.5 NE swell, 90% cc, Bar 1027.1, 16 degrees.

About 40nm to go to Opua. Current and headwinds slowed us down. Motoring sailing. ETA Tuesday late afternoon. 157nm in last 24 hr. All is well on board.


Mon Oct 22 8:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.5kt
knts
GPS: 32 06s 174 58.47E
Run: 170.4nm (308.4km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 199.5nm
Weather: wind 15 ENE, 0.5 E swell, 50% cc, Bar 1026.7, 18 degrees.

Less than 200nm to go to Opua. ETA Tuesday. All is well on board. Excellent sailing. 185m in last 24 hr.


Mon Oct 22 8:06 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.5kt
knts
Weather: wind 15 ENE, 0.5 E swell, 50% cc, Bar 1026.7, 18 degrees.

Less than 200nm to go to Opua. ETA Tuesday. All is well on board. Excellent sailing. 185m in last 24 hr.


Sun Oct 21 11:42 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.8 kt avg.
knts
GPS: 29 38.06S 174 58.47E
Run: 234.4nm (424.3km)
Avg: 9.3knts
24hr: 222.4nm
Weather: wind 15-20 ENE, 1.5m E swell, 40% cc, Bar 1026.8, 20 degrees.

En route for Opua. Winds were steady 17-22kt overnight. Declined a bit this morning. 193nm in last 24 hours. Clearing skies with clouds to NE. Shook out one reef in the mainsail this morning, one reef remaining, full Genoa, nice sailing. Good to see the sun. Less than 350m to go.


Sat Oct 20 10:24 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.7kt avg.
knts
GPS: 26 15.46S 175 20.00E
Run: 235.1nm (425.5km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 212.1nm
Weather: wind 20-25 ENE, 2 to 2.5m E swell with a short period, 80% cc, Bar 1024.8, 20 degrees.

En route for Opua. 182 nm in last 24 hours. Cleared off overnight but cumulus clouds taking over. Squall potential. Winds dropped to 18-22 overnight but increasing again this morning. 186 miles in 24 hours. Two blankets and a sleeping bag on the bed, numerous layers with down jacket at night. I finally broke down and put on socks and shoes! Barefoot no more on this passage!


Fri Oct 19 7:48 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.7kt avg.
knts
GPS: 22 55S 176 02E
Run: 209.2nm (378.7km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 210.5nm
Weather: wind 19-24kts ENE, 2 to 2.5m ESE swell with a short period, 80% cc, Bar 1019.0,

En route for Opua. 182 nm in last 24 hours. Conditions fairly consistent over the last 24 hours. Lots of cloud and threatening squalls but the moon was trying to shine through the clouds for a time and we were treated to some stars briefly last night. Gusts up to 27kt and lulls to 17kt. Cooling down, adding layers of clothing, needing blankets in bed.


Thu Oct 18 7:57 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7. 7 knots (average)
knts
GPS: 19 55S 176 28E
Run: 160nm (289.6km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 160.4nm

Left Port Denarau yesterday around noon for Opua. A parade of boats with us. A record 28 boats checked out from Port Denarau and Vuda Pt. yesterday. Boat performing well in these rather boisterous conditions. Seas rough after leaving the past with some waves crashing over the coachroof and 30 knot gusts. Wind direction pleasantly surprised us, 70 to 75 degrees True.


Wed Oct 17 8:00 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.186S 177 22.927E
Run: 11.6nm (21km)
Weather: Wind 4 knots SE, 100% cc with rain, baro 1015.4, 25 degrees.

Port Denarau. Planning to check out today with close to a dozen boats,. Many checking out at Vuda today too. We will have to be vigilant on the radar and AIS on this passage with so many boats leaving at the same time! Next stop, Opua.


Mon Oct 15 7:22 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 47.5S 177 12.4E
Run: 1.8nm (3.3km)
Weather: Wind 12-15 kt SE, 90% cc, baro 1016, 26 degrees

Heading back to Port Denarau from Musket Cove. Assessing weather window to NZ this week.


Wed Oct 10 8:02 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.268S 177 11.326E
Run: 12.7nm (23km)
Weather: Calm, overcast, baro 1014.0, 26 degrees.

Musket Cove. Heading back to Port Denarau today.


Mon Oct 8 7:43 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.19S 177 22.92E
Weather: Calm, 100%cc, baro 1013.3, 24 degrees.

Port Denarau: Raining. Hoping to get an engine part replaced in the next day or two. Looking to take the next weather window to NZ.


Fri Oct 5 8:16 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.19S 177 22.92E
Run: 60.2nm (109km)
Weather: 3 knots, ENE, 100% cc, baro 1014.0, 25 degrees.

Port Deanarau. Amazing lightning storm overnight and again this morning. Heavy rain at times.


Thu Oct 4 8:04 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 18.27S 178 09.25E
Run: 4.4nm (8km)
Weather: 6 knots SE, 10%cc, baro 1011.7, 31 degrees

Nice morning. Just left Nananu-I-Cake, headed for Port Denarau.


Wed Oct 3 7:36 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.357S 178 13.111E
Weather: Winds 10-22 knots ENE, 100% cc, baro 1011.7, 26 degrees.

Grey and gusty in the anchorage, in the lee of this ENE wind. Kiting today is questionable as the winds are supposed to die out and rain is coming in a few hours. Already had a sprinkle. Heading to Port Denarau tomorrow and will be looking for a weather window to NZ.


Tue Oct 2 8:02 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.357S 178 13.111E
Weather: Wind 10-25 knots E, 95% cc, baro 1014.8, 24 degrees.

Winds very gusty and shifting more E now. Some squalls.


Mon Oct 1 7:42 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.357S 178 13.111E
Weather: 15-25 knots SE, 90% cc, baro 1015.2, 24 degrees.

Been very windy and squally here at Nananu-I-Cake. Showers have eased but not the wind.


Sat Sep 29 7:07 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.357S 178 13.111E
Weather: 12-15 kts, 100% cc, baro 1015.3, 22 degrees.

Nananu-I-Cake. Wind and rain through the night and this morning.


Fri Sep 28 7:15 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.357S 178 13.111E
Run: 74.6nm (135km)
Weather: 15 kt, SE, 95% cc, baro 1013.4, 26 degrees.

Back at Nananu-I-Cake with Roxanne, Heatwave and Viva. Got in a bit of motorsailing on the west side but hit headwinds of 15- 20 knots along the top of Viti Levu on the way here yesterday. Whistler is covered in salt again. Definitely kiting conditions here today,


Tue Sep 25 6:55 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.219S 177 11.326E
Weather: 2 knots S, 100% cc, baro 1012.3, 26 degrees.

Musket Cove. Wind picked enough to kite yesterday.


Mon Sep 24 6:16 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.219S 177 11.326E
Weather: 5 knots SE, 100% cc, baro 1012.3, 22 degrees.

Musket Cove. Windy yesterday for kiting.


Sat Sep 22 6:42 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.219s 177 11.326e
Weather: 5 kt SE, 70% cc, baro 1012.5, 25 degrees.

Musket Cove.


Fri Sep 21 7:00 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.219s 177 11.326e
Run: 12.7nm (23km)
Weather: Wind 5-7 kt SE, clear skies, Baro 1012.2, 25 degrees.

Musket Cove. Monty got kiting at the sandbank yesterday. I should have taken my gear. Winds got up to 22 kt SSE during the day. Jim, our guest, got invited out surfing at Cloudbreak in the morning and later took a skiff with a friend to Namotu for a kite-surf. They even got invited to rig on Namotu private beach! Also invited for a Fijian Curry

at a home on the top of the hill overlooking the marina. Starting out calmer this am.


Wed Sep 19 7:12 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.194S 177 22.904E
Weather: Calm, 100% cc, baro 1012.9, 25 degrees.

Light rain off and on at Port Denarau.


Mon Sep 17 6:38 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.194S 177 22.904E
Run: 12.7nm (23km)
Weather: Calm, clear, baro 1012.9, 24 degrees.

Moored at Port Denarau. Checked out Namotu and Cloudbreak anchorages briefly over the weekend. Back in port to get a few maintenance things done, provision and await arrival of our friend from Whistler.


Thu Sep 13 7:08 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.299S 177 11.289E
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: 10kt ESE, 20% cc, bar 1014.6, 25 degrees.

Anchored again in Musket Cove. Gave up our mooring to a yacht whose windlass wasn’t working. Finale last night at Dick’s Place. Nice evening.


Wed Sep 12 7:15 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.261S 177 11.316E
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)
Weather: 15-20 kt, SE, 100% cc, bar 1013.7, 22 degrees.

Now on a mooring at Musket Cove, (Thanks to Chara). Light rain here. Be a quick Round Malolo Race today. Whistler will not be entering. Not looking forward to a wet dinghy ride to shore for the Awards Night party. Hopefully it will be nicer later.


Sat Sep 8 6:35 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.341S 177 11.139E
Run: 13nm (23.5km)
Weather: 10-13kt.SE, 10% cc, bar 1012.3, 23 degrees.

Musket Cove. Showers yesterday morning and afternoon. Regatta kicked off last night. A bit breezy but no rain, thankfully. Lots of familiar faces.


Fri Sep 7 7:01 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.25S 177 22.98E
Run: 63.1nm (114.2km)
Weather: 8 knots N-NNE, 40% cc, bar 1010.6, 27 degrees and HUMID!

Port Denarau, heading to Musket Cove this afternoon.


Tue Sep 4 6:58 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.48S 178 13.07E
Weather: 7 kt E, 25%cc, baro 1014.8, 26 degrees.

Nananu-I-Cake.


Mon Sep 3 6:52 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.48S 178 13.07E
Weather: 10 kt E, 10% cc, bar 1014, temp 24 degrees.

Nananu-I-Cake.


Tue Aug 28 7:09 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.48S 178 13.07E
Weather: 5-10 kt SE, 90% cc. Baro 1016.3, 23 degrees.

Nananu-I-Cake. Occasion little squalls finally hitting this dry area but mostly great kiting weather.


Tue Aug 28 0:00 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.48S 178 13.07E
Weather: 10 kt ESE, 20% cc, baro 1014.2,26 degrees.

Nananu-I-Cake. Yesterday was another good kiting day. Kite Point was pretty busy.


Mon Aug 27 7:01 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.48S 178 13.07E
Weather: 10-15 kt SE, 20% cc, baro 1015.8, 22 degrees.

Nananu-I-Cake. First sprinkle and rainbow in 7 weeks here yesterday. Good kiting conditions.


Thu Aug 23 7:04 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.48S 178 13.07E
Weather: 2 kt SE, 20 cc, bar 1015.2, 24 degrees.

Anchored at Nananu-I-Thake.


Wed Aug 22 7:10 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.48S 178 13.07E
Run: 62.4nm (112.9km)
Avg: 2.6knts
24hr: 62.5nm
Weather: 2 kts ESE, 2% cc, bar 1015.4, 25 degrees.

Anchored back at Nananu-I-Thake. Calm and clear. The anchorage is glassy, paddle boarding conditions.


Tue Aug 21 7:13 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 45.476S 177 23.175E
Run: 13.1nm (23.7km)
Weather: 5 kt E, clear, bar 1013, 23 degrees.

Anchored off Port Denarau. Heading back to Nananu-I-Thake. Smokey around here!


Fri Aug 17 6:35 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.20S 177 11.25E
Weather: 2Kt ESE, 40% cc, Bar 1013.9, 22 degrees.

Musket Cove. Lucky, wind came up the last two afternoons for kiting.


Thu Aug 16 7:00 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.20S 177 11.25E
Run: 12.5nm (22.6km)
Weather: Wind 10kt SE, 90% cc, bar 1015.0, 22 degrees.

Moored at Musket Cove.


Tue Aug 14 6:46 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 45.6S 177 22.6E
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Weather: Light south winds, 90%cc, bar 1013.9, 20 degrees.

Port Denarau. Cool and cloudy this morning.


Mon Aug 13 7:33 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 45.422S 177 23.171E
Run: 62.8nm (113.7km)
Weather: Calm, 2% cc, Baro 1012.4, 21 degrees.

Port Denarau. Here for a few days.


Fri Aug 10 7:24 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.10S 178 13.25E
Weather: Winds calm, 90% cc, bar 1013, 22 degrees.

Our last day here. Off to Port Denarau tomorrow. Got in some a brief kiting session yesterday but it was gusty and the wind direction was changeable. Hoping for one more session this afternoon.


Thu Aug 9 6:37 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.10S 178 13.25E
Weather: Wind 5 kt S, 10%cc, bar 1014.3, 21 degrees..

Nananu-I-Thake.


Wed Aug 8 8:37 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.10S 178 13.25E
Weather: Winds 10-12kts, 40% cc,, Bar 1014.9, 21 degrees (0630), 26 degrees (0830)

We are hoping to eek out another few kiting days before we leave Nananu-I-Thake for Port Denarau on the weekend. Sunsets red from the grass fires burning on the mainland. The ash on the boat is a real drag. Great star-gazing last night with a moonless sky. I have resorted to wearing long sleeves, long pants and Monty even put on a hoodie last evening. Winds were calm first thing but are picking now! Our idea of paddle boarding has been abandoned. :-)


Tue Aug 7 7:23 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.10S 178 13.25E
Weather: Wind 10kt SE, clear, bar 1012.9, 23 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake. Got out with Warren at Safari Lodge for a kiting downwinder yesterday.


Mon Aug 6 7:11 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.10S 178 13.25E
Run: 0.5nm (0.9km)
Weather: 5 kt SE, 70% cc, bar 1012.7, 21 degrees.

Whistler moved yesterday, just a half mile away, for a better view of the sunset! Took a while to pull the anchor. Too cloudy for a good sunset last night and Internet is slower. So we might move back to the old spot nearer kite point. Lots of ash on the boat some mornings due to grass fires the mainland. Chilly nights. No kiting the last few days. Good weather for cleaning and boat projects. Could use a rain to wash the boat!


Thu Aug 2 7:35 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: 10-20 kt SE, 5%cc, Bar 1014.3, 25 degrees.

Monty cleaned the props and scrubbed the bridal and 10-15m of the chain that was covered in soft growth. A big job. Not many barnacles on the hull, thankfully. Also did a snorkel yesterday and saw a large octopus, some clams and oysters and a wide array of corals. Viz not great though as it was still a bit windy. Windy for kiting again today.


Wed Aug 1 7:16 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: 5-10kts E, clear but a little hazy, bar 1014.2,25 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake. Didnt want to leave while Patricia and David (Gulf Harbour Radio) were away! Another kiting session at Kite Point and downwinder yesterday. All good here! Hazy conditions giving us glorious sunsets!


Mon Jul 30 7:34 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: 10-15 kts SE, clear skies with a haze, bar 1015.8,24 degrees.

40 days and 40 nights at Nananu-I-Thake, but who is counting! Great day yesterday with Warren taking us for a downwinder and then serving us a nice lunch at Safari Lodge. For me, the downwinder was like skiing Peak to Creek (Whistler Mountain) with 15cm of fresh powder. Wind could have been a bit stronger, but there wasnt much chop which was nice. Looks like we can eek out another few days of kiting here before the wind shuts off. Be a challenge to lift our anchor! Setting sun is red, haze caused by the volcano eruption in Vanuatu, we are told.


Thu Jul 26 7:12 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: Wind 15 kts, SE, clear, bar 1015.5, 22 degrees.

All is well at Nananu-I-Thake. Cool overnight, even had to throw a blanket on the bed! Lots of wind for kiting today.


Fri Jul 20 7:20 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: 10 kt SE, 10%cc, bar 1016.3, 23 degrees.

Weather has been very good, with little rain. Recently had a few calm days. On Warren’s recommendation, we snorkelled by the sand spit (kite spot) which had lots of healthy soft and hard corals and schools of fish. Surprisingly good and so convenient to the anchorage! Another no wind day activity. Did a market run to Rakiraki yesterday. Good selection of fruits and veggies. When we got back, Warren (Safari Lodge) took us out to the reef for a downwinder. Monty kited for an hour but the winds were a bit too light for me. Winds are expected to pick up today for a few days. Boats come and go, as they transit east or west. Some going east frequently wait a few days or a week for trade winds to ease enough for that passage. So Whistler has not been alone here. Have had a few socials with friends on familiar boats and made some new acquaintances too!


Tue Jul 10 7:35 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: 5 kts E, clear, bar 1014.6, 25 degrees.

Anchor well dug in here at Nananu-I-Thake. Been good kiting conditions. Calm and sunny this morning.


Sun Jul 1 7:30 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: Wind 10-20 with higher gusts to 25, S to SE, 30% cc, with squalls to the north, bar 1018.1, 23 degrees.

Happy Canada Day! Anchored in the lee of Nananu-I-Thake. Anchorage was busy two nights ago with boats stopping off on their way to the west coast. Monty got out kiting on the 7m (our smallest kite) yesterday. Were invited to a social on one of the World Arc boats (with a Cdn connection) that is hoping off the rally and heading to NZ this year. Very windy, but will try to fly our big Canadian flag today.


Fri Jun 29 7:04 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: Wind 8-10 SSE, 20% cc, bar 1016.1, 22 degrees

Hoodie temperatures this morning. Still at Nananu-I-Thake. MK got in her first kite lesson this season. MC got out for 2 sessions. Steadier winds yesterday. Hopefully another lesson today,.


Wed Jun 27 7:14 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: Wind 12-17 SE, 30% cc, bar 1016.2, 23 degrees.

At Nananu-I-Thake. Line of cloud to the north. Winds have arrived. Stronger winds overnight. Kiters are happy!


Tue Jun 26 7:08 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: Wind 5 kt ESE, 50% cc, bar 1014.5, 25 degrees.

At Nananu-I-Thake. Winds rose enough to kite late yesterday. Light winds this morning again.


Mon Jun 25 7:15 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Weather: 6kt SSE, clear, bar 1015.0, 27 degrees.

At Nananu-I-Thake. Got windy yesterday, so Monty got out for a kite with the Fusios.


Fri Jun 22 7:06 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 19.476S 178 13.081E
Run: 49.1nm (88.9km)
Weather: Calm, clear, Bar 1013.3, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Thake. Waiting for wind so we can kite. Maybe tomorrow?


Thu Jun 21 7:12 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 26.485S 178 57.132E
Run: 24.6nm (44.5km)
Weather: Wind calm, clear with some high cirrus cloud, Bar 1014.2

Anchored off Makogai.


Wed Jun 20 7:14 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 06.740S 179 05.575E
Run: 27.9nm (50.5km)
Weather: Wind 5kt NE, 80% cc, bar 1014.8, 26 degrees.

Anchored off Namena.. High cirrus cloud thickening. Some interesting finds snorkelling yesterday like a few large live conch. Probably heading to Makongai today.


Tue Jun 19 7:08 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.613S 179 19.739E
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)
Weather: Calm, scattered clouds, baro 1016.1, 22 degrees.

In Savusavu. Heading to Namena today. Cooler temps now.


Mon Jun 18 7:12 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.648S 179 17.241E
Run: 117nm (211.8km)
Weather: Calm, clear, baro 1015.7, 24 degrees.

At Cousteau anchorage in Savusavu Bay. Heading to town to reprovision.


Sat Jun 16 7:00 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 50.3982S 178 56.6704W
Run: 23.8nm (43.1km)
Weather: Wind SE 15-18 kts, swell 0.5m, cc 60%, Bar 1015.6

Anchored off the sand cay at Duff Reef. Monty got kiting yesterday. Cool spot. Likely head off somewhere today as it is pretty rolly in the anchorage.


Fri Jun 15 7:30 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 10.670S 179 0.938W
Weather: Calm, scattered clouds, bar 1016.3, 27 degrees

Still in Vanua Balavu. Looking to move to a kiting spot sometime today.


Thu Jun 14 6:52 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 10.670S 179 0.938W
Weather: Calm, clear, baro 1015.3, 25 degrees.

Anchored in Ship Cove in Bay of Islands. At least 20 boats here in the Bay of Islands now. At sunset, some cruisers joined their dinghies together for a social in a wee cove and watched hundreds of fruit bats take off from their roost for their nightly patrol. The sky was filled with “flying foxes”.


Wed Jun 13 7:08 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 10.670S 179 00.938W
Weather: Calm, 20% cc, Baro 1013.6, 26 degrees.

Ship Cove in Bay of Islands. More World Arc boats arrived yesterday in the Bay.


Tue Jun 12 6:56 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 10.670S 179 00.938W
Weather: Calm, 70% cc, Bar 1014.1, 26 degrees.

Anchored in Ship Cove in the Bay of Islands. 30 World ARC just checked in at Lomaloma, Vanua Balavu, so we are seeing lots of boats anchoring around the bay. Seems to be room so far. World Arc’s next rendezvous is July 4 or 5th in Musket Cove.


Mon Jun 11 7:33 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 10.670s 179 00.938w
Run: 6.9nm (12.5km)
Weather: Calm, 5% cc, Baro 1015.7, 26 degrees.

Anchored in Ship Cove with 2 other boats in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. A few more boats anchored around the Bay. Warm and humid last night, lots of dew this morning.


Sun Jun 10 7:10 2018 NZST
Speed:
3.5 kt
knts
GPS: 17 09S 179 07W
Run: 105.9nm (191.7km)
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 105.2nm
Weather: 10 kts W, 30% cc, 1 m swell, bar 1015.1 27 degrees.

Squalls now to north and east. They appear to be moving away ahead of us. Just waiting for good light to enter Vanua Balavu. Had 15-22 kt winds that backed around through the day and night. Uncomfortable short period southerly swell. Calmed down through the night. Planning to anchor in Bay of Islands tonight.


Looking east at sunrise, VB on right.
Sat Jun 9 7:00 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.605S 179 19.740E
Weather: 5kts NW, 90% cc, Bar 1013.4, 25 degrees.

In Savusavu. Plans to move, just not sure where yet.


Fri Jun 8 7:10 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.605S 179 19.740E
Weather: Wind 5-10 kt, ESE, 100% cc, light rain, baro 1014.8, 22 degrees.

Trough passed over us around 9pm. Had a torrential rain storm with lightning and high winds (30 kt). Whistler circled the mooring a few times as the winds shifted direction. Filled all our water buckets in minutes. Heavy rain and high winds lasted for several hours. Just light rain now.


Thu Jun 7 7:15 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.605S 179 19.740E
Weather: Calm, clear, 1014.8, 25 degrees

Savusavu. Nice morning.


Wed Jun 6 7:15 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.605S 179 19.740E
Run: 3.1nm (5.6km)
Weather: calm, 80% cc, baro1015.7, 26 degrees.

Back in Savusavu. Very humid last night. Had some lightning and showers in the evening.


Tue Jun 5 7:14 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.50933S 179 17.78844E
Run: 0.6nm (1.1km)
Weather: Calm, 15% cc, bar 1012.9, 26 degrees.

Lovely day here at Cousteau. Yesterday we completed our Advanced Open Water Dive course with Cousteau. Did a night dive to finish. Amazing critter life active in the dark. Came to the surface and the stars were out in full force. Fantastic experience.


Mon Jun 4 6:11 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.603S 179 17.240E
Weather: Wind calm, 30% cc, baro 1009.9, 24 degrees

The sky is clear above us and to the north but the trough with a distinct line of with thick clouds blankets the southern third of the sky. Hope it keeps moving SE.


Fri Jun 1 7:36 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.603S 179 17.240E
Weather: Wind 10-15 E (in the protection of the island), 100% cc with occasional showers, Baro 1013.8, 26 degrees

We are still off Cousteau. Winds were more NE overnight and now back to E. Not a nice day. More rain in forecast.


Thu May 31 6:49 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.603S 179 17.240E
Run: 0.5nm (0.9km)
Weather: Wind 5-10 ESE, 90% cc, baro 1012, 26 degrees.

Moved to a more sheltered anchorage by Cousteau resort. A few breaks in the clouds.


Wed May 30 7:28 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.888S 179 16.867E
Run: 4.3nm (7.8km)
Weather: 16-18 Kt ESE, 80% cc, baro 1010.9, 25 degrees.

Anchored off the Cousteau resort, closer to the reef, so more exposed to the SE winds. Showery conditions around the bay, but not over us yet. Rainbows and turtles around.


View from Cousteau anchorage looking toward Savusavu
Tue May 29 7:01 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.606S 179 19.899E
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)
Weather: Calm, 20% cc, baro 1009, 24 degrees.

Nice morning. Savusavu had a rash of break-ins (Digicel, Telecom offices, etc.) on Saturday night. Apparently a rugby match brings out the hooligans. We are moving out to Cousteau anchorage today.


Mon May 28 7:08 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.606S 179 19.739E
Weather: Calm, 80% cc, baro 1009.8, 24 degrees.

Moored in Savusavu. Has some heavy rain showers yesterday off and on. Looking okay this morning. Several boats with quarantine flags arrived yesterday.


Sat May 26 7:05 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.606S 179 19.739E
Run: 35.8nm (64.8km)
Weather: Calm, 20% cc, Baro 1013.8, 26 degrees.

Moored back in Savusavu.


Fri May 25 7:09 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 55S 179 51E
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: 2kt variable, 0.5 swell, 5% cc. 1012.9 baro. Speed: 5 knots, heading 277.

Left Paradise Taveuni on our way to a Savusavu. Seas are glimmering, skies clear with a few puffy clouds. Had a hard rain shower last evening. Kept us on board!


Thu May 24 7:47 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 56.109S 179 53.939E
Weather: Calm, 10% cc, Baro 1013.5, 27 degrees.

Moored at Paradise Resort, Taveuni. Hot, sticky day yesterday (33 degrees) but no showers over us. Put up the sunshade to get some relief.


Wed May 23 7:57 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 56.109S 179 53.939E
Run: 40.8nm (73.8km)
Weather: Calm, 10% cc, Baro 1012.9, 24 degrees.

Moored at Paradise, Taveuni. Beautiful day here. Caught a Mahimahi on the way here yesterday. White Wall dive planned for tomorrow. More photos posted on svwhistler.com. Will go back to Savusavu for the fronts on the weekend! Thanks!


Tue May 22 7:05 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.36465S 179 17.82192E
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Weather: 5 kt N, 0.5 swell, 10% cc, Baro 1014, 27 degrees

Just left Savusavu for Paradise Resort, Taveuni.


Mon May 21 7:09 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.621S 179 17.246E
Weather: Calm, 10% cc, Baro 1014, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Cousteau. Another beautiful day here. Even put up the sunshade yesterday. Lots of dew on the decks this morning.


Fri May 18 7:13 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.621S 179 17.246E
Weather: Calm, clear, baro 1013.5.

At JM Cousteau anchorage. A few boats leaving Savusavu stopped here overnight. Had 2 excellent dives at Namena with JMC yesterday.


Wed May 16 7:12 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.621S 179 17.246E
Weather: Wind 3-7 its NE, 90% cc, Baro 1012.9, 26 degrees.

Anchored by Cousteau. Had some showers yesterday but looks like it may clearing up today.


Tue May 15 7:16 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.621S 179 17.246E
Weather: Calm, overcast, baro 1014.3, 25 degrees.

At anchor off Cousteau Resort. Had showers overnight. Going diving again wth the resort today.


Mon May 14 6:53 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 48.621S 179 17.246E
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)
Weather: Calm, 10% cc, Baro 1015.5

Anchored off Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. Going diving today.


Fri May 11 7:19 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.604S 179 19.738E
Weather: Wind10kt ESE, 70% cc, baro 1016.2

Windy and a few showers overnight.


Thu May 10 7:27 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.604S 179 19.738E
Weather: Calm, high thin cloud layer, Bar 1017.5

Moored in Savusavu. Survivor Australia is in town, filming just passed the airport for the next 3 months.


Wed May 9 6:56 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.604S 179 19.738E
Weather: Wind 11-16kt ESE, 40% cc with occasional showers, Baro 1017.2

Moored in Savusavu. Winds picked up and had a few showers overnight but it is clearing up this am.


Tue May 8 7:02 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.604S 179 19.738E
Weather: Calm (in the bay), 40%, Bar 1015.3.

Had a few passing showers last evening. Generally fine weather. Had a visit with Curly yesterday and loaded up on some more of his lures. Want to knock off a few more little projects, freshen up our provisions and we will look at going somewhere. Going in an easterly direction will be difficult due to increasing ESE winds in the coming days.


Another dramatic sunset from our mooring in Savusavu
Mon May 7 7:17 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.604S 179 19.738E
Run: 8.6nm (15.6km)
Weather: Wind 4kt SE, calm, 80% cc with occasional showers, Baro 1014.2

Moored in Savusavu. Had a beautiful day yesterday. A few short showers with a stunning rainbow at sunrise. Last night, we enjoyed some of our Green Jobfish caught in the Naqelelevu Lagoon. No ill effects, so ciguatera free!


Sat May 5 6:48 2018 NZST
Speed:
5Kts
knts
GPS: 16 51S 179 26E
Run: 90.9nm (164.5km)
Avg: 3.7knts
24hr: 89.8nm
Weather: Wind ESE 10-15 kts, swell 0.5m, cc 40%, Bar 1015.2

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Didn't like the waves inside and overcast conditions in the Naqelelevu Lagoon. Turned back at around noon. Winds were 18-20 from the SSE all day and most of the evening making for an uncomfortable swell and close reach. Strong current against us at about 1.8kts, and up to 2.8 knots at times, slowed our progress. Once we got behind Taveuni, the winds dropped to 10-15 from the SE and then ESE. Had a clear night with the moonlight and stars to guide us back to Savusavu. 15 miles to go. All is well on board.


Fri May 4 6:30 2018 NZST
Speed:
3Kts
knts
GPS: 16 08S 179 25W
Run: 43.1nm (78km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 83.8nm
Weather: Wind SSE 11 kts, swell 0.8m SE, cc 60%, Bar 1012.6

3 miles to go to Naqelelevu Lagoon. Sun just up. Waiting for good daylight to approach the pass. Reefed genoa. All is well on board.


Thu May 3 18:09 2018 NZST
Speed:
2.5 Kts
knts
GPS: 16 33S 179 54W
Run: 6.2nm (11.2km)
Weather: Wind S 7 kts, swell 0.5m, cc 80%, Bar 1011.3

40 miles to go to Naqelelevu Lagoon. Doing a slow overnighter to arrive in daylight. Flying just the genoa. All is well on board.


Wed May 2 7:48 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 31.613S 179 59.385w
Weather: Wind WSW 2 kts, 100% cc, Bar 1010.1, 27 degrees.

Anchored in Katherine Bay with our sister boats. Showers passing through, some heavy. May stay here a few days to wait for the weather to pass.


Wed May 2 7:45 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 31.613S 179 59.385w
Run: 29.2nm (52.9km)
Weather: Wind WSW 2 kts, 100% cc, Bar 1010.1, 27 degrees.

Anchored in Katherine Bay with our sister boats. Showers passing through, some heavy. May stay here a few days to wait for the weather to pass.


Mon Apr 30 15:18 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 56.132S 179 53.93e
Run: 43.3nm (78.4km)
Weather: Wind NNE 5 kts, swell 0.1 m, 30% cc, Bar 1008.3, 33 degrees.

Moored at Paradise Resort on Taveuni with our sister boats. Beautiful weather. Had a couple refresher dives with the resort today. Blue moon tonight!


Sun Apr 29 10:06 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.5 Kts
knts
GPS: 16 52S 179 27w
Run: 81nm (146.6km)
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 70.8nm
Weather: Wind NNE 8-10 kts, swell 0.5 m, 10% cc, Bar 1011.7, 32 degrees.

Motor-sailing. Heading for Paradise Resort on Taveuni. Beautiful weather.


Sat Apr 28 6:38 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.624S 179 19.742E
Weather: Calm, CC 20%, Baro 1010.4, 25 degrees.

Had a nice warm sunny day yesterday. Wind has been picking up in the afternoons to provide some breeze through the cabin. We were invited to "movie night" on the foredeck of one of our sister boats last night. Neat how they set up their sunshade, a screen using a sheet and comfortable seating for 8. Doing some provisioning at the Savusavu market this am and plan to sail 50 miles SE to Paradise Resort on Taveuni Island tomorrow. Winds are calming down so it should be a fairly easy day trip. Looks like fairly settled conditions for the next week.


Sunrise from our mooring
Thu Apr 26 11:12 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 46.624S 179 19.742E
Run: 170.7nm (309km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.3nm
Weather: Wind ESE 10 kts, CC 30%, Bar 1013.3, temperature 33 degrees, humidity very high with a few brief showers this am.

Arrived in Savusavu at 0800 and all checked in with Customs. We are the 7th yacht to check in to Savusavu this season. We are tired but excited to be here after an amazing 1266 mile passage. Flew our full main sail the entire time. Beautiful broad reach and later beam reach sailing with only 40 hours of engine time to assist our sails as we crossed a ridge axis. Just in time, a brief downpour in the wee hours washed the salt off Whistler before we arrived in port. Thanks to our weather router, Bruce Buckley, for his guidance. Two of our two sister ships are here and after a rest, we look forward to celebrating our great passage and arrival in Fiji with them.


Rainbow over Golden Glow from our mooring
Wed Apr 25 9:09 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.0-8.0 Kts
knts
GPS: 19 14S 179 36E
Run: 187.3nm (339km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 200.7nm
Weather: Wind ESE 17-20 kts, swell 1.8 mtr ESE (lumpy, 30% cc, Bar 1013.8, .

150 miles to go to Savusavu. Sighted Matuku Island today. No major squalls last night and none so far today. 28 degrees in the cockpit. Reefed the genoa to slow down as we want to arrive in Savusavu in daylight. All is well on board.


Tue Apr 24 10:45 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.0Kts
knts
GPS: 21 56S 179 51E
Run: 198.4nm (359.1km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 189nm
Weather: 30% cc, Bar 1016.0, wind ESE 16-20 kts, 1.5 mtr E wind wave with 5 sec intervals (lumpy).

No squalls last night and none so far today. 26 degrees in the cockpit. Sailing nicely, could go faster in these conditions but no rush as we want to arrive in Savusavu in daylight. Passed some birds and then saw a fish feeding frenzy, but were a bit too slow to get our lines in the water. Had a niggle but nothing landed. Saw whales from a distance at sunset, seems very early for them to be coming north. Been in touch with our sister boats by SSB. They are both well ahead of us by 100 miles. All is well on board.


Mon Apr 23 9:33 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.5 Kts
knts
GPS: 24 48S 179 59w
Run: 150.7nm (272.8km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 182.2nm
Weather: 40% cc, Bar 1016.6, wind 14-18 kts SE, E 1.5 m swell

We decided not to stop at Minerva Reef and altered course to Savusavu. If we stopped, we could not determine when we might have another good window ahead for sailing north to Fiji. It was also likely we would be all alone there. So we decided to cease the opportunity to continue to Savusavu in what should be good sailing conditions. We had several squalls to negotiate with moments of calm followed by down-drafts of 25 knots. At one point we hit 15.7 knots (SOG). We have sailed for 5 days and have only picked up 3 large commercial ships on our AIS, all more than 17 miles at their closest point of approach. Last night, a boat appeared headed on a collision course with us. I woke Monty and after a quick run around the cockpit, he decided to stay up and put his shorts! We determined the boat was moving at about 4.5 knots. We could only get the MMSI number on our AIS. I tried repeatedly to hail the vessel on the VHF but there was no answer. Once the boat name appeared on our AIS, I hailed it again. The skipper finally responded, saying only "Chinese". I asked if he was fishing, no answer. Then I asked if he was trawling to which he responded, "trawling". That meant we had to avoid his stern by up to a mile or more. I said, "We are a sailing vessel", but he did not respond. After studying his heading, we turned to starboard to try to avoid him but he then turned to port, so we were still on a collision course. We started the engines and turned hard to port, having to jibe our full main and genoa in 20 knots of wind. After a few miles we got back on our northerly course and sailing again, with the fishing boat passing 2 miles to our starboard. I went to bed with the adrenalin still pumping. Having a few more squalls this am but, otherwise, very good sailing conditions though a bit bumpy with waves on the beam. Good news from our sister boats in Minerva Reef. They are both setting sail today for Savusavu. So it looks like we will have a reunion there. All is well on board but we could both use more sleep.


Sun Apr 22 13:42 2018 NZST
Speed:
7 Kts
knts
GPS: 26 58S 179 45E
Run: 230.8nm (417.7km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 183.4nm
Weather: 40% cc, Bar 1015.1, wind 15 kts SE, E 1.5 m swell

Squalls overnight slowed our progress. Sailing nicely now. All is well on board. Getting much warmer. Shorts and T-shirt weather. Enjoying Chef Monty's cooking! Saw an albatross yesterday. To follow us on our tracker, go to svwhistler.com, click on See Whistler on the Map and then Whistler Delorme. Still debating a stop at Minerva Reef which is still day and a half away. Tempting to press on as it looks like a nice run to Savusavu, Fiji, and not sure when we will have another good passage north from Minerva.


Sat Apr 21 7:30 2018 NZST
Speed:
7 Kts
knts
GPS: 30 06S 178 26E
Run: 142.4nm (257.7km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.1nm
Weather: 50% cc, Bar 1018.8, wind 10-15 kts SE, 2 mtr E wave with a SW swell (confused sea state)

Sailing again after motor-sailing all night in light winds. A squall to our west. All is well on board.


Fri Apr 20 10:33 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.3Kts
knts
GPS: 32 01S 177 33E
Run: 154.8nm (280.2km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.8nm
Weather: 90% cc, Bar 1022.2 (and dropping), wind 6-8 kts SE, 2 mtr swell Sw

All is well on board. Motor-sailing.


Thu Apr 19 9:15 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.5Kts
knts
GPS: 33 51S 176 01E
Run: 148.1nm (268.1km)
Weather: 10% cc, Bar 1022, winds 16 kts SSW, 2 mtr swell SSE

Departed Opua yesterday. On passage to Minerva Reef and Fiji. Will be watching weather to decide whether we go to Minerva or press on to Fiji. All is well on board.


Wed Apr 11 8:19 2018 NZST
GPS: 35 19.020S 174 07.194E
Run: 31.9nm (57.7km)
Weather: Sunny, breeze from South, dark clouds to the SW.

Docked in Opua.


Fri Nov 24 6:32 2017 NZDT
GPS: 35 44.3888S 174 20.8618E
Run: 1.5nm (2.7km)
Weather: Calm, mostly overcast, Baro 1027.9.

On the hard at Norsand. Been a good week here with mostly sunny calm conditions. Preparing to leave for our Canadian winter. Ski hills are open!


Sat Nov 18 9:11 2017 NZDT
GPS: 35 43.51S 174 19.67E
Run: 30.6nm (55.4km)
Weather: 20-25 kn, ESE, 100% cc, bar 1013, 15 degrees, raining.

Happy to be docked in Whangarei! Stormy day. Inside jobs planned for today.


Fri Nov 10 8:44 2017 NZDT
GPS: 35 19.0083S 174 07.1727E
Weather: Calm, overcast, 1015 Bar, 15 degrees.

Docked at Bay of Islands Marina beside 3 other Antares catamarans! Nice to meet up with Blue Summit and to get to know the owners of Golden Glow and Exit Strategy! Marina is filling up. Weather has been a real mix, with some warm sunny days, but, generally, cool with storms, packing heavy rain and high winds, blowing through fairly frequently. Been getting several boat projects done while we are here in Opua.


Sat Oct 28 8:24 2017 NZDT
GPS: 35 19.0083S 174 07.1782E
Run: 112nm (202.7km)
Avg: 4.6knts
24hr: 111.1nm
Weather: Calm, foggy, Bar 1023, 17 degrees.

Arrived in Opua at 2230 last night. Motored almost 100 hours on this passage. Thanks to some good sailing conditions at the beginning, we averaged 6.5 knots over 1160 miles. Good to get a full night's sleep last night. All is well on board.


Fri Oct 27 8:12 2017 NZDT
Speed:
7.0 kts
knts
GPS: 33 42S 174 00E
Weather: 10 NNW, 1m swell, 20% cc, Bar 1017, 18 degrees.

Motoring. Should arrive in Opua this evening. Saw the green flash last night! Sea was like a mirror, glassy!


Fri Oct 27 8:00 2017 NZDT
Speed:
7.0 kts
knts
GPS: 33 42S 174 00E
Run: 167.8nm (303.7km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.5nm
Weather: 10 NNW, 1m swell, 20% cc, Bar 1017, 18 degrees.

Motoring. Should arrive in Opua this evening. All is well on board.


Thu Oct 26 7:57 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5.0 kts
knts
GPS: 31 17S 173 43E
Run: 131.6nm (238.2km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131.3nm
Weather: 2-5 Kt SSW, 1m swell, 70% cc, Bar 1017, 18 degrees (in enclosed cockpit with engines warming the boat).

Motoring. Clouding over again. Looks like Saturday early am arrival. All is well on board.


Wed Oct 25 7:54 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 29 23S 173 52E
Run: 167.7nm (303.5km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.9nm
Weather: 15kt S, 2m swell S, 30% cc, Bar 1017.

Sailing. Skies clear south of us. Heading into the high. Expect the winds to die off shortly and go SW. All is well on board.


Tue Oct 24 8:37 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5ms
knts
GPS: 27 39S 175 48E
Run: 162.3nm (293.8km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.3nm
Weather: 5WNW

Mon Oct 23 9:03 2017 NZDT
Speed:
7.0 kts
knts
GPS: 25 24S 175 03E
Run: 2.1nm (3.8km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139nm
Weather: 18 Kt N, 1.5m swell, 60% cc, Bar 1016, 22 degrees.

All is well on board. NOTE: PC computer is now working so Sailmail address will reach us again.


Mon Oct 23 8:41 2017 NZDT
Speed:
7.0
knts
GPS: 25 24S 175 05E
Run: 220.1nm (398.4km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 212.3nm
Weather: 20NE, 1.5m swell, 50%cc, 1016

good that the swell is down from the report from Silver Fox behind them


Sun Oct 22 7:48 2017 NZDT
Speed:
8.0 kts
knts
GPS: 22 13S 174 58E
Run: 213.7nm (386.8km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 211.1nm
Weather: 12-16 Kt ENE, 2m swell, 10% cc, Bar 1015, 22 degrees.

Sailing with full main and genoa. Made 180NM in last 24 hours. Winds got lighter and went NE overnight but have kicked up again so we are moving along nicely. All is well on board.


Sat Oct 21 7:30 2017 NZDT
Speed:
7.0 kts
knts
GPS: 19 22S 176 15E
Run: 133nm (240.7km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 136.3nm
Weather: 20 Kt ESE, 2.5m swell, 60% cc, Bar 1013, 20 degrees.

Sailing with double reefed main and reefed genoa. Have had lots of periods of 25 to 27 Kt wind. Waves overnight have been confused and steep with a short period. All is well on board and nice to have some sunshine as we get used to wearing more layers!


Fri Oct 20 8:04 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.21S 177 22.956E
Run: 56nm (101.4km)
Weather: Calm, 60%cc, 1011 Bar, 26 degrees.

Moored in Port Denarau. Leaving today for New Zealand.


Wed Oct 18 7:50 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.2S 178 05.4E
Run: 8.5nm (15.4km)
Weather: 15 kt ESE, 30% cc, bar 1010, 27 degrees

On our way to a Port Denarau to prepare for departure on a Friday for New Zealand.


Tue Oct 17 7:55 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.42S 178 13.125E
Weather: 10-15 ESE, 70% cc, 1011 bar, 27 degrees.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Thake.


Mon Oct 16 8:10 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.42S 178 13.125E
Weather: 10-15 kt E to ENE with higher gusts, 70% cc with frequent squalls, 1011 bar, 27 degrees.

Nananau-I-Thake, anchored. Rainbows this am.


Sat Oct 14 7:38 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.42S 178 13.125E
Weather: 10-15 kt SSE, 20% cc, 1010 bar, 26 degrees.

Anchored at Nanana-I-Thake. Cirrus clouds this am. Had an interesting morning yesterday going out to the reef for kiting downwinder. Learned lots. Planning a run to Rakiraki this am to pick up some provisions. Kiting in the afternoon.


Fri Oct 13 7:53 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.42S 178 13.125E
Weather: 10-15 kt S, with higher gusts, 30% cc, 1012 Bar, 27 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake. Wind continues. Got in some lessons over the last couple days. Going with Warren (Safari Lodge) to outer reef, 5km to the east, for a downwinder (kiting) this am. Monty will kite, while Margy will tag along with her camera.


Wed Oct 11 8:05 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.42S 178 13.125E
Weather: 10-15 kt SE, 5% cc, 1013 bar, 28 degrees.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Thake. Lots of ash from cane burning on the decks this morning. Nice morning. Should be enough wind for kiting today.


Tue Oct 10 8:41 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.42S 178 13.125E
Weather: 12-15 SE, 30% cc, Bar 1012 Bar, 29 degrees.

Nananu-I-Thake. Lots of cane burning on the mainland as farmers rush to get their cane to the mills before they close for the season. Fortunately, the wind is taking the smoke west, away from us. Good kiting conditions.


Mon Oct 9 9:48 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.420S 178 13.125E
Run: 74.7nm (135.2km)
Weather: 5-12 kt ESE (in the anchorage), 10% cc, 1012 Bar, 32 degrees.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Thake for some more kiting while we wait for another weather window.


Sat Oct 7 17:15 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.224S 177 11.232E
Run: 13.1nm (23.7km)
Weather: 12-15 N, 40% cc, Bar 1010 Bar, 34 degrees.

Anchored in Musket Cove.


Sat Oct 7 8:42 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 45.396S 177 23.151E
Run: 1.1nm (2km)
Weather: 10-12 kt ESE, 20% cc, 1013 Bar, 29 degrees.

Anchored off Pt. Denarau. Staying in Fiji for a while longer. Heading off to Mamanucas today.


Fri Oct 6 7:58 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.35S 177 23.030E
Weather: Calm, 80%cc, 1013 bar, 23 degrees.

Port Denarau: Looking at leaving for NZ later today.


Thu Oct 5 7:55 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.35S 177 23.030E
Weather: Calm, clear, 1014 Bar, 32 degrees.

Still at Port Denarau. Not leaving for New Zealand just yet.


Wed Oct 4 7:53 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.350S 177 23.030E
Run: 59.1nm (107km)
Weather: Calm, clear, 1017 Bar, 30 degrees

Docked at Port Denarau. Plan to leave for New Zealand tomorrow.


Tue Oct 3 8:07 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 18.53S 178 08.274E
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)
Weather: 16kt,SE, 10% cc, 1018 bar, 29 degrees.

Underway on route to Port Denarau, with plans to prepare for departing for NZ on Thursday.


Mon Oct 2 8:05 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.417S 178 13.106E
Run: 3.2nm (5.8km)
Weather: 2-5kt SE, 5% cc, 1018 Bar, 27 degrees

Anchored at Nananu-i-Cake.


Sun Oct 1 7:57 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 18.830S 178 10.288E
Run: 3.2nm (5.8km)
Weather: calm, clear skies, Bar 1016, 26 degrees.

Anchored at Volivoli Pt, NE Viti Levu. Had a lovely evening at Volivoli Resort. Heading back to Nananu-I-Cake for more kiting today.


Sat Sep 30 8:03 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.42S 178 13.124E
Run: 49nm (88.7km)
Weather: 10-15 kt SE, clear skies, bar 1014, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Cake. Nice broad reach yesterday, sailing with S/V Mustang Sally. Sunny, with 15-20kt. Monty got out for a kite after we anchored. Looks like good weather for kiting in the next few days.


Fri Sep 29 7:51 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 26.416S 178 57.115E
Weather: 12-15 kt SE, 70% cc, Bar 1014, 25 degrees.

Anchored at Makongai. Did a 360 around our anchor with 30 kt gusts from SW overnight. Heading for Nananu-I-Cake today. Good snorkel yesterday, saw a white tip and a black tip shark, a giant clam at least 6 ft long, lots of sea anemone fish and lots of colourful reef fish.


Thu Sep 28 8:12 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 26.416S 178 57.115E
Run: 52.1nm (94.3km)
Weather: 6 kt SE, 50% cc, Bar 1014, 2 degrees.

Makongai, anchored, looking to go to Nanana-I-Cake for some kiting. Would like to go today, but likely go tomorrow as it may be too rainy later today on route.


Tue Sep 26 8:04 2017 NZDT
GPS: 16 46.697S 179 19.764E
Weather: 10 kt E, 100% cc, 1017 Bar, 25 degrees.

Savusavu: Showers. May leave later today. Likely head for the west coast via the Bligh Waters.


Mon Sep 25 7:58 2017 NZDT
GPS: 16 46.697S 179 19.764E
Weather: Calm, mainly overcast, 1015 Bar, 25 degrees

Moored in Savusavu. Catching up with friend boats and making some new acquaintances.


Sat Sep 23 7:27 2017 NZST
GPS: 16 46.697S 179 19.764E
Weather: 5-10kt E, 95% cc, Bar 1015, 25 degrees.

Savusavu: Went for a dive to see hammerheads yesterday, but we didn't see them. One was seen by a couple of the divers. Saw a school of barracuda, tuna, a variety of reef fish including spadefish, scorpion fish and purple soft coral. The corals are slowly recovering from cyclone Winston.


Fri Sep 22 7:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 16 46.697S 179 19.764E
Weather: Calm, 50% cc, 1015 Bar, 27 degrees.

Savusavu. Sunny but clouding over.


Wed Sep 20 6:46 2017 NZST
GPS: 16 46.697S 179 19.764E
Weather: 7kt E, 80% cc, Bar 1014, 25 degrees.

Moored in Savusavu. Calm, cloudy with some sunny breaks. A tick for the efficiency of the Fijian check-in process. Got our coastal clearance permit in less than a day. Curry for lunch, Chinese for dinner. It is almost too easy and inexpensive to dine out here. Data is cheap too! Not very busy in Savusavu at the moment. Apparently mooring field was full up in the last couple weeks.


Tue Sep 19 8:03 2017 NZST
GPS: 16 46.697S 179 19.764E
Run: 31nm (56.1km)
Weather: Calm, 10% cc, Bar 1015, 28 degrees.

Moored in Savusavu. Nice morning. Made it into the harbour around 2pm yesterday, just in time to clear customs without paying overtime. Several moorings available.


Mon Sep 18 7:48 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.5 kts
knts
GPS: 17 08S 179 37E
Weather: No wind, 0.5m swell E, 95% cc, Bar 1017, 24 degrees.

Vanua Levu in sight. Fish on the line, so a bit occupied here. Several squalls overnight. Occasional showers. Motoring. About 35NM to Savusavu Harbour. The sea looks mercurial this morning with the grey skies and lack of wind. A very determined booby tried to make our boat his roost last night. It was not easy to dissuade him. One mahimahi in the freezer from the passage. We were sorry that Tonga is no longer granting cruising boats extensions beyond a four month stay as we still had islands to explore, but we are looking forward to Fiji and meeting up with some cruising friends again. Won't be long before we are looking for a weather window to New Zealand.


Mon Sep 18 7:21 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.5 kts
knts
GPS: 17 08S 179 37E
Run: 139.2nm (252km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139.8nm
Weather: No wind, 0.5m swell E, 95% cc, Bar 1017, 24 degrees.

Vanua Levu in sight. Several squalls overnight. Occasional showers. Motoring. About 35NM to Savusavu Harbour. The sea looks mercurial this morning with the grey skies and lack of wind. A very determined booby tried to make our boat his roost last night. It was not easy to dissuade him. One mahimahi in the freezer from the passage. We were sorry that Tonga is no longer granting cruising boats extensions beyond a four month stay as we still had islands to explore, but we are looking forward to Fiji and meeting up with some cruising friends again. Won't be long before we are looking for a weather window to New Zealand.


Sun Sep 17 7:27 2017 NZST
Speed:
5 to 5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 18 26.1S 178 46.2w
Run: 115.4nm (208.9km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 120.2nm
Weather: 12-15kt SE, 0.5m swell SE, 50% cc, Bar 1017, 29 degrees.

Sailing to Savusavu, passing Lakeba. Already much warmer than in Tonga. Slowed down and motored overnight with squally conditions causing lots of wind angle changes, variable wind speeds and a knot of unfavourable current. Sunny this am, with light SE winds. Flying twin head sails for this downwind leg. 150NM to go.


Sat Sep 16 8:24 2017 NZST
Speed:
5 to 5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 18 37.8S 177 01.3w
Run: 188.6nm (341.4km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 188.8nm
Weather: 18-20kt ENE, 2m swell from SE, 90% cc, Bar 1018

Sailing to Savusavu. Made 170 NM in 24 hours. Seas have calmed down this am. Just hit a few squalls which took the ESE winds we had been getting to 60 degrees. With just the main with one reef, we were doing 7 kt. Settling back now with the squalls passing, so we will fly the genoa again soon.


Fri Sep 15 8:25 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.645S 174 08.513W
Run: 10.5nm (19km)
Weather: Wind 25 kt ESE, 80% cc, 1m confused swell, speed 6.5kt, Course 270, Bar 1018.

On passage for Fiji, just left Nieafu. Off Hunga Island.


Thu Sep 14 6:22 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.554S 173 58.923W
Weather: 10-15 kt SE, 95% cc, 1016 bar, 25 degrees.

Nieafu: overcast with occasional showers.


Wed Sep 13 6:49 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.554S 173 58.923W
Run: 10.9nm (19.7km)
Weather: Calm, ESE, 100% cc, 1016 bar, 25 degrees.

Nieafu: rain, heavy at times.


Tue Sep 12 6:34 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 42.753S 174 08.354W
Run: 10nm (18.1km)
Weather: Calm, 10% cc, 1015 bar, 28 degrees, humid.

Blue Lagoon, Vava'u. We can't believe we haven't been here before. Just one other boat here. Rolly at high tide with the current SW swell, but beautiful in every direction with quadraphonic sound of pounding surf.


Mon Sep 11 7:14 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 42.584S 173 59.214W
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: Calm, 20% cc, 1015 Bar, 28 degrees, humid

Ark Gallery: Calm AS! Waterski conditions.

Photo from Saturday evening, Nuku Island beach party. See svwhistler.com for more.


Sat Sep 9 6:49 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.535S 173 58.996W
Weather: Calm, 40%cc, 1014 bar, 25 degrees.

Moored in Nieafu Harbour.


Fri Sep 8 7:31 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.535S 173 58.996W
Weather: 4-6kt ENE, 50% cc, 1016 bar, 26 degrees.

Nieafu Harbour. Monty got in a kiting session at Mounu yesterday. Starting to study weather for passage from Nieafu to Fiji, maybe mid next week.


Thu Sep 7 7:22 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.535S 173 58.996W
Weather: 10-15kt ESE, 100%cc, 1017 Bar, 2

Moored in Nieafu.


Wed Sep 6 7:12 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.535S 173 58.996W
Run: 67.3nm (121.8km)
Avg: 2.8knts
24hr: 67.6nm
Weather: 8-12kt, ESE, 60% cc, 1018 Bar, 25 degrees

Moored in Nieafu. Had a nice sail up yesterday. Caught a couple yellowfin with whales surfacing to watch us reel them in.


Tue Sep 5 7:18 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.5 to 7kts
knts
GPS: 19 35.3S 174 17.4w
Run: 8.6nm (15.6km)
Avg: 2.9knts
24hr: 70.6nm
Weather: 17-20kt SE, 1.5-2m swell from ESE, 20% cc, Bar 1018

Sailing to Vavau today. Customs have told us we hve to depart Tonga by end of September. They only gave us a 3 week extension on our 4-month stay.


Tue Sep 5 4:22 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 42.762S 174 16.980W
Run: 6.9nm (12.5km)
Weather: 15kt SE, 70% cc, 1016 Bar, 22 degrees.

Off Nukunamo Island, Haapai, leaving for Vavau this am. Had a nice day yesterday sailing up from Pangai. JJ, son of the Matafonua Lodge's owners, showed us some fishing tricks.


Mon Sep 4 6:52 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.370S 174 21.051W
Weather: 8-10kt SE, 60% cc, 1015 Bar, 21 degrees.

Anchored off Haapai Beach Resort, near Pangai. Checking out today. Sailing to Vavau tonight or tomorrow morning. Attached photo of the trough coming through on our AIS screen. Fortunate that the winds were light as they backed to the SE. They gusted to over 25kt in the anchorage for a time last evening.


Sun Sep 3 7:07 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.370S 174 21.051W
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: 10kt, NNE, 70% cc, 1012 bar, 26 degrees.

Anchored off Ha'apai Beach Resort, just north of Pangai. Sailed down yesterday with sunshine and light northerly winds. Abbey and Lilly, delightful children of Matafonua Lodge's owners, accompanied us for the short sail. Awaiting the trough's arrival and wind switch to the south. Sunny first thing but clouding over. Plan to check out tomorrow and sail to Vava'u on Tuesday.


Fri Sep 1 6:44 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Weather: 12-15 kt NE, 70% cc, 1015 bar, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Foa. Clouding over this am. Booked a whaleswim with Matafonua today and maybe go to the Sandy Beach's Tongan Feast tonight. Planning to head to Vava'U early next week.


Thu Aug 31 6:57 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Weather: 15-20 kt, ENE, 50% cc, 1016 bar, 23 degrees.,

Foa Island. Mackerel sky this am. Continues to be windy.


Wed Aug 30 6:32 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Weather: 16-22 kt E to ESE, 30%cc, 1019 bar, 23 degrees.

Foa Island. Windy over night, gusting to over 30 kt several times. A few squalls yesterday.


Tue Aug 29 6:31 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Weather: 15-20kt E-ENE, clear skies, 1019 Bar, 24 degrees.

Anchored off Foa Island. Nice clear morning. Been very windy last several days. Wind generator has been doing an excellent job of keeping the batteries fully charged through the nights. Kiting conditions continue!


Sat Aug 26 6:41 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Weather: 20-25 kt E, 5%cc, 1016 Bar, 24 degrees

Anchored off Foa. Good kiting weather yesterday am. Wind died down a bit in the afternoon but came back up last night. Nice to see the sun this am but very windy.


Thu Aug 24 7:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Weather: 12-18 kt (gusty) ESE, 100% cc, 1016 bar, 21 degrees, steady rain

Anchored off Foa Island. Good kiting weather yesterday. Ugly out there this morning.


Tue Aug 22 6:59 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Weather: 10 kt SSE, 99% cc, 1015 bar, 23 degrees, humid

Anchored off Foa. Did the spin around from North to West to Southeast over the last hour or so in very light winds. Winds picking up a bit now. Had a fabulous whale swim with Matafonua yesterday. Swam with a few mom, calf and escort groups. Calves very playful at times.


Mon Aug 21 6:32 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.124S 174 17.022W
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: 8-10 kt NE, clear, 1013 bar, 24 degree, very humid

Anchored off Foa again. Not enough wind to kite today. Will try to take free diving course.


Sat Aug 19 5:35 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.380S 174 21.055W
Weather: 8 kt E, 5% cc, 1014 Bar, 22 degrees.

Anchored off Haapai Beach Resort.


Fri Aug 18 6:59 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.380S 174 21.055W
Weather: 8-10 kt, S to SSW, 10% cc, 1014 bar, 22 degrees.

Anchored off Haapai Beach Resort. Sunny. Wind and seas are gradually calming down.


Thu Aug 17 7:18 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.380S 174 21.055W
Weather: 15-17 kt, WSW, 100% cc, 1010 bar, 24 degrees.

Anchored off Ha'apai Beach Resort. We had winds up to 35 knots yesterday afternoon. They eased a bit as the backed around overnight. Rough in the anchorage but anchor held well. Cloudy but rain has stopped.


Wed Aug 16 7:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.380S 174 21.047W
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: 4 kt NE, 100% cc, raining, 1014 bar, 22 degrees

Anchored off Haapai Beach Resort, just north of Pangai. Fairly calm in this anchorage with steady rain all night.


Tue Aug 15 7:10 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 5 -7 kt, ESE, 100% cc, 1016 bar, 24 degrees.

Anchored off Foa. Wind has dropped and veered for the moment. Pondering moving to find protection from possible strong NW and W winds in a day or two.


Mon Aug 14 6:41 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 20 kt, E, 100% cc, bar 1017, 22 degrees.

Still at Foa Island in the Ha'apai. Excellent kiting weather.


Sat Aug 12 7:10 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 5kt SE, 30% cc, 1018 bar, 25 degrees.

Anchored at Foa Island. Nice calm sunny morning.


Fri Aug 11 6:53 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 8-10 kt ENE, 70% cc, 1017 bar, 23 degrees.

Anchored off Foa Island. Calmer today. Clouding over. Freediving course today.


Thu Aug 10 7:12 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 15-18 kt E, 20% cc, 1018 bar, 24 degrees.

At Foa Island. One more nice kiting day today.


Wed Aug 9 6:42 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 18-22kt with higher gusts, ESE to E, 50 cc, 1019 bar, 21 degrees.

Very windy in the anchorage. Lovely full moon last night but chilly to go out and look at it. Trying to take kiting lesson but looks too windy for our 8m! ! Matafonua has a freediving instructor on staff, so might take a course. Looking forward to some calmer conditions again!


Tue Aug 8 6:30 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 10-13 kt with gusts to 18 SE, 90% cc, 1019 bar, 21 degrees.

Anchored off Foa. Winds gusting and much stronger on the windward side of the island. Sweater weather! Good kiting conditions.


Mon Aug 7 7:18 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 12-17 kt SE, 80% cc, 1019.9 bar, 20 degrees.

Anchored at Foa Island. Cool start to this windy morning with sun, occasional showers, rainbows and breaching whales.


Sat Aug 5 7:07 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Weather: 5-7 Kt. S to SSE, 20% cc, bar 1014, 25 degrees.

Anchored at Foa. Went for whaleswim yesterday. Lots of swimming to try to catch them but did get some time beside a calf resting on top of its mom. The escort kept swimming under us all. Saw lots of whales and a few rambunctious calves breaching. Back on the boat last evening, we were entertained by another calf playing not far from us.


Thu Aug 3 7:08 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.133S 174 17.013W
Run: 63.8nm (115.5km)
Avg: 2.6knts
24hr: 62.6nm
Weather: 11kt E, clear skies, 1015 bar, 24 degrees

Anchored off Foa Island. Quick sail down from Vava'U yesterday. Had to dog some dozing whales in our path! Too rough to fish.


Wed Aug 2 6:41 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 49.4S 174 02.8W
Run: 12.1nm (21.9km)
Weather: 22-25kt SE to ESE, 2.5m swell SSE, 20% cc, bar 1016, 24 degrees.

Heading 205

Speed 8 kt

Sailing to Ha'apais, Foa Island.


Tue Aug 1 7:03 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.530S 173 58.983W
Weather: 10kt SSE, 30% cc, 1016 bar, 25 degrees.

Moored in Nieafu. Went for a sail yesterday with 2 Canadian volunteers with Vava'U Environmental Protection Association. It was a lovely day with sunshine, light winds and some whales about.


Mon Jul 31 7:06 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.530S 173 58.983W
Weather: 3-5 kt SE, 60%cc, Bar 1016, 25 degrees.

Moored in Nieafu.


Sun Jul 30 6:49 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.558S 173 58.954W
Run: 8.9nm (16.1km)
Weather: 4kt SE, 100% cc, bar 1016, 23 degrees.

In Nieafu. Heading out of the harbour for the day.


Sat Jul 29 7:08 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 43.341S 174 06.023W
Run: 8.8nm (15.9km)
Weather: 9-12 kt SE, 100%cc, 1016 bar, 23 degrees.

Anchored at Vakueitu, #16. Overcast, spitting off and on, breezy.


Fri Jul 28 7:02 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.530S 173 58.983W
Weather: 6-8kt SE, 100% cc, bar 1017, 24 degrees.

In Nieafu. Nice day yesterday but now clouded over.


Thu Jul 27 7:12 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.530S 173 58.983w
Run: 60.3nm (109.1km)
Weather: 7 kt SE, 80%cc, Bar 1016, 23 degrees.

Moored in Nieafu to reprovision. Had a wonderful downwinder from Ha'apais yesterday, flying twin head sails. Saw lots of whales along the way. All is well.


Wed Jul 26 6:51 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.5kts
knts
GPS: 19 28.9S 174 17.53w
Run: 26.7nm (48.3km)
Weather: 13-15kt SSE, 100% cc, Bar 1013, 1m swell ESE

All is well. North of Haano, heading for Nieafu.


Tue Jul 25 6:26 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 51.001S 174 24.887W
Weather: 3 kt, SW, 100% cc, 1013 bar, 22 degrees, raining.

Anchored off Uoleva. Rain just started.


Mon Jul 24 6:48 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 51.001S 174 24.887W
Run: 11.9nm (21.5km)
Weather: 6-8kt NNE, 10% cc, 1014 bar, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Uoleva. Calm, sunny.


Sun Jul 23 17:40 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 45.546S 174 34.198W
Run: 11.9nm (21.5km)
Weather: 7kt NNE to NE, 1m SSW swell, 60% cc, hazy, 1017 bar, 26 degrees and humid!

Anchored in small lagoon west of Meama island in the Ha'apais. Narrow entrance with a deep anchorage. Stunning spot. A 1m swell cooked up overnight. With winds from the NE and S swell, we took it on the stern all night. This morning, we had a nice whale show just off the reef. We were sad to leave and hope we can return in calmer conditions.


Sat Jul 22 6:52 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 51.003S 174 24.861W
Run: 12.4nm (22.4km)
Weather: 4-6 kt NE, 60% cc, 1016.9 Bar, 25 degrees, high humidity

Anchored off Uoleva. Calmed down overnight. Hazy and humid.


Fri Jul 21 6:45 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.116S 174 17.019W
Weather: 12-17 kt, NE, clear skies, 1016.7 bar, 24 degrees, high humidity.

Anchored at Foa Island. Whales being spotted. Snorkelled yesterday, saw a couple leopard sharks and some healthy coral. Wind picked up again last night but is expected to drop mid day. Lots of dew overnight. Moving today, possibly Uoleva.


Wed Jul 19 7:33 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.116S 174 17.019w
Weather: 17-20 kt E, 70%cc, Bar 1020, 22degrees.

At Foa Anchorage. Good kiting weather. Visited Pangai's Agricultural, Fisheries and Pangai-Made Show yesterday. King was there and toured the displays. Large live turtle, upside down on a display table!


Mon Jul 17 7:17 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.116S 174 17.019W
Weather: 12-17kt with gusts to 20, ESE, 50% cc, 1021 bar, 24 degrees. 60% humidity

Anchored at Foa. Good kiting weather.


Fri Jul 14 7:16 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.116S 174 17.019W
Weather: 8kt SE, 100% cc, raining, 1015.8

Anchored off Foa. Just started raining.

Had amazing day yesterday, snorkelling and diving with Matafonua Lodge. A whale visited us for a time!


Wed Jul 12 7:09 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.116S 174 17.006W
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: 2-5 it S, 10% cc, 1015.3 bar, 23 degrees

Anchored off north end of Foa Island. Very calm and sunny here this morning.


Tue Jul 11 7:06 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.421S 174 21.031w
Run: 5.8nm (10.5km)
Weather: 8-12 kt S-SSW, 20%cc, Bar 1014.5, 23 degrees.

At Ha'apai Beach Resort anchorage. Yesterday, we went out fishing (nothing worth keeping) but saw lots of whales! Sunny today but very rolly in this anchorage with the SSW wave direction. Wondering where we can find a calm protected anchorage in the Ha'apais with these conditions.


Mon Jul 10 6:54 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.942S 174 24.868W
Weather: Calm, 100% cc, 1014.8 bar, 23 degrees

Anchored at Uoleva. Skies did not clear enough yesterday to move. Got out for nice snorkel off the S end of the island yesterday. Got to see the moon last night and had a brief but stunning sunrise, first time in several days. Overcast again now.


Sun Jul 9 7:57 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.942S 174 24.868w
Weather: 7-10 kt ESE, 80%cc, Bar 1016.9, 24 degrees.

At Uoleva anchorage. Another cloudy day here but rain has stopped. Been watching lots of movies with the dreary weather! This morning some patches of blue sky are showing through. Plan to move south to Tofanga Island today if continue to improve.


Sat Jul 8 6:27 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.942S 174 24.868W
Weather: 10-15 kt SE, 100%cc, Bar 1014.6, 22 degrees.

Still at Uoleva anchorage. Had rain, heavy at times overnight. Light showers on and off this am.


Fri Jul 7 7:24 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.942S 174 24.868W

15-17kt, ESE to SE, 100% cc. 1016.0 Bar.


Hanging out with Marilyn off Uoleva Island. Some showers yesterday. A bit rolly last night.


Thu Jul 6 7:08 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.942S 174 24.868W
Run: 12.7nm (23km)

12-17kt SE, 99% cc, bar 1016.7, 22 degrees


Anchored off Uoleva Island.


Wed Jul 5 7:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 42.808S 174 16.948W

10-13 SE, 90% cc, 1017.1 bar, 24 degrees.


Still at Nukunamo. Heading to Pangai today.


Tue Jul 4 7:31 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 42.808S 174 16.948W

Calm, clear, Bar 1017.4, 26 degrees.


Anchored off Nukunamo Island in the northern Haapais. Enjoyed a beautiful day paddle boarding around the lagoon to the east of Foa in flat calm conditions and exploring the beach. Much the same planned for this morning.


Tue Jul 4 7:31 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 42.808S 174 16.948W

Calm, clear, Bar 1017.4, 26 degrees.


Anchored off Nukunamo Island in the northern Haapais. Enjoyed a beautiful day paddle boarding around the lagoon to the east of Foa in flat calm conditions and exploring the beach. Much the same planned for this morning.


Mon Jul 3 6:57 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 42.808S 174 16.948w
Weather: 2 kt SSE, 80%cc, Bar 1016.6, 22 degrees.

Had a pleasant sail down yesterday close hauled in variable winds from the E. Saw a big humpback surface on his way north yesterday!!! Anchored off Nukunamo Island, just north of Foa Island. Very calm now with the sun peaking through the mostly cloudy sky. Plan to paddle into Nukunamo and do some snorkeling over the bommies around the anchorage.


Mon Jul 3 6:42 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 42.808S 174 16.948w
Run: 75.4nm (136.5km)
Weather: 2 kt SSE, 80%cc, Bar 1016.6, 22 degrees.

Had a pleasant sail down yesterday close hauled in variable winds from the E. Anchored off Nukunamo Island, just north of Foa Island. Very calm now with the sun peaking through the mostly cloudy sky. Plan to paddle into Nukunamo and do some snorkeling over the bommies around the anchorage.


Sat Jul 1 6:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.577S 173 58.95w
Weather: 10-15 kt SE, 80%cc, Bar 1017.2, 23 degrees.

In Nieafu. Moving to Port Maurelle today and plan to head down to the Ha'apais tomorrow.


Thu Jun 29 5:41 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.577S 173 58.95W

Weather: 8-10 kt SSE, 99% cc, 1014.5 Bar, 23 degrees, humidity has dropped.


Wed Jun 28 7:21 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.577S 173 58.95w
Run: 8.5nm (15.4km)
Weather: 5-10 kt SSE, 60%cc, Bar 1015.0, 25 degrees.

In Nieafu on a mooring. Had a few showers overnight and this am.


Tue Jun 27 7:09 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 44.98S 174 04.28w
Run: 9.9nm (17.9km)
Weather: 12-15 kt SE, 40%cc, Bar 1014.7, 25 degrees.

At Mounu Island, #41. All is well on board.


Mon Jun 26 6:52 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 42.038S 173 55.769W
Run: 3.8nm (6.9km)

Weather: 8-10kt SE, 90% cc, bar 1013.5, 25 degrees.

Status: Anchored off Kenutu Island (#30). Had a lovely afternoon here. Scattered showers this am but looks like it will clear up.


Sun Jun 25 7:33 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 42.58S 173 59.20w
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: 2 kt ENE, 20%cc, Bar 1013,0, 25 degrees.

Anchored at the Ark Gallery (#11). Had some rain off and on yesterday. Humidity high. Clear this morning other than a few thunderheads. Heading to Kenutu today. All is well on board.


Fri Jun 23 6:49 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.544S 173 58.956W
Run: 7.9nm (14.3km)

Weather: 5-15 it ENE, 100% cc, 1014.7 bar, 25 degrees, humid.

Status: Moored in Nieafu. All is well.


Thu Jun 22 13:51 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 41.6S 174 05.9w
Run: 71.5nm (129.4km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 199.5nm
Weather: 12kt ENE, 50%cc, Bar 1012.8, 27 degrees.

Motoring into Nieafu. Had 20-22 kts, ENE all day with 3m seas. All is well on board.


Thu Jun 22 5:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 42.808S 174 16.960w
Run: 6.9nm (12.5km)
Weather: 15-20kt E, clear skies, Bar 1015.4, 23 degrees.

Anchored off Nukunamo Island in the Ha'apais. Caught 2 mahimahi on the 6 mile trip up here. :-) Leaving for Vava'U this morning. Expecting 20-25 kt, with rough seas. Hopefully it will be a quick passage!


Wed Jun 21 6:34 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.431S 174 21.036W
Run: 5.8nm (10.5km)

Weather: 17-20kt E, 40% cc, 1016.8 Bar, 24 degrees.


Status: Anchored off Lifuka by Ha'apai Beach Resort. Debating when to head north to Vava'U.


Mon Jun 19 9:24 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.968S 174 24.847W
Run: 9.6nm (17.4km)

Weather: 10-15kt with gusts to 20kt E, 100% cc, 1019.0 bar, 24 degrees

Status: Anchored by Uoleva Island. Squalls rolling through.


Sat Jun 17 7:27 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 57.951S 174 29.625w
Run: 29.5nm (53.4km)
Weather: 15-20kt SE, 100% cc, Bar 1019.6, 23 degrees.

Anchored off Uonukuhihifo Island in the Ha'apais.


Fri Jun 16 7:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 20 16.541S 174 48.336w
Run: 63nm (114km)
Weather: 10-15kt SE, with gusts to 21kt, 80% cc, Bar 1017.6, 2 degrees.

Anchored off Nomuka Iki in the Ha'apais. Squally conditions this morning.


Thu Jun 15 6:13 2017 NZST

Weather: 12kt E to ESE, 10% cc, 1018.1, 21 degrees


Heading: 040T


Speed:6.0Kt


Status: Motor-sailing. Heading to Ha'apais.


Wed Jun 14 6:30 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.442S 175 09.777w
Weather: 5 ESE, 10% cc, Bar 1020.7, 21 degrees.

Anchored off Pangaimotu Island, Big Mama's. Moving north to the Ha'apais later today or early tomorrow.


Tue Jun 13 6:54 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.442S 175 09.777w
Weather: 8-10 SE, 40% cc, Bar 1020.3, 21 degrees!

Anchored off Pangaimotu Island, Big Mama's.


Mon Jun 12 6:54 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.442S 175 09.777w
Weather: 7kt SE, 10% cc, Bar 1017.2, 22 degrees.

Anchored off Pangaimotu Island, Big Mama's. A trough came through over the last 36 hours with heavy rain (filled our water tanks). Winds backed around, westerlies in the 20 knot range yesterday. Calm, sunny and cooler this am. Had to throw on a blanket last couple nights (no sympathy expected)! :-)


Sat Jun 10 7:24 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.442S 175 09.777w
Weather: 8-10 NE, 100% cc, Bar 1014.4, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Pangaimotu Island, Big Mama's. Expecting rain shortly.


Fri Jun 9 6:54 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.442S 175 09.777w
Run: 91.1nm (164.9km)
Avg: 3.9knts
24hr: 92.6nm
Weather: 3 kt SE, 5% cc, Bar 1014.1, 25 degrees.

Anchored off Pangaimotu Island, Big Mama's. Excellent sail down last night, with 10-15kt easterlies, then NE. The wind dropped to 5 kt from the S just north of Tongatapu. Glassy conditions this morning.


Thu Jun 8 7:18 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 57.893S 174 29.611w
Weather: 8 kt ESE, 90%cc, Bar 1015.0

Anchored off Uonukuhihifo Island. Excellent snorkelling here. Joined in on the beach party with the ICA Rally last evening. A downpour over night. Will head further south today, when the cloud cover clears a bit.


Wed Jun 7 7:30 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 57.893S 174 29.611w
Run: 9.5nm (17.2km)
Weather: 13 kt SE, 40%cc, Bar 1015.1 and rising, 27 degrees.

Anchored off Uonukuhihifo Island, all alone for the moment. Went a shore and saw evidence of pigs and cows. We did spot a pig last evening. ICA Rally is coming here today and have a beach bbq planned this evening, so the anchorage is going to fill up! Clouds are moving off after a couple days of showers and clouds.


Tue Jun 6 7:25 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.97855S 174 24.90400W

Weather: 5-7kt ESE, 100% CC, 1012.8 Bar, showers off and on


Status: Anchored off Uoleva Island. May head down the chain if weather clears.


Mon Jun 5 7:10 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.97855S 174 24.90400W

Weather: 10-13kt SSE to SE, 100% cc, 1013.1. Showers just started.

Status: anchored off Eulova Island.


Sat Jun 3 7:27 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 50.999S 174 24.912w
Run: 5.9nm (10.7km)
Weather: 5 kt ENE, 10%cc, Bar 1013.6.

Anchored off Uoleva Island. Beautiful calm day. Several boats here. The "Sea Change" cafe-bar ashore makes an excellent Pina Colada! Going for a walk to the other side of the island this morning. Beautiful powdery sand beach lines the shore as far as one can see.


Fri Jun 2 7:27 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 47.375S 174 21.027w
Run: 6.5nm (11.8km)
Weather: 10 kt ESE, 20%cc, Bar 1015.3.

Anchored off Ha'apai Beach Resort on Lifuka Island.


Thu Jun 1 6:42 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.146S 174 17.009w
Weather: 2-5 kt SE, 20%, Bar 1016.6, 26 degrees.

Anchored off Foa Island.


Wed May 31 6:42 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.146S 174 17.009w
Weather: 12 kt E, clear skies, Bar 1018.0, 26 degrees, 89% humidity.

Anchored at Foa Island with two other boats. We aren't alone anymore! More pleasant conditions since the wind picked and humidity dropped a bit.


Tue May 30 6:33 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.146S 174 17.009w
Weather: 8kt ENE, 10% CC, Bar 1016.9, 26 degrees, 94% humidity.

Fairly calm and clear here off Foa Island. Yesterday, we had a calm day, and went diving with Matafonua Lodge and later snorkeling on the bommies around our anchorage. A bike ride and paddle-boarding planned for today. Can you tell we are enjoying it here?


Mon May 29 6:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.146S 174 17.009w
Weather: 5 kt NE, 30% cc, Bar 1017.0, 28 degrees, 94% humidity.

Calm and sticky here off Foa Island.


Sun May 28 6:44 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43.142S 174 17.004W
Run: 66.2nm (119.8km)
Avg: 2.7knts
24hr: 64.9nm

Weather: 15kt ENE, 20%cc, bar 1017.1

Status: Anchored in 3m off Foa Island, next to Matafonua Lodge. Darren from the resort escorted into the anchorage yesterday, good thing with some bommies to avoid with extremely low tide yesterday. Going for kite lessons today.


Sat May 27 6:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 47.409S 174 01.994W
Run: 4.8nm (8.7km)
Avg: 11.9knts
24hr: 286nm

Weather: 14kt E, 1m swell, 5% CC, 1016 Bar

Speed: 6kt

Heading: 190T

Status: Sailing to Ha'apais. Fishing lines out!


Sat May 27 5:51 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 45S 173 58.39874W
Run: 6.3nm (11.4km)

Fri May 26 7:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.528S 173 58.953w
Weather: 5-8 kt SE, 10% cc, Bar 1015.8, 26 degrees.

A calm sunny day here. Will be checking out today and head to the Ha'apais this weekend.


Thu May 25 7:09 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.528S 173 58.953w
Weather: 6-10kt SE, 20% cc, Bar 1013, 28 degrees.

Beautiful morning here in Nieafu.


Wed May 24 7:06 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.52S 173 58.95w
Run: 0.4nm (0.7km)
Weather: 22-30kt NW, 60% cc, Bar 1004.5 and rising, 28 degrees.

Grateful to be on a mooring in Nieafu. Had a "power wash" last night and now getting a "blow dry"! Had torrential downpours from noon yesterday through till dawn so our top side is finally free of the salt crystals from our passage over two weeks! Even rough with white caps in the harbour today as the winds roar down from the NW. Looks like the clouds are breaking up a bit now and the sun is peaking through. Had to keep the hatches closed and enclosure zipped up so it was pretty "steamy" inside the cabin. So glad we are here, instead of in the Ha'apais!


Tue May 23 7:13 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.75057S 173 58.70773W
Run: 0.4nm (0.7km)

Weather: 10 kt NE, 100% cc, bar 1009.9

Status: Moored in Nieafu.


Mon May 22 6:30 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39.52S 173 58.95w
Run: 0.6nm (1.1km)
Weather: 10kt ESE, 100% cc, Bar 1014.8 and rising, 25 degrees.

On a mooring in Nieafu, Vava'u. Red sky this morning! Glad to be here. Just started spitting as we entered the harbour, but rain looks imminent.


Mon May 22 5:57 2017 NZST
GPS: 18 39S 173 59w
Run: 78.2nm (141.5km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 113.7nm
Weather: 10kt ESE, 80% cc, Bar 1013.8

About to pick up a mooring in Nieafu, Vava'u.


Sun May 21 13:27 2017 NZST
Speed:
5kts
knts
GPS: 19 43S 174 23w
Weather: 12-14kt E to ESE, 1m swell E, 60% cc, Bar 1013.0

Left Ha'apais at mid day and heading to Vava'u.


Sun May 21 13:12 2017 NZST
Speed:
6kts
knts
GPS: 19 43S 174 23w
Run: 26.6nm (48.1km)
Weather: 12-14kt E to ESE, 1m swell E, 60% cc, Bar 1013.0

Left Ha'apais at mid day and heading to Vava'u.


Sun May 21 13:12 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 43S 174 23w
Weather: 12-14kt E to ESE, 1m swell E, 60% cc, Bar 1013.0

Left Ha'apais at mid day and heading to Vava'u.


Sat May 20 6:39 2017 NZST
GPS: 19 56.47S 174 42.99w
Run: 23.8nm (43.1km)
Weather: 10kt E, 20% cc, Bar 1015.3, 27c.

Anchored off Ha'afeva. Anchorage was rolly, lucky to be on a cat. Will decide this morning if we need to sail up to Vava'u to find better protection or if we can stay in the Ha'apai for the approaching low next Monday/Tuesday.

A ferry delivering goods and people anchored off the island last evening. Lots of little boats came from the outlying islands to meet the ship. Logistics of servicing these islands is not easy.


Fri May 19 6:57 2017 NZST
GPS: 20 16.55S 174 48.33w
Run: 63.1nm (114.2km)
Weather: 11-13kt E, 20% cc, Bar 1017.5, 26c.

Anchored off Nomuka Iki. Winds have dropped this morning.

Had a close reach up yesterday with 17-22knts from the ENE and 3m seas from the E, a bit rough! Leaving Tongatapu, we caught a mackerel tuna with very red meat. Does anyone eat that fish? Caught a lovely Mahimahi on the way into this anchorage. We chose to dine on the Mahimahi last night! Quite windy overnight. As expected, this anchorage is pretty exposed to the ENE to E winds, but fairly protected from the swell.


Wed May 17 6:33 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49S 175 09.77w
Weather: 7kt ESE, 30% cc, Bar 1020.2. 23c.

Anchored off Pangaimotu (Big Mama's). Winds have dropped this morning. Pleasant looking morning. Going to town to pick up our visa extensions and passports today. Plan to head to Nomuka Iki in the Ha'apai Group tomorrow.


Tue May 16 7:03 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49S 175 09.77w
Weather: 17-22 SE to ESE, 80% cc, Bar 1018.7.

Anchored off Pangaimotu (Big Mama's). Yesterday, we had showers, so the boat got a wash. Trade winds are back, wind generator doing a great job of keeping the batteries charged.


Mon May 15 6:45 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49S 175 09.77w
Weather: 10-15 SE, 90% cc, showers, Bar 1016.7, 35 degrees.

Anchored off Pangaimotu (Big Mama's). Yesterday was sunny, calm, warm and humid.  The bay was like glass.  Had a shower this morning, but it is starting to clear up now. Enjoyed lunch with a few other yachties yesterday at Big Mama's. Numerous locals were over to the island to relax and enjoy their Sunday off. Walked around the little island at low tide. 


Sat May 13 6:54 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.49S 175 09.77w
Weather: Winds 5-7 NE, 10% cc, Bar 1014.8, 25 degrees C, Humidity 75%.

Anchored off Pangaimotu (Big Mama's). Sunny and almost clear today. Winds have died down.

Took the Pangaimotu ferry into town, did some shopping for groceries and this and that. Good produce market. A new battery for our dinghy engine was acquired. We hope it will work. We went to Customs to check out so we could leave for the Ha'apais on Sunday. Although it was never mentioned by the official before when Monty said he wanted to stay 3 months, this time the official told us that we have to go to immigration to get the visa extension. We were told we can only get an extension in Tongatapu or Vava'u, not in the Ha'apais. We wanted to get that out of the way so that we can stay in the Ha'apais until mid-June, when our friends arrive in Tongatapu. We went across town to Immigration to get our visas extended. The extensions would not be ready until Wednesday, and they held onto our passports. Apparently they were doing us a favour to do it that quickly, as the paperwork normally takes a full week. So we had to go back to Customs and cancel our planned check out. Here till Wednesday at least. A good day to go up the mast and figure out what is causing our anchor light to flash on one side. Maybe walk around Pangaimotu at low tide.


Fri May 12 7:24 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.47S 175 09.78w
Weather: Winds 12-17 ENE, 20% cc, Bar 1016.6, 26 degrees C, water 26.

Anchored off Pangaimotu (Big Mama's). Winds are veering gradually to NE. Went for a snorkel yesterday. Felt like really we arrived in the tropics!


Fri May 12 7:24 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.47S 175 09.78w
Weather: Winds 12-17 ENE, 20% cc, Bar 1016.6, 26 degrees C, water 26.

Anchored off Pangaimotu (Big Mama's). Winds are veering gradually to NE. Went for a snorkel yesterday. Felt like really we arrived in the tropics!


Thu May 11 7:18 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.47S 175 09.78w
Weather: Winds 12-17 ENE, 50% cc, Bar 1018.2, 26 degrees C

Anchored off Pangaimotu (Big Mama's). Spent a comfortable evening and night here, still windy. Winds are veering gradually.


Wed May 10 7:03 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.44S 175 09.79w
Weather: Winds 17-20 E, 80% cc, Bar 1018.4

Docked in Tongatapu, awaiting Health official who didn't make it to our boat yesterday. Should be all done by 9am this morning. Two other boats, Nelly Rose and Harlequin are here with us. We will move to anchorage at Big Mama's today.


Tue May 9 7:21 2017 NZST
GPS: 21 07.44S 175 09.79w
Run: 52.7nm (95.4km)
Weather: 50% cc, Bar 1017.6, winds 17 kts ESE

Anchored in Tongatapu. Arrived at sunset, after bucking waves on the channel into Tongatapu, 15 miles took 5 hours, in 28knots on the nose. Celebrated arriving and went to bed! Will check in today. All good on board!


Mon May 8 6:45 2017 NZST
Speed:
8kts
knts
GPS: 21 42s 175 42w
Run: 192.6nm (348.6km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 212nm
Weather: 60% cc, Bar 1015.4, winds 25-30 kts ESE with gusts to 34kts, 3.5 mtr swell from E

Sailing. 193nm VMG in 24 hours. Very bouncy out here. Almost there. About 45 miles to Tongatapu Harbour now. Looking forward to a hot shower and some peaceful rest tonight.


Sun May 7 8:57 2017 NZST
Speed:
7 to 8kts
knts
GPS: 24 13S 177 00w
Run: 212.2nm (384.1km)
Weather: 40% cc, Bar 1018.9, winds 22-25 kts ESE with gusts to 30kts, 3.5m swell ESE

Whistler is hanging in there and we are hanging on! Hope to arrive in Tongatapu on Monday late or Tuesday am.


Sun May 7 8:57 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.5 to 7kts
knts
GPS: 26 57.63S 178 31.56w
Weather: 55% cc, Bar 1019.8, winds 15-18 kts SE with gusts to 21kts, 2 mtr swell E with 2knt current from NW

All is well. Hope to arrive in Tongatapu on Monday.


Sat May 6 6:57 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.5 to 7kts
knts
GPS: 26 57.63S 178 31.56w
Run: 172.5nm (312.2km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 173.6nm
Weather: 55% cc, Bar 1019.8, winds 15-18 kts SE with gusts to 21kts, 2 mtr swell E with 2knt current from NW

All is well. Hope to arrive in Tongatapu on Monday.


Fri May 5 7:06 2017 NZST
Speed:
5 to 6kt
knts
GPS: 29 02S 179 54E
Run: 125.1nm (226.4km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 130.3nm
Weather: 9-11 kt SSW, 1m swell, 40% cloud cover, 1019.5 baro

Sailing on a starboard tack, waiting for the wind to back to the SE so we can head more toward Tonga. All is well on board. Saw a few albatrosses yesterday. Warming up, 22c in the cockpit this am. Raoul 110 miles to our east.


Thu May 4 8:03 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.5 kt
knts
GPS: 30 20S 178 27E
Run: 2.3nm (4.2km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 141.4nm
Weather: 9-11 kt N, 1.5m swell, 70% cloud cover, 1020.1 baro

Motoring with mainsail up. Slow Progress in last 12 hrs. 130 NM in 24 hrs. Decided to make some easting as winds are expected to go ESE as we approach Tonga. Hopefully these northerly winds will switch around to the west and SW soon. Going to try to speed up today and head directly to Tongatapu.


Thu May 4 7:39 2017 NZST
Speed:
4
knts
GPS: 30 21S 178 25E
Run: 129.2nm (233.9km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 126nm
Weather: 11NE, 1.5e,

will be making some easting to make the proposed the track to Tongatapu a bit easier in the east quadrant winds


Wed May 3 7:03 2017 NZST
Speed:
5 kt
knts
GPS: 31 47S 177 01E
Run: 164.8nm (298.3km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.4nm
Weather: 5-10 kt ESE, 0.5m swell, 99% cloud cover, 1022.8 baro

Motoring. Sailed all day yesterday and now 270 miles from Opua. Saw the green flash last night. All is well on board. Dawn is breaking, some rays are breaking though the clouds.


Tue May 2 6:51 2017 NZST
Speed:
120NM in 18 hours. All is well on board. Morning Light and Carthago are nearby and Capitaine Cook, a cargo ship, is steaming by on route to Suva. Nice moonset and starry sky last night.
knts
GPS: 33 44S 175 23E
Run: 130.6nm (236.4km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 132.8nm
Weather: 20 kt SE, 1.5m swell, 20% cloud cover, 1019.2 baro

After a slow start out of Opua around noon with light southerly winds, the winds have backed to the SSE and now SE. Progresthago are nearby and Capitaine Cook, a cargo ship, is steaming by on route to Suva. Nice moonset and starry sky last night.


Mon May 1 7:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 18.91802S 174 7.64271E
Run: 0.5nm (0.9km)

Leaving Opua today. Heading for Tonga with a stopover in Minerva Reefs if conditions allow. All good on board. Our blog is svwhistler.com.


Fri Apr 28 10:21 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 18.675S 174 07.198E
Run: 30.9nm (55.9km)

In Opua, waiting for a weather window.


Thu Apr 20 20:52 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 43.5095S 174 19.6766E
Run: 1.4nm (2.5km)

In Town Basin, preparing to leave soon. May go to Opua first and then plan to sail to Tonga.


Mon Nov 28 8:12 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 44.3386S 174 20.8156E
Run: 9.6nm (17.4km)

Back on the hard at Norsand. All is well.


Thu Nov 24 8:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.243S 174 28.085E
Run: 40.6nm (73.5km)
Avg: 414.1knts
24hr: 9937.2nm

Calm, 20% cloud, baro 1017.4.

Docked at Marsden Cove. Motored down from Opua yesterday. Starting to cloud over. Heading to Norsand tomorrow to haul out.


Thu Nov 24 7:54 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 19.21426S 174 7.56546E
Run: 0.4nm (0.7km)

Thu Nov 3 8:35 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 18.9774S 174 07.1891E
Run: 6.9nm (12.5km)

First yacht to be docked on the new G-Dock at Bay of Islands Marina. Getting rested up and enjoying socializing with other cruisers here.


Tue Nov 1 6:39 2016 NZDT
Speed:
4.5 knts
knts
GPS: 35 13S 174 07E
Run: 121nm (219km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 129.4nm
Weather: calm, no swell, 50% cloud cover, 1016.3 baro

Arriving in Opua shortly. All is well on board.


Mon Oct 31 8:12 2016 NZDT
Speed:
4 to 4.5 knts
knts
GPS: 33 28S 174 10E
Run: 100.3nm (181.5km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 114.6nm
Weather: 17 knts SE, 2.5m swell, rough confused seas, 20% cloud cover, 1019.4 baro

Motor-sailing with jib and one engine. ETA into Opua - Tuesday. All is well on board.


Sun Oct 30 11:12 2016 NZDT
Speed:
3.5 to 4.5 knts
knts
GPS: 32 01S 174 14E
Run: 11.1nm (20.1km)
Avg: 3.3knts
24hr: 78.4nm
Weather: 17-22 knts from S, 2.5m swell, choppy confused seas, 40% cloud cover, 1019.1 baro

Motoring with both engines. Electrical issue resolved. Mainsail torn in two. ETA into Opua - Tuesday.


Sun Oct 30 7:48 2016 NZDT
Speed:
4.5 -5 knts
knts
GPS: 31 52S 174 18E
Run: 98nm (177.4km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 116.4nm
Weather: 17-20 knts from S, 1.5m swell, choppy seas, 90% cloud cover, 1017.7 baro

Sailing. Engine, electrical issues. ETA into Opua delayed till at least late Tuesday. Know we should try to avoid storm on Tuesday night. Will tack as wind backs to SE and E. All is well otherwise.


Sat Oct 29 11:36 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.2 knts
knts
GPS: 30 28S 174 02E
Run: 186.7nm (337.9km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 156.9nm
Weather: 4 knts from S, 0.5m swell, 10% cloud cover, 1018.2 baro

Motor-sailing with very light winds on the nose. Very calm glassy seas this am. Saw a pod of whales and an albatross.


Fri Oct 28 7:03 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 knts
knts
GPS: 27 46S 174 06E
Run: 145.5nm (263.4km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 153.2nm
Weather: 6-7 knts from SE, 1.5m swell, 10% cloud cover, 1016.4 baro

Motor-sailing. Motor-sailed overnight in light ESE winds. Lovely start to the day, just would like more helping winds.


Thu Oct 27 8:15 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7 knts
knts
GPS: 25 43S 174 38E
Run: 174.4nm (315.7km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.6nm
Weather: 9-13 knts from E, 2m swell, 60% cloud cover, 1017.2 baro

Sailing. Motor-sailed over night in light ESE winds.


Wed Oct 26 8:00 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.0 knts
knts
GPS: 23 15S 175 13E
Run: 160.5nm (290.5km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.8nm
Weather: 10 knts SSE variable, 0.7m swell, 70% cloud cover, 1016.8 baro

Motor-sailing with one engine.


Tue Oct 25 7:45 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5 knts
knts
GPS: 20 56S 175 24E
Run: 162.2nm (293.6km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.5nm
Weather: 4 knts SSW variable, 1m swell, 90% cloud cover, 1014.1 baro

Motor-sailing with winds on the nose. Had variable ESE winds between 12 and 20 knts yesterday. Several sail changes. Calmed down overnight with winds switching from SSE to S to SSW.


Mon Oct 24 8:30 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 18 52S 176 35E
Weather: Se15-18, 1.5mSE swell. 50%cc, 1011.5

Mon Oct 24 8:27 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 to 6knts
knts
GPS: 18 52S 176 35E
Run: 89.5nm (162km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 121nm
Weather: 13-18 knts SE to ESE, 1.5m SE swell, 50% cloud cover, 1011.7 baro

Sailing with full main and jib now. Had strong winds leaving Fiji yesterday. Glad to have the seas calm down today. Saw cruise ship, Black Pearl, on its way to Dravuni, three cargo ships and a fishing boat on the AIS last night but no cruising boats.


Sun Oct 23 14:41 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46..69S 177 18.12E
Run: 2.7nm (4.9km)
Avg: 39.7knts
24hr: 952.2nm

Checked out of Vuda Pt. late this morning, heading for NZ. Wind 20 knots from 180 degrees, 1m swell SW, heading 220, speed 4knots, motoring, 1008.8 Baro.


Sun Oct 23 14:37 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 45.69514S 177 20.55147E
Run: 10.2nm (18.5km)

Sat Oct 22 8:14 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.23S 177 11.26E
Run: 23.5nm (42.5km)

Moored at Musket Cove.

12 knots SSE, 5% cc, 1011.9 Baro.

Getting ready to leave for NZ (Monday).


Fri Oct 21 7:16 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 27.54S 177 02.68E

Anchored at Navandra. 10knots SE, clear skies, 1011.2 Baro. Temp 26c, humidity 75%. Planning to leave for Musket Cove this morning. Looking at leaving for NZ on Monday.


Thu Oct 20 8:16 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 27.54S 177 02.68E
Run: 23.5nm (42.5km)

Anchored by Navandra, the Sacred Islands. 12 Knots SE, 90% cloud, 1010.9 baro. Occasional showers.


Wed Oct 19 7:20 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.244S 177 11.229E

Moored in Musket Cove. Calm, 95% cloud, 1010.7 Baro. Waiting for a weather window. 


 


Tue Oct 18 8:18 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.244S 177 11.229E
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)

Back in Musket Cove on a mooring. Another rain storm came through last night. 2 knots ESE, 100% cloud, raining, 1013.9 Baro. Ready to leave for NZ when we get a good window. 


 


Sat Oct 15 8:07 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.418S 177 10.982E
Run: 20.4nm (36.9km)

Anchored in Musket Cove. 3 knots ESE, 10% cloud, 1012.4 baro.

Been very warm. Lots of boats left for NZ. Musket Cove pretty empty.


Thu Oct 13 8:03 2016 NZDT
GPS: 18 03.117S 177 17.078E
Run: 20.5nm (37.1km)

Anchored by Robinson Crusoe. 5 knots ENE, 20% cloud cover, 1012.0 Baro. Went to the resort show last night. Good value for the yachties.


Wed Oct 12 7:56 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.236S 177 11.235E

Moored in Musket Cove. 11 knots NNW, 100% cloud cover, 1011.0 Baro. Blustery with winds to 28 knots and lots of rain again last night.


Tue Oct 11 8:31 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.236S 177 11.235E

Moored in Musket Cove. 3 knots NW, 80% cloud, 1007.4 Baro. Yesterday, we had heavy rain, barometer dropping to 1003 and winds gusting to 45 knots yesterday, switching quickly from NE to SW. Lots of havoc with boats dragging anchors and dogging the boats moored! Lucky it happened during the day!


Tue Oct 11 8:26 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.236S 177 11.235E

Mon Oct 10 8:43 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.236S 177 11.235E

Moored in Musket Cove. 5 knots ESE, 100% cloud cover, 1009.4 bar. Heavy rain overnight and this am.


Mon Oct 10 8:27 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.236sS 177 11.235E

Sun Oct 9 8:28 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.236S 177 11.235E
Run: 23.5nm (42.5km)

Moored in Musket Cove. 2knots SE, 90% cloud cover, 1012.2 Baro, 29c, Humid. Lots of boats here in the anchorage awaiting the storm.


Sat Oct 8 8:34 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 27.533S 177 02.702E
Run: 41.5nm (75.1km)

Anchored by Navadra. 6 knots ESE, 50% cloud cover, 1015.7 Baro. Heading to Musket Cove later today. The swell/chop from the south increased yesterday. Winds were up to 18 knots from the south yesterday afternoon.


Fri Oct 7 8:09 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 56.592S 177 21.975E

Anchored off Nanuya Sewa in the Blue Lagoon. 6 knots ENE, 70% cloud cover, 1015.7 Baro.


Thu Oct 6 9:06 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 56.592S 177 21.975E
Run: 11.3nm (20.5km)

Anchored in Blue Lagoon with a dozen other boats. 10-12 knots ESE. Clear skies. 1013.5 Baro. 30c, 70% humidity.


Wed Oct 5 8:04 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 04.917S 177 16.614E
Run: 8.5nm (15.4km)

Anchored in Somosomo Bay. 8 knots E, 10% cloud cover, 1011.9 Baro.


Tue Oct 4 8:14 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 10.237S 177 11.240E
Run: 41.5nm (75.1km)

Anchored by Manta Pass off Drawaqa Island. 10 knots NE, 40% cloud, 1011.3 Baro. 29c. Got to 33c yesterday. Heading to Somosomo today.


Mon Oct 3 7:42 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.26S 177 11.18E
Run: 12.9nm (23.3km)

Anchored in Musket Cove. 5-6knots, ESE, calm seas, 50% cloud cover, 1010.6 Baro, 26c, 75% humidity. Heading north to the Yasawas today.


Fri Sep 30 8:11 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.370S 177 22.912E
Run: 31nm (56.1km)

Docked at Port Denarau. Here for a few days. Calm, totally clear skies, 25c, 76% humidity, 1012.4 Baro.


Tue Sep 27 8:12 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 27.56S 177 02.72E
Weather: 10-12 knots NNW .5m swell 70% cloud 1010.4 baro

Anchored in Navandra. Got to 32c yesterday. Rolly in the anchorage with the northerly. Haze in the air clearing out as clouds roll in. 27c, 78% humidity, water temp 27.5c at 7am.


Tue Sep 27 8:09 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 27.56S 177 02.72E
Weather: 10-12 knots NNE .5m swell 70% cloud 1010.4 baro

Anchored in Navandra. Got to 32c yesterday. Rolly in the anchorage with the northerly. Haze in the air clearing out as clouds roll in. 27c, 78% humidity, water temp 27.5c at 7am.


Mon Sep 26 7:51 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 27.577s 177 02.711e
Run: 23.5nm (42.5km)
Weather: 3 knots SE, clear hazy skies, 1011.9 bar

Anchored at Navandra. Moving north to Waya for a couple days.


Thu Sep 22 7:25 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 46.320sS 177 11.125E

Musket Cove: 4 knots, SE, 20% cloud, 1011.8 Baro, 25C, 70% humidity


Tue Sep 20 6:51 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 46.305s 177 11.133e
Run: 13.3nm (24.1km)
Weather: 2 knots variable clear skies 1013.6 bar

Anchored in Musket Cove. Enjoying the activities at the Regatta.


Wed Sep 14 7:24 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 45.49S 177 23.25E
Run: 62.4nm (112.9km)
Avg: 2.6knts
24hr: 61.2nm

Anchored outside Port Denarau. Going for a few groceries. Caught a nice Spanish Mackerel yesterday on our way here. Heading to Musket Cove later.


Wed Sep 14 7:22 2016 NZST
No position sent.

Tue Sep 13 6:57 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 19.432s 178 13.072e
Weather: 8-13 knots gusting to 17 ESE 90% cloud 1016.7 bar

Anchored off of Nananu-i-Thake. Occasional light showers. Gusty conditions. Leaving this morning with 3 others boats to make our way to Musket Cove. Probably anchor in Saweni Bay tonight.


Mon Sep 12 7:09 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 19.432s 178 13.072e
Weather: 10-15 knots gusting to 17 SE 100% cloud 1015.7 bar

Anchored off of Nananu-i-Thake. Occasional light showers. Gusty conditions. Will be making our way to Musket Cove, leaving tomorrow.


Fri Sep 9 7:06 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 19.432s 178 13.072e
Weather: 8-10 knots SE 30% cloud 1014.0 bar

Anchored off of Nananu-i-Thake. Beach potluck last night with a half dozen boats here. Many on their way to Musket Cove Regatta. Good kiting spot!


Thu Sep 8 7:30 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 19.432s 178 13.072e
Run: 83nm (150.2km)
Weather: 10-15 knots ESE 20% cloud 1015.2 bar

Anchored off of Nananu-i-Thake. Windy anchorage, up to 25 knots last evening. Arrived yesterday after a night at Makongai. Landed 3 fish, a yellowfin tuna, shark mackerel and a narrow-barred Spanish mackerel on the way here. Going to check out the kite-surfing today.


Mon Sep 5 6:51 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 46.628s 179 20.223e
Weather: Calm 20% cloud 1015.5 bar

Moored in Savusavu Bay. Planning to set off tomorrow to go west. Destination is an anchorage off Nananu-i-Cake, near Wellington Wharf, near a kite-surfing lodge. Checking weather before we decide on whether we will take the northern inside route through Nasonisoni Passage or sail out to Makogai Channel.


Sat Sep 3 9:48 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 46.628s 179 20.223e
Run: 7.1nm (12.9km)
Avg: 2.9knts
24hr: 69.6nm
Weather: 12 knots ENE 80% cloud 1017.2 bar

Moored next to Curly's houseboat in Savusavu Bay. All is well.


Sat Sep 3 7:21 2016 NZST
Speed:
7k
knts
GPS: 16 52.80s 179 19.71e
Run: 112.6nm (203.8km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 111.9nm
Weather: 16-20 knots ESE 1.5 m SE swell 80% cloud 1016.4 baro

Sailing just outside Savusavu Bay. All is well.


Fri Sep 2 7:12 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.946s 178 59.826w
Weather: Light winds E 50% cloud 1014.1 baro

Anchored in Bavatu Bay, Vanua Balavu. Plan to leave for Savusavu later today or tomorrow.


Wed Aug 31 7:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.946s 178 59.826w
Run: 1.3nm (2.4km)
Weather: Light winds E 50% cloud 1014.1 baro

Anchored in Batavu Bay, Vanua Balavu. Did the hike to the coconut plantation and the look out over the Bay of Islands. Numerous coconut trees felled during the cyclone. Temp 26. Humidity 78%. Plan to leave for Savusavu later today.


Tue Aug 30 7:18 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.658s 179 00.931w
Weather: calm no clouds 1014.0 baro

Anchored in Ship Sound in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. Had a brief rain storm last night but now clear as a bell. Temp 25. Humidity 75%. Moving around to the Plantation Anchorage today.


Mon Aug 29 7:21 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.658s 179 00.931w
Weather: calm 70% clouds 1015.7 baro

Anchored in Ship Sound in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. Clouding over this am. Temp 25. Humidity 62%. Debating moving around to the Plantation Anchorage today or tomorrow. Plan head back to Savusavu later this week.


Sat Aug 27 7:18 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.658s 179 00.931w
Weather: calm 70% clouds 1019.0 baro

Anchored in Ship's Sound in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. Just started clouding over. Temp 25. Humidity 62%. One boat is kindly hosting the cruisers on 3 other boats anchored in the Bay of Islands to do the sevusevu in the village today.


Fri Aug 26 7:24 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.658s 179 00.931w
Weather: calm SE 10% clouds 1017.5 baro

Anchored in Ship's Sound in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. Gorgeous day here. Temp 25. Humidity 62%.


Thu Aug 25 7:30 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.658s 179 00.931w
Weather: calm SE 80% clouds 1017.1 baro

Anchored in Ship's Sound in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. Enjoyed a snorkel and a sunset dinghy-drift with 4 other boats here.


Wed Aug 24 7:18 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.658s 179 00.931w
Weather: 5 SE 70% clouds 1014.5 baro

Anchored in Ship's Sound in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. Rain yesterday but clearing today!


Tue Aug 23 7:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.658s 179 00.931w
Run: 18.9nm (34.2km)
Weather: calm SE 100% clouds 1013.4 baro

Anchored in Ship's Cove in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. Snorkeled along the north side of the island and visited a cool cave by dinghy yesterday.


Sun Aug 21 7:15 2016 NZST
Speed:
5 knots
knts
GPS: 17 09s 179 18w
Run: 94.3nm (170.7km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 95.5nm
Weather: 12-14 knots SE winds SE swell 1.2m 80% clouds 1011.7 baro

Nearing the entrance to Vanua Balavu. Breaks in clouds. Good passage with Roundabout II, Sequoia and Mango Moon.


Sat Aug 20 7:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 46.573s 179 19.701e
Weather: 2 knots ESE winds 100% clouds 1011.0 baro

Moored in Savusavu. Cloudy. Planning to leave for Vanua Balavu today.


Tue Aug 16 7:27 2016 NZST
No position sent.

Tue Aug 16 7:09 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 46.573s 179 19.701e
Run: 3nm (5.4km)
Weather: 2 knots E winds 80% clouds 1011.1 baro

Moored in Savusavu. Cloudy. Fun catching up with friend boats here. Many stories of boat repair projects going on after the passage from New Zealand to Fiji.


Mon Aug 15 6:45 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 47s 179 17e
Run: 141.4nm (255.9km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.3nm
Weather: 13-15 knots SE winds 0.5m seas SE swell 80% clouds 1012.3 baro

Just arriving in Savusavu, Fiji. Cloudy, with some breaks. A pleasant night on passage.


Sun Aug 14 7:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
6-6.5 knots
knts
GPS: 17 49s 178 52w
Run: 162.5nm (294.1km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 156.9nm
Weather: 17-20 knots SE winds 1.5m seas S swell 60% clouds 1014.6 baro

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Just through Lakeba Passage. Sailing comfortably downwind with screecher. A few squalls around and the occasional spitting.


Sat Aug 13 6:42 2016 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 18 14s 176 26w
Run: 162.2nm (293.6km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 188.1nm
Weather: 17-20 knots SE winds 1.5m seas SE swell 100% clouds 1015.2 baro

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Winds have died down a bit overnight from 21-23. Sailing comfortably. Squalls showing up around us but no rain yet. One less big eye tuna in the sea!


Fri Aug 12 10:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39.585s 173 59.995w
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: 10-12 knots SE, 100% clouds, 1016.0 baro

Moored in Nieafu. Humidity 80%. Temperature 25C. Rain showers overnight. Planning to depart today for Savusavu, Fiji.


Wed Aug 10 6:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39.660s 173 59.942w
Run: 7.9nm (14.3km)
Weather: 0-2 knots SE, calm seas,20% clouds, 1013.3 baro

Back in Nieafu. Humidity 82%. Temperature 26C. Planning to head to Fiji, probably Savusavu, leaving Thursday or Friday.


Tue Aug 9 7:21 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 43.345s 174 06.030w
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: 10 knots SE, gusting to 16 knots, moderate seas, 100% clouds, 1014.8 baro

Anchored at Vakaeitu, #16. Heavy showers overnight and this am. Cruisers and locals are happy to have this rain! Humidity 76%. Temperature 24C. Comfortable and pretty protected in this anchorage.


Mon Aug 8 7:24 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 43.396s 174 06.013w
Run: 8.8nm (15.9km)
Weather: 6 knots ESE, calm seas, 90% clouds, 1012.1 baro

Anchored at Vakaeitu, #16. Had a shower overnight. Humidity 78%. Temperature 26C.


Sat Aug 6 11:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39.625.4s 173 58.996w
Run: 6.5nm (11.8km)
Weather: 4 knots NE, calm seas, 60% clouds, 1011.0 baro

Back in Neiafu, moored. Humidity 65%. Temperature 28C. Clouding over, very calm.


Fri Aug 5 6:45 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42.4s 174 04.2w
Run: 3nm (5.4km)
Weather: 2 knots E, calm seas, 5% clouds, 1013.1 baro

Anchored #15. Humidity 70%. Temperature 22C. Going for a whale swim!


Thu Aug 4 6:09 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 41.4s 174 01.7w
Run: 5.1nm (9.2km)
Weather: 11 knots E, moderate seas, 20% clouds, 1014.8 baro

Anchored off the Reef Resort, near Anchorage #6. Good snorkeling. Heading to town today. Humidity 65%. Temperature 24C.


Wed Aug 3 7:12 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 41s 173 57w
Run: 2.5nm (4.5km)
Weather: 14 knots SE, moderate seas, 30% clouds, 1012.8 baro

Anchored at Fetoko Island, between Anchorage #27 and #28. Had a nice dinner at Mandala Resort (on Fetoko) last night. Heading to Mounu Island today (kiting). Humidity 71%. Temperature 24.5C, feels chilly!


Tue Aug 2 8:42 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 173 59w
Weather: 2 knots NNW, calm seas, 100% clouds, 1010.5 baro

Moored at the Ark Gallery, #11. Light shower overnight. Winds backed all the way around in the last 24 hours. Humidity 76%. Temperature 26C.


Mon Aug 1 7:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 173 59w
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: 2 knots NNE, calm seas, 90% clouds, 1010.6 baro

Moored at the Ark Gallery, #11. Brief shower overnight. Humidity 80%. Temperature 26C.


Sat Jul 30 6:54 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39s 173 59w
Run: 7.9nm (14.3km)
Weather: 2 knots E, calm seas, 80% clouds, 1014.0 baro

Moored at Nieafu. Light shower at dawn. Humidity 76%. Temperature 25C. Agricultural show in town today and the King of Tonga is visiting!


Fri Jul 29 6:36 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 44s 174 04w
Run: 4nm (7.2km)
Weather: 12-15 knots E, calm seas, 30% clouds, 1013.4 baro

Moored at Mounu Island, #41. Been seeing whales and listened to a whale song last night! Temperature 25C. Humidity 73%. Going for kiting lessons.


Tue Jul 26 6:57 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 174 01w
Weather: 2 knots ESE, calm seas, 70% clouds, 1015.7 baro

Anchored at Port Maurelle, #7. Showers early this am, but now clearing up. Humidity 78%. Temperature 26C.


Sun Jul 24 6:51 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 174 01w
Run: 4.1nm (7.4km)
Weather: 2-4 knots ESE, calm seas, 20% clouds, 1015.3 baro

Anchored at Port Maurelle, #7. Sunny. Humidity 78%. Temperature 25C.


Sat Jul 23 7:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39s 173 59w
Weather: 6-8 knots ESE, calm seas, 90% clouds, 1014.5 baro

Moored at Nieafu. Scattered showers. Humidity 78%. Temperature 24C.


Fri Jul 22 6:48 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39s 173 59w
Run: 7.9nm (14.3km)
Weather: 6-8 knots ESE, calm seas, 10% clouds, 1014.6 baro

Moored at Nieafu. Sunny.


Thu Jul 21 7:06 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 44s 174 04w
Weather: 15 knots SE, 30% clouds, 1015.0 baro

Moored at #41, off Mounu Island. Beautiful day. Kite-boarding this afternoon.


Wed Jul 20 8:12 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 44s 174 04w
Run: 3.2nm (5.8km)
Avg: 2.8knts
24hr: 66.8nm
Weather: 13-15 knots SE, moderate S-SW swell, 30% clouds, 1015.4 baro

Moored at #41, off Mounu Island. Beautiful day. Winds picking up.


Wed Jul 20 7:03 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 174 02w
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: 13-15 knots SE, moderate S-SW swell, 30% clouds, 1015.4 baro

Moored at #41, off Mounu Island. Beautiful day. Winds picking up.


Tue Jul 19 6:48 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 45s 174 02w
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: 5 knots SE, calm seas, 10% clouds, 1015.2 baro

Anchored at #32, off Euakafa. 2 humpback whales spent an hour entertaining us yesterday! Quite the show! Going snorkeling this morning.


Sun Jul 17 16:57 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 174 02w
Run: 5.6nm (10.1km)
Weather: 5-7 knots SE, calm seas, 30% clouds, 1014.5 baro

Anchored at #8, off Kapa by Nuku.


Fri Jul 15 7:24 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 41s 174 07w
Run: 8.4nm (15.2km)
Weather: 2-4 knots SE, calm seas, 100% clouds, 1014.8 baro

Moored in Hunga Lagoon, Anchorage #13. Cloudy but not raining. A potluck with hosts, Cindy and Barry, from Canada last night with several other boats and visitors from cottages around the lagoon last night. Heading to Nieafu later today.


Wed Jul 13 7:15 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 44s 174 00w
Run: 5.9nm (10.7km)
Weather: 12-15 knots SSW, 30% clouds, 1010.3 baro

Anchored N of Taunga, Anchorage #21, in the lee of the south-westerlies. Sunny and breezy. BBQ on the beach with cruisers from 10 other boats last night.


Mon Jul 11 6:48 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 173 55w
Run: 12.1nm (21.9km)
Weather: 5 knots NW, calm seas, 30% clouds, 1011.6 baro

Anchored by Kenutu, Anchorage #30, on the eastern side of Vavau. Calm conditions and sunny. Hiked over to the other side of Kenutu for magnificient vistas from the ocean crashing on the cliffs. Lucky to have this beautiful weather!


Fri Jul 8 7:09 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 43s 174 06w
Weather: 14-16 knots ENE, choppy seas, 60% clouds, 1016.0 baro

Anchored by Vakaeitu, Anchorage #16. Had a beautiful, though blustery, day yesterday. Last night several squalls ripped through the anchorage with spells of heavy downpours and strong winds. Clearing up a bit this morning but still gusty.


Thu Jul 7 7:34 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 43S 174 06W
Run: 8.9nm (16.1km)
Weather: sunny, 12-15ENE, 1017.1

great day


Mon Jul 4 7:36 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39s 173 59w
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: 5-10 knts E, calm, 60% clouds, 1015.4 baro

Moored in Nieafu. Had rain and wind yesterday (up to 20 knots in town). A yacht race and BBQ is being held this afternoon in celebration of the King's Birthday.


Fri Jul 1 7:18 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42s 173 59w
Run: 7.7nm (13.9km)
Weather: 12-15 knts ENE, calm seas, 10% clouds, 1013.8 baro

Moored at the Ark Gallery in the Vavuu Group. Heading for paella dinner at La Paella on Tapana tonight.


Tue Jun 28 7:25 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 43s 174 06w
Run: 9.9nm (17.9km)
Weather: 3 knts ENE, calm seas, 20% clouds, 1016.0 baro

Anchored at Vaka'eitu in the Vavuu Group. Planning to snorkel at the Coral Gardens today.


Fri Jun 24 7:20 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39s 173 58w
Weather: 5 knts E, calm seas, 30% clouds, 1015.1 baro

Moored in Neiafu. Sunny.


Thu Jun 23 7:19 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39s 173 58w
Run: 14.2nm (25.7km)
Weather: 5 knts E, calm seas, 20% clouds, 1015.0 baro

Moored in Neiafu. Sunny. Getting ready to go ashore and explore.


Wed Jun 22 6:42 2016 NZST
Speed:
5-6k
knts
GPS: 18 39s 174 11w
Run: 106.4nm (192.6km)
Avg: 4.3knts
24hr: 103.9nm
Weather: 18knts E, moderate seas, 50% clouds, 1013.6 baro

Motoring into Vavau Group entrance heading for Neiafu to check in. 20-23k winds overnight from ESE and rough seas on the beam. Sunny this morning. All fine aboard.


Tue Jun 21 6:07 2016 NZST
Speed:
5-6k
knts
GPS: 20 00s 174 58w
Run: 150.2nm (271.9km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 162.5nm
Weather: 18knts SE, moderate seas, 30% clouds, 1013.5 baro

Sailing by Haapai Group, trying to slow boat down, should arrive at Vavau tomorrow am. All fine aboard.


Mon Jun 20 7:56 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.5-7k
knts
GPS: 22 01s 175 50w
Run: 12.3nm (22.3km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 177.1nm
Weather: Winds 17-22 from 140 2.5m swell from S 50% cloud cover Baro 1013.7 Heading for Vavau.

Sailing All fine aboard.


Mon Jun 20 6:16 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.5-7k
knts
GPS: 22 11s 175 54w
Run: 180.9nm (327.4km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192nm
Weather: Winds 17-22 from 140, 2.5m swell from SE, 50% cloud cover, Baro 1013.7, 24 degrees C. Heading for Vavau.

Sailing. All fine aboard.


Sun Jun 19 7:39 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.0k
knts
GPS: 24 37s 176 57w
Run: 169.7nm (307.2km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.1nm
Weather: Winds 12-14 from 140, 2m swell from SE, 80% cloud cover, Baro 1015.6, 24 degrees C.

Sailing with jib and main. Motor-sailed overnight. All fine aboard.


Sat Jun 18 6:22 2016 NZST
Speed:
5k
knts
GPS: 26 57s 177 48w
Run: 140.4nm (254.1km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 151.4nm
Weather: Winds 6-9 from SE, 0.5-1m swell from SE, 60% cloud cover, Baro 1017.1. 22 degrees C in the cockpit overnight, jacket not required! Very calm.

Motoring since dusk. All fine aboard.


Fri Jun 17 8:06 2016 NZST
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 28 44S 178 54W
Run: 141nm (255.2km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 135.2nm
Weather: 18-22SE, 1018, 2.5m swell. 80%cc,

all well on their way to Vavauu


Fri Jun 17 7:11 2016 NZST
Speed:
6k
knts
Weather: Winds 18-22 from 135, 2,5m swell from SE, 60% cloud cover, Baro 1017.6. NOte: Position yesterday should have had our Longitude west

Sailing. All fine aboard.


Thu Jun 16 7:05 2016 NZST
Speed:
6-7k
knts
GPS: 30 44s 179 22w
Run: 215.7nm (390.4km)
Avg: 9knts
24hr: 216.3nm
Weather: Winds 18-22 from 140, 2m swell from SE, 100% cloud cover, Baro 1018.7. Slowly warming up in the cockpit!

Sailing. All fine aboard.


Wed Jun 15 7:09 2016 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 32 18s 177 28e
Run: 155.1nm (280.7km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 155.2nm
Weather: Winds 8-10 from ESE with gusts to 18 from E, 1.5m swell, 90% cloud cover, Baro 1024.3.

Motor-sailing, unsteady winds. All fine aboard.


Tue Jun 14 7:10 2016 NZST
Speed:
4 to 6
knts
GPS: 33 57s 175 39e
Run: 8.1nm (14.7km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.6nm
Weather: Winds unsteady, varying from 8 to 15knots from 135, 2m swell, 20% cloud cover, Baro 1031.5

Sailing, winds dropping and backing from the S to SE. All fine aboard.


Tue Jun 14 5:56 2016 NZST
Speed:
4 to 5
knts
GPS: 34 02s 175 33e
Run: 119.6nm (216.5km)
Weather: Wind has been dropping from 17 knots S at midnight down to 8-10kn SE, 2m swell, 20% cloud cover, Baro 1031.4, will start the engines shortly if winds stay this light.

Sailing, had unsteady winds from the S to SE. All fine aboard.


Mon Jun 6 21:05 2016 NZST
GPS: 35 18s 174 07e
Run: 319.5nm (578.3km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 123.8nm

Safely docked at Opua, NZ.


Sat Jun 4 7:10 2016 NZST
Speed:
6 to 7k
knts
GPS: 31 52s 177 50e
Run: 87.1nm (157.7km)
Avg: 3.6knts
24hr: 85.9nm
Weather: Wind 20-25kn SE, 3m swell from SE, 20% cloud cover Baro 1025.4

Motor-sailing back to NZ, had very strong winds 30-35)yesterday from SSW. Reduced to 25-30 and then 20-25 from SSE. Seas were 4+m. All are fine.


At net time winds were back up to 35kts. Steering 212T


Fri Jun 3 6:50 2016 NZST
Speed:
6 to 7k
knts
GPS: 31 16s 179 08e
Run: 156.1nm (282.5km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 157.1nm
Weather: Wind 16-20kn SSE, 1.5m swell from SE, 20% cloud cover Baro 1016.8

Sailing, light winds overnight, winds picking up and moving around to SSE.


Later on net we talked abot the possibility of stopping at Minerva but at this stage better to keep moving to Tonga,


Thu Jun 2 6:59 2016 NZST
Speed:
5k
knts
GPS: 32 59s 177 24e
Run: 154.2nm (279.1km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.8nm
Weather: 10kn NE 1.5m swell from NE 50% cloud cover Baro 1011.1

Motoring in light winds on the nose, several squalls overnight, 140mile in 24 hours


Wed Jun 1 8:06 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 34 31S 175 27E
Run: 106.8nm (193.3km)
Weather: SW10-15

Sat May 28 19:09 2016 NZST
GPS: 35 50.24s 174 28.08e
Run: 11nm (19.9km)

Docked at Marsden Cove


Tue May 17 7:44 2016 NZST
GPS: 35 43.508S 174 19.6744E

Moving from Norsand to Whangarei Marina


Sun Sep 20 13:41 2015 NZST
GPS: 35 43.508S 174 19.6744E
Run: 28nm (50.7km)
Weather: Showers, 70% cloud, Baro 1006.0

Docked at Whangarei Marina


Sat Sep 19 2:24 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.5K
knts
GPS: 35 22.53S 174 34.71E
Run: 288.4nm (522km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 208.5nm
Weather: Winds 5 knots at 210 degrees, minimal swell, 0% cloud, Baro 1015.4

Motoring to Marsden Cove


Thu Sep 17 17:12 2015 NZST
Speed:
7.5K
knts
GPS: 31 35.47S 172 28.24E
Run: 234.7nm (424.8km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 164.9nm
Weather: Winds 15-17 knots at 350 degrees, 1.5m Nrly swell, 30% cloud, cirrua and low cloud approaching, Baro 1020.9, warm and sunny

Motor-sailing on route to New Zealand


Wed Sep 16 7:02 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 28 12.22S 172 44.15E
Run: 177.7nm (321.6km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 199.9nm
Weather: Winds 12-14 knots at 100 degrees, 1.5m SSE swell, 10% cloud, Baro 1023.5 and rising

Sailing


Tue Sep 15 9:42 2015 NZST
Speed:
5 to 6.5
knts
GPS: 25 38.86S 173 02.95E
Run: 163.8nm (296.5km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.3nm
Weather: Winds variable, from 11 to 22 knots at 130 to 155 degrees, 2.5m SE swell, 80% cloud, Squalls, Baro 1019.9 and rising

Sailing


Mon Sep 14 8:52 2015 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 23 21.04S 173 41.53E
Run: 123.1nm (222.8km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144.7nm
Weather: 13-15 knots SE at 160-170 2.5m SE swell 60% cloud, Squalls with variable winds from ESE to SSE Baro 1017.4 and rising

Motor sailing


Sun Sep 13 12:27 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.5 to 7kn
knts
GPS: 21 50.37S 174 42.85E
Run: 331.2nm (599.5km)
Avg: 3.3knts
24hr: 79.9nm
Weather: 13-15 knots SE at 140-150 1.5m swell 60% cloud

Sailing with full main and jib


Wed Sep 9 8:58 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 45.60sS 177 23.24EE
Run: 13nm (23.5km)

Anchored at Port Denerau


Tue Sep 8 9:39 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 46.19S 177 11.39E
Run: 210.7nm (381.4km)

Musket Cove


Wed Jul 22 17:27 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 26.68S 179 56.30w
Run: 6.9nm (12.5km)
Weather: 70% cloud. Winds gusting 8 to 20 knots from SE. Seas calm in the cove.

Anchored in Albert Cove


Mon Jul 20 8:46 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 31.56S 179 59.86w
Run: 17nm (30.8km)
Weather: 100% cloud. Winds light from SE.

Anchored in Katherine Bay


Fri Jul 17 7:37 2015 NZST
No position sent.

asked for signal report but too light to work out where they were. A boat in Port Vila could barely hear them too


Thu Jul 16 16:41 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 45.089s 179 54.09E
Run: 37.7nm (68.2km)
Weather: Beautiful day. 5% cloud. Wind is SE 5 to 10knots

Anchored in Viani Bay


Fri Jun 19 14:40 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.69S 179 19.97E
Run: 60.7nm (109.9km)
Weather: Sun and cloud today, still windy. Great day for laundry.

On a mooring in Savusavu.


Sat Jun 13 8:56 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.5-7kn
knts
GPS: 17 38.222S 179 31.300E
Run: 123.7nm (223.9km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 140.7nm
Weather: 15-17 ESE .5 to 1m swell 90% cloud cover Baro 1014.0

Just sailed passed Nairai Island on route to Savusavu, 60nm to go, code zero up


Fri Jun 12 11:50 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.5 to 7kn
knts
GPS: 19 22.00S 179 02.07E
Run: 166.4nm (301.2km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 180.4nm
Weather: 25-30kn E, 3M swell, squalls, 95% cloud, baro 1013.7

sailing with reefed jib


Thu Jun 11 13:42 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.5kn
knts
GPS: 21 41.500S 178 21.922E
Run: 187.1nm (338.7km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 175.5nm
Weather: 15-25kn, variable, E 2.5 to 3m swell, occasional squall,60% cloud, baro dropped 6 in 24 hrs to 1016.8

sailing with jib


Wed Jun 10 12:07 2015 NZST
Speed:
6 to 7kn
knts
GPS: 24 22.744S 178 00.951E
Run: 184.4nm (333.8km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 181.5nm
Weather: 20-23kn,ESE 3M swell, 50% cloud

Jib only, rolly sea, fairly steady winds


Tue Jun 9 11:44 2015 NZST
Speed:
6kn
knts
GPS: 26 57.71S 177 16.37E
Run: 220nm (398.2km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 200.6nm
Weather: 15-20knots SE 2 to 2.5M swells 60% cloud occasional squall

Sailing with jib or screecher


Mon Jun 8 9:25 2015 NZST
Speed:
7kn
knts
GPS: 30 01.144S 176 15.745E
Run: 161.5nm (292.3km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 159.9nm
Weather: 20-25knots SE 2m swell 70% cloud

Boat sailing well with jib


Sun Jun 7 9:10 2015 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 32 15.71S 175 29.86E
Run: 136.2nm (246.5km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144nm
Weather: from SSE 9.5kn 1m swell 90% cloud cover

Pleasant, calm night. Motoring. 265 miles since Marsden. 140m day.


Sat Jun 6 10:29 2015 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 34 11.4S 175 0.7E
Run: 117.9nm (213.4km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 113nm
Weather: wind SW 9kn, .5m swell, 30% cloud

Calm night, motored till daybreak,now motorsailing.avg 150m day


Fri Jun 5 9:26 2015 NZST
GPS: 35 50.188S 174 28.084E

In Marsden Cove Marina.


M&M on Whistler, Marsden Cove Marina
Fri Jun 5 9:23 2015 NZST
No position sent.

Fri Jun 5 8:51 2015 NZST
No position sent.

No blogs available for this yacht.

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