Finally arrived home today. Left Bay of Islands at 1500 yesterday. Motored all night 103nm, in flat seas and light breeze, arriving in our Gulf Harbour marina berth at 0730. The big clean up of Amazing Grace starts tomorrow. This brings an end to a wonderfully exciting season in Fiji. Cheers, John and Leilani

Arrived Opua at 0900 on 31 Oct, exactly 8 days after leaving Savusavu. It was our fastest passage to date. Couple of stats: 1175NM, ave speed 6.1 kts.

Sea conditions after first 2 days were lumpy and bumpy with 2-3 mtr swells generated by wind speeds of 20-30 kts, fortunately on the beam. With all the wind, fuel consumption was no longer an issue.

Now back to land lubber life.

Thank you Patricia and David at Gulf Harbour radio for all you do for yachties. Great work!

Cheers,

John & Leilani

arriving midday tomorrow in sporty conditions.

Have had these conditions for two days and would realy like an improvement. Hoping for Tuesday pm arrival in opua

It's now 1700hrs 27 Oct. For last 24 hours we've had steady 17-21kt winds from 140. Heading has been 200T, with average speed 6-6.2kts. In order to keep sails full and not beat too much, we have been gradually sailing westward of the rhumbline so that now we are 22nm west of it. 2mtr SE swell. 100% cloud cover. Been waiting for winds to back and reduce as our last grib and weather forecaster have said. That's when we hope to get back to rhumbline. Nothing happening yet. While it's been bumpy ride, we're getting good miles under the keel - and not having to motor. Otherwise all's well onboard.

Today at 1200hrs we reached milestone - halfway point. Can see end of tunnel, finally.

Cheers John & Leilani

This is being sent with my updated 1800 report as propagation was bad this morning. It's 0500 26 Oct. Last night went through front. Had rain with wind speed in low 20's with a few gusts to 27kts and direction E so were able to sail on beam reach. As front passed, wind backed to ENE. Our course at time was 194T so was able to get some good sailing in. But lasted only a couple of hours when wind died to 5-7kts and the motor went back on. Now wind is 5kts from S, right in on our nose. 100% cloud cover, calm sea with 1.5 long N swell. Still motoring. Current course is still 194T, speed 5.6kts. While comfortable, we can't keep motoring due to fuel limitation issue. Started with slightly ov3r 5 days, have used close to 2 days, and still have about 4-5 days before arriving NZ.

Other issue of note last night was right at start of front. A Chinese fishing vessel came within 1.5nm passing in opposite direction. Tried calling it, but no answer. Shortly thereafter it turned off its AIS. But knew it was a Chinese fishing vessel because of the name, it's size, turned off AIS upon being hailed, and that the AIS vessel description was "Pleasure Craft". Chinese fishing vessels are now using that description on their AIS. This is 3rd one we've run into this season using the same ruse. Other two were in daylight where I got good look at them. They definitely were not "pleasure craft".

It was a tiring night with tending the boat in the front. So will get some sleep now. Cheers, John & Leilani

It's now 1800 25 Oct. You're getting two of these today. An earlier one I did at 0500 this did not go out due to bad propagation. So this one will cover what's happened since this morning.

Motoring continued throughout the day. After front passed we had 100% cloud cover but no wind. Fuel is starting to be more and more concern. We're not half-way, and we used just over 2 days worth of fuel out of the 5 days supply. And more windless days are forecast. As day progressed, surrounding squalls on the horizon disappeared, and by late afternoon wind finally filled in. We have SE winds 14-18kts, with SE swell 1mtr, but building as wind sets in. Hoping the wind will continue as we need the miles under sail and not motoring. Current course is 208T speed is 5.3kts as Leilani always wants sails reefed down for night. We're only 2.5nm west of rhumbline, but that will grow unless winds back towards E.

We calculate our 24 run stats from 0900 to 0900 (as we left Savusavu at 0900). Our 24-25 Oct run was worst yet at 113 miles, down from 156 and 154 the first 2-days. Weather is definitely cooling down, but not cold yet. All good onboard. Cheers, John & Leilani

got the front last night.. very light radio transmission

Able to sail first 12 hrs after leaving Savusavu yesterday. At 2100 last night wind went very 6-8kt out of NNE with a 2mtr E swell. Motoring since then until now (1930 24 Oct). With good sailing and motoring, we had a good first 24hrs run of 158nm. For a heavy sea-going yacht, that is pretty good for us. We're maintaining average speed of 6.5kts - so far. May be motoring tomorrow. Wind since this afternoon has gone variable and even lighter, swell reduced now to less than 1mtr, so no more aggravating roll. Course is 193T and going essentially on a rhumbline to NZ. Only 920nm to go to Opua Marina in Bay of Islands. Stay tuned.

Hard to hear john

Departed Savusavu 0900 today (23 Oct). Now it's 1900. Had a great, fast start. Averaged 6.8kts in balmy 14-16kt winds out of the E. One mtr E swell. Driving right down the rhumbline to NZ. May this weather last. And to top it off, had porpoise join us twice today. All's well onboard. Will check in tomorrow. Cheers, John

The time has come to leave Fiji and return to the cold & damp. Tomorrow, 23 Oct., we depart Savusavu for Opua in the Bay of Islands. Distance is 1200nm as the porpoise swims, and ETA is Tues or Wed, 31 Oct or 1 Nov, depending on the weather gods. Current weather forecast is for a relatively good trip, which on this leg can mean anything from 0kts to 40kts on the nose. I always look forward to this run. Right. Will try to post positions along the way so those interested can follow us. Otherwise, see you in NZ. Cheers, John & Leilani

After our last post from Buca Bay, we moved to Viani Bay. Jack Fisher was down to 2 moorings, and we got the vacant one. The other boat left the next day. We spent the next two days enjoying the flat calm weather. Then on Thursday (12 Oct) the wind came up to 17-22kts. A 40' yacht came onto the remaining mooring. That night in blustery winds and bouncy water conditions, the other boat's mooring broke and it went aground. Jack and others came out to help it get off the reef - fortunately no damage. For rest of night I couldn't sleep because I feared our mooring would break. Jack is down to 1 mooring, but who knows what its condition is. Friday went to Dakuniba for peaceful night. Today, had a beautiful sail to Savusavu. Met up with friend who was in Fulaga the whole time we were there. He is sailing on a cat with his 91 yr old mother. Quite unique in the sailing world. Don't know who long we'll be here. Stay tuned. Cheers.

Buca Bay was beautiful, but not much to do there. So this morning (9 Oct) we motored around to Viani Bay, home of Jack Fisher. Only one other boat here. Weather is sparkling - light breeze, and clear skies with lovely white pillowy clouds. Put dingy in the water, so we're committed to stay a few days.

Left Paradise Taveuni Resort this morning (8 Oct) after spending only one night. Was windy and rolled. Went to Sau Bay Eco Resort, but found the anchorage a bit exposed to roll and wind. Ended up at back of Buca Bay. Beautiful. Great anchorage in 9mt with mud bottom so holding is great. There are villages that dot both sides of the bay. Will go into the one at the extreme back of bay where we are anchored tomorrow to find out where to do sevusevu. Will stay here a few days. Stay tuned. Cheers. John & Leilani

Motored a short 15nm from Dakuniba to Paradise Taveuni today. Again, no fish. Paradise is a dive resort on the SW corner of Taveuni, the 3rd largest Fiji island. There are about 6 free mooring balls offered by the resort for visiting yachts. While we are safely tied to one, the wind has been blustering 18-22kts. Paradise Taveuni was completely destroyed in Hurricane Winston two years ago, but has been rebuilt. However, the individual Fiji-styled bures with grass-thatched roofs that once were the guest rooms have been replaced with box-shaped huts with flat wooden roofs. Not as attractive as before. If the wind doesn't come down tomorrow, we'll move on to another less windy anchorage.

Departed Savusavu and headed east to spend night in Dakuniba. This is just short of the eastern-most corner of Vanua Levu. Around the corner is Viani Bay, a popular cruiser anchorage - home to the well known and colourful character, Jack Fisher. We'll be stopping there. Another place we plan to visit is Sau Bay, or on some charts, Nasau Bay. An eco resort is there owned by a person we met in Fuluga. Stay tuned.

Arrived Savusavu marina dock at 0700 yesterday, 2 Oct, exactly as predicted. Had to motor whole 39 hrs as no wind. But it was easier maintaining 5kts average speed so to arrive at first daylight. We don't go fast enough to have comfortably made the trip in daylight hours. So we had to slow down and stretch out the trip. Anyway, Savusavu is relatively empty of cruisers this late in the season. Everyone already on west side of Fiji, or moved on to Vanuatu and/or New Cal. Spent yesterday renewing visas, food shopping (not yet finished), rising down boat, and taking well deserved long afternoon nap. Will begin planning remainder of stay. Leilani will probably post on FB more details of our trip so far. Cheers.

Left Fulaga at 1600 yesterday, 30 September. Spend a wonderful 6-weeks there. Have been motoring the whole way as there is no wind and will continue to do so until destination. ETA Savusavu is 0700 tomorrow 2 October. No fish. Haven't made any concrete plans on where to go after getting visas renewed for last 5-6 weeks in Fiji. Will keep you advised. Cheers

Sadly, after 5-wonderful weeks we must finally leave Fulaga. Will travel to Savusavu via Matuku. Our visas need to be renewed by 10 Oct. This place has been absolutely wonderful. Virtually everyone knows us. We've been saying good-by's and everyone is genuinely sadden to see us leave. Leilani has been shedding tears. Will send more detailed info about our stay, along with pics once we return to Savusavu where internet is faster than dial-up speed here.

Arrived Fulanga on 20 August. Our initial impressions upon entering the lagoon after a rather challenging entry through the pass were WOW!!! Without a doubt this is the most beautiful place we've visited in Fiji, bar none. It has a lagoon 6 x 5 miles dotted throughout with mushroom looking islets. There are 3 villages with a total of about 350 people. There are only 5 yachts here. After doing sevusevu with the chief (who is 94 years old), each yacht is assigned a village sponsor to help you throughout your stay. The sponsor introduces you around the villagers, takes you to interesting places around the island and lagoon, invites you to village functions, has meals at their houses (and we have them to the boat for meals). Will write more when we return to "civilisation" with internet (this is being sent via SSB radio) and more bandwidth.

Left Vanua Balava at 0700 on 19 August. Headed to Fulanga , the southern most Lau island. ETA is morning of 20 August. This is last internet access we have until we return from Fulunga. No internet there. The Google Earth picture to this message is Fulunga. See you when we return to civilisation.

After 4 weeks in Savusavu recovering from my back injury, we finally leave to return to the Lau Group. Once there, we will be mostly out of internet range - that's how remote it is. Our location shown on the Google Earth picture is Vanua Mbalava, where we are first headed. Our ultimate destination is Fulanga at the southern most end of the Group. Will try to keep you advised of our travels through SSB radio transmissions. But sometimes propagation will be spotty.

Cut our Lau Group tour short and returned to Savusavu on 13 July. Reason: John injured his back. Will be seeing a doctor. Don't quite know what can be done here except get pain pills. The pain is quite severe. It feels like a re-occurrence of sciatica last had a few years ago after trying to do intense gym work-out. This time pain came on after about 20-minutes of vigorously and continually pulling the start cord on our secondary dingy engine, which wouldn't start. The saying, "I'm getting too old for this", applies here. Didn't want to try and tough it out in one of the remotest part of Fiji in case I ran out of pain pills. So back to "civilisation" we came. I'll be laid up onboard while Leilani stocks up our severely depleted supplies. Then off we go again.

From our last entry, you will know we arrived at Vanua Mbalavu on 24 June after an overnight motor. We went to Nabuvatu Bay. Talk about an all weather anchorage. Probably one of the most scenic, and calm anchorages we've ever stayed in. In fact, we toyed with idea staying for the whole season, it's that peaceful. The caretaker, Filipe, was wonderful to us. He, his sister, uncle, and 4 others who I'm sure are related, live in a group of small huts on the property. The property is owned by the same people who own the Copra Shed and Vunda Point marinas. They are still rebuilding the owners' two houses that were completely destroyed in Winston, 2-years ago. Their huts were also completely destroyed, but were re-built within 3-months after the storm. After giving Filipe and his family sunglasses, shirts, and fishing lures, he brought us 3 lobsters. From our standpoint, it was a great trade.

After 11 days, we reluctantly moved today (5 July 2017). Went around the other side of the island to better known "Bay of Islands". This is the bay with many mushroom looking islets. It's nice, but not as secluded as Nabuvatu Bay. We'll wait for a weather window to sail due south to Fulunga, and other remote islands to assist as many villages as we can. All is well on the boat. Hope all is well with everyone back in the "world".

Today is Tuesday, 27 June. Left Savusavu on Friday at 1200. Dropped anchor at 0945 on Saturday at Nabuvatu Bay on Vanua Mbalavu (pronounced Balavu), in the northern Lau Group. Since then we have been getting our head around how spectacularly beautiful it is. Imagine Waikiki before one hotel, or condo, or road, or house, or restaurant, or shopping mall, was built - and before internet. There is absolutely no tourist accommodation whatsoever! The only evidence of the outside world are about 30 or so yachts anchored in lovely sites around the island. Nabuvatu Bay is a fiord-like bay of blue-green water surrounded by 180mtr high cliffs of jungle greenery. We hiked to the top of the cliffs that give a magnificent heart-stopping view of much of the island. There we distributed some of our glasses and t-shirts and children's stuffed toys to the small settlement of islanders. Everyone was very appreciative of the gifts. Cyclone Winston damage was still visible in the form of destruction of the coconut plantation the settlement managed. Were told it would take about 5-years for the trees to come back and be productive. One of the locals has promised to come by the boat tonight at 7pm with some lobsters. We're waiting for some of the yachts to leave before moving to another anchorage. Long term plan is to work our way south through the Lau Group. I'm out of adjectives and superlatives to describe this place and the people, so I'll sign off for the time being. Stay tune.

Been in Savusavu for 2 weeks resting from our trip up and waiting for a weather window to go to the Lau Group. For the last 3-days we've anchored in front of the Cousteau Resort Hotel, about 5-miles from the main town of Savusavu. It's been lovely, and today we have our weather window to go to the Lau Group. It's 100nm. Because the window is open only until tomorrow night, we will make a straight motor/sail. We'll leave at 1pm and expect it to take about 19hrs. That'll put us in tomorrow morning.

Thought you might be interested in some data of our NZ-Fiji trip:

Total Nautical Miles = 1321

Total Time = 235.5hrs (9days, 19hrs, 26min) (doesn't include several days stop at N & S Minerva Reefs)

Average speed = 5.6kts

Total Engine Run = 111.5hrs (47.3% of total trip)

The most amazing fact is we never took a wave over the deck. In 10 trips we've made up and back, this is a first. A real fact (not fake fact) that it was the most benign trip ever.

Stay tuned for more after we get to the Lau Group.

Today is Wednesday, 14 June. We actually arrived in Savusavu at 1215 on 10 June. But our first stop in Fiji was Koro Island on 9 June where we spent the night. This stop was necessitated by the fact we couldn't reach Savusavu in daylight. In Fiji, one never, ever goes into a harbour at night. Anyway, we arrived safely, and actually refreshed after the Koro stop. I will post a more detailed synopsis of the end of our trip on Leilani's Facebook. So tune in there - in a day or two when I actually get around to writing it.

We're planning to leave Minerva Reef today (6 June) for Savusavu. Will let you know when we arrive. It is expected to be between 75 & 95 hrs depending on wind. Because of our fuel issue, we will not be using the motor on an unlimited basis. "Chris Legan" <E5U3747@sailmail.com>

We're planning to leave Minerva Reef today (6 June) for Savusavu. Will let you know when we arrive. It is expected to be between 75 & 95 hrs depending on wind. Because of our fuel issue, we will not be using the motor on an unlimited basis. "Chris Legan" <E5U3747@sailmail.com>

Since our last communication here is what's happened. On 2 June 2017 at 1230 we arrived at South Minerva Reef. Here are some statics of our passage: Total Miles - 838nm; Total time - 6 days 4.5hrs (148.5hrs); Average Speed - 5.6kts. And here is the most usual statistic: Total Engine Run Time - 94.8hrs (a whopping 63.8% of the trip!!). This has led to our fuel supply issue. After a night of uncomfortable rolling, we left yesterday and arrived at North Minerva Reef after a 6.25hr, 29nm sail in very light winds right up the bum. Not our favourite point of sail. Light winds are predicted over the next week. We will stay at least today (4 June), but that can change once we study the weather charts. There were 18 yachts in S. Minerva. There are 21 yachts in N. Minerva. N. Minerva is essentially a circle with a 2.5nm diameter. If you remember your high school geometry, you'll be able to figure out the interior volume, which I don't and which I can't. But it's huge. So 21 boats is nothing. And there is no rolling here. While it was overcast all yesterday, the sun is coming out now, so we look forward to a lovely day with gentle 10kt winds out of the SW. All is well onboard.

We are 22nm from South Minerva Reef and expect to arrive around noon. Once there we will be waiting for the first available weather window with sufficient wind to sail to Fiji. According to latest weather maps we have, that could be several days. We are very short of fuel due to all the motoring we've done getting this far. As such we will not be sending or receiving any emails (like this one) until we get to Fiji. The reason is we need to conserve our fuel. To send and receive emails, we need to operate out ship's radio, which takes lots of power. That means we need to run the engine to keep up the battery power. The less we run the engine, the more fuel we conserve. So don't be concerned when you don't hear from us for the short foreseeable future.

Later at net time/ Motoring with sv Pixie beside them. Minerva this morning

This is being written as of 1630hrs on 1 June. Or is it 31 May? Since we crossed the 180 degree meridian today, the date line, it is yesterday. But not to cause confusion, we maintain NZ time onboard, so it's 1 June, day 6 of our passage. Been motoring since early this morning before sunrise, and will motor all the way to Minerva Reef, which we calculate arriving at about 1300 tomorrow, 2 June. At that time we estimate to have only 1.5 days of motoring fuel left out of over 5.5 days of fuel upon departure. This has been the most wind deprived crossing we have ever experienced out of now our 10th passage up to and down from the islands. Today we had essentially zero wind, resulting in inky smooth seas. We'll have to stay in Minerva until enough wind fills in between there and Fiji to sail the 3-days to Fiji. Based on current weather charts we're getting, we may be at Minerva 3-4 days. But I'm looking forward to checking off from my bucket list catching and eating Minerva Reef cray (that's lobster for the norte americanos). All's well onboard. We're eating regularly, taking daily showers, and otherwise enjoying a very benign trip.

Minerva tomorrow pm

With no wind, and having motored all night, the first job of the day was to transfer the fuel in our deck jerry cans into the main ship's tank. That added 140lts (36.8 gals for our metric challenged norte americano friends & relatives) to the ship's 380lts (100 gals for you know who) main tank. After 60hrs of motoring since leaving on Saturday, we were starting to have to do some serious fuel consumption calculations. But at noon, things really changed. Unpredicted by our weather charts we download everyday, wind began filling in. Immediately we turned off the engine, and the sound of silence was music to our ears. Initially the winds were light 6-10kts from the NW which gave us a beautiful point of sail of 60 degrees off the bow. Our 3 sails filled and we slid across flat seas at a stately 4.5 - 5 kts. As the afternoon wore on the winds built to 12-16kts and our speed jumped to 6.5-7kts. For our heavy boat, that is trucking along. It's now 1600 and the winds are starting to subside a bit, but we continue to cruise along comfortably. I can't remember better sailing conditions. Flat seas, perfect wind direction and strength for fast and comfortable passage. If it was like this all the time, I might begin to actually enjoy these long passages.

Another gloriously sunny, clear day. This morning had great sailing. With the light winds we used the cruising spinnaker. Not Leilani's favourite as it can get out of control easily if the winds pipe up. Good only in winds less than 12kts. Winds in afternoon went very light and variable so the "iron genny" went back on - that an "engine" for you landlubbers. Figure we have about 4 days worth of fuel left, and tomorrow looks like a motoring day again.. But after that the winds should be back enough to sail - otherwise we start thinking about rowing. Temperature keeps rising as we get farther away from NZ. Today the jackets came off. Won't be long before we're in shorts and t-shirts. All good onboard.

third day at sea. sailing conditions continue to be storybook great. gentle winds, calm seas, glorious sun, clear sky punctuated by fluffy balls of cloud. how about that for poetry. it's dinner time now, and we just had our daily hot shower. of course we have hot water. last 24 hrs we did 152nm averaging 6.3kts. for us that's a very productive day toward our destination. tomorrow is forecast to be very light variable winds, so looks like motoring. stay tuned.

sorry about delay getting update sent. noticed i had wrong email address. anyway, it's now our second full day out. left at 0800 saturday morning in thick fog and no wind, motor on 9hrs. since then it's been light winds calm seas resulting in both sailing and motoring. last night wind was strongest we've had but great sailing. all's well with us. just starting to get our sea legs. stay tuned.

Finally!!!! We're leaving tomorrow, Saturday 27 May (Friday 26 May for the Norte Americanos). Looks like a nice ride ahead with no particuarly bad interludes of storms and head winds. Of course, just by saying this, we'll probably get some. We'll try to send an update daily, unless I'm too tired, lazy, or just don't feel like it. Minerva Reef next stop.

I feel like a ping pong ball. Yesterday I pinged and said we're leaving on Friday. Today I ponged - departure delayed. As in past, it's the weather. The low that develops SSE of Fiji on Tuesday is just too uggggly to consider sailing into. While current weather models show it moving SE, it is too big and those kinds of weather patterns too unpredictable to rely on models this far out in time. We'll wait throughout the weekend to follow the prognosis. Hopefully it won't be a long wait. Stay tuned. Your serve.

Looks like we're finally going to leave. Departure set for Friday morning, 19 May (Thursday for all you Norte Americanos). Hopefully I won't suffer too much from sleep deprevation to update you all regularly on our progress. Stay tuned.

Could it be? Could there be a weather window at the end of next week? Looks that way. Presently Friday or Saturday (NZ time) look like possibilities. Will get a firmer handle on the day by Tuesday. This is has been the longest weather wait we've experienced. Global warming must be keeping the waters warmer for longer which in turn causes cyclones. At least that's my simplistic view. Or maybe Neptune has been in a testy mood. Stay tuned.

Our travels so far can be summed up in one word: anxious. Anxious to leave. Anxious about gaining weight from going to bon voyage dinners. Anxious that bon voyage dinner hosts think we are just mooching free meals off them. That's right. We're still stuck in NZ because of bad weather. Cyclone Donna has been creating havoc this past week. As she dies out over next couple of days from a cyclone into a depression moving SE toward NZ, it continues to cause terrible weather conditions to sail away. So we sit tight, watch the weather prognosis daily, with the latest not showing a window to leave until at least late next week. Today we're off to the Auckland Maritime Museum to see how the ancients did it in their outrigger canoes. BTW, we're still available for bon voyage dinners.

Yesterday the deep depression NW of Vanuatu was officially named a Tropical Cyclone (hurricane for your northern hemipherers), named Donna. The name doesn't do the destructive potential justice. Anyway, according to latest weather models, Donna may dissapate around Thursday, next week, making Friday, Saturday or Sunday, next week potential for jumping off - finally. Will keep you advised.

Completed my morning survey of several weather sites. It's official: Weather still too grim to leave. The weather models show the depression/potential cyclone NW of Vanuatu definitely migrating SE to below Fiji over next week, making any departure soon out of the question. Latest long term prognosis is no weather window until 13 May. But that being so far out, it could change. Unless there is a material weather change between now and then, I'll refrain from sending these messages out. Will get back when we have a definite "go" date.

Weather has turned against leaving. The beginnings of a potential cyclone just NW of Vanuatu has put us on hold. Boats up and down NZ are anxiously awaiting a weather break to begin the trek northward. Our weather guru is saying not looking good until at least late this week, and then maybe not. Everyday we check the weather on a website called Windyty.com. Check it out. Can see weather anywhere in the world. Will keep you advised as the days roll on.

Not leaving Gulf Harbour for at least a week as weather deteriorated.