[password] pilot25041
[position] 21 07.55s 175 09.74w
[status] Thursday 11th October early afternoon and currently alongside in the small boat harbour in Nukualofa having spent last night anchored of Pangaimotu island.

So after a fairly pleasant night anchored off Nomuka Iki, we decided to go snorkelling in the morning before departing for Kelefesia, so Allan, Barry & Pam departed in the dinghy to snorkel inside the main reef ....... well what a spectacle we had, probably the best snorkelling of this whole trip; the coral was fantastic, including loads of stag horn and also other stuff that looked like giant mushrooms (tall stem and large flat top), the water was crystal clear, the fish extremely plentiful, so all in all a very noteworthy experience, even though Pam did require assistance in re-boarding the dinghy, but thankfully not to the same extent as her previous snorkelling efforts required!

We then departed for Kelefesia and motored the 14nm to the anchorage ........ slightly disconcerting to be anchored and surrounded by breaking waves, it was also a bit 'jobbly' but not enough to disturb our sleep. We managed to seal the top of the port engine battery with epoxy and ice cream container plastic as a temporary measure. After breakfast on Wednesday we then set off for Nukulofa, once clear of the anchorage we were beam reaching in 12kts wind with full main and genoa, but the wind then moved further behind us so we set the gennaker and had a wonderful sail all day, quickly covering the 40+nm to where we are now. We saw many whales during the trip, including one that jumped completely out of the water and flipped it's tail up, quite remarkable. It is a long entrance into the huge harbour area and as it was approaching 16.30 we decided to go across to Pangaimotu island and anchor with the other yachts for the night. After quick swims and showers we went ashore and
met up with 5 other crews in the yacht club/ bar, we all had a good catch up and it would appear that at least 5 boats will all be leaving on Monday to head for NZ, so we should have company along our final leg home!!

So we came alongside in the small boat harbour, so that Ron & Anihera could come on board, we could resupply the boat and Allan could do the necessary official bits! We were unable to source a battery of the correct capacity and size to fit into the port engine battery box, and certainly not a marine battery so as we are happy with the repair and it is holding a good charge, if there's no deterioration in it before we depart on Monday then we'll run with what we've got. The official bits are taking slightly longer than expected due to siesta time! Once this is completed then we're heading back out to Pangaimotu island for the night and will probably venture ashore for dinner!

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