[p]29051
[s]
pos: 23 37.450s 147 33.710w
sp: 7.5
h: 010m
w: 15kn SE, CC , SS 1.0 - 1.5M SE
d: 30/05/19 15:20 GMT+600
Once the front passed over the Austral group and we endured 35 knots of wind at anchor, plus rain ( we were pleased to be there!) it all settled down and yesterday was improving and today was gorgeous. Ian & Sefton went by small local boat out to Motu Piscine on the edge of the reef, this is across the beautiful big lagoon and the landscape of the main island is outstanding, very interesting rock formations and as we learnt, delightful local people, mostly Polynesian descendants of the early navigators and settlers more than 1000 years ago. Very gracious people that want to greet you & shake your hand with a real smile, old Polynesia, it's gorgeous.
The weather was coming right so after 5 days here we have put to sea and are now on course for Tahanea in the Tuamotos. This is abt 440 Nm away and with a 15 knot SE trade wind on the beam T3 just slides along. We are hoping to be there Sunday morning, Tahiti time. Monday morning NZ time.
Better yet, Ian just hooked up a lovely Albacore Tuna, he is dealing to this fish now on the back scoop, keeps the cockpit clean. I hear the high pressure salt water pump cycling clearing up the mess, good idea Mal!
Have a great day and we will update this in the morning.
Capt'n T
[END]