[password] beeskiff
[position] 23 53.300s 173 09.550e
[status] Well done ETNZ! Sounds like it was a really comprehensive victory, a credit to the strength of NZ sailing, but also technology, design and engineering. We're going to have to deal with some very proud Kiwi mates in Fiji, lucky you are such a humble bunch :)
Yesterday was a mellow sail with gennaker and full main in a light SSW breeze. Constant bands of lighter and stronger between about 8 and 11 knots has us frequently doing the "up a bit", "down a bit" autopilot adjustment to keep powered and prevent the dreaded slop of the sails. At times we were headed on a good course for Tonga, but don't mind this too much as I think we have time to kill to avoid night arrival. Also the wind is forecast to progressively strengthen and back on approach to Fiji so easting in the bank is good.
Around sunset the wind became increasingly flaky so we reverted to motoring for the night. This morning the wind is up and backed a bit more so sailing nicely with gennaker and 2nd reef main.
[speed] 7.5
[heading] 60T
[weather] 15knts SSE 1.5m swell from the SSE 30% cloud cover.

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