[password]8Tarnhows
[position]17 45.722s 177 13.060w
[weather]winds se 15-20kt, cloud 6/8 Sc base 300m, rain showers, sea slight se swell 1-2m.
[status]Good evening friends and families of Ambler II,
Friday saw us finalise our shopping and official duties in Neiafu and at about 4:00pm we departed the Customs wharf, negotiated the port channel and set sail at around 4:30pm for Fiji.
For an hour or so we motored in light winds, then just on dusk the wind steadied at 10-15kt from the south east. We continued through a comfortable night of shift working with the jib and main gliding us gently toward Fiji, on a heading of 280 degrees magnetic.
Today saw us zipping along at 8.5kt with the jib being polled out on one side with the mainsail set on the opposite side; a configuration known as ?goosewinged?, that is, like a startled goose raising both wings in alarm or surprise. This configuration is only achievable when the wind is coming from an astern/rear quarter.
We had anticipated arriving in Savu Savu early Monday morning but with such good sailing conditions we now expect to pass through the easterly Lau Group of Fijian Islands about dawn and with a little luck we may make Savu Savu before nightfall, Sunday evening.
We are all travelling well, in good spirits and are about to tuck in to one of Jim?s spaghetti bolognaise.
Until next time, take care and needless to say we miss you all.
Regards Jim, Bill (scribe),Kai and Simon.

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