[password] bulletYIT
[position] 34 51.11S 176 43.37E
[weather] 13 knots WSW, lumpy seas, 60% cloud cover, baro 1014
[speed] 7 knots
[heading] 045T
[status] We left gulf harbour at 0930 hrs and motor sailed out between little and great barrier islands seeing two humpback whales about 200m away. Very light winds all day and then the breeze filled just before sunset allowing us to give the engine a rest. Put a reef in the main for night time and sailed downwind with the headsail goose winged. Had a delicious dinner of potato salad and chicken (thanks Loren) in the cockpit under red head torch light. Started the watches properly for our first night. Boat humming along really nicely on the autohelm heading slightly east of rum line and following the breeze. Phosphorescence bubbles sparkling from our stern and lots of stars. Brilliant. We all slept well and started the day with coffee and apples.
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