Alchemy II

Fri Nov 1 14:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
- (at marina)
knts
GPS: 30 18.20S 153 08.77E
Run: 61.2nm (110.8km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.8nm
Weather: 18 kts from NE T, 50% clouds, baro 1020 (inside Coffs Harbour Marina)

12.20pm. Arrived safely in Coffs Harbour, finished clearance procedures. Yay!!! Very big thanks to David and Patricia at Gulf Harbour Radio and Maritime Radio NZ for keeping track of us over the past five days.


Fri Nov 1 5:45 2019 NZDT
Speed:
8 kts (motor sailing dead downwind with some East Australian Current assist)
knts
GPS: 29 44.04S 153 55.81E
Run: 155.9nm (282.2km)
Avg: 8.1knts
24hr: 194.9nm
Weather: 12-15 kts 30 to 40 deg T,confused seas

3.40am. All well on board. Just over 50 miles to Coffs, so should be in by lunchtime. Chart plotter screen is getting very cluttered with AIS boats up and down the coast.


Thu Oct 31 10:33 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7 kts
knts
GPS: 28 43.21S 156 14.31E
Run: 34.5nm (62.4km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 184nm
Weather: 12 kts 70 deg T, 1m seas, 10% clouds, baro 1022

PLEASE NOTE: I may have accidentally activated a stored emergency message on our inReach Sat Tracker, that would have gone to Gulf Harbour Radio and Maritime Radio NZ, maybe even AMSA. The automatic message would have said we've activated our EPIRB (which we definitely haven't). I don't have a way to know if the message went out or not, but I don't think it did (there's no screen readout). Please disregard if the message did go through - all is well aboard Alchemy II at 8.26am. We've got good conditions, and have the kite up.


Thu Oct 31 6:03 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6 kts
knts
GPS: 28 21.068S 156 37.33E
Run: 125.3nm (226.8km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 188nm
Weather: 10-12 kts, betwen 60 and 90 deg T (moving around a lot)

At 4am. All well. Having to steer a bit south to keep boat speed on. Trying to avoid using the engine, esp at night, as have had some overheating problems recently. Looks like either kite or motor sailing tomorrow to arrive at Coffs during working hours on Friday.


Wed Oct 30 14:03 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.2 kts
knts
GPS: 26 52.338S 157 48.282E
Run: 65.3nm (118.2km)
Avg: 8.2knts
24hr: 195.9nm
Weather: 14-18 kts 95 deg T, seas 1.5m confused, 90% clouds, baro 1022

11.55am. Still a fairly bouncy ride, but going well. Now on a heading taking us pretty much to Coffs, just a little north to take advantage of the east Aus current as we close in on the coast.


Wed Oct 30 6:03 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6kts
knts
GPS: 26 15.81S 158 36.7E
Run: 70.7nm (128km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 186.5nm
Weather: 10-12 kts 115 deg T,0.5-1m seas

At 4am. All well. Strong winds all day yesterday and a pretty bumpy ride. Wind has finally settled down, much more comfortable now.


Tue Oct 29 20:57 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.5 kts
knts
GPS: 25 47.86S 159 37.563E
Run: 129.4nm (234.2km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 210.5nm
Weather: 20 kts 134 deg T, 2m seas, 29% clouds, baro

All well. Bumpy ride today. Winds stronger than forecast, mostly 20-25 ahead of the beam. Some messy waves when the swell waves collide with the wind waves. Things are forecast to settle around midnight.


Tue Oct 29 6:12 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6 kts
knts
GPS: 25 12.59S 161 35.78E
Run: 72.1nm (130.5km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 177.5nm
Weather: 10 kts 170 deg T,seas

4am. All well. Wind has just started to pick up and go more to the south.


Mon Oct 28 20:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 kts
knts
GPS: 24 35.78S 162 31.61E
Run: 68.5nm (124km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 178.7nm
Weather: 11 kts 120 deg T, seas 1m, 10% clouds, 1017 baro

All well. Winds today have been lighter than forecast. Had the kite up for a while until the brace shackle gave way, then relegated to motor sailing to keep speed up. Need to average about 7kts to arrive in good time Friday. Breeze has picked up a bit now, so back to sailing with full main and jib, no motor.


Mon Oct 28 11:15 2019 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 24 06.85S 163 28.60E
Run: 25.2nm (45.6km)
Avg: 12.8knts
24hr: 306.8nm
Weather: 12 kts 105 deg T, seas 1m, clear skies, baro 1018

9am. All well. Have some adverse current at the moment.


Mon Oct 28 9:16 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 23 54S 163 48E
Run: 93.3nm (168.9km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 173.2nm
Weather: 12kts from ese, 1018

Talked to Matt and all well on board. GHRadio


Sun Oct 27 20:21 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.5 kts
knts
GPS: 23 08.15S 165 00.79E
Run: 63.1nm (114.2km)
Avg: 9.4knts
24hr: 226nm
Weather: 20 kts from 100 deg T, 1.5m seas, 10 clouds, baro

At 6.10pm. All well. Less than a day out from Noumea, and already we're looking for the warmer clothes!


Sun Oct 27 13:39 2019 NZDT
Speed:
8 kts
knts
GPS: 22 36.34S 165 49.15E
Run: 69.7nm (126.2km)
Weather: 22 kts 100 deg T,seas 1.5m, 5% clouds, baro 1018

at 11.10am. All well on board. A bit bumpy, but otherwise good sailing conditions. Left Ilot Maitre around 6am. Planning to be in Coffs Harbour Friday.


Wed Oct 2 12:57 2019 NZDT
GPS: 22 23S 166 53E
Run: 29.1nm (52.7km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 141.1nm
Weather: 20kts SE (in non sheltered waters at the south of the mainland), 1m seas, 60% cloud cover, 1023 baro

Arrived safely in New Caledonian waters. Overall a reasonable trip from Denarau - first and last day were tough (mainly because of the sea state, but also strong winds), with a couple of good days in the middle. Thank you all for tracking us over the last few days. Sally & Matt.


Wed Oct 2 8:00 2019 NZDT
Speed:
8knts
knts
GPS: 22 18.26S 167 19.86E
Run: 138nm (249.8km)
Avg: 9.1knts
24hr: 218.6nm
Weather: 20knts 150 deg T, 2 m confused seas, 50% clouds, 1022 baro

At 6:40am Fiji/NZ time. Approx 14 n miles east of entrance to Havannah Pass. Very lively ride last night with strong winds mainly 20-25 Kts. Made for good boat speed though. All okay on board.


Tue Oct 1 16:51 2019 NZDT
Speed:
8 knts
knts
GPS: 21 57.73S 169 27.27E
Run: 75.1nm (135.9km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 209.6nm
Weather: 16knts from 145 T, slight seas, no clouds, 1019 baro

All well on board. Will continue on this heading until about 9pm when we have passed Durand Reef to starboard and then will bear away 20 degrees, aiming straight for the entrance to Havannah Pass.


Tue Oct 1 8:15 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7knts
knts
GPS: 21 31.21S 170 31.36E
Run: 204nm (369.2km)
Avg: 9knts
24hr: 215.7nm
Weather: 0-155knts from 135T, 0.5m seas, 60% clouds, 1019 baro

As of 0700 Fiji time/UTC. All well on board. Good sailing conditions last 24 hours. Seas flattened out, and consistent trades. Planning to be at entrance to Havannah Pass on the incoming tide tomorrow (Wed) morning.


Mon Sep 30 9:33 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7kts
knts
GPS: 20 18S 173 24E
Run: 105.5nm (191km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 150.7nm
Weather: 18knts SE, 1.5m seas, 100% clouds, 1018 baro

All okay. Have continued to sail south of the rhumb line in anticipation of strong southerly quadrant winds arrive on Wednesday as we approach New Cal. (Gulf Harbour: Patricia, it was us, Alchemy II, trying to contact you near the end of your broadcast today. Lara was able to hear us, but ended up doing a relay for another boat. No issues, we had just wanted to log our position. Had had a few hassles through the night, and didn't get up early enough to email info through).


Sun Sep 29 16:45 2019 NZDT
Speed:
5knts
knts
GPS: 19 26.13S 174 44.28E
Run: 207.8nm (376.1km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 179.1nm
Weather: 18knts from 85 deg T, 2m seas, 100% cloud cover, 1015 baro

Wind and seas have settled. Sat overnight winds 20-30kts, 3m messy seas. Lot of east in the wind direction, so heading below our rhumb line in anticipation of relatively strong winds from the southern quadrant to arrive on Tuesday. All well on board.


Sat Sep 28 11:54 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 46.36S 177 22.92E
Run: 99nm (179.2km)
Weather: 8 kts @ 200 deg T, baro 1015

We are clearing Fiji Customs at 2pm today and are sailing from Denarau Marina directly to Noumea, New Caledonia. We intend to arrive at Noumea on the afternoon of Wed 2nd October.


Tue Aug 20 9:30 2019 NZST
Weather: 10-15knts from 14o deg true, (sheltered anchorage, can't see exterior sea state), 5% cloud cover, 1011 baro

At anchor at Nananu-i-Thake Island on the north coast of Viti Levu (Fiji). Very flat anchorage with good protection from the SE trades.


Mon Aug 19 8:27 2019 NZST
GPS: 16 55.29S 178 35.35E
Run: 50.2nm (90.9km)
Weather: 12knts at 145 true, 10% clouds, 1011 baro. (slight seas, but protected somewhat by reef complex)

Just departed Bua Bay (Lekubi Point) on Vanua Levu Fiji. Sailing to the Fiji mainland today, Nananu-i-ra. Should be there early to mid afternoon (19.08.19)


Tue Aug 13 12:36 2019 NZST
GPS: 16 46.69S 179 19.97E
Run: 105.9nm (191.7km)
Weather: 10 kts SE, 70% cloud cover, Bar 1014

At Copra Shed Marina in Savusavu Fiji.


Fri Aug 9 7:15 2019 NZST
Speed:
motor sailing (waiting/hoping for breeze to build)
knts
GPS: 17 09.36S 179 06.86W
Run: 75.1nm (135.9km)
Weather: 14knts fro 80 deg T, slight seas, 5-10% clouds, 1013 baro

Left BOI at Vanua Balavu around an hour ago (0600). Headed for Taveuni, hopefully Paradise Resort to pick up a moorning a nice meal this evening.


Sat Aug 3 15:42 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 12.65S 178 50.52W
Run: 35.2nm (63.7km)
Weather: 20knts 135T, 1-1.5m seas plus 2m S swell, 80% cloud cover, 1013 baro (conditions outside the anchorage). Weather conditions have been very consistent today.

Anchored at Lakemba in the Lau Group, Fiji. Sailed 32 miles north from Komo this morning. Komo was a really rolly anchorage in SE winds (seemed like the waves were wrapping around the whole island, but that may have been the southerly swell, which we didn't notice until we were outside the lagoon). Unfortunately the S swell is coming in to the anchorage at Lakemba. The anchorage is really close to reefs - will be fine as long as the wind stays SE (all weather predictions seem to have consistent SE for the next couple of days). Planning to keep watch on the boat overnight. Will head to Vanua Balavu at first light tomorrow. Should be at the Tongan Pass early afternoon.


Fri Aug 2 13:54 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 40.64S 178 37.49W
Run: 32.9nm (59.5km)
Weather: 20knts from 150 deg true (conditions outside the anchorage), slight to moderate seas, 100% cloud cover, 1014 baro

Anchored at Komo in the Lau Group, Fiji. Sailed 36 miles from Faluga this morning. Great sailing conditions. Were doing 8s and 9s most of the way. Mostly sunny up until around midday when it clouded over.


Sun Jul 21 12:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
at anchor
knts
GPS: 19 08.99S 178 33.894W
Run: 19.6nm (35.5km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 83.3nm
Weather: 8knts from 193 deg true, almost 100% cloud cover but sun sneaking through some of the time, 1010 baro

Very happy to be at anchor in Faluga. Bit of a battle from 6am - 10.30am, with winds in the 20s, sometimes over 30 knots, from the SW, and sometimes S. Beautifully protected spot in here.


Sun Jul 21 7:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
5knts
knts
GPS: 18 54.37S 178 43.02w
Run: 412.9nm (747.3km)
Avg: 34.1knts
24hr: 819nm
Weather: 28knts 145 deg true, 1.5 to 2m seas, 100% cloud cover, 1022 baro

Motorsailing. SW winds have kicked in earlier than we would have liked. Still nearly 20 miles from Faluga. Hoping conditions settle in the next couple of hours.


Sat Jul 20 19:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
7knts (motorsailing. Would be okay to sail, but need to keep speed near 7 knots to reach Faluga in the morning around high tide0
knts
GPS: 21 34.52S 175 35.18E
Run: 409.7nm (741.6km)
Avg: 29.2knts
24hr: 699.8nm
Weather: 10knts NE, slight seas plus 1m SW swell, 10 clouds, 1009 baro

Motorsailing. All well. Should arrive at Faluga around 10am tomorrow (21st). Hoping to get in before the winds pick up and go around to the SW.


Sat Jul 20 5:09 2019 NZST
Speed:
Motoring
knts
GPS: 16 47S 179 17E
Run: 21.7nm (39.3km)
Weather: 5 kts NNE 100% cloud (hard to see, still dark). Sheltered, not into open water yet.

Just left the Copra Shed Marina at Savusavu. Heading for Faluga at the bottom of the Lau group.ETA approx 1pm Sunday 21st July. Expecting to have to motor or motor sail most of the way/


Mon Jul 15 4:15 2019 NZST
Speed:
6knts motoring
knts
GPS: 16 58.09S 179 32.87E
Run: 410.1nm (742.3km)
Avg: 8202knts
24hr: 196848nm
Weather: 5knts at 110 degrees, slight seas, no clouds, 1022 baro

Should be arriving in Savu Savu shortly after 8am (in about 4 hours). Really good sailing conditions yesterday (Sunday), but had to switch on the motor during Sunday evening when the winds were too light. Looking forward to enjoying a curry in Savu Savu.


Mon Jul 15 4:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
5knts
knts
GPS: 21 34.52S 175 35.18E
Run: 476.7nm (862.8km)
Avg: 23.5knts
24hr: 565nm
Weather: 14knts from 130 deg true, seas 1m, 20% cloud cover, 1009 baro

Sailing with reduced sail to time entry to Savu Savu in daylight. Much more comfortable sail today compared with yesterday. SV Fathom is about 1.5 miles behind us, also heading for Savu Savu.


Sun Jul 14 7:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
7knts
knts
GPS: 17 31.01S 178 29.64w
Run: 9933.9nm (17980.4km)
Avg: 235.1knts
24hr: 5642.9nm
Weather: 16knts from 130 deg True, 1.5m confused seas, sunny with 20% clouds, 1013 baro

Just approaching Vanua Balavu Pass in the Lau Group. Sailing, poled out. Winds lightened since yesterday. May have ended up in a trough for a few hours yesterday: winds 25-30 knots with rain from about 0730 to miday (NZ standard time). Should be able to time our entry to Savu Savu for daylight hours tomorrow if we keep the boat speed down.


Fri Jul 12 13:42 2019 NZST
Run: 9825nm (17783.3km)
Avg: 238.5knts
24hr: 5723.3nm

Departing Vava'u for Savu Savu around 4pm today (Fri 12/07). Intending to use the waypoints provided by the Cruising Tonga app, using the southern route that goes just south of Vanua Balavu, passing north of Mango Island. Hoping to time the trip to arrive in Savu Savu during business hours Monday morning (good winds forecast, so we'll probably be having to slow down quite a bit).


Wed Jul 10 20:30 2019 NZST
GPS: 18 39.49S 173 58.99W
Run: 9752.2nm (17651.5km)
Avg: 13.8knts
24hr: 331.2nm

On a mooring at Neiafu, Vava'a. Intending to leave for Fiji (Savu Savu) in the next couple of days.


Tue Jun 11 9:48 2019 NZST
Speed:
at anchor
knts
Run: 9649.2nm (17465.1km)
Avg: 97.4knts
24hr: 2338nm
Weather: 15knts ENE, 100% could cover

Anchored off Lifuka in the Hapa'ais,just north of Pangai (just out from Hapa'ai Beach Resort - good hamburgers!). Not the best of cruising weather at present, but the anchorage here is pretty good, relatively flat and protected. Hoping to get some windsurfing in before heading up to Vava'au. May have to wait until Sunday to get a good sail north.


Fri Jun 7 6:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
Motoring
knts
GPS: 20 16.52S 174 47.07W
Run: 61.8nm (111.9km)
Weather: Calm, 0.5m sea, 20% cloud cover

Anchored at Nomuka Ika overnight. Originally went to Kelefesia Is, but 2.5m SW swell made it a pretty untenable anchorage (anchorage is on the W side). Blind rollers didn't look too inviting either. Just upped anchor, heading for Pangai today to do inter island clearance. Intending to stay in port this evening.


Wed Jun 5 5:24 2019 NZST
Speed:
At anchor, about to depart Atata Island at Tongatapu for Kelefesia
knts
GPS: 21 02.91S 175 15.81W
Run: 19.6nm (35.5km)
Weather: 15knts NE/ENE (about 60 deg true). Still dark (6.30am) so unsure re cloud cover

Planning to sail to Kelefesia today, based on forecast easterlies. Currently closer to NE than E. If too much bashing, may turn around and come back to Atata Island.


Fri May 31 6:39 2019 NZST
Speed:
motoring
knts
GPS: 21 17.79S 175 06.90W
Run: 289.8nm (524.5km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.1nm
Weather: 12kts SE, 1m E swell, 10% cloud cover

Approaching Tongatapu. One mile south of the SE corner. Hoping to clear Customs at Nuku'alofa by lunch today.


Wed May 29 7:03 2019 NZST
Speed:
at anchor
knts
GPS: 23 38S 178 53W
Run: 28.8nm (52.1km)
Weather: 5knts N, 50% cloud cover

planning to depart North Minerva for Tongatapu today, but will first listen in to Gulf Harbour Radio's info. Expecting to have to motor today, make some east, then hopfully get some sailing in tomorrow.


Thu May 23 6:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
At anchor
knts
Weather: 20 to 25 kts from NE (true)

Arrived at North Minerva around midday yesterday (Wed). Very rough night of sailing Tues night and Wed morning. Strong winds from the east, plus very difficult sea state - short steep messy waves. Will stay at Minerva until we get decent conditions to head on to Tongatapu.


Thu May 23 6:51 2019 NZST
Speed:
At anchor
knts
Weather: 20 to 25 kts from NE (true)

Arrived at North Minerva around midday yesterday (Wed). Very rough night of sailing Tues night and Wed morning. Strong winds from the east, plus very difficult sea state - short steep messy waves. Will stay at Minerva until we get decent conditions to head on to Tongatapu.


Wed May 22 8:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5knts
knts
GPS: 24 02.60S 178 57.62W
Run: 116.9nm (211.6km)
Avg: 8.8knts
24hr: 210.2nm
Weather: 20-25 knts T from 80 deg T, 3m seas, 80% cloud cover

All okay. Very bumpy ride through the night, and ongoing. 3 reefs in main. About 35 miles south of North Minerva - should be there around midday.


Tue May 21 19:24 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.3knts
knts
GPS: 25 43.96S 179 03.40W
Run: 104.2nm (188.6km)
Avg: 9.1knts
24hr: 219.4nm
Weather: 15-20 knts True at 110 deg true. 2m SW swell. 30% cloud cover.

All okay. Plenty of wind through the afternoon, more than predicted. Should be at Minerva early afternoon tomorrow (Wed).


Tue May 21 8:00 2019 NZST
Speed:
8 kts
knts
GPS: 27 09.98S 179 34.68W
Run: 104.6nm (189.3km)
Avg: 8.2knts
24hr: 195.6nm
Weather: 17 knts @ 120 T, 1.5m S swell, 40% clouds

All okay


Tue May 21 1:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5 knts
knts
Weather: 12knts 110 deg true, 1m SW swell, 10% clouds

Heading to Minerva, eta Wed afternoon. Had been motor sailing but just now switched the engine off. Heading east of the rhumb line to Minerva to get a better angle for Wed, when the winds are forecast to be from the east.


Mon May 20 19:10 2019 NZST
GPS: 28 36.71S 179 54.90E
Run: 83nm (150.2km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 208.2nm
Weather: 8 kts SE true, 1m SW swell, 20% cloud cover

.


Mon May 20 9:36 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.8knts motoring
knts
GPS: 29 47.37S 179 38.76E
Run: 11.7nm (21.2km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 130.6nm
Weather: 10knts T 175 T,

Now heading for Minerva Reef, instead of going directly to Tonga. ETA: afternoon of Wed 22nd May.


Mon May 20 7:27 2019 NZST
Speed:
6knts motoring
knts
GPS: 29 57S 179 35E
Run: 105.1nm (190.2km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.9nm
Weather: 11 knts SW, 1.5m SW swell seas, 20% cloud cover, 1028 baro

All okay. Good conditions so far, but looks like some strong winds heading into Tonga (ETA Thurs 23/Fri 25 - will need to slow the boat down to arrive on the Fri)


Sun May 19 16:36 2019 NZST
Speed:
7knts
knts
GPS: 31 15.38S 178 40.74E
Run: 70.8nm (128.1km)
Avg: 9.1knts
24hr: 217.8nm
Weather: 15-20knts T from 245T

Good breeze all through the day, so not having to motor at all. A bit stronger than the two tweaked Predict Wind models forecast (more like 20 kts for most of the day, rather than low to mid teens). Got hit with a couple of mid afternoon squalls. Other than that, a pretty good day's sailing, with sun most of the day.


Sun May 19 8:48 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5knts (optional)
knts
GPS: 32 08.32S 178 04.02E
Run: 122.1nm (221km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 177.6nm
Weather: 13knts 280T, 1.5m seas SW swell, 20% clouds

Managed to sail through most of the night with good breeze from the west.


Sat May 18 16:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
6 knts (motoring)
knts
GPS: 33 33.47S 176 48.95E
Run: 58.1nm (105.2km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167nm
Weather: 10-12knts from 210 true, slight seas, 10% cloud cover

All okay. Not quite enough wind to sail downwind. May have accidentally added the wrong position coords last message.


Sat May 18 7:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
4knts
knts
GPS: 34 04.02S 176 00.6E
Run: 137.8nm (249.4km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 186.3nm
Weather: 10-15knts from 230 (true), seas 1m SSW, 60% cloud cover

Good breeze all through the night, haven't had to use the motor. Just starting to drop out as this is written. Autopilot seems to be working well.


Fri May 17 14:12 2019 NZST
GPS: 35 19.0S 174 07.2E
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)

Just cleared Customs in Opua for the second time this week! Autopilot problems all fixed - we hope... Casting off lines now to head to Tongatapu. Two POB. Will possibly divert to Minerva Reef if something nasty springs up further north. Will try to listen in to Gulf Harbour Radio on HF for morning weather updates.


Wed May 15 21:29 2019 NZST
GPS: 35 19.061s 174 7.206e
Run: 76.9nm (139.2km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131.5nm

Back tied up at the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua. We took turns handsteered from 2:30am this morning until 8pm this evening. Turning back away from Tonga wasn’t much fun. Had to punch into 15-20kt headwinds most of the time. Bouncy rolly ride... It took 17 hours to cover 70 miles, averaging about 4kts motorsailing. A new “slowest trip” record for us. But of course it could have been much much worse.

Autohelm repairs planned for first thing tomorrow v


Wed May 15 7:27 2019 NZST
Speed:
5knts
knts
GPS: 34 29.14S 175 01.2E
Run: 74.7nm (135.2km)
Avg: 4.1knts
24hr: 99.6nm
Weather: 15knts SW

Having to return to NZ after developing autohelm problems in the early hours of the morning. Turned around at 0250. Had been heading to Tonga.


Tue May 14 13:27 2019 NZST
GPS: 35 15.62S 174 06.15E
Run: 4.1nm (7.4km)
Weather: 10kts SW, sunny, 30% cloud

Left Bay of Islands Marina at 1150, sailing directly to Tonga.


Mon May 13 19:48 2019 NZST
GPS: 35 19.06S 174 07.20E
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)

at Opua marina, doing last minute preps for heading off for Tonga in the morning.


Mon Apr 29 10:09 2019 NZST
GPS: 35 18.9S 174 7.4E
Run: 1486.1nm (2689.8km)

In Opua NZ after sailing from Hobart Tasmania in Feb to Nelson NZ and up the east coast of NZ to the Bay of Islands. Planning to sail to Tonga in May.


Sun Nov 1 10:57 2015 NZDT
GPS: 24 45.62008S 152 23.29524E
Run: 24nm (43.4km)

Arrived Port Nundaberg Marina Friday morning. Taking it easy, and spending too much money with access to too many shops!


Fri Oct 30 8:36 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 24 35S 152 43E
Run: 133.4nm (241.5km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.8nm
Weather: 18-20 kts , 100 deg t, baro: 1026.9 , seas: 1.5m , sky: 100%cc

About 20 miles from Bundaberg. Reported at 10/29/2015 7:31 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Thu Oct 29 13:45 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 23 19.40S 154 18.97E
Run: 41.3nm (74.8km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.1nm
Weather: 5 kts, variable, baro: 1026.1, 2m crossed seas: , sky: 70%cc

Motoring. Hoping for forecast wind to pick up later in the day. Reported at 10/29/2015 12:39 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Thu Oct 29 7:49 2015 NZDT
Speed:
Motoring at 6 kts
knts
GPS: 22 55.81S 154 48.29E
Run: 60.3nm (109.1km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.1nm
Weather: 6 kts , 135 deg t, baro: 1025.8, seas: 0.5m , sky: 60%cc

Reported at 10/28/2015 6:40 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Wed Oct 28 23:03 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.2
knts
GPS: 22 20.26S 155 29.86E
Run: 44.6nm (80.7km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.3nm
Weather: 10-12 kts , 125 deg t, baro: 1026.6, seas: 1m

Moon's out, all is well. Reported at 10/28/2015 9:58 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Wed Oct 28 16:39 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.3
knts
GPS: 21 48.39S 155 53.65E
Run: 46.2nm (83.6km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.2nm

Reported at 10/28/2015 3:36 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Wed Oct 28 9:13 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.2
knts
GPS: 21 18.85S 156 22.84E
Run: 119.9nm (217km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 201.2nm
Weather: 10 kts , 140 deg t, baro: , seas: 1m, sky: 20%cc

Winds lighter this morning. Reported at 10/27/2015 8:08 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Tue Oct 27 18:55 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.6
knts
GPS: 20 12.89S 157 48.93E
Run: 47.9nm (86.7km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 140.8nm
Weather: 10 kts , 130 deg t, baro: 1024.4, seas:

(our status). Reported at 10/27/2015 5:51 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Tue Oct 27 10:45 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 52.93S 158 27.76E
Run: 0.8nm (1.4km)

Planning to resume our trip to Bundaberg around 9am today (Tuesday). Expecting to arrive there on Friday morning. Reported at 10/26/2015 9:39 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Mon Oct 26 8:04 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 53S 158 27E
Run: 20.8nm (37.6km)

At anchor. All okay. Reported at 10/25/2015 6:58 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Sat Oct 24 7:49 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.0
knts
GPS: 19 43.21S 158 43.17E
Run: 66.8nm (120.9km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142.3nm
Weather: 6 kts , 135 deg t, baro: 1025.1, seas: calm, < 0.5m swell, sky: 10%cc

Motoring, Reported at 10/23/2015 6:43 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Fri Oct 23 20:33 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 30.99S 159 43.38E
Run: 35.8nm (64.8km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142.4nm
Weather: kts , deg t, baro: , seas: , sky:

Motor sailing, COG 259Tt. Reported at 10/23/2015 7:27 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Fri Oct 23 14:31 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4.5 - 5 kts
knts
GPS: 19 24.45S 160 15.58E
Run: 40.8nm (73.8km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165nm
Weather: 5-6 kts , 345 deg t, baro: 1023.8 , seas: 1m SE swell , sky: sunny

Sailing in very light airs. Reported at 10/23/2015 1:26 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Fri Oct 23 8:34 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 19 16S 160 52E
Run: 86.6nm (156.7km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.3nm
Weather: NNW8, less than 1m swell, 60%cc

Thu Oct 22 19:27 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.2
knts
GPS: 19 00.61S 162 09.85E
Run: 69.7nm (126.2km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.9nm
Weather: 5-10 kts , 60 deg t, baro:1023.2 , seas: 1.0 SE & 1.5 S, sky: 100%cc

Motoring since mid morning. Tried the kite for a while, but too light and rolly to set. Reported at 10/22/2015 6:22 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Thu Oct 22 7:59 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.0
knts
GPS: 18 46.23S 163 11.99E
Run: 89.7nm (162.4km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174.8nm
Weather: 10 kts , 104 deg t, baro: 1023.7 , seas: 1m SE, sky: 90%cc

Almost through the Chesterfield Grand Passage. Reported at 10/21/2015 6:50 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Wed Oct 21 19:40 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 18 22.01S 164 30.07E
Run: 44.4nm (80.4km)
Avg: 8.5knts
24hr: 203.6nm
Weather: 14 kts , 120t, baro: 1023.3 , seas: 1.5m, sky: 95%cc

COG 261T. Reported at 10/21/2015 6:36 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Wed Oct 21 14:26 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 18 15.96S 165 10.15E
Run: 50.2nm (90.9km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 183.9nm
Weather: 13 kts , se , baro: 1023.5, seas: 1.5m, sky: 70%cc

Reported at 10/21/2015 1:21 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Wed Oct 21 7:53 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.6
knts
GPS: 18 09.04S 165 55.42E
Run: 120.2nm (217.6km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 202nm
Weather: 12 kts , 130 deg t, baro:1022.5 , seas: 1.5m SE , sky: 20%cc

Good sail through the night, all okay. COG 262Tt. Reported at 10/20/2015 6:47 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Tue Oct 20 17:36 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.3
knts
GPS: 17 51.72S 167 43.64E
Run: 39.6nm (71.7km)
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 107.2nm
Weather: 12-14 kts , 154 deg t, baro:1020 , seas:diminishing, 1.5 to 2m, sky: 5%CC

35 m wsw of Port Vila, heading for Bundaberg via New Cal Grand Passage, COG 260Tt. Reported at 10/20/2015 4:28 AM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Tue Oct 20 8:44 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 44.58712S 168 18.99807E
Run: 0.5nm (0.9km)

Planning to leave Port Vila mid-morning today to sail to Bundaberg Australia


Thu Oct 15 12:59 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 44.85S 168 18.67E
Weather: variable 10-20 kts , 90 to 135 deg t

Still on a mooring in Port Vila, testing to see if the customised automatic position report in Sailmail will work. COG t. Reported at 10/14/2015 11:52 PM UTC using Airmail Custom Position Report


Wed Oct 14 22:49 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 44.858s 168 18.675e
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)

On a Yachting World mooring at Port Vila, waiting for good weather to go across to Australia. There are several boats here wanting to do the same thing. If possible, David and Patricia, if you have time, could you please include some info on your GHR sked re the weather for this passage (Port Vila to Bundaberg, passing through the New Cal Grand Passage, or going over the top of New Cal). Thanks so much for the fantastic GHR service you provide - it's very much appreciated.


Wed Sep 30 9:35 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 44.71022S 168 18.68793E

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