Cavalo

Tue Nov 20 12:45 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 05 31.8S 132 50.4E
Run: 132nm (238.9km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 140.2nm
Weather: Hot and calm

Sailing through our first Indonesian Islands! Should be in Tual by lunchtime. What are the chances of getting checked in in an afternoon...?


Mon Nov 19 14:09 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 07 17.72S 133 34.30E
Run: 156.5nm (283.3km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142nm
Weather: E 2kts, 0.2m swell

Fishing boats are back en masse. Putting along amidst some pretty great sea life- dolphin friends, jumping marlin, schooling tuna, giant jellies and snakes! Pretty entertaining for a motorboat ride. Should get in to Tual early afternoon tomorrow.


Sun Nov 18 11:42 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 08 28.50S 135 31.38E
Run: 145.3nm (263km)
Avg: 9.9knts
24hr: 238nm
Weather: E 4kts, 0.2m swell

We have run out of wind but also seem to have moved away from the fishing fleet which is nice. Holding out hope for some wind this morning. All is well aboard.


Sat Nov 17 21:03 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 09 26.23S 137 24.95E
Weather: E 12 kts, seas calm

Wing-on-wing, baby! Fast out the gate, though a little slower today. Spent the early morning navigating fishing boats and all their nets. All seem well lit so just need to keep a sharp eye. A squid found its way onto the deck and made quite a mess.

All is well aboard.


Sat Nov 17 21:03 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 09 26.23S 137 24.95E
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Weather: E 12 kts, seas calm

Wing-on-wing, baby! Fast out the gate, though a little slower today. Spent the early morning navigating fishing boats and all their nets. All seem well lit so just need to keep a sharp eye. A squid found its way onto the deck and made quite a mess.

All is well aboard.


Sat Nov 17 10:51 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 09 26.23S 137 24.65E
Run: 332.6nm (602km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 171.4nm
Weather: E 12 kts, 0.5m swell

Wing-on-wing, baby! Fast out the gate, though a little slower today. Spent the early morning navigating through fishing boats and all their nets. All seem well lit enough, just need to keep a sharp eye. A squid found its way on to the deck overnight and made quite a mess. All is well aboard.


Thu Nov 15 12:16 2018 NZDT
GPS: 10 34.73013S 142 9.50122E
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)
Weather: Wind E-SE at 13-17 kts.

Adios, Australia. Out the gate with the current and en route to Indo. Breeze should see us through to Saturday, likely motor from then on. Beautiful day for a sail.


Tue Nov 13 16:51 2018 NZDT
GPS: 10 35.87333S 142 14.10014E
Run: 20.8nm (37.6km)

Made it to our departure gate. Strong winds and crazy tides, sitting on anchor for a cycle before we get off the boat. Horn seems to be the better anchorage, so we'll see about taking a ferry over to Thursday where everything seems to happen.


Mon Nov 12 22:34 2018 NZDT
GPS: 10 41.466S 142 31.552E
Run: 7.2nm (13km)
Avg: 153.4knts
24hr: 3680.9nm

0900 - Anchor down off Cape York. Wide open bay but beautiful and perfectly comfortable. Having a good feed and spending the night. 20nm to Horn/Thursday in the morning.


Mon Nov 12 22:31 2018 NZDT
GPS: 10 44.95989S 142 36.82002E
Run: 157.3nm (284.7km)

0730 - Albany Pass. Timed the tides just right and getting swept through at good speed. Almost too fast as it's a very pretty route.


Sat Nov 10 0:00 2018 NZDT
GPS: 12 48.687S 143 35.838E
Run: 178.4nm (322.9km)

0900 - One day out of Lizard, headed to T.I. In a bit of a hurry so took outer channel. Minimal shipping traffic, only 6 commercial boats encountered between sunset and sunrise. Zipping along wing-on-wing at 7+ kts, wonderfully calm seas inside the reef. Very dark with no moon. No plans to stop along the way.


Wed Nov 7 0:00 2018 NZDT
GPS: 14 39.62402S 145 27.12676E
Run: 157.6nm (285.3km)

Arrived at Lizard at 0800 after an overnight from Trinity Park. 23-hour trip total. Staying for three nights before continuing north on Saturday. Beautiful island, lots to do.


Sat Aug 4 11:13 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 55.06991S 145 46.91548E
Run: 285.7nm (517.1km)

Arrived in Cairns. Found our honey-hole along the way and snagged a macky and a tuna. Bath-time for boat and crew.


Sun Jul 29 15:05 2018 NZST
GPS: 20 4.68748S 148 35.55949E
Run: 78.9nm (142.8km)

Not much wind past few days. Motoring north for a night off Cape Gloucester before heading on to Magnetic. We'd rather be sailing, but the seas are flat as and the whale sightings have been unreal.


Thu Jul 19 12:37 2018 NZST
GPS: 21 2.71261S 149 14.43533E
Run: 162.8nm (294.7km)

Well, Mackay was pretty neat :)


All stocked up on veg and fishing gear, so back out to the islands we go. Kite is up and lures are in the water. Wish us luck!


Thu Jul 12 12:32 2018 NZST
GPS: 22 50.61230S 150 52.88895E
Run: 98.5nm (178.3km)

Spinnaker run to Pear Bay after a few adventurous days at Great Keppel Island. Hoping to land a fish here soon as we chop away miles.


Sun Jul 8 11:30 2018 NZST
GPS: 24 1.72061S 151 44.57845E
Run: 386.6nm (699.7km)

Well, Cavalo and crew is officially off galavanting for another season. Holed up in Pancake Creek waiting for the wind to shift, then off north towards warmer weather. In the meantime- great lighthouse walk and flat anchorage. Lots of boats around and feels good to be back in the cruising community... any sparkies around that want to come fix our wind gen? Again?


Sat Dec 16 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 29 26.11762S 153 21.05539E
Run: 103.9nm (188.1km)

Home Sweet Home for the next half-year. Got ourselves a pilot boat in, courtesy of the good ship Kiapa. Cavalo's all put away and crew is clean. Heading to town to check it all out.


Sun Dec 3 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 27 56.05879S 153 26.25709E
Run: 148.6nm (269km)
Avg: 3.1knts
24hr: 74.3nm

Pit-stop in Gold Coast for a secondary pest inspection. Blah. Fortunate to have good friends in the area. Heading south once we get the green light from Bio.


Fri Dec 1 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 25 48.83515S 153 2.49621E
Run: 29.6nm (53.6km)

Anchored Pelican Bay. The rest of the Straits were wild to sail through, lots of shipwrecks and wiggling around. Will cross the Wide Bay Bar in the morning. A handful of others are doing the same - safety in numbers...


Wed Nov 29 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 25 23.17954S 153 1.67149E
Run: 59nm (106.8km)

So much rain! Went blindly careening through the top bit of the Sandy Straits, managed not to run aground. Anchored off Kingfisher, headed to shore for a hike and feed.


Sat Nov 18 0:00 2017 NZDT
GPS: 24 45.54446S 152 23.31910E
Run: 126.7nm (229.3km)
Avg: 8.1knts
24hr: 195.6nm

Arrived in Bundy just after midnight. Will check in with officials later in the morning.


Fri Nov 17 8:27 2017 NZDT
Speed:
4.5knots
knts
GPS: 24 06.068S 154 16.051E
Run: 125.9nm (227.9km)
Avg: 5.1knts
24hr: 122.6nm
Weather: 8-12knots SE, swell SE 1m, cloud 30%

Bit of a slow day yesterday, must have been some current on the nose, fairly frustrating... Now just waiting foer the wind to fill back in so we can polish off the final 116nm.


Thu Nov 16 7:48 2017 NZDT
Speed:
4knots
knts
GPS: 23 53.566S 156 14.932E
Run: 138.1nm (250km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 140.4nm
Weather: 8-12knots SE, swell SE 1m, cloud 30%

wonderful night under the stars, hoping the breeze picks back up soon. 219nm to go


Wed Nov 15 8:12 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
GPS: 23 40.711S 158 25.205E
Run: 158.2nm (286.3km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 159.2nm
Weather: 15-18knots SE, swell SE 1.5m, cloud 10%

Rolling along fairly downwind making good way. Trying to eat all of our food in anticipation of arrival. All is well aboard.


Tue Nov 14 8:21 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
GPS: 23 13.888S 160 52.001E
Run: 160.8nm (291km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 162.5nm
Weather: 15-18knots SE, swell SE 1.5m, cloud 60%

Lovely morning though the wind has been getting a touch light in the early morning hours. Moving well in the right direction and all is well onboard. Hoping to make the coast before the weekend.


Mon Nov 13 8:36 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
GPS: 22 34.376S 163 17.370E
Run: 162.8nm (294.7km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.8nm
Weather: 15-18knots SE, swell SE 2m, cloud 60%

A bit bouncy out of the gate but we are moving in some nice wind so are happy. All is well aboard.


Sun Nov 12 9:19 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 21 51.55610S 165 42.84400E
Run: 54.5nm (98.6km)
Weather: SE 12-15

Westward Ho! Departing New Cal thru Passe Ouano bound for Bundaberg. Should be a bit of a romp out the gate but we are hoping to make good time. Au reeoir New Caledonia, until next time.


Wed Sep 20 0:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 22 16.71201S 166 26.06758E
Run: 177.9nm (322km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 119.8nm

Mon Sep 18 12:21 2017 NZST
Speed:
6knots
knts
GPS: 21 20.849S 169 01.122E
Run: 130.2nm (235.7km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 130.5nm
Weather: 15-18knots SE, swell SE 1.5m, cloud 70%

Wonderful day yesterday, easy sailing and finally landed a MahiMahi! Wind is back now moving us along briskly but comfortably, may even have to slow down to catch the tide in the Passe Havannah. All is well aboard.


Sun Sep 17 12:24 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5knots
knts
GPS: 20 34.650S 170 51.551E
Run: 199.8nm (361.6km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 164.5nm
Weather: 12-15knots E/SE, swell E-SE 1.5m, cloud 40%

Wallowing our way downwind with the pole out, making good comfortable progress. 2 big hits on the fishing gear this morning, so we also have that going for us.


Sat Sep 16 7:15 2017 NZST
Speed:
5knots
knts
GPS: 19 34.40S 173 44.751E
Run: 96.5nm (174.7km)
Avg: 5.1knts
24hr: 122.9nm
Weather: 3-5knots S/SE, swell E-SE 1.5m, cloud 40%

Mellow night last night until we tuned on the motor at around 0400, still chugging away hoping for some more wind before lunch. All's well


Fri Sep 15 12:24 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 18 55.20S 175 03.189E
Run: 162.7nm (294.5km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 178.3nm
Weather: 15knots ESE, 2m SE swell with some E and S mixed on top. 40% cloud

Bit of a raucous start but we are eating up the miles. Poled out now wallowing our way towards fresh baguettes .


Thu Sep 14 14:29 2017 NZST
GPS: 17 47.66749S 177 13.92792E
Run: 12.9nm (23.3km)
Weather: Fabulous

Moce, Fiji. You've been the best. Headed to the pass and turning right towards New Cal. Weather looks fine, time to start fishing again.


Thu Jun 22 12:41 2017 NZST
GPS: 17 40.83142S 177 23.19988E
Run: 24.1nm (43.6km)

Cleared in yesterday. Cleaning up, drying out and happily letting other people cook for us :) Swell looks dynamite so trying to be quick!


Wed Jun 21 10:21 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 17 22.70S 177 12.20E
Run: 127.1nm (230.1km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 133.2nm
Weather: E 12 kts, seas calm

In Fijian waters! Navigated through the Yasawa as the sun was rising, now we're sunny sailing along in wonderfully flat water. Making our way to clearance, cleaning up the boat, thinking about how to cook up the Walu in the fridge. Pretty stinkin' stoked.


Tue Jun 20 11:27 2017 NZST
Speed:
6 kts
knts
GPS: 15 35.00S 177 37.15E
Run: 165.7nm (299.9km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 175.2nm
Weather: ESE 20 kts, seas E 1.5m

Less than 100 miles from land, and a bit more to Vuda. Almost seems impossible! Attempting to slow the boat down so we can navigate the reefs tomorrow morning. Swell has eased up a bit so things are more comfortable, but still very, very wet.


Mon Jun 19 12:45 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.5 kts
knts
GPS: 13 18.40S 178 23.75E
Run: 45.1nm (81.6km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 181.9nm
Weather: ESE 18-25 kts, seas ESE 2m, pouring rain.

Spirits lifting, finally making respectable miles under sail. Getting pretty darn excited to get to Fiji where hopefully we can get our hands on a dehumidifier- if this boat was any wetter she'd be underwater. Tally-ho!


Mon Jun 19 6:48 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 12 42.20S 178 39.089E
Run: 165.9nm (300.3km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.3nm
Weather: 8-28knts ESE-NE Seas are still a totaly mess 2m+ SE with soup on top, 100% cloud, large CBs around

Long night of rain, more lightning, and wonky wind. Wondering when we are going to get out from under this cloud.


Sun Jun 18 7:00 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 10 20.630S 179 05.889E
Run: 139.9nm (253.2km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.8nm
Weather: 18-20knts ESE Seas are a totaly mess 2m+ SE with soup on top, Skies clear overhead though plenty on the horizon

Beautiful sunset followed by a hectic night, lots of convection, way more lightning then we would like, winds up and down with each passing cloud. Still pushing out way due south incase there is more SE in our future. Not much sleep happening but all is well aboard.


Sat Jun 17 10:30 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 08 34.53S 178 5.99E
Run: 233.2nm (422.1km)
Avg: 3.3knts
24hr: 79nm
Weather: ESE 6-8 kts, seas mellow in the lee of Funafuti, 70% cloud cover with scattered convection activity

Continuing south, they say there will be wind soon and hoping we find it. Getting excited in our final stretch with 555 miles to go and a much better forecast. Putting a real dent in our canned food supply.


Wed Jun 14 11:39 2017 NZST
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 05 19.38S 177 11.72E
Run: 270nm (488.7km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 135.6nm
Weather: ESE 8-10 kts, seas ESE 1m

Looks like the wind gods are not on our side and a pit stop in Tuvalu is in order if we don't run out of diesel first. This is super dumb.


Mon Jun 12 11:51 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 02 03.32S 175 03.05E
Run: 151.4nm (274km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 147.4nm
Weather: E 2-3 kts, seas glassy

Motoring. Again. Super squally, lots of lightning and thunder last night. Waterspouts and a marlin on the rod- took the lure but we got all our line back. I think we'd happily trade all of these things for some wind...


Sun Jun 11 11:12 2017 NZST
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 00 11.60S 173 53.80E
Run: 129.6nm (234.6km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131.2nm
Weather: ESE 8-10 kts, seas ENE 1m

Sweet Poseidon we're sailing! Made it into the southern latitudes earlier today and enjoying the lee of the atolls for now. No fish yet, so we'll be having a celebratory trans-equatorial dinner of Cornish game hens tonight! We so fancy.


Sat Jun 10 11:29 2017 NZST
GPS: 1 24.57246N 172 55.38528E
Run: 3nm (5.4km)

Had a spectacular time in Kiribati. Heading out the pass and pointing the bow just east of south. It'll be a light start but it's a beautiful day, and we'll be back in the Southern Hemisphere soon!


Thu Jun 8 16:23 2017 NZST
GPS: 1 22.04463N 172 55.84877E
Run: 174.4nm (315.7km)
Avg: 3.3knts
24hr: 78nm

Mauri from Kiribati! Clearance took 24 hours, but we finally have our stamps. We were going to top-up on diesel and keep on moving, but there's better wind if we hang out till Saturday. Relocating to the east end of the atoll and putting on our adventure floppies.


Tue Jun 6 10:45 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.5 kts
knts
GPS: 03 43.74N 172 2.46E
Run: 119.4nm (216.1km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 116.3nm
Weather: E 10-11 kts, E seas 1.5m, 100% cloud

Slow progress but still sailing. Wind should die completely, so we're strategizing a stop in Tarawa. If we turn the motor on now we could be there tomorrow late afternoon, but it's a hard call to make when you're sailing along just fine...


Mon Jun 5 10:06 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.0 kts.
knts
GPS: 05 25.95N 171 45.16E
Run: 126.2nm (228.4km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 156.1nm
Weather: E 10-13 kts, E swell 0.5m, 30% cloud cover

Screamer last night fizzled shortly after sunrise. Managing to keep the sails full and the boat moving, but struggling to keep our easting and not going very fast. Lovely day, though, and we appear to have this place all to ourselves :)


Sun Jun 4 14:42 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5 kts
knts
GPS: 07 11.4N 171 15.2E
Run: 5.7nm (10.3km)
Weather: NNE 15-18 kts, 1.5m NE swell, overcast

Out the gate and headed south! Dismal wind forecast, but we've got a chance to get some good easting in. Stoked to be on the Big Blue again, hopefully the unpredictable weather around here works in our favor. All is well aboard!


Sat Jun 3 12:56 2017 NZST
GPS: 7 7.70287N 171 18.55493E
Run: 4.7nm (8.5km)

One last swim to clean the dingy before she comes on deck, hitting the big blue tomorrow headed south for Fiji.


Wed May 31 14:38 2017 NZST
GPS: 7 6.22N 171 22.36E

Well we've stitched up the jib, fixed the backstay, and more or less gotten ourselves and the boat ready to go. So now of course there isn't a breath of wind in the forecast...


Tue May 9 13:54 2017 NZST
GPS: 7 6.23066N 171 22.35323E
Run: 241.6nm (437.3km)

Back in glorious Majuro after a cruisey 36hr run from Ailuk. Hooked 2 marlin (not our target species), now we have 2 broken rods, one less rod holder and no fish in the freezer, but boy are they majestic when they jump.


Mon May 1 9:21 2017 NZST
GPS: 10 18.630N 169 57.889E
Run: 9.1nm (16.5km)
Weather: 18-20knts ENE Seas a bit choppy in the lagoon at high tide

Slowly making our way south again, stopping to kite along the way!


Wed Apr 26 10:30 2017 NZST
GPS: 10 26.478N 169 57.264E
Run: 5.3nm (9.6km)
Weather: 14-16knts ENE Seas calm in the lagoon

Anchored off Enejelar Island at the north end of Ailuk Atoll for a couple of days.


Sun Apr 23 9:24 2017 NZST
GPS: 10 21.956N 169 58.101E
Run: 5.1nm (9.2km)
Weather: 15-18knts ENE Seas calm in the lagoon

Moved a bit farther north yesterday in search of new beaches to comb. There look to be a couple good pinnacles to explore as well so hopefully some fish for dinner!


Fri Apr 21 14:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 10 17.55N 169 58.31E
Run: 4.6nm (8.3km)
Weather: 15-18 knots ENE

Anchored off Bio Island. Tucked right in much closer to shore where the water is calm enough to get the SUP board out. Matthew drank island water, so no kiting until he's feeling better. Canoes sailing past morning and evening, very fun to see.


Wed Apr 12 8:09 2017 NZST
GPS: 10 13.554N 169 58.560E
Run: 235.9nm (427km)
Avg: 2.6knts
24hr: 61.5nm
Weather: 15-18knots ENE Seas calm in the lagoon

Anchor down off Ailuk, Ailuk atoll after a quick and uneventful 36hr passage. Despite dragging lures during daylight hours only one recorded strike and the smallest flying fish found on deck means no fish for dinner. Glad to be here none the less and with some steady winds forecast and full moon low tides its time to break in the kites and wrangle some lobsters.


Sat Apr 8 12:06 2017 NZST
GPS: 07 06.22N 171 22.36E
Run: 7.4nm (13.4km)
Weather: 15-18knots ENE Seas calm in the lagoon

Mail has arrived, stores are stocked, time to go sailing. Heading out island this afternoon. Time to go test out our new kites!


Thu Dec 22 13:57 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.5knots
knts
GPS: 7 00.872n 171 25.925e
Run: 424.6nm (768.5km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 135.9nm
Weather: 7-9knts S, 0.5m S, 80% cloud

The wind has not been kind. Still motoring and poured the last of our diesel into the tanks. Seas are calm, though, and we're only 20nm from the pass into Majuro; hopeful that we can get onto a mooring before sunset and don't run out of fuel before then. Ready to get there.


Mon Dec 19 10:57 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5knots
knts
GPS: 1 13.078n 173 28.406e
Run: 160.3nm (290.1km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.7nm
Weather: 4-6knts NNE, 2m NE, 10% cloud

Back in the Northern Hemisphere! Motoring just east of Tarawa, but it looks like we won't be making a Kiribati stop this time around. Wind should fill in this afternoon and get us to Majuro before Christmas where hopefully we can settle in and do some much needed laundry. Cavalo is pretty salty, but there's rain in the forecast so maybe she'll get a bath.


Sun Dec 18 9:15 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
GPS: 0 55.997s 174 20.321e
Run: 1117.5nm (2022.7km)
Avg: 3.2knts
24hr: 76.2nm
Weather: 4-6knts NE, 1m NE, 50% cloud

Had a fantastic sail yesterday and last night till about 0400 when we lost the wind. Nothing like gliding behind atolls on a smooth ocean under an almost full moon! Running the iron genny now, poking our nose north in the hopes of more wind.


Sat Dec 17 12:03 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
Weather: 12-15knts NNE, 1-2m NE, 50% cloud

Found some more wind! 12-15 NNE means we are bumping into it but moving right along. Double reefed main and single reef in the jib seems to be doing the trick. Should be tucking in behind some of the Kiribati atolls soon so looking foreward to some smooth sailing. Finally landed a Wahoo yesterday afternoon, fish for days!!!


Fri Dec 16 13:09 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
Weather: 10-12knts ENE, 1-2m NE, 50% cloud

Sailing under full jib and main. Making good headway, though haven't caught any fish. Sun's pretty hot up here.


Thu Dec 15 13:18 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
Weather: 6-9knotsENE, 1 NE, 30% cloud

Finally raised the anchor about 1330 yesterday and out of the pass a little before 1500. Have been motor sailing since and are making some good progress 6+knots at 340ºM, must be some current helping along the way. Other then a few squalls thru the night we enjoyed the full moon from sunset to sunrise which made for a relatively quick night. Still no fish though we do have some gear out, hoping to find a touch more wind this afternoon and do some sailing.


Sun Dec 11 18:21 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.5knots
knts
Weather: 4-5knts ENE, 1.5mSE, 50% cloud

Ran out of wind this afternoon, now motoring with some main up dodging squalls. Lovely out here though we miss the wind. Should make Tuvalu tomorrow.


Mon Dec 5 9:36 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6knots
knts
Weather: 2-5ktsE, 1m SE, 30% cloud

Another day motoring along in no wind, about 40nm from Rotuma so should be in by sunset. No fish.


Sat Dec 3 17:03 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 52.84651S 177 2.84546E
Run: 65.5nm (118.6km)

Cleared out and officially on the move. One last glimpse of the Yasawa and we're well on our way north. We even have wind!!


Mon Nov 28 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.36799S 177 22.92340E
Run: 43.5nm (78.7km)

Back in Denarau, playing the old "provisioning game" and a waitin' on some favorable weather...


Mon Aug 15 8:16 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 10.25886S 177 11.28849E
Run: 3.1nm (5.6km)
Weather: 10 knots ESE, 98% cloud, 1016

Had a lovely day exploring the marine sanctuaries. Now its back to fishing for keeps, today we are moving up to Blue Lagoon via the seaward route for fish sake.


swimming with the mantas.
Sun Aug 14 10:27 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 12.612S 177 10.006E
Run: 38.8nm (70.2km)

Fishing our way to Manta Pass, been towing lines for 3 days now with nothing to show for it. Otherwise its a lovely day out, no wind and lots of sun!


Tue Jun 21 0:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 46.27482S 177 11.25000E
Run: 94.7nm (171.4km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143nm

Fiji! Surfey surf and coconut time :)


Mon Jun 20 8:06 2016 NZST
Speed:
7
knts
GPS: 19 08S 177 21E
Run: 504.8nm (913.7km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.2nm
Weather: 25SE

They wont starve as caught a 30lb tuna yesterday. had a night of wild wind but all well on board.


Mon Jun 20 7:06 2016 NZST
Speed:
7knots
knts
Weather: 20-25kts SSE, 3 SE, 30% cloud, 1016 baro

Wild night of wind and waves, been flying across the breeze pushing 8 knots with a triple reefed main and sliver of jib. Caught what Annie is calling a 30lb(13.5kg) tuna yesterday, actually caught 2 but one sheered the rod holder off and stole our lure(rod leashes are a thing and they work), must have been a big one. One is enough for us to eat like kings and make friends so we are stoked. Looking like breeze on again today, hoping we have saved enough easting to crack off a touch as get closer, fingers crossed the lights in Navula pass are functioning as we will most likely arrive there just after sunset.


Fri Jun 17 8:05 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 26 24S 176 33E
Run: 631.9nm (1143.7km)
Weather: 12-15SE, 50%cc, 1017

Fri Jun 17 7:10 2016 NZST
Speed:
6knots
knts
Weather: 12-15knts ESE, 2mS 1.5mE, 50% cloud, 1017 baro

Conditions settled a bit after getting tossed around last night in 4m seas and 25-28 kts. Might try to catch up on some sleep today... Definitely warming up, though, and the hats have been put away!


Thu Jun 16 7:14 2016 NZST
Speed:
6knots
knts
Weather: 15-20knts SE, 2mSE, 100% cloud, 1018 baro

Bit of a motor yesterday morning to top off the batteries in light winds then have been cruising in slowly building SSE, took in a 3rd reef about sunset and have been keeping it cruisy all night. Other then a bit of rain and some up and dow winds just chugging along climbing the latitude ladder.


Wed Jun 15 7:09 2016 NZST
Speed:
5.5knots
knts
Weather: 9-11knts SE, 1mE 1mSE, 90% cloud, 1023 baro

Cranking out the miles, though a squally morning has slowed us down a bit. Eager to get to Fiji and have decided to skip Minerva this time around.


Tue Jun 14 7:01 2016 NZST
Speed:
6knots
knts
Weather: 10-15knts SSE, 1.5mSW 1.5mSE, 25% cloud, 1028 baro

Have had a lovely sail since dropping the docklines yesterday about noon. Wind has calmed a bit but is still pushing us along nicely. A touch cold last night, can not wait for the butter to start melting!


Mon Jun 6 8:25 2016 NZST
GPS: 35 18.025S 174 06.615E
Run: 247.3nm (447.6km)
Avg: 2.6knts
24hr: 62.2nm

Arrived in Opua yesterday! After a full day bashing SE from NorthCape to The Bay of Islands, warm showers, hot food and some much needed rest.


Sat Jun 4 8:45 2016 NZST
Speed:
5knots
knts
Weather: 8-10knts SE, 1.5mSW, 5% cloud, 1026 baro

Made it to North Cape, slowly turning the corner as we speak. Glorious morning just wishing we were a little closer for pictures sake.


Fri Jun 3 7:26 2016 NZST
Speed:
6knots
knts
No position sent.
Weather: 12-14kntsS SE, 1.5mSW, 15% cloud, 1024 baro

Have had a wonderful 24hrs sailing wing on wing just about dead downwind. A bit or rolling around yesterday arvo but has since calmed right down and we are happily ticking off the miles. Hoping to be at North Cape tomorrow mid morning.


Thu Jun 2 9:03 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.5knots
knts
GPS: 37 12s 170 21e
Run: 320.7nm (580.5km)
Avg: 12.8knts
24hr: 307.9nm
Weather: 12-15knts SE, 2m SSE, 2mSW, 10% cloud, 1022 baro

Sliding along nicely with a good breeze for heading north. A touch cold but we are making good progress towards Opua, hoping for some calm conditions as we round north cape Saturday.


Wed Jun 1 8:03 2016 NZST
GPS: 41 15.547S 173 15.167E
Run: 1.5nm (2.7km)

We are off! Heading out the cut and up the west coast for Opua. Bye bye snow capped mountains, may this cold wind blow us north!


Sun May 8 10:15 2016 NZST
GPS: 41 15.53202S 173 16.89762E
Run: 28.3nm (51.2km)

All stocked up and ready to roam, waiting on the wind gods here in sunny Nelson, hoping for a window at least as far as Northland soon.


Tue Nov 10 8:13 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5 knots
knts
GPS: 40 51s 173 15e
Run: 127.1nm (230.1km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 124.8nm
Weather: variable wind, calm seas, 10% Cloud cover,

Running down Tasman Bay, final few miles into Nelson. Had a better then expected spinnaker run yesterday till about 1800 and have been motoring since. Other then a chilly and very damp fog for most of the night today is shaping up quite nicely, oh the sweet smell of dirt and pine trees!


Mon Nov 9 7:47 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 knots
knts
GPS: 39 09s 172 20e
Run: 172.5nm (312.2km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.4nm
Weather: 5-8knots W, Seas slight, 98% Cloud cover, scattered rain

The rain took our wind away last night, or at least it is fading. Had the spinnaker up at first light still making some decent way, see how long this lasts.


Sun Nov 8 6:45 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 37 12s 170 21e
Run: 118.2nm (213.9km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 124.1nm
Weather: 12-15 NW, Swell 1.5m, 20% cloud mostly to NW

After a slow start the NW has filled in to a nice 12-15 knots pushing us downwind, ran all night under main and spinakker, hand steering so a bit tired. Hoping to get a few more knots and we will pole out the yankee and keep slip sliding our way into Nelson.


Sat Nov 7 7:53 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5knots
knts
GPS: 36 00s 168 50e
Run: 99.4nm (179.9km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 100nm
Weather: 2-3 knots N, seas 1m, 85% cloud cover

Have sailed ourselves into the high, motoring SSE waiting for the warm front to bring some NW breeze.


Fri Nov 6 8:01 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.5knots
knts
GPS: 34 34s 168 42e
Run: 143.8nm (260.3km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143.3nm
Weather: 18-20SE, 2.5m SSE swell with some lump on top, 95% cloud cover

Sailing still in good wind after a bit of a slog last night. 20-25knots for most of the night at 45 degrees apparent with a fair amount of lump and bump, its days like these we are glad we have a solid heavy boat. Going to keep sailing this way unti the wind runs out then make the turn for Nelson, maybe this afternoon. Here is to hoping for some wind at our backs and sun on our faces. All is well.


Thu Nov 5 7:56 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4.5knots
knts
GPS: 32 58s 170 18e
Run: 111.8nm (202.4km)
Avg: 4.6knts
24hr: 109.7nm
Weather: 12-15 SSE, 3 meter ground swell, 80% cloud with scattered showers

Sailing again after a slow night of lighter then expected winds and 3m seas, yarr.


Wed Nov 4 7:28 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7 knots
knts
GPS: 32 18s 172 03e
Run: 140.8nm (254.8km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 152.9nm
Weather: 18-20 NNW gusts to 24 tending NW, seas 1.5m, 100% cloud scattered rain

Moving nicely to the SW for the moment awaiting the front to come along with its SW'erly wind change. Hopefully then backing quickly to the S then SE so we dont get blown to far to the NW. Last night was a good run though its getting bumpier as is expected and have we mentioned its cold.


Tue Nov 3 9:22 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 30 39s 173 27e
Run: 166.2nm (300.8km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 156.8nm
Weather: 2-4ESE, 1mcSE swell, 10% cloud to the south

Motoring SW in no wind awaiting the front to pass this evening. Have made the decision to head for Nelson direct.


Mon Nov 2 7:56 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 28 45.393s 175 09.440e
Run: 170.1nm (307.9km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 173.7nm
Weather: 15-18 ESE, 1.5.SE swell, 20% cloud

Slip slidding down to NZ now, after some rainy cloud and squalls yesterday midday we found the SE and have been romping SW at a good clip. Still no fish


Sun Nov 1 8:26 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5knots
knts
GPS: 26 48.921s 176 52.084e
Run: 108.4nm (196.2km)
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 106.1nm
Weather: 2 knots ESE, 1.5.SW swell 20% cloud mostly off to the south

Lost the SW wind about 9pm last night, been motoring since. Lovely moon last night and a wonderful morning, waiting on wind to start sliding down towards NZ


Sat Oct 31 7:55 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.1
knts
GPS: 25 16.416s 176 32.684e
Run: 160.7nm (290.9km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 159.4nm
Weather: 12-15kts SSW, 2m SW rollers with a little slop on top, 30% cloud cover, mighty chilly.

Happy Halloween! Good sailing yesterday and into the night before the wind decided to come and go a couple of time, i guess we needed the exercise... Finally pulled itself together around 2am and we have beec cruising along since. Cant wait for the SE wind shift, would love to be headed to NZ and not off into the southern ocean.


Fri Oct 30 7:43 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 23 29.340s 174 54.507e
Run: 143.2nm (259.2km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144nm
Weather: 12-15kts SSW, slight seas building from the SSW 100% cloud cover

Motorboat ride yesterday under beautiful sunshine, still no fish. Found the front about 4am this morning with rain and a wind shift fun. And now its cold.


Thu Oct 29 7:51 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.6
knts
GPS: 21 27.932s 175 23.258e
Run: 159.8nm (289.2km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.5nm
Weather: 3 knots of southerly? breeze, 1.5m confused SE and SW swell, 30% cloud cover..

Wonderful sailing till we ran out of wind just after midnight last night. Now motor sailing south into a mixed sea with lures out.


Wed Oct 28 8:06 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 19 21.000s 176 22.886e
Run: 128.6nm (232.8km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 184.8nm
Weather: 215knts SE 2m swell from the SE 80% cloud cover.

Had a pleasant night to start, moving nicely with a few friends out here. Hoping the wind holds like this for awhile.


Tue Oct 27 15:23 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 43.5S 177 20.2E
Run: 4.5nm (8.1km)

Departed Vuda 1330hrs NZ bound. Thank you Fiji for the wonderful times, we look forward to coming back real soon. Vinaka Vakalevu!


Tue Oct 27 8:24 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.4S 177 22.9E
Run: 12.6nm (22.8km)

Fueling up in Denarau, heading to Vuda to check out soon then out onto the big blue highway bound for New Zealand


Tue Oct 6 11:36 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.2S 177 11.4E
Run: 1190.2nm (2154.3km)

In Musket Cove waiting for weather to head south to NZ.


Tue Nov 25 7:40 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5knts
knts
GPS: 34 46S 174 05E
Run: 115.3nm (208.7km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 118nm
Weather: 10knts W/NW, no sea, 100 percent cloud, foggy.

Gliding along, starting to straighten up, should be at the Q dock this afternoon.


Mon Nov 24 8:13 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5knts
knts
GPS: 33 07S 174 23E
Run: 130.2nm (235.7km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131.8nm
Weather: 12-15KNTS WSW, Seas a little choppy, 100 percent cloud

moving nicely just off the wind, should be at our turning waypoint in a couple hours to head south towards Opua. We could be in by tomorrow night??? Lets not get ahead of ourselves.


Sun Nov 23 8:31 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5knts
knts
GPS: 31 34S 175 39E
Run: 151.9nm (274.9km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 151.1nm
Weather: 5knts S/SW, Slight seas, 10 percent cloud

ticking along, smooth calm seas, a bit of a headwind, hoping it goes more west, arrival by thanksgiving looks promising.


Sat Nov 22 8:23 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5knts
knts
GPS: 29 41S 176 58E
Run: 152.3nm (275.7km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 150.7nm
Weather: wind 3knts E, slight sea, 90 percent cloud.

Motoring again, ran out of wind about daybreak, making miles in the right direction, just hoping we have enough diesel...


Fri Nov 21 8:08 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6knts
knts
GPS: 27 53S 178 25E
Run: 137.2nm (248.3km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 137.2nm
Weather: Wind 15kts E/SE, Sea mild SW and S, 40 precent cloud

Found wind yesterday about noon, slowly backed to E/SE 14kts. ETA hoping for tuesday but could be Wednesday


Thu Nov 20 8:08 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5knts (optional)
knts
GPS: 26 15S 179 41E
Run: 272.1nm (492.5km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 134.9nm
Weather: 0 wind, slight sea S/SW, 10percent cloud cover mostly to the W/NW

Motored all night, waiting for the S/SE to fill later today, fingers crossed, otherwise been a mill pond


Wed Nov 19 8:03 2014 NZDT
Speed:
4knts
knts
No position sent.

after a night of the iron genny we are back under spinnaker making our way south west for Opua.


Tue Nov 18 7:44 2014 NZDT
Speed:
3knts
knts
GPS: 23 04S 177 46W
Weather: 4-8 kts E/ESE, slight sea, 50 percent ent cloud cover

POS 23º04S 177º46W Slowly bobbing along when the breeze gets up to 8 or 9 knts, headed slightly for Minerva but dont think we will get in by nightfall so could just be continuing south if the weather sounds good for it.


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