[password] 5Fku_7$H
[position]19 10.3S, 176 30.9E
[weather]Wind SE 11-16, Bar 1011.0, Sky 50% cumulus, Sea 1m SE swell
[speed]6 knts
[heading]197 T
[status]Close reaching on port tack. Off the dock at Port Denarau Marina yesterday at 11:20. Strong headwinds at Momi Point and out through Navula Pass, very localized combination on a hot Viti Levu island pulling in a sea breeze of Bligh Water, back filled by SE trades bending around the coast line. Rough seas last night, but fast sailing. Visually encountered a fishing boat with no AIS. Clearly receiving AIS as he hailed me in the radio by name. We had to divert 5nm west to avoid crossing his lines, which were 9nm long! He gave us speed, but not course. In a slip, admitted that he could not discuss course because it was a Chinese boat. About an hour later, he pops up on AIS. A courtesy, I think, to indicate that we were clear of his lines. And yes, Chinese, traveling at 6 knots eastward. Last night was rough. Velic fell off a few waves with a bang. First time ever. Seas were very short and steep and on the Starboard bow. This morning the seas have eased considerably and we are sailing well in a good direction and at good speed. It's always rough the first day out. The farther we get away from land, the more relaxed and comfortable I am. Few other boats, and no rocks; more even wind and well-behaved seas.
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