Bravado

Tue Nov 29 20:39 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7 kn
knts
GPS: 34 36.512S 174 12.291E
Run: 90.9nm (164.5km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192.2nm
Weather: wind 14kn W , Seas 0.5m lazy, 0 % cloud cover, 1016 baro. Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Welcomed to NZ by dolphins this evening. great sail past Nth Cape once Westerly kicked in at 1530. Swell gone & reaching down coast, lookin to be stunning sunset soon, no clouds, last night at sea and it looks to be a beaut. All crew looking forward to seeing their loved ones at Marsden tomorrow mid-day.


Tue Nov 29 9:18 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7 kn
knts
GPS: 33 22S 173 41E
Run: 106.5nm (192.8km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 177.5nm
Weather: wind 8-10kn SSW , Seas 2.0m lazy SW swell, 1m chop , 20 % cloud cover, 1018 baro.

Sailed till 0230 then motor sailed into headwinds & 2 m swells. Our world has now been on an angle for 5 days.

All looking forward to level land. Closest land only 1 km away but unfortunately its straight down & we dont want to go there.... Next land 69 nm to Nth Cape.

All well onboard. ETA Marsden aprox Wed noon.


Mon Nov 28 18:54 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6 kn
knts
GPS: 32 10S 172 32E
Run: 60.7nm (109.9km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 140.1nm
Weather: wind 13kn SSW , Seas 3.0m lazy SW swell, 1m chop , 60 % cloud cover, 1014 baro. Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Headwinds straight out from Langs Beach, thanks Shirl....Pushing 2kn tide this afternoon so motor sailing in 2 m rollers most of the day and into tonight. Seas bit sloppy . Roast Chicken Dinner on the go... Cloudless sky now.

All well onboard.


Mon Nov 28 8:30 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7 kn
knts
GPS: 31 23S 172 04E
Run: 98.1nm (177.6km)
Avg: 8.1knts
24hr: 193.8nm
Weather: wind 13kn SSW , Seas 3.0m lazy SW swell, 1m chop , 60 % cloud cover, 1014 baro. Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Good SW winds of 14-18kn last night had us reaching at 7-8 kn through the night. At 0500 an unexpected rain squall got the crew up & motivated us to reef quickly. Great crew work. Blue sky with cumulus clouds to windward, looks like a bumpy, great day ahead.. 300 n miles to Go All well onboard


Sun Nov 27 20:21 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.6kn
knts
GPS: 30 08S 171 17E
Run: 76.4nm (138.3km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.8nm
Weather: wind 12kn SSW , Seas 3.0m. 60 % cloud cover, 1014 baro. Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Beautiful sailing most of day in light winds and sunny Sky. Boys powering through novels, lots of relaxing & snoozing going on. Heading into 4th night at sea and all aboard happy. Light head winds forcast for the rest of the trip. 380 n miles to go. ETA still Marsden Wednesday all going to plan....


Sun Nov 27 8:48 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.2kn
knts
GPS: 29 07S 170 47E
Run: 69.7nm (126.2km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 134.9nm
Weather: wind 7kn S , Seas 1.0m. 30 % cloud cover, 1015 baro. Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Motorsailed straight into it last night with quite a few bangs to keep us on our toes. Wax earplugs resulted in good sleep for all off watch despite the movement.

Suns out on a beautiful morning and all onboard are feeling good.

Passed 1/2 way mark yesterday.

Expect to sail later this morn as wind clocks through Sth to SW as we get closer to this high.

.Thanks for your YIT messages and big thanks to Kingsley for accurate weather routing info.


Sat Nov 26 20:24 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.5kn
knts
GPS: 28 10S 170 24E
Run: 67.9nm (122.9km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 152.3nm
Weather: wind 18kn SE, Seas 2.5m. 60 % cloud cover, 1013 baro.

Big difference going into tonight. 18kn head winds and 2.5m seas with sharp wind chop on top has us banging & into it. Wind & seas should ease tonight we trust as we are heading towards a high.... Holding on and having Chilli Concarne for dinner.

Crew all O.K


Sat Nov 26 9:42 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.0kn
knts
GPS: 27 31S 169 34E
Run: 109.3nm (197.8km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 173.1nm
Weather: wind 8kn NW, Seas 1.0m. 100 % cloud cover, 1012 baro. Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Left Code 0 up till 0300 in calm star lit night with bright phosphorescence. Good sleep for everyone and shifts went quick.

Luckily performance of crew improved before Captains review meeting with 1 x tuna landed and 1 x Huge Blue Marlin dropped (phew) after spectacular hookup 25m from stern. The hookup occurred as Robbie was discarding the eggshells from breakfast...Burley ??? Now motoring in 8kn NW cloud getting lower by the hr..... 1/3 of the way home. Crew happy.


Fri Nov 25 18:33 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.0kn
knts
GPS: 26 12S 168 35E
Run: 277.7nm (502.6km)
Avg: 28.3knts
24hr: 680.1nm
Weather: wind 10kn NE, Seas 1.0m. 80 % cloud cover, 1011 baro Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Beautiful day today reaching in 8 - 17kn.NE Sun & Code 0 out all day and its still real warm here. Lots of reading and snoozing happening among the crew. Seas dropped & real comfortable now.

Lots of bird life but No Fish...Crew performance review scheduled AM tomorrow if this does not improve...

Front expected over us at midnight tonight.

Now 219nm fm Ilse des Pins, 658nm to go to Whangarei heads....


Fri Nov 25 8:45 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7.0kn
knts
GPS: 22 12S 168 10E
Run: 44.4nm (80.4km)
Avg: 3.6knts
24hr: 86.3nm
Weather: wind 15-18kn NE, Seas 1.5m. 90 % cloud cover, 1010 baro Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

All good aboard after 1st night at sea with thunder lightening all around us. We dodged the rain cells thru the night to aviod getting zapped. Good sailing, bit bumpy and winds up & down.

Doing 0800 8752 sched so look out GH Radio, just need a weather guru and we are in business...


Thu Nov 24 20:24 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7.0kn
knts
GPS: 22 41.589S 167 43.220E
Run: 16.9nm (30.6km)
Weather: wind 15 kn NE, Seas 1.5m. 50 % cloud cover, 1012 baro Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

Dinner on the go bit bumpy out here on the start of the first night. Great days sail doing 8kn plus with True Blue then passing Eerie Spirit..


Thu Nov 24 11:48 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7.8kn
knts
GPS: 22 47.788S 167 28.787E
Run: 9.8nm (17.7km)
Weather: wind 15 kn NE, Seas 1.5m. 50 % cloud cover, 1012 baro Cheers Al & Shirl Reynolds

3 POB Ground Control to Major Tom, Anchors up & Jackets on.

Left Ilse des Pins 1000 NZ daylight time.

True Blue left same time as us.

Great start to trip to NZ...warm breeze & romping along.


Mon Nov 21 9:50 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.590S 167 26.405E
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)

Weather: E 20-25 100% Cloud & Rain. Baro 1015


Hoping to leave Ilse des Pins maybe Wednesday as soon as this low departs and winds abate. All good onboard, stores running low and beer rationing is in full force. Trading with others in bay has us with fresh ginger crunch and date loaf swapped 4 caned butter. Good score for the boys..

6 yachts waiting with us. Movie & book day in the rain...


Mon Nov 14 8:02 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.59913S 167 26.55179E
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Weather: NE 5kn . 5% Cloud. Baro 1012

It's looking like Wednesday/Thursday departure from here now. Thanks David & Patricia for the great weather insights.


Rigged furling inner forestay & test sailed yesterday. Great weather here at present.


Ilot Brosse.
Sat Nov 12 7:52 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.818S 167 26.687E
Run: 0.4nm (0.7km)
Weather: 10kn S 50% cloud.

Back afloat after leaving Bravado on Marina at Noumea for 12 days & returning to NZ. During which time someone stole entire ignition assembly from outboard ...so no outboard ....At Ile des Pins now after nice sail fm Noumea. Waiting weather window for trip to NZ


Tue Oct 25 18:31 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.526s 167 26.456e
Run: 49.2nm (89.1km)

Ilse of Pines , Kuto. Shirl saw her 1st Dugon when we were enjoying the sunset in beanbags on forward deck last night. Too quick for a pic. Lots of big Remora's (sucker fish) under Bravado enjoying our scraps..


Great place for beach walks...


Bid Remora
Sat Oct 22 9:21 2016 NZDT
Speed:
0 kn
knts
GPS: 22 20.547S 166 45.089E
Run: 11.7nm (21.2km)
Weather: wind 15 kn ENE, Seas 0.0m. 20 % cloud cover, 1018 baro

Anchored Baie Ue. Paddle Boarded up interesting River at head of bay at full tide yesterdsy. Heading to Isle Casy today to feed resident Dog today


Baie Ue, up river in left cnr at full tide.
Thu Oct 20 16:08 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 17.867S 166 34.476E
Run: 11nm (19.9km)

Ilot Bailly , Tucked in behind beautiful island in (Nature Reserve). Left moving it a bit late after fresh provisioning at Noumea this morn. Breeze builds mid morning & up to 20kn hard on nose so stopped 1/2 way.


Wed Oct 19 10:41 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 19.94753S 166 24.39738E
Run: 9.4nm (17km)

Ilse Maitre. Nature reserve so lots of big fish in clear water around free moorings. Here with Fusio & Sharpe Focus. Lots of laughs & sundowners last night with everyone. .Elliotts dominate this beautiful spot. Sundowners booked on Bravado tonight....


Rare line up of Elliotts in New Cal
Sat Oct 15 1:12 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 12.66406S 166 20.46748E
Run: 16.2nm (29.3km)

Baye Maa. Nice bay .Prob stay till Monday. Real calm here tonight.. Great sail here today in 8-10kn. Yep ...code 0 again.


Fri Oct 14 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 06.109S 166 07.057E
Run: 8.3nm (15km)

Ile Ndukue . Big explore mission in dinghy around surrounding reefs & islands. Brilliant corals lots of turtles & big black tip shark.


Thu Oct 13 11:08 2016 NZDT
GPS: 21 59.84578S 166 3.13142E
Run: 56.3nm (101.9km)

Excellent sail up coast in 12-20kn., yea yea...code 0 again.. Calm sunny morning with Baie des Moustiques to ourselves..


Thu Oct 6 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 21.363S 166 50.521E
Run: 13.8nm (25km)

Ilot Casy . Picked up regional park mooring, ashore for sundowners & was met by & fed Moose the dog, the sole resident. He took us for guided walk around island on excellent well maintained tracks. Cool spot.


Moose
Ilot Casy, sundowners with contented, lone resident dog.
Wed Oct 5 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 33.111S 166 47.841E
Run: 10.8nm (19.5km)
Weather: Stunning. Oily calm w no cloud.

Ilot Mato. One of our favorites. Climbed to top for best ever views. Mirror calm, so paddle boarded around outer reef. Big shark followed Shirl for a while... Lots of Turtles. & small black tip sharks in shallows. Beers w Sharp Focus in evening.


Ilot Mato outer reef. Water unbelievably clear...
Tue Oct 4 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 42.460S 166 48.516E
Run: 4.6nm (8.3km)

Ilse Ua. Great Snorkelling & Paddleboarding at another beautiful anchorage in sand..Lots of small sharks in the shallows & snakes ashore. 


Sun Oct 2 21:03 2016 NZDT
Speed:
0 kn
knts
GPS: 22 46.437S 166 48.074E
Run: 41.5nm (75.1km)
Weather: wind 5 kn S, Seas 0.0m. 0 % cloud cover, 1015 baro

Anchored behind Ilse Kouare in Southern Lagoon on sand in 7m of water as clear as Gin. Spectacular coral. Lots of snakes ashore.


Sat Oct 1 22:25 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.53412S 167 26.44345E
Run: 3.3nm (6km)

In Kudo , beautiful beach & heaps of large turtles popping up in the calm anchorage. Ashore last night for sundowners & dinner at beachside Hotel Kou-Bugny for the worst & rudest service. Deena & Brad off on ferry this evening after excellent week together.


Fri Sep 30 8:01 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 42.164S 167 27.752e
Run: 13.8nm (25km)
Weather: Wind 5kn E, 20% high cloud..

Another beautiful anchorage, Ilse Brosse. Sundowners ashore last night . Hand feeding friendly Ramora's that think we are their mother ship...


Heading for sundowners ashore
Fri Sep 30 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 30.627S 167 24.317E
Run: 8.5nm (15.4km)

Sailed around top of Ilse of Pines. Dropped Deenz & Brad off in dinghy on east coast to explore Baye de Gadji  & met them on the west side....


Sun Sep 25 14:20 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 34.262S 167 31.289E
Run: 8.1nm (14.7km)

Baie De Ugo or Oro ?? Anchored in paradise. Deenz & Brad off exploring in dinghy. Here for a few days till Westerly dies...Couldnt get much better than this...


Walked to the blue  hole for snorkeling.. This place is stunning
Sat Sep 24 22:27 2016 NZST
GPS: 22 39.810s 167 26.661E
Run: 69.5nm (125.8km)

Great 10 hr sail fm Noumea in light winds yesterday to Ilse of Pines. Brad & Deenz arrived on 0930 ferry this morn . Good to catch up .Stunning day of swimming & enjoying the sun..


Fri Sep 23 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 22 16.631S 166 26.404E
Run: 39.9nm (72.2km)

Up early , off to fresh fruit & vegie markets, then immigration, then supermarket, then pack & be ready to leave for Isle o pines early tomorrow....no rest for the wicked....Good to be here...


Wed Sep 21 7:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
7 kn
knts
GPS: 22 19.972S 167 03.690E
Run: 180.2nm (326.2km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 182.5nm
Weather: wind 8 kn S, Seas 0.5m. 90 % cloud cover, 1015 baro

Entering Havanah Pass. New Cal.. Motoring into head SW winds last night but only 8-11 kn. Motorsailig now. Clearing in later today. Yeee haaaa....


Tue Sep 20 7:51 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.7 kn
knts
GPS: 21 21.610S 169 40.100E
Run: 193.7nm (350.6km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192.9nm
Weather: wind 5kn NE, Seas 1.0m. 20 % cloud cover, 1017 baro

Yesterday another great day of Code 0 sailing in 12-18 kn, shared between Otto Von Helm and Capt Al. Wind died off to 5 kn by 0100 this morning so turned on Viki Vulva ( Motor) for what may appear to be the rest of the run to Noumea..

ETA Havanah Pass dawn tomorrow....


Mon Sep 19 7:45 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 58S 172 16E
Run: 200.7nm (363.3km)
Avg: 8.6knts
24hr: 206.3nm
Weather: wind 12.5kn SE, Seas 1.5m. 25 % cloud cover, 1016 baro

Day 3 now and its turned out to be fantastic passage. Yesterday morning Day2 calmed off and we had 10- 17 kn allowing some great Code 0 sailing in the morning. 8-9 kn 2 sail reaching into the evening. Great sunset then big moon. Lots of sleep last night for the capt and admiral. The seas have calmed down to 1-1.5m. Wind at 120deg and 12knSE, ideal.... Code 0 up again letting admiral off to after long morning shift..


Sun Sep 18 8:24 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39.414S 175 00.774E
Run: 161nm (291.4km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 185.4nm
Weather: wind 13.5kn ENE, Seas 1.8m. 20 % cloud cover, 1014 baro

Sloppy 1st night with a few cockpit focused waves in 18-22 kn. Full moon made it bearable. 2 reefs in main & headsail for night. Wind eased to 13-15 this morning. Suns out. 2 POB all well


Sat Sep 17 11:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 41.231S 177 14.544E
Run: 10.4nm (18.8km)

Leaving Fiji. Heading to New Cal . Stunning day today 6 kn SE.


Tue Sep 13 7:29 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 38.546S 177 23.601E
Run: 9nm (16.3km)
Weather: Wind 0 kn, Cloud 90% , Baro 1018

In Sawini Bay getting a shower of sugar cane fire ash , Checked back in to customs, looking at leaving later this week for New Cal........


Tue Sep 6 11:27 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 46.372S 177 22.903E
Run: 12.6nm (22.8km)

Back at Denarau Marina .Getting everything ready for 1100km trip to New Cal, prob leaving Fri/Sat weather permitting.


Fri Sep 2 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 46.259S 177 11.392E
Run: 42.3nm (76.6km)

Musket Cove for last night w Phil & Colleen. Brilliant week up to Yasawas and back. Great crew & lots of fun & I think the boys are still better at 500 than the girls...


Wed Aug 31 7:49 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 9.50559S 177 12.22918E
Run: 10.4nm (18.8km)

Another stunner day yesterday w no wind . Ashore for beach walk & to visit Lisa's stingray & tell it how good her foot had healed since it stabbed her in 2013...couldn't find it..... Had great snorkel in pass at hi tide with Manta Rays and huge bait schools . After the other boats left we found the Rays again circling a school of fish on the surface and doing underwater back flips. We had our own private show. Skurfing at sundown in mirror calm topped off another great day.


Manta ray girl Shirl
Mon Aug 29 21:51 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 16.53539S 177 6.32064E
Run: 13.4nm (24.3km)

Motored up Waya to Octopus. Another stunning windless day with 10kn S in afternoon. Swims then ashore for sundowners and dinner with Phil & Colleen. This is another beautiful anchorage....we bit sloppy at night.


Sundowners at Octopus Resort
Sun Aug 28 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 27.606S 177 02.633E
Run: 31nm (56.1km)

In Navandra for night. Great sail in perfect Code 0 conditions to get here. Cloudless sky... Lots of swims in Luke warm clear water and good walks ashore.. This is a beautiful place. Became uncomfortable and squally for a period at night. Calm again by morn....


Sat Aug 27 7:20 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 46.34119S 177 22.92767E
Run: 37.9nm (68.6km)

On Denarau Marina. Supplies & New batteries stowed & installed. . Very social life on the marina.... Phil & Colleen arrive today. Heading out tomorrow....


Wed Aug 24 8:03 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 23.548S 177 47.763E
Run: 67.4nm (122km)
Weather: 2 kn SE, Cloud 80% , Baro 1015

Arrived al Longick Bay ( for the lack of another name) at 1645 after great trip fm Leluvia in 15-23 kn. inside the reef. Great very sheltered anchorage.

Up early & off to Saweni Bay or Denarau today, in oily calm conditions at present.


Mon Aug 22 20:04 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 48.629S 178 43.236E
Run: 202.1nm (365.8km)

Said our goodbuys to Vulanga & host family, were fed ,entertained & drank Kava, given presents and hugs. Also farewell to Blinder for a little while. Loved the card games in the rain, snorkeling the pass & the Blue holes.

Now at Leluvia after boisterous o/night sail fm Vulanga. Arrived here in rain squalls and 20-25kn SE.

Still grey and rainy. Early to bed as didn't sleep last night.


Wed Aug 10 8:42 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 09.171S 178 32.372W
Run: 2.2nm (4km)
Weather: wind 18kn ESE, Seas 0.0m. 100 % cloud cover, 1016 baro

Rain Rain go away, we have had enough of you for today. Rained & Blew since Saturday. Looking to clear sometime today and slowly improve from here. Postponed village Sevusevu due to rain deluges but will prob do it later today with Blinder. Sky on the ESE horizon looking like lifting at last.


Mon Aug 8 7:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 08s 178 34w
Run: 206nm (372.9km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 112.5nm
Weather: 100%cc, drizzle, 13SE, 1013

moaning about lack of sunshine!


Sat Aug 6 11:36 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 09.135S 178 32.367W
Run: 91.3nm (165.3km)
Weather: wind 10kn NE, Seas 0.0m. 20 % cloud cover, 1011 baro

Arrived 0745 Falanga, or Vulanga Is in Southern Lao. Enjoyable sail yesterday in 10-14Kn, East backing NE overnight easing in early hrs so motorsailed. Once safely in the narrow reef pass it was well worth the effort. What an unreal stunning location housed in a huge aqua blue lagoon. We can now see why boats come here for months.....


Vulanga, Sandspit anchorage.
Paradise.
Thu Aug 4 18:25 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 44.675S 179 46.280W
Run: 2nm (3.6km)

Qamea Is, NW Anchorge, stunning day, walk ashore, white sandy beach, blue warm water, yacht friendly locals, what more could you wish for. Dinghy on deck ready for early 0700 sail to Fulanga. ETA 0700 Sat.


Qamea Is. Shirl ready for shell hunting ashore...
Wed Aug 3 8:52 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 43.815S 179 44.680W
Run: 34.8nm (63km)

Matagi Is anchored in wot appears to be an beautiful old volcanic crater. Oh well, more snorkeling , paddle boarding & exploring ...then cards & yelling w Blinder..


Blinder enjoying Matagi Anchorage
Mon Aug 1 16:11 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 43.534S 179 43.79e
Run: 29.8nm (53.9km)

Stocked up again at Savusavu this morn then motor sailed with Code 0 to Fawn Harbour in lovely calm seas & 6-9 kn breeze. Now at anchor in afternoon rain shower.... off in morn to Taveuni and Qamea Is with Blinder.


Fawn Harbour in morn w Blinder,
Heading to Taveuni . Love my wife & code 0 in that order.
Sat Jul 30 7:52 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 48.618S 179 17.290E
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)

Away at last from the ease of life on a Copra Shed Berth. 10 days of being 5 m from the Copra SHed Bar , delivery meals to our cockpit, fresh fruit & vegie market & real social friendly scene...So easy to stay another day but great to be back at anchor. Blinder arrived yesterday so now waiting weather window to head SE.


Walk up hill fm Cousteau's Resort.
Mon Jul 18 8:24 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 46.582s 179 19.639E
Run: 162.6nm (294.3km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 155.2nm
Weather: wind 5kn ESE, Seas 0.0m. 10 % cloud cover, 1017 baro

Arrived 0530 Savusavu, Fiji. Enjoyable broad reach yesterday in 14-20Kn, overnight bit light, died off 0330 so motored last 2 hrs. Napping now & awaiting customs clearance. Good passage, will done Shirl xxxx


Copra Shed, Savusavu
Sun Jul 17 7:15 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 36s 178 22w
Run: 184.7nm (334.3km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 185.1nm
Weather: wind 12- 18kn ESE, Seas 1.5m. 100 % cloud cover, heavy showers 1017 baro

Great night ,motored all night in light winds. Awoke this morn to grey skies and rain squalls around us. Seas now confused 1.5m. Bout to set sail again once rain squall passes. Pilot house sailors try not to get too wet, Are we soft or wise, or both ?.... ETA Savusavu Monday morn. All well onboard


Sat Jul 16 7:18 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 13s 175 38w
Run: 112.3nm (203.3km)
Weather: wind 12 kn SE, Seas 1.0m. 80 % cloud cover. 1018 baro

Departed Vavau 1730 last evening heading Savusavu. 2 POB. Wind variable with good reaching up to 10kn boat speed to periods of motoring. Main up & down last night lots. Overcast but lovely bright night. All well onboard.


By net time they reported cloud 70%. And wind 12SSE. No shwrs.


Thu Jul 7 7:31 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 41.839S 173 59.855W
Run: 2.7nm (4.9km)

Lisa Beach #10 & tied back to trees ashore. Oily Calm & beautiful here. Paddle boarding and big walk ashore planned for today..


Bravado at Lisa's Beach #10 Tied to Tree Ashore.
Tue Jul 5 12:56 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39.618S 173 58.952W
Run: 4.2nm (7.6km)

Neiafu Harbour for Kings Birthday &Independence Day Yacht race last night. Good fleet of 20 yachts. We got start wrong by so had to go around & back over line.... started behind fleet.....Won Race by 4 1/2 min. Great night ashore at Mangos.


Out in Front & Loving the Code 0.
Mon Jul 4 7:15 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42.022S 174 01.870W
Run: 3.9nm (7.1km)
Weather: wind 8kn E. Cloud 85% , Baro 1017.

Back in Port Maurelle . Kings Birthday today so everyone gets a holiday....us too.


Wed Jun 29 17:59 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 45.215S 174 00.815W
Run: 7nm (12.7km)

Pau Is for great day ashore on sandpit w Carlie Alan & Cody . Stunning anchorage.


Tue Jun 28 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39.417S 173 58.943W
Run: 9.9nm (17.9km)

Nuku Is. Great afternoon swimming & playing ashore This anchorage is what screen-savers of tropical islands are all about...


Hunter Family, Alan Carlie & Cody ready to go ashore.
Mon Jun 27 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 41.885S 174 07.631W
Run: 9.9nm (17.9km)

Hunga Lagoon. Walked to Village w Alan & Cody for a bit of culture, passion fruit & coconut trades. Less than 1m under keel on narrow entry,


Cody greeting local kids with a "Hi Five" at Hunga.
Sat Jun 25 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 39.362S 173 58.948W
Run: 4.5nm (8.1km)

Into Neiafu. Collected Carlie Alan & Grandson Cody (2) fm airport. Great 2 see them all well. Not sure who was the most excited, Shirl or Cody... Off to Port Maurelle for swims.


Mon Jun 20 7:09 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42.061s 174 01.871w
Weather: wind 5 kn SE, Seas 0.0m. 70 % cloud cover. 1013 baro

Arrived Port Maurelle at sundown. Beautiful Night, Calm Anchorage. Good to be in Vava'u again. Off to Neiafu today to extend Visas and do crazy cruising permit again.


Mon Jun 20 7:09 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 42.061s 174 01.871w
Run: 55.1nm (99.7km)
Avg: 2.5knts
24hr: 60.3nm
Weather: wind 5 kn SE, Seas 0.0m. 70 % cloud cover. 1013 baro

Arrived Port Maurelle at sundown. Beautiful Night, Calm Anchorage. Good to be in Vava'u again. Off to Neiafu today to extend Visas and do crazy cruising permit again.


Sun Jun 19 9:13 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.5kn
knts
GPS: 19 28s 174 16w
Run: 22.4nm (40.5km)
Weather: wind 10 kn ENE, Seas 1.0m. 20 % cloud cover. 1015 baro

Enroute Ha'apai to Vava'u. Great to be sailing again.


Fri Jun 17 8:15 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 46.892s 174 20.956w
Weather: wind 7 kn NE, Seas 0.0m. 90 % Hi cloud cover. 1016 baro

Still in NE Corner of Pangai by Airstrip. Awaiting E or SE for nice sail to Vava'u. Expect to leave in next day of so.


Mon Jun 13 7:02 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 46.876S 174 20.936W
Weather: Wind E 1Kn 100% Cloud, Rain easing, Baro 1014

Walking to airport in rain to make sure Bub & Gra get on the plane & take this horrid wet weather back to NZ with them. Rain stopping today. Very Good Anchorage in the NE blow.


Ha'apai & Rain Stopped for a bit
Fri Jun 10 7:07 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 46.892s 174 20.956w
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)
Weather: wind 15-20 kn NE, Seas 0.0m. 100 % cloud cover. 1015 baro

Moved to NE Corner of Pangai by Airstrip. 4 boats here. Good anchorage in NE winds. Looks like a lot of rain & wind coming in next 18hrs so its cards, books & movie time today.


Welcome to the Tropics.
Wed Jun 8 7:12 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 43.533s 174 17.459w
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Weather: wind 15 kn E, Seas 0.0m. 40 % cloud cover. 1019 baro

Tucked in a bit further along beach. Hiding from the predicted NE as front goes thru in next few days. Sunny between showers. Beautiful beach ashore. Shirl flies in today..


Sun Jun 5 18:35 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 43.320s 174 17.230w
Run: 12.1nm (21.9km)
Weather: SE 15kn , 80% cloud cover , baro 1016

Great sail to Uoleva but alas this year, no pirate party to greet us. Now at Foa, ashore for sundowners. Stunning anchorage, worth zooming in on this one. Prob here till the Shirl the Admiral arrives on Wednesday


Sat Jun 4 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 50.964S 174 24.855W
Run: 45.4nm (82.2km)
Avg: 2.9knts
24hr: 68.5nm

Uoleva , clear warm water & large friendly barracuda hanging around Bravado made us look b4 jumping in.


Fri Jun 3 8:06 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 26s 174 44w
Run: 55.2nm (99.9km)
Weather: wind 10 kn E, Seas 0.5m. 15 % cloud cover. 1017 baro

Enjoyed Kelefecia anchorage last night again. Up early & heading 4 Ha'apai's b4 the wind gets up.. Would like more South in todays wind please. Looks like a day hard on the wind....I didnt order this on my trip.. Bub settling after calling to "Ralf" yesterday....


Thu Jun 2 8:06 2016 NZST
GPS: 21 07.5126s 175 09.6931w
Run: 23.2nm (42km)
Weather: 20%CC, 11e, 1017

BACK TO kAELEFESIA TODAY


Wed Jun 1 6:55 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 50.98971S 174 57.43652W
Run: 25.1nm (45.4km)

Dropped boys off & topped Diesel up. Dinner at Big Mumma's. Nice & calm anchorage


Tue May 31 6:57 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 32s 174 46w
Run: 33.8nm (61.2km)
Weather: wind 10 kn E, Seas 0.5m. 20 % cloud cover. 1017 baro

Left Kelefecia, sloppy anchorage this morn, heading Nuku'alofa for crew swap & provisions. Murf & Mark off, Bub on tomorrow. Nice day for a sail.


Sat May 28 7:34 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 02.8 S 174 42.95 W
Run: 16.8nm (30.4km)

moved to Oua yesterday, caught tuna on the way (as usual)


Fri May 27 7:33 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 16.6S 174 48W
Weather: Ene18

One other boat here at Namuka where they are tucked in


Thu May 26 7:40 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 16.6S 174 48W
Run: 60.9nm (110.2km)
Weather: 5NN, 10%cc

had a great saill up yesterday and looking forward to being in the water today. great radio signal


Thu May 26 7:36 2016 NZST
No position sent.
Weather: 5NNE, 10%cc

anchored at Namuka after great sail up yesterday


Tue May 24 6:42 2016 NZST
Speed:
wind 5 kn SSE, Seas 1.0m soft swell. 20 % cloud cover. 1015 baro
knts
GPS: 21 02.108s 175 16.813w
Run: 173nm (313.1km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174.7nm

Yesterday was SW 10-13kn, Code 0 only sailing in big swells 4-5m. Motored all night in easing seas. Another bright moonlit night and what looks like a beautiful day ahead, Now Arriving at Tongatapu about to go thru Egeria Channel. Not a splash of salt water on deck and the fruitbowl stayed on the cockpit table the whole 1180 nm trip fm NZ.


Mon May 23 6:56 2016 NZST
Speed:
wind 11 kn SSW, Seas 4m soft swell fm Sth, 98 % cloud cover. 1013 baro
knts
GPS: 22 20s 177 35w
Run: 124.3nm (225km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 127.7nm

Left for Nuku'alofa @ 1400 in 20kn SW slowly dying to 8-12 kn. Big following sea 4-5m with messy 1m confused top chop made for an uncomfortable night motorsailing. Full Moon was good. Cottage Pie was great. All Well.


Sun May 22 7:34 2016 NZST
Speed:
wind 16 kn SW Sea Calm in here, 90 % cloud cover. 1011 baro
knts
GPS: 23 38s 178 56w

Calm sunny day yesterday for more awesome snorkelling @Nth Minerva. Anchored in NW cnr. Interesting morning when at 0330 - 25-35kn NW & rain visited us.

Leaving for Nuku'alofa mid morning , expected arrival Tuesday AM.


Sat May 21 8:11 2016 NZST
Speed:
wind 0.0kn NE Sea Calm 100 % cloud cover. 1015 baro
knts
GPS: 23 38s 178 56w
Run: 124.6nm (225.5km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 119.6nm

Superb snorkel for the morning in lagoon of Sth Minerva then motored 20nm to Nth Minerva. Caught Tunas & GT enroute in smooth seas & sunny skys.


Fri May 20 7:11 2016 NZST
Speed:
0.o
knts
GPS: 24 44s 179 30e
Weather: 3knts SE Sea Calm SE 30% cloud cover to the S.

Yet another great day reaching in beautiful conditions 08-14kn SE. Ran Code 0 all day and arrived Mineva Sth 1600. Caught 2 Tuna but Murfs knot gave one to the sharks.


Thu May 19 7:13 2016 NZST
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 24 44s 179 30e
Run: 179.3nm (324.5km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 175.9nm
Weather: 12knts SE Sea 1.5m SE 20% cloud cover.

Yet another great day & night reaching in beautiful conditions. 08-14kn SE. Ran Code 0 all day & thru the night.

Even though it boys only delivery a chick turned up on deck last night. I thought it was a Surefooted Big Breasted Brown Boobie but Tony W will have to confirm fm our photos. As you would expect, she shat all over the windows & left this morning without any thankyou. We are all defriending her from facebook.

ETA Sth Minerva 1600 .


Wed May 18 6:45 2016 NZST
Speed:
7.7
knts
GPS: 27 15s 178 48e
Run: 181.4nm (328.3km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 185.7nm
Weather: 14knts at 165T SE 1.0m 20% cloud cover. Rain Cloud to NE of us.

Another great day reaching & running in beautiful conditions. 13-19kn Sw backing to SE. Poled out headsail till evening . All well onboard enjoying TV series "Black Sails". Dying breeze had us motoring again till 0230. SE 12-15kn gave us a great predawn starlit sail.

ETA Minerva tomorrow late.


Later at GHRadio sked time. We talked to Al. Fantastic radio signal.


Tue May 17 7:18 2016 NZST
Speed:
7.8
knts
GPS: 29 44.827s 177 52.773e
Run: 177.1nm (320.6km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 175.3nm
Weather: 16knts at 144deg SW 2.5m . 20% cloud cover.

Turned Mtr off at 0830 ,Ran Code 0 doing 7kn in 8.5kn breese till 1230 then back to motoring in calm seas and fine skys. 0230 broke out code 0 again. All good onboard.


Mon May 16 7:03 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
GPS: 32 11.053s 176 57.522e
Run: 181.8nm (329.1km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 182.8nm
Weather: 7knts SW 2.5m swell from the SW with N 1.0m swel on top. 15% cloud cover.

Motored most of yesterday in calm seas & blue skys and last night throughout the most amazing mirror calm starlit night. 2.5m swells rolling fm SW in last 1/2 hr. Hope breese builds soon. All good onboard.


Sun May 15 7:11 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
GPS: 34 36.946s 175 45.281e
Weather: 12knts W 0.5m swell from the w 10% cloud coveron eastern horizon. send@yit.co.nz subj: Bravado

Nice 1st night at sea , motorsailed till 0500. All good onboard.


Sun May 15 7:11 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
No position sent.
Weather: 12knts W 0.5m swell from the w 10% cloud coveron eastern horizon. send@yit.co.nz subj: Bravado

Had a pleasant night, with mostly light winds, motored a bit. 150mile day.


Sun May 15 7:11 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
GPS: 34 36.946s 175 45.281e
Run: 152.7nm (276.4km)
Avg: 11.1knts
24hr: 267.2nm
Weather: 12knts W 0.5m swell from the w 10% cloud coveron eastern horizon.

Nice 1st night at sea , motorsailed till 0500. All good onboard.


Sat May 14 17:28 2016 NZST
GPS: 36 37.788s 174 38.264e
Run: 16.6nm (30km)

Ignore last post. setting up stuff & pressed the oops button.

Great day , nice sunset, code 0 up, dinner in oven, crew happy


Sat May 14 9:44 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
GPS: 36 49.301s 174 49.090e
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)
Weather: Wind W 2.4kn , 20% cloud.

Cleared customs & leaving NZ, stunning day , motoring over mirror calm seas, heading for Minerva.


Thu May 12 21:05 2016 NZST
GPS: 36 50.535s 174 45.537e

Final loading at Akl Viaduct for departure fm Auckland on Sat Morning heading Tonga via Minerva.


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