This is our last posting. We've had the best sailing of the trip since this morning when we passed North Cape. We're now about half way between North Cape and Bay of Islands coasting along at 5.7kts in 8-10kts of gentle SW breeze on the beam under a clear and beautiful starry sky with a bright crescent moon. It's magic compared to the horrible trip down from Noumea. ETA Opua is 0600 NZDT. After clearing customs, we'll tank up the diesel, park in a berth we reserved for a day or two for a well deserved rest, and then head home to Gulf Harbour.

We wish you all a safe and smooth trip to wherever your next port-of-call may be. If coming to NZ, please feel free to call in on us.

Fair winds, and following seas.

John & Leilani

Had another windless, calm sea night. Now 0730 NZDT and driving by Three Kings Islands where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. Still grey and overcast before the sun breaks through the clouds so the place has a foreboding and other-worldly atmosphere. Lucky it's windlass and calm seas. This is no place in bad weather. We're in NZ waters.

Light winds to no wind, calm seas, motored all day and will do so throughout tonight and probably tomorrow. 135 mile day.

Another 24 hours of se winds driving us more westward. Started motor at 0600 this morning making a rhumbline to North Cape.

Last 18 hrs has been difficult. 8hrs of 25-28kt winds SE. The rest 20-22kts SE. Have had to go SW thereby adding many miles to trip. Currently drifting along at 2=3kts so as to not get more westing in while waiting for wind to back as forecast.

Motored all day 129T. Been motoring now for last 38hrs. Averaging 155nm for each of last 3 days

Had a boistrous 24hrs start Sunday. By Monday pm for next 24 hrs had good fast sailing conditions. As of 0300 Tuesday been motoring.

Today has been good sailing after a trying yesterday leaving Minerva. Gybed all day/night yesterday in light 6-8kt S-SSE winds before ending up 30nm west of rhumbline to Savusavu. Around 0900 this morning the wind went more SE so we've been on a nice broad reach heading of 340M.

Amazing Grace left North Minerva Reef yesterday 26 May at 0800. Slow sailing. Position listed as at 4pm yesterday. Will post updated position today as I receive it.

Arrived N. Minerva this morning 1100. Weather 15 kts from NW. 13 boats currently anchored with one more coming in. Crew and boat all good.

No wind but clear weather. 147 mile day. Major issue is fuel capacity. As of 0730NZST have enough for 2.4 days motoring. Will probably have to turn off motor late this afternoon and simply wait for wind to fill in. I don't want to leave myself short for remainder of trip to Fiji after Minerva.

The pacific Pacific!.

Had a pleasant night, with nil wind, glassy seas, starry night. Been motoring since 0400 hrs on 20 may except for about 4 hrs of sailing. 154nm last 24 hrs.

on rhum line to Minerva

winds died through out night until finally at 0400 this morning turned on motor

winds died through out night until finally at 0400 this morning turned on motor

Had good sailing night with 16-22kt winds ssw-sw thru out night. 150mile day. All's well onboard.

1700hr now. great day sailing wing on wing in good winds. took pole down for the night.

Finally started sailing at 2100. Had busy night jibing as wind was DDW to rhumbline. Otherwise a pleasant night.

Finally started sailing at 2100. Had busy night jibing as wind was DDW to rhumbline. Otherwise a pleasant night.

Left Auckland this morning (17 May) and have motored all day.

Leaving sunday morning from Orakei Marina following customs check out by customs. Bound for Minerva Reef and then Fiji.

At Gulf Harbour waiting for weather window on Sunday, 17 May. Will be leaving then

Planning to check out and leave on Saturday, 16 May. Would like to know your thoughts if that's a good window.