Fluenta

Sat Jul 4 22:25 2020 NZST
GPS: 48 56.516N 123 33.254W
Run: 104.5nm (189.1km)
Weather: Sunny?ish

Anchored with stern tie into a busy Princess Cove on Wallace Island. Busy boat with three adults and eight kids onboard.


Thu Jul 2 16:51 2020 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 50 11.935N 124 50.904W
Run: 8nm (14.5km)
Weather: Mostly sunny

Happy Canada Day. We are enjoying a few days anchored and stern tied in Teakerne Arm near Cassel Falls. Seems odd to have cliffs close by on three sides. Nice spot with daily hikes to have freshwater swims in Cassel Lake. Dolphins putting on a daily show including having three dolphins do a flip together close while I was paddleboarding. We will start the trip back south tomorrow.


Sun Jun 28 11:41 2020 NZST
GPS: 50 07.642N 124 42.337W
Run: 1.7nm (3.1km)
Weather: Sunny and light winds

Anchored with stern tie to a tree in Tenedos Bay. Picturesque site with a nice hike to Unwin Lake for fresh water swimming from the rocks.


Wed Jun 24 11:10 2020 NZST
GPS: 50 08.545N 124 40.550W
Run: 74.9nm (135.6km)
Weather: High overcast. Zero wind. Sea temp up to 20C !

Stern tied into Melanie Cove after a nice downwind sail across the Strait of Georgia. Melanie Cove and its neighbour we hiked to yesterday, Laura Cove, featured several times in the classic “Curve of Time”. Seemed busy here to us, seven boats, but apparently in a normal year this place is packed.


Sun Jun 21 19:54 2020 NZST
GPS: 49 11.607N 123 51.927W
Run: 40.5nm (73.3km)
Weather: Sunny and 9 kts TWS

Fluenta and crew are on the move again. Anchored near Nanaimo heading north towards Desolation Sound tomorrow. Nice passage today including sailing through Dodd Narrows after waiting for a massive log boom today get unstuck in the narrows.


Wed Apr 15 17:18 2020 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 48 45.602N 123 15.871W
Run: 9.5nm (17.2km)
Weather: Sunny ! Air temps up to 15C but the water still about 10C. Night time lows now only down to 5C. Getting warmer.

Fluenta and crew are off the dock for a few days enjoying Spring. Anchored in Medicine Bay off Pender Island enjoying the peace and quiet. Time for playing with our paddleboards, rowing Trickle, yoga and hiking. Lots of wildlife including bald eagles, turkey vultures, geese, ducks, seals and the Easter Bunny. As a special treat, on one of the paddleboarding trips through Pender Canal one of the seals followed me for about twenty minutes.


Tue Nov 26 17:09 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 48 39.148N 123 23.632W
Run: 16nm (29km)
Weather: Sunny

And so ends the journey. Tied to the dock at Port of Sidney Marina.


Sat Nov 23 12:56 2019 NZDT
GPS: 48 25.314N 123 22.172W
Run: 16.2nm (29.3km)
Weather: Sunny again !

Hard to believe but we are anchored downtown Victoria in front of the Empress Hotel. The kids are already ashore for a sleepover with their cousins and we are heading ashore for a party with my former workmates. Met our neighbour in the marina who has recently finished another solo, non-stop passage to now be the oldest person to do so.


Fri Nov 22 13:28 2019 NZDT
GPS: 48 39.389N 123 23.383W
Run: 44nm (79.6km)
Weather: Sunny with a high of 10C today.

Anchored for the night off Sidney. Intention is to head towards Victoria in the morning. We were going to anchor off Sidney Spit but the the gunshots confirmed that the dear hunting is still ongoing.


Mon Nov 18 20:43 2019 NZDT
GPS: 49 16.148N 123 07.365W
Run: 1.8nm (3.3km)

Moved over to the anchorage in False Creek. A busy place and a bit surreal with all the tall buildings and bright lights.


Fri Nov 15 14:46 2019 NZDT
GPS: 49 17.687N 123 07.515W
Run: 30.6nm (55.4km)
Weather: Sunny

Fluenta and crew are in the big city ! On the dock at HMCS DISCOVERY for a few days and then likely to anchor in False Creek.


Thu Nov 14 18:31 2019 NZDT
GPS: 49 28.165N 123 45.078W
Run: 54nm (97.7km)

Anchored overnight of Sechelt. Fairly scenic with totem poles along the beach although there is a massive gravel loading facility 700 ft away that supports one of the largest gravel facilities in Canada.


Wed Nov 13 10:36 2019 NZDT
GPS: 49 39.804N 124 55.110W
Run: 29.4nm (53.2km)
Weather: West Coast Drizzle

Alongside HMCS QUADRA to attend Remembrance Day with 19 Wing Comox and to catch up with old friends.


Sun Nov 10 21:29 2019 NZDT
GPS: 50 02.027N 125 14.552W
Run: 9.9nm (17.9km)

An uneventful transit of Seymour Narrows and a nice re-provision and visit with old and new friends in Campbell Harbour.


Sat Nov 9 16:24 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 50 09.768N 125 20.217W
Run: 40.2nm (72.8km)
Avg: 3.3knts
24hr: 79.7nm

No bears or cougars sighted at Port Neville. Good progress today as the forecast SE 25-30 kt winds were closer to 5 kt with a bit 15 kt gusts mixed in. Passed through rapids with interesting names like "Whirlpool Rapids" with no drama. Noticeable increase in boat traffic as we get south. Intention is to go through Seymour Narrows tomorrow morning (the rapids can have currents up 17 kts but not surprisingly we intend to go on slack).


Sat Nov 9 4:17 2019 NZDT
GPS: 50 29.592N 126 05.200W
Run: 37.7nm (68.2km)

Stopped for the night at what is left of the free government dock at Port Neville. Interesting place that was settled in the late 1800's and still has two houses but neither seem to be occupied. The guidebook says to be careful of cougars and bears and that the last cougar attack on the caretaker was thwarted by a boater with a shotgun. We carry a lot of safety equipment on Fluenta but no shotguns ! Slow day yesterday in Johnstone Strait with winds on the nose over 20kts and accompanying waves,


Thu Nov 7 18:49 2019 NZDT
GPS: 50 35.395N 126 55.897W
Run: 5.9nm (10.7km)

A short but interesting trip to Alert Bay. Spent most of the day at the U'mista Cultural Centre (and the world's tallest totem pole) plus a few boat projects and school. Intend to move further south if the weather permits tomorrow.


Tue Nov 5 15:54 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 50 38.363N 127 02.421W
Run: 206.2nm (373.2km)
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 107.3nm

Fluenta and crew are across Queen Charlotte Sound and anchored off Sointula near Vancouver Island after an overnight sail from Haida Gwaii.


Sun Nov 3 17:48 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 52 05.687N 131 12.712W
Run: 6.7nm (12.1km)
Weather: Fog and drizzle.

The highlight of our time in Haida Gwaii was today's visit to SGang Gwaay Island with a hike through the old growth rain forecast to see the the remains of the LInagaay village. It represents one of the best examples of a traditional Northwest Coast First Nations village site. In the season there is a Haida watchman to provide a tour and and control access (only 12 people are allowed ashore at a time so boats sometime need to wait before than can land their crews) but as we are rather "out of season" - nobody else is foolish enough to visit in November - we had the place to ourselves (in fact according to the rangers we are the only people in the 3400 km2 region). Appropriately, the island was enshrouded in mist and fog all day.


Sat Nov 2 15:06 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 52 09.285N 131 05.310W
Run: 32.7nm (59.2km)

Sailed and motored down to Rose Harbour, an ex-whaling station, in preparation for heading to SGang Gwaay tomorrow.


Fri Nov 1 15:03 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 52 34.694N 131 26.029W
Run: 22.3nm (40.4km)

Quite a Halloween for Fluenta and crew. Motored close to the islands in the mist and fog to avoid the south winds. Paused for awhile to watch a grey whale feeding as we passed the site of the 1985 protests that ultimately lead to the creation of Gwaii Haanas Park. We anchored off Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay (or Hotspring Island) for a trip ashore for a refreshing brief swim (11C water temp, 10C air temp) and a longer soak in the natural hot springs. The island is home to the rare Keens long-eared bats but none were seen (it is one of two known maternity colonies for the species). A brief treasure hunt on the beach in lieu of trick-or-treating (we are the only people in the entire Gwaii Haanas Park so trick or treating would be a brief exercise) and now a pumpkin is being carved.


Thu Oct 31 13:48 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 52 50.475N 131 44.595W
Run: 30.1nm (54.5km)

We are into Gwaii Haanas Park and anchored for the night in Thurston Bay. According to the park staff we are the only boat in the whole park area.


Sun Oct 27 18:28 2019 NZDT
GPS: 53 14.979N 131 59.555W
Run: 100.7nm (182.3km)

Anchored off the Haida Heritage Centre in Haida Gwaii. We tied up to the dock in Queen Charlotte for a brief stop but decided they were asking too much money for transient moorage. A nice overnight sail from Prince Rupert broad reaching and then close hauled. A productive stay in Prince Rupert despite the storm force winds (and hurricane force outside the harbour) and rain. The manager at the Yacht Club I think wins the prize for the most helpful yacht club manager we have ever met.


Mon Oct 21 18:45 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 54 19.241N 130 19.165W
Run: 35.6nm (64.4km)
Weather: Wet

Fluenta and crew are in Canada ! We tied up at the Prince Rupert Rowing and Yacht Club after a bouncy trip from Port Tongass. We had debated waiting for better weather as the US forecasts, the Canadian forecasts and the Gribs all differed but after being up since 0400 on anchor watch it was time go. We blasted across the border as the wind was approaching 30 kts but overall a good short passage.


Sun Oct 20 17:42 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 54 46.559N 130 44.071w
Run: 54.7nm (99km)
Weather: Wet

A bouncy, wet motorboat trip to Port Tongass (where there is no port) as a staging point to go to Prince Rupert.


Sun Oct 13 17:18 2019 NZDT
GPS: 55 21.046N 131 41.115W
Run: 51.1nm (92.5km)
Avg: 15.5knts
24hr: 371.7nm

Alongside in Ketchikan to wait out some weather and then clear out of the US of A.


Sun Oct 13 14:00 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 55 52.904N 132 35.857W
Run: 39nm (70.6km)
Weather: Wet

A delightful stop in Red Bay with our new friends - SV Denali Rose - who epitomize Alaska hospitality. After a bouncy wet motorboat trip to windward we are now pulled over to the side of road, so to speak, in Ratz Harbour for the night. Will continue on early tomorrow towards Ketchikan.


Fri Oct 11 11:24 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 56 16.838N 133 18.758W
Run: 3.2nm (5.8km)
Weather: Winds and rain picking up

Tucked safely into Red Bay to wait out the latest gale. Almost 10:1 scope of chain in dense mud so should be secure. Heater repairs in progress.


Thu Oct 10 20:36 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 56 19.57N 133 18.447W
Run: 32.8nm (59.4km)
Weather: Winds Calm for now ...

Successfully negotiated Rocky Pass, 16 nm of narrow twisty channels, and now anchored outside Red Bay. On a favourable tide tomorrow morning we will go into Red Bay with Denali Rose to wait out this next gale.


Wed Oct 9 16:21 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 56 44.758N 133 42.488W
Run: 48.6nm (88km)
Weather: Winds Calm.

Pulled over to the side of the road on Ketu Strait in preparation for going through "The Summit" and "Devil's Elbow" tomorrow. Great stay at Warm Spring Bay. As usual in our visits in Alaska we wanted to stay longer ! There were natural hot springs a short hike away and closer to the dock they have piped hot water to private baths near the 100' waterfall. We met some of the caretakers, all welcoming and interesting people, and shared dock space with the fisherman also weathered in. One of the fishing boats gave us a whole halibut so the freezer is full again.


Sat Oct 5 6:09 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 57 05.329N 134 49.980W
Run: 89.7nm (162.4km)
Weather: Winds Calm. Seas glassy

Fluenta is on a free dock at Warm Springs Bay in the sun with a light fog in the hills and some fresh snow on the mountain tops. Being in Alaska you never know what wildlife you will see but seeing two deer swimming across the channel with humpbacks performing in the background at sunset was kind of nice. I though the deer were a big log at first but then I realised that the log had four ears which was a bit odd. Wet and windy weather expected starting tonight so a nice place - with natural hot springs - to hunker down and catch up on boat projects and school.


Wed Oct 2 14:09 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 58 22.975N 134 38.966W
Run: 64.8nm (117.3km)
Weather: Winds Calm

Fluenta is back in Juneau to restock and pick up some boat parts before heading further south. Great trip to Tracey Arm and back. A bit chilly with temps down to 2C and sea temps down to 5.2C but clear skies. Saw lots and lots of humpback whales - up to 14 at once by some counts - putting on a show for us on the way back.


Sun Sep 29 15:39 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 57 52.231N 133 09.785W
Run: 64.8nm (117.3km)
Weather: Winds Calm Air temp 6C Sea Temp 5.2 to 6.0C Baro 1025.7

As far as we could get through the ice towards South Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm. After a very Alaskan day (repairing damage from where a bald eagle landed, swimming in 10C water to clean the shag carpet that had grown on the hull, etc) we sailed overnight with hours of amazing northern lights to entertain us and then a sunrise entry over Tracy Arm Bar. Spectacular trip up Tracy Arm with glistening cliffs and white and blue ice. Belated 16th birthday party for Victoria as we drifted through the ice in the sunshine.


Fri Sep 13 18:13 2019 NZST
GPS: 58 22.965N 134 39.007W
Run: 84.9nm (153.7km)

Left Glacier Bay for an wet overnight passage to Auke Bay. Fluenta will likely be on the dock here at Statter Harbor for a few weeks. It will be the longest time on a dock with shore power since Mexico in 2014.


Wed Sep 11 17:36 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 58 51.739N 136 49.272W
Run: 14.8nm (26.8km)
Weather: Sunny and calm.

Anchored in front of Reid Glacier with the anchorage to ourselves as has been the norm these last few months. A quiet morning catching up on school and maintenance and the teenagers and I did a scramble/hike up one of the near ridges followed by a family campfire on the beach.


Tue Sep 10 16:09 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 59 02.313N 137 03.340W
Run: 0.6nm (1.1km)
Weather: Sunny

Fluenta was in a lot of photos today ! Anchored for the day front row at Margerie Glacier as the ice was open enough to get to a spot where the depth went from 400 to 30 feet. Two cruise ships (1080 to 950 feet long) and two tour boats (170 to 200 feet long) came along to sightsee as well so Fluenta will part of their photos too. Luckily with the height and width of the glacier we were not blocking much of their view.


Mon Sep 9 14:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 59 02.859N 137 03.482W
Run: 44.5nm (80.5km)
Weather: Sunny

Fluenta was 1.0 nm from Canada ! Left Sandy Cove at 0600 this morning to motor up to see Margerie and Grand Pacific Glacier. The wind was gusty from the north so we did not feel secure anchoring in Tarr Inlet so one adult loitered in Fluenta while kids and the other adult checked out the glacier. Margerie Glacier put on quite a show with massive chunks of ice collapsing into the water from 200' with thunderous splashes. Lots of ice in the water for the last two miles to the glacier. We arrived after the two massive cruise ships so we had it to ourselves for most of the time and then only later with one megayacht. Heading to Reid Inlet to anchor for the night.


Sun Sep 8 16:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 58 42.634N 135 59.702W
Run: 53.7nm (97.2km)
Weather: Sunny and calm

Fluenta is out of the Gulf of Alaska (since arriving in the Aleutians we have been told we should be across the Gulf before Sep so we were grateful it was incredibly calm) and into South East Alaska. Nice calm passage last night with a bit of light air sailing from all angles and then motoring in dead calm with the northern lights on display. At one point we were gybing angles to keep the boat moving and we were pointing towards French Polynesia but decided it was too early to head back yet (only 4600 nm way). We stopped at Bartlett Cove to clear into Glacier Bay (it is a National Park), and used their internet to catch up on some admin/logistic dramas, and motored in the glassy calm to Sandy Cove while the humpbacks and sea lions performed. Very beautiful but a bit of a shock after the more remote parts of Alaska. We have been in Glacier Bay for an afternoon and have seen two 980' cruise ships, multiple tour boats and two megayachts.


Sat Sep 7 12:27 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 58 39.877N 137 29.266W
Run: 7.1nm (12.9km)
Weather: Sunny. Sea temp 7.4C Air Temp 14C 3 kts of wind from SW

Moved up Lituya Fjord to see the effects of the 1958 1,720 foot wave and anchored where Gilbert and Crillion Inlets are supposed to be. Both inlets have disappeared and there are mud flats about 7 ft above chart datum 1.3 miles out from where the beach is supposed to be and Crillion Glacier is 0.9 nm further towards the sea than the charts show (we have Navionics and NOAA charts). Impressive as Crillon Inlet was over 380 feet deep. We anchored Fluenta in 100' (should be about 400' according to the chart) very close to the shore (not an overnight anchorage !) and the kids and I did a minor expedition ashore to walk to the glacier face. Lots of bear (and wolf ?) prints.


Sat Sep 7 4:06 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 58 37.190N 137 39.975W
Run: 38.4nm (69.5km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 100.7nm
Weather: Sunny. Sea temp 11C Air Temp 9C 5 kts of wind from NE

Anchored in Lituya Bay after short passage from Yakutat. Great views yesterday with the mountains, including Mt St Elias (18,008 ft) and Mt Fairweather (15,300 ft), lit by sunlight and then the northern lights last night. One of the largest tsunami waves was recorded here in Lituya in 1958 with a 1,720 ft wave. This also is the site where La Perouse (a French explorer following a few years after Capt Cook's last voyage) lost over 10% of his crew when their long boat was swept out of the pass on the ebb tide in 1786. Intention is to spend the day here and then depart to arrive in SE Alaska to meet the favourable tidal currents at Inian Pass.


Fri Sep 6 18:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
2.5 kts
knts
GPS: 58 56.897N 138 31.956W
Run: 59.3nm (107.3km)
Weather: TWS 7.8kts TWD 300T

On the move again this time heading towards Glacier Bay with an intended day stop at Lituya Bay. Nice stop at Yakutat waiting out the weather. We were warmly welcomed by the people of Yakutat and invited to the school opening with a local native dance troop performing. We also had a tour of the big state trooper ship and visit by one of the local police officers who was curious about our travels. Appears that not a lot of sailboats visit here so lots of questions. We also took the time in the rainy and foggy weather to catch up on a lot of maintenance: oil and transmission fluid changes, oil and air filter changes, fixed some wiring issues, installed a new wind generator controller and a galvanic isolator, replaced the traveller lines and greased the windlass, outboard and main furler. Presently sailing in light winds expecting to be at Lituya for sunrise to enter the bay at slack current.


Mon Sep 2 15:48 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 59 32.838N 139 44.098W
Run: 1.2nm (2.2km)
Weather: Light rain

Moved to anchor closer to the village. Only a two mile hike from the harbour to the village but we were reminded several times on yesterday's hike to be careful for grizzly bears. Closest we have ever anchored to a playground so Benjamin is impressed. Also anchored close to the visiting State Trooper boat so booked for a tour tomorrow.


Sun Sep 1 16:09 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 59 33.859N 139 44.426W
Run: 241.2nm (436.6km)
Avg: 3.4knts
24hr: 81.2nm

Stopped in the small village of Yakutat to wait for a better weather window to head further south. A nice passage from Prince William Sound broad reaching in 8 to 13 kts of wind and motored the last stretch in absolute calm water with a sunrise over the mountain range inland from from Yakutat.


Thu Aug 29 16:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 60 20.177N 146 32.405W
Run: 59.5nm (107.7km)
Weather: Sunny afternoon with light smoke from the forest fires

A short stay at historic Port Etches. Capt Cook anchored here in May 1778. He obtained a few sea otter pelts from the nearby Nuchek village which spread the word about the rich supply of sea otters in Prince Williams Sound leading eventually to the sea otter's near extinction in the area. The Russians opened a trading post at Nuchek in 1783. We had a chance today to go ashore at Nuchek where the Chugach have set up a camp - Nuuciq Spirit Camp - to teach native culture and history. There is still a well cared for Eastern Orthodox church in the village. The caretaker was very welcoming and gave us great tour of the area while talking about the local history and wildlife. Throughout Prince William Sound we have seen sea otters and sea lions but nothing like the density we have seen here. Despite being so much later coming back to Fluenta from Nuchek than planned we drifted for awhile in the rhib to watch and listen to a large pack (pride ?) of sea lions cavort. Much of the time in Prince William Sound we have been the only boat in the anchorage but here we are sharing the anchorage with a 255' tug and a 400' barge that are here on duty to help prevent another Exxon Valdez disaster.


Mon Aug 26 9:31 2019 NZST
GPS: 61 02.946N 147 31.676w
Run: 13.3nm (24.1km)
Avg: 4.3knts
24hr: 104.1nm

Lovely day at Cows Pens anchorage. All members of the crew over the age of six took turns going paddleboarding to see the wildlife in the very calm conditions. From the boat you could see many sea otters and playful sea lions in the water and bald eagles in the sky. From the paddleboard we also saw black bears and herons. At one point I had seven loud sea lions around my paddleboard.


Mon Aug 26 6:27 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 60 54.834N 147 48.531W
Run: 31.2nm (56.5km)
Weather: Rain. A record water temp of 18.9C

Finishing off a nice visit to Cascade Bay. Anchored with a view of the waterfall and the warmest water we have seen in Alaska. Paddleboarding is especially nice with calm water and black bears, bald eagles, sea otters and seals and the most amazing density of salmon to watch. The big kids and I snorkelled at the base of the waterfall to watch the salmon and did a small hike but turned around due to the amount of fresh scat.


Thu Aug 22 11:12 2019 NZST
GPS: 60 46.648N 148 41.508W
Run: 32.3nm (58.5km)

We had intended to stay out in the quiet wilderness of Prince William Sound (well the loons and glaciers can be a bit noisy) but we had some unanticipated admin drama that needed internet to resolve so we headed to town. Whittier has a permanent population of 300 but is hectic with fishing boats, a cruise ship, tour boats and more. The Harbourmaster was able to find us a place on the dock and our friends from SV Northern Passage now living in Anchorage drove down to pick up Liz and Victoria for a logistics trip to the big city while the boy team cleaned the boat with copious (potable !) water from the dock. A great visit with the Northern Passage crew and then to our delight SV Seal showed up offloading some charter guests giving us time to get to know them and for the kids to have other kids to hang out with. We had been told to look for them by mutual friends (thanks SV Pickles) and they almost have us convinced that really we should settle in Cordova (no, we are still heading to BC but dramas over finding a liveaboard slip in BC is making Alaska pretty attractive plus the skiing is better). Johnathan, Benjamin and I also did the Portage Pass hike which Benjamin managed, thankfully, without needing to be carried.


Mon Aug 19 11:01 2019 NZST
GPS: 61 03.880N 147 56.010W
Run: 11.7nm (21.2km)

We had intended to anchor overnight in front of Wellesely Glacier but after we left the calm of Yale Glacier we were blasted with 27 kts of wind funneling through College Fjord making the small anchorage of Wellesely just too dodgy. We anchored in Coghill Bay for the night watching the sea otters and bald eagles.


Sun Aug 18 10:54 2019 NZST
GPS: 61 11.804N 147 42.743W

Great stay at Yale Glacier for several days. We could hear and see Yale Glacier calve from the anchorage on one side and a high alpine ridge with 14 glaciers visible on the other side. Other than the seals and sea otters the only other traffic was one small motor boat far off in the distance. We also did several dingy trips up towards the face of the glacier to feel the awesome rubble of the calving glacier. Despite the 30 kt winds in nearby College Fjord we had mostly calm conditions other than a few hours of 20 kts which filled our anchorage completely with glacier ice for a few hours. Great paddle boarding and brief swim and lots of glacier ice collected for evening scotch.


Thu Aug 15 17:36 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 61 11.784N 147 42.808W
Run: 53.9nm (97.6km)
Weather: TWS 0.5 TWD N Baro 1022.0 Sea Temp 8-10 C. Air temp 9.C. Mirrored glass calm. Lots of bergy bits.

We had a great stay at Nellie Juan nestled into a quiet nook of anchorage. Very quiet except the occasional loon and the splash of jumping salmon. A few seals came by to visit too. We did three dingy trips to hike and visit the glacier to watch it calve with thunderous rumble similar to the Tanna volcano. Lots of sea otters and their pumps and seals as we traveled up to the glacier. Today we motored up to the College Fiord area in the dead calm. The humpback whales and then pacific white sided dolphins put on a show for us. Lots of bergy bits to get into our deep anchorage in Yale Arm but rewarded with a beautiful view towards Yale Glacier on one side and 8,000 foot mountain ridge and glaciers on the other side. The sea temperature dropped to 8C on the way here but has risen to 10C in our anchorage.


Tue Aug 13 5:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 60 28.439N 148 19.144W
Run: 122.5nm (221.7km)
Weather: TWS 0.5 ! TWD N Baro 1020.2 Sea Temp 15.7C. Air temp 15.C. Mirrored glass calm. Almost feels like summer.

North of 60 ! A few changes in latitude since leaving New Zealand. Anchored in "Nelllie's Rest" - a small very bight near Nellie Juan Glacier in Prince William Sound. Calm and scenic passage from Homer over two nights. A few whales in the distance and lots of puffins with high mountains and glaciers as the backdrop. Two sea otters at the mouth of the bight to welcome us. Motored past the Barren Islands on the first day. These were named by Capt Cook on his travels up here. That guy covered a lot of ground.


Thu Aug 8 19:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 59 36.601N 151 25.026W
Run: 16.2nm (29.3km)
Weather: TWS 8 TWD SW Baro 1019.4 Sea Temp 13C. Air temp 14.C.

Anchored off Homer to deliver our friend Jen (SV Northern Passage) back to her van and for some logistics in preparation for our time in Prince William Sound.


Mon Aug 5 2:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 59 26.120N 151 43.442W
Run: 97.3nm (176.1km)
Avg: 3.2knts
24hr: 77.1nm
Weather: TWS 1.3 TWD SW Baro 1023.7 Sea Temp 10.8C. Air temp 12.C. Seas calm in the anchorage !

Well that was an interesting little gale. Very scenic in the sunshine with the glacier capped mountains of the Alaska Peninsula on one side and the green hills of Kodiak and Afognak on the other with winds gale force for much of yesterday. Max sustained winds were 37 kts. Winds overnight came down to a more comfortable 30 kts and then to almost zero for our final approach to Seldovia. Anchored in dead calm with the morning twilight. Intend to move into the harbour later this morning to meet up with friends ashore who we cruised with in Mexico in 2012.


Sat Aug 3 19:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 58 10.993N 152 57.969W
Run: 60nm (108.6km)
Weather: TWS 30+ TWD SW Baro 1026.7 Sea Temp 16C. Air temp 15.C. Dark. Seas approx 2.5m very short period.

Great stay at Geographic Bay and lots of time watching the grizzly bears from land, the dingy and from the cockpit. At high tide we could take the dingy to where the bears were feeding on the salmon and at low tide the shore line was very close to Fluenta - despite being anchored in 80' of water with a 15ft tidal range - so the bears could wander close to the boat. Even had a float plane come over and tie up to Fluenta for a nice visit. Time to get moving east but we found the wind in the strait was building beyond the forecast - peak sustained wind was over 35 ks - and the seas were getting steep so we did the conservative thing and have ducked into Malina Bay for the night along with a bunch of fishing boats.


Wed Jul 31 9:06 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 58 06.901N 154 36.439W
Run: 140.6nm (254.5km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 134.4nm
Weather: TWS 6 TWD 095T Baro 1016.0 Sea Temp 17C. Air temp 17.C.

Anchored in Geographic Harbor. Sunny and calm water made for a beautiful motor into the almost landlocked harbor surrounded by mountains. This was the site National Geographic used when they sent a team to investigate the after effects of the massive volcano eruption in the early 1900's. We have already seen quite a few bears - Benjamin spotted the first one - and we have had our first sighting of tourists since arriving in Alaska. The tourists come and go by float plane so I suspect we will have the place to ourselves later. We will have lunch - more salmon - and head ashore for a closer look (at the bears not the tourists).


Tue Jul 30 8:00 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.9 kts
knts
GPS: 56 30.5N 156 55.14W
Run: 160.6nm (290.7km)
Avg: 3.2knts
24hr: 77.1nm
Weather: TWS 12 TWD 290T Baro 1019.1 Sea Temp 14C. Air temp 14.C.

On passage from Sand Point towards Geographic Harbor. Just over half the way there but no "halfway celebration" chips as a short 280nm trip this time. Certainly different doing coastal passages as I think we gybed more times yesterday going around the various headlands and island in the shifty winds than the whole 3700nm passage from the Marshall Islands. We had expected light winds but have being making good progress with the winds from 2 to 25 kts mostly very deep behind us although we have also been close hauled for a few hours as well. Sailing along the edge of a big mountain range so that must be affecting the winds. Very scenic with snow and glacier covered mountains and the massive Veniaminof Crater visible for most of yesterday and Mount Chiginagak visible today. Lots of puffins as we round the headlands and the fin whales paid us a visit again yesterday. We had a nice visit at Sand Point. Galactic came in for a logistics stop before heading back out to continue their research so the kids were out fishing and berry picking. The salmon season closed for a few days so the harbour was awash in fishing boats and fishermen. In addition to the salmon the older boy on Galactic caught for us, our new fishermen friends on the docks gave us two more salmon as well as a tour of one of the purse seiners. We also had an interesting tour of the Trident fish processing plant with the Production Manager and their Safety Officer giving the tour. Very impressive facility and nice folks.


Sun Jul 28 6:00 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 55 19.995N 160 29.818W
Run: 7.3nm (13.2km)
Weather: TWS 14 TWD 205T Baro 1011.4 Sea Temp 13C. Air temp 12C.

A nice time at anchor with our friends from Galactic. Fluenta is on the dock at Sand Point so we can get some diesel and propane before heading further east. Had our first Alaskan salmon - yummy. We have been given two more salmon so the fridge and freezer are still full.


Fri Jul 26 9:21 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 55 14.099N 160 33.725W
Run: 111.7nm (202.2km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 101.5nm
Weather: TWS 14 TWD 205T Baro 1011.4 Sea Temp 13C. Air temp 12C. Fog and drizzle.

At anchor in Baralof Bay to meet up with our friends in SV Galactic (we last saw them in 2014 in French Polynesia). Great passage mostly under sail. Lots of puffins as we left and arrived and then as we approached the Shumagin Islands we saw a greater density and number of humpback whales than even we saw in Tonga. They were surfacing less than a boat length (!) from Fluenta and in the distance lots of breaching. Nice chats with two fishing boats on the VHF radio. Not a lot of sailboats here everybody is curious about our story.


Thu Jul 25 6:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 54 54.54N 163 19.668W
Run: 4.3nm (7.8km)
Weather: TWS 8.0 TWD167T Baro 1012.4 Sea Temp 11C. Air temp 12C. Fog.

At anchor off False Bay. Later today should be on our way east again after a great two night stop at False Pass. We were adopted by an Aleut family who had their fishing boat on the dock ahead of Fluenta which totally made the visit a delight (and tried to convince us to settle there). The two siblings that run the boat have eight kids between them so lots of fun. The kids went out salmon fishing with the older kids in one of their skiffs and saw a bear. We did not see a bear while we were ashore but the first three people we met warned us about bears - including a truck that pulled over to warn us - and some people travel armed. The village safety officer (a combined police, fire, EMT officer) has maxed out his overtime dealing with bears so is only allowed to respond to "predator" issues if a bear is actively trying to get into a house. The kids still managed to pick some berries without incident and our "salmon fishing" was getting a lovely gift of silver salmon from one of the fishermen. The village has a population of about 50 but now also supporting a group of about 700 at two cannery factories (the cannery workers seem to all be from "away": Ukraine, Cameroon, others)


Tue Jul 23 12:42 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 54 52.003N 163 24.511W
Run: 78.4nm (141.9km)
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 106nm
Weather: TWS 12.0 TWD155T Baro 1015.6 Sea Temp 12C. Air temp 12C. Low overcast with occasional glimpses of sun.

Out of the infamous Bering Sea (as seen on Deadliest Catch etc) after what ended up as a really nice little passage. We thought we might have to motor most of the way but sailed much of it mostly in light winds. It only got a little more sporty towards the end when the winds went hard on the nose in the mid teens. Nice early morning sail in light air downwind - so quiet I could hear the ducks taking flight to get out of our way and then a whale blew about 100 feet beside me which just about made me spill my coffee. Unfortunately also saw a dead small humpback floating (friends called it into the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline for us). Occasionally able to see the 9000' snow covered volcano and some glaciers during the transit. Now on the dock at False Pass/Isanotski to wait for the weather to turn in our favour for pushing further east. Very much a commercial fishing dock.


Mon Jul 22 18:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.1
knts
GPS: 54 39.7N 165 20.5W
Run: 73nm (132.1km)
Weather: TWS 6.7 TWD175T Baro 1021.0 Sea Temp 11C. Air temp 9C. Low overcast. A slight NW swell.

After a nice visit to Dutch Harbor we are underway again with a freezer and fridge full of fish we received as gifts. A great time out shooting and fishing with our new friends. We motored for a few hours today and then for most of the day close hauled or close reaching in a relaxing 4 to 8 kts of wind. Just passed and slightly passed through a fleet of 16 fishing ships ranging from 90 to 200' long. So much easier here where the fishing ships have AIS and will talk to us on the radio (and are really friendly even though we are wandering on a varying course following the wind close to their operations).


Tue Jul 16 5:21 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 53 52.602N 166 33.095W
Run: 21.2nm (38.4km)
Weather: TWS 0.8 TWD 170T Baro 1008.1 Sea Temp 11C. Air temp 10C. Low overcast. Flat seas.

Fluenta is on the dock at Dutch Harbor waiting to clear Customs. First dock since December and, if we can make it work, first proper shore power since 2014. Lots of bald eagles, a few sea otters and friendly people. On the dock with the designer of our anchor (Rocna).


Mon Jul 15 20:51 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.6
knts
GPS: 54 00.1N 167 01.6W
Run: 156.8nm (283.8km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154.5nm
Weather: TWS 7.5 TWD 211T Baro 1008.4 Sea Temp 9C. Air temp 10C. Low overcast. Calm seas

Fluenta has left the Pacific and is now in the Bering Sea. Sailing in light air along the Bering Sea towards Dutch Harbor. ETA Dutch Harbor Monday morning Alaska time. Lots of snow covered volcanic mountain peaks including an active one in the distance. Plenty of birds and seals near the floating kelp patches. Nice to be sailing in flat seas. Weather forecast has a small craft advisory for this stretch of water tomorrow so glad we should be tied to a dock tomorrow morning.


Sun Jul 14 20:30 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.9
knts
GPS: 52 16.2N 169 28.3W
Run: 167nm (302.3km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 164.9nm
Weather: TWS 16 TWD 210T Baro 1010.1 Sea Temp 11.9C. Air temp 10C. Low overcast. Long period SSW 1m swells. 1kt warm current just started against us.

Heading on a broad reach toward Samalga Pass in the Aleutians. We decided to take Samalga Pass vice the others as appears timing slack water for the currents in the pass will be less of an issue. Just starting to see some of the mountains on RADAR at 35nm. ETA Dutch Harbor Monday afternoon Alaska time. A few whales sighted as well as our first sightings of kelp. Many more birds too.


Sat Jul 13 20:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.6
knts
GPS: 49 53.3N 170 07.1W
Run: 186.1nm (336.8km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 184.9nm
Weather: TWS 12 TWD 265T Baro 1011.1 Sea Temp 10.6C. Air temp 9C. Light fog/overcast. Long period SSW 2m swells.

Good progress today sailing deep downwind with following seas surfing NE. Wind has recently eased a bit so now headed up to a close reach towards Umnak Pass


Fri Jul 12 20:03 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 48 01.4N 173 04.7W
Run: 145nm (262.5km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 151.3nm
Weather: TWS 23 TWD 240T Baro 1000.8 Sea Temp 10.6C. Air temp 10C. Low overcast and drizzle/rain. SW waves approx 2.0m

Pretty bouncy and rolly last night until we made it to SE of the low but now Fluenta is galloping towards the barn. From mid morning we were able to gybe over to port tack and since then have been averaging boat speeds in the mid to high 7's with surfs up to 10 kts with SW winds 20-25 kts tucked to the SE of the low. Nice to be on a broad reach again with following seas. Somehow that had not been a frequent situation since our 2014 Pacific crossing. We were heading for Umnak Pass to enter the Bering Sea but now debating Samalga Pass as less tidal current and can better use the west wind to sail closer to Dutch Harbor.


Thu Jul 11 21:03 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 46 10.4N 174 31.9W
Run: 179.6nm (325.1km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174.9nm
Weather: TWS 22 TWD 095T Baro 1001.3 Sea Temp 11.1C. Air temp 11C. Low overcast and drizzle/rain. ESE wind wave and swells - short period mostly less than 2m but a few bigger steep ones.

Sailing since last night making good progress straight towards Dutch Harbor with the settled seas - boat speeds from 7 to 8.5 kts. Less so this afternoon as the steep waves picked up and the wind strengthened to about 28 kts. We have turned downwind a bit to get a more comfortable angle to the waves as well as down to a heavily reefed main and staysail. The low to our west should keep moving north east ahead of us giving us some SW winds tomorrow to push us all the way towards Dutch Harbour. Less than 500 nm to the Umnak Pass (where we intend to pass through to the Bering Sea and then it is about 95nm to Dutch Harbor). No fishing today. Pretty cool watching the albatross swooping down the wave troughs though.


Wed Jul 10 20:24 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.4
knts
GPS: 43 37.8N 175 17.2W
Run: 141.4nm (255.9km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139.4nm
Weather: TWS 5 TWD 200T Baro 1016.0 Sea Temp 12.7C. Air temp 12C. Overcast and a few rain squalls. Long period 1.5m WNW swell.

A relaxing day motoring towards Dutch Harbor since 1600Z today as we cross a high pressure ridge. Kids excited they can see their breath in the cockpit. Wind expected to fill in this evening. Over 3/4 of the way there by mileage from Majuro to the pass into the Bering Sea.


Tue Jul 9 20:03 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.0
knts
GPS: 41 43.3N 176 17.4W
Run: 137.6nm (249.1km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144.2nm
Weather: TWS 14 TWD 250T Baro 1017.4 Sea Temp 14.0C. Air temp 12C. Overcast. Approx 2.0m swell from WNW

There was an error in the latitude in last night's update. Making good progress toward Dutch Harbor as the sea state calms. Lots of traffic as we ended up between six Japanese fishing ships.


Mon Jul 8 21:09 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.7
knts
GPS: 40 41.0N 178 32.9W
Run: 151.9nm (274.9km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.2nm
Weather: TWS 24 kts TWD 242T Baro 1011.9 Sea Temp 15.9C. Air temp 15C. Thick low overcast and some drizzle. 3.8m swell from WNW

Cold front was mild - just some rain and a change in trend upwards on the barometer. By the afternoon the wind was heading us southward and the large swells had caught up with us so gybed over to port tack to put the swells on our quarter and, thankfully, a better VMG to the destination. Still sailing deep downwind for comfort but intend to aim closer to Dutch Harbor by the morning. Decided not a good day for fishing. Getting a bit chillier.


Sun Jul 7 22:06 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.0
knts
GPS: 39 36.6N 178 56.5E
Run: 188.3nm (340.8km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 175.8nm
Weather: TWS 23.2 TWD 194T Baro 1007.9 Sea Temp 17.2C. Air temp 17C. Low overcast and drizzle.

Still sailing due east to mitigate the incoming low. Very consistent winds from SSW all day with a bit of wind against current so somewhat bumpy. Still being visited by dolphins and albatrosses. Hope to start pointing more towards Dutch Harbor tomorrow. Less than a 1000 nm to go so 2/3's of the mileage completed.


Sat Jul 6 20:24 2019 NZST
Speed:
8.4
knts
GPS: 39 35.2N 175 24.3E
Run: 38.9nm (70.4km)
Weather: TWS 13 TWD 197T Baro 1012.8 Sea Temp 19.4C. Air temp 17C. High, thin overcast

Sailing due east to mitigate the incoming low. Sailing again since early afternoon in increasing winds from the SSW. Still being visited by our dozens of dancing dolphins (and more albatrosses). One small bird flew into our cockpit last night. Preps for heavier weather completed today but looks like it will be not as windy as initially expected as we are making good progress east.


Fri Jul 5 20:24 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.3
knts
GPS: 39 06.2N 172 226.7E
Run: 284.3nm (514.6km)
Avg: 11.6knts
24hr: 278.5nm
Weather: TWS 4 TWD 009T Baro 1013.6 Sea Temp 18.2C. Air temp 15C. Overcast.

1160 nm to go to Dutch Harbor - slightly more than a NZ to the Tropics passage. A fickle day of sailing in NW winds 4 to 10 kts. Recently veered to NE as forecast. Aiming to the south of the rhumb line to mitigate some forecast weather. Sailing where we can to conserve diesel. Still being visited by our dozen dancing dolphins (and some albatrosses)


Thu Jul 4 19:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.2
knts
GPS: 38 16.8N 170 36.9E
Run: 160.2nm (290km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 159.2nm
Weather: TWS 10 TWD 307T Baro 1012.3 Sea Temp 19.5C. Air temp 16C. Overcast. Small west swell.

Making progress ... 1250 nm to go and getting colder. Finally a fish caught today - our worst fish/nm rate yet. Lots of dolphins came to play by the bow for quite awhile just before supper. For folks watching the Predictwind Tracker on our blog note it appears to be working again.


Wed Jul 3 19:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.9
knts
GPS: 36 32.1N 168 41.6E
Run: 185.5nm (335.8km)
Avg: 16.1knts
24hr: 385.5nm
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 239T Baro 1011.1 Sea Temp 21.3C. Air temp 21C. Fog. West swell. 2+ kts of NE current.

Turned right towards Dutch Harbour as should be clear enough of the high. Moderate fog but amazingly consistent winds from the SW all day. Predictwind current data shows a strong band of favourable current so we are following that giving us a helpful 2+ kts of push. An easy motion on the boat so we took the time to catch up on maintenance. The kid seized a dynmea chafe sleeve on the staysail halyard while I did some more indepth rig, engine and autopilot checks plus other odd and sods maintenance that needed doing. Over half way there by mileage: 1390 nm to go !


Wed Jul 3 8:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.0
knts
GPS: 34 13.7n 167 00.6e
Run: 136.3nm (246.7km)
Avg: 3.9knts
24hr: 93.7nm
Weather: TWS 13 TWD 202T Baro 1016.9 Sea Temp 23.5C. Air temp 23C. Solid overcast. Mixed seas and west swell.

Under sail since 0130L today in SW winds ranging from 12 to 17 kts. Feels like the doldrums are done. Came across our first fishing net(s) with AIS. We "saw" the first AIS contact 35nm away and then as we got closer another three AIS contacts popped up. Two were labeled "Net Fishing" and the other two were clearly labeled as buoys and they were spread out 20nm across our path. No ship answered hails or acknowledged DSC calls. We could not see any vessels on radar or visually. I think all four contacts were net buoys but no ship within radar distance which seemed odd. Rather than diverting 10nm around the buoys - rather a pain as we would need to gybe away and back as we were already on a deep broad reach - we approached the line carefully as it was just daylight by then. Nothing could be seen until we were about 100' away when we saw little white marker buoys in a line perpendicular to our path. Turns out the net must be weighted as we managed to sail over it without incident. More fun was seeing a pod of large dolphins followed by a school of tuna beside the boat (hiding from the dolphins ?)


Mon Jul 1 21:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
2.0
knts
GPS: 32 16.1N 166 45.4E
Run: 129.7nm (234.8km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 125nm
Weather: TWS 6.9 TWD 197T Baro 1018.7 Sea Temp 25.0C. Air temp 25C. Clear skies except some high cirrus. Calm seas. 2.0+ kt current to SE

Happy Canada Day from this side of the dateline. Was making decent enough progress northward under power and spinnaker considering stil winds less than nine kts but now a massive tear in our light air spinnaker. Will see if we can move the snuffer over to our 37 year old backup spinnaker and get it into play tomorrow when light again. Now on a broad reach with the the genoa on a running sheet. Mostly light southerly winds today. Crazy currents not helping today. I heard a whale blow nearby in the quiet as we slowly worked our way downwind under spinnaker. Several whales sighted including one that dove a few boat lengths from Fluenta. Still lots of garbage in the water. Canada Day hamburgers onboard. No fireworks.


Sun Jun 30 20:24 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
GPS: 30 23.5N 166 48.2E
Run: 56.4nm (102.1km)
Weather: TWS 2.2 TWD 338T Baro 1018.1 Sea Temp 28.0C. Air temp 27C. Clear skies except a few big squalls. Calm seas. 1.5+ kt current to NE

Mostly under sail since the last report: SE winds for most of the day and then SW later in the afternoon. Wind dropped an hour ago to almost zero so spinnaker down and engine on. Based on barometer, wind shift and the latest surface analysis possible that we were at the crest of the ridge. Need to push further north as forecast shows ridge will widen and form a separate high pressure area about here.


Sat Jun 29 20:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
4.6
knts
GPS: 29 37.4N 166 29.30E
Run: 177.6nm (321.5km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.6nm
Weather: TWS 7.5 TWD 106T Baro 1016.8 Sea Temp 28.0C. Air temp 26C. Clear skies. Calm seas.

The forecast for a large, persistent area of light winds is changing to be a larger, more persistent area of light winds ... Not fast but very comfortable sailing. We have not seen over 8 kts of wind over the last few days and today the winds have been 2 to 7.5 kts TWS. We flew the A2 spinnaker most of the night before switching back to white sails. After a few hours of motoring we were sailing again on a close reach before 0800 and have been undersail all day in winds 4 to 7 kts. No whale sightings today but a far amount of jellyfish. Calm conditions to do some repairs to the spinnaker and transfer diesel from jerry cans to the internal tanks.


Fri Jun 28 20:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
3.1
knts
GPS: 27 03.3N 166 35.0E
Run: 111.8nm (202.4km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 119.5nm
Weather: TWS 5.6 TWD 195T Baro 1013.6 Sea Temp 28.2C. Air temp 27C. Squalls. Slight long period NW swell.

Busy nature watching day: sailed very close to two sperm whales on the surface (while we were under spinnaker), we have named the tuna that has adopted us "Sashimi" and the the birds are keeping us amused with their antics. Unfortunately also seeing the most garbage in the water than we have seen on passage before. Motored through the night with very light winds and then sailed all day so far with our light air spinnaker with winds from the SW and occasionally SE from 3 to 8 kts TWS.


Thu Jun 27 21:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.1
knts
GPS: 25 26.3N 166 37.5E
Run: 74.9nm (135.6km)
Avg: 2.9knts
24hr: 68.9nm
Weather: TWS 0.9 TWD 128T Baro 1012.6 Sea Temp 29.1C. Air temp 27C. Clear skies. Slight NE swell.

All is well onboard. We struck sails last night and bobbed/rolled for several hours as insufficient wind to keep the sails from slatting with the leftover swell. From this morning we have managed to sail, albeit slowly in NE, NW, SE and SW winds never above 9 knots for much of the day including a stint with our light spinnaker until the true wind was below four knots - thanks NIRVANA crew for the spinnaker. Kids kept busy with sails in/out up/down tacks etc. Motoring again now in glassy calm. One fish hooked but it tore out the split ring - classic weakest link fails - I finally treated myself to split ring pliers in Majuro and they came with extra rings ... the pliers are nice but noticed that the rings are not robust enough for handline fishing. Luckily I have a good stock of robust hooks so back into fishing tomorrow.


Wed Jun 26 19:39 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 24 22.6N 166 23.2E
Run: 106.2nm (192.2km)
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 108.7nm
Weather: TWS 6 TWD 086T Baro 1013.7 Sea Temp 28.5C. Air temp 26C. High overcast. Approx 1.2m NE swell.

All is well onboard. Light shifty winds for most of the day making for slow progress under a grey sky. Lots of squalls and lightening for most of the morning. It felt more like the ITCZ than doldrums. Presently motoring to charge (not a lot of solar or wind generator charging today).


Tue Jun 25 20:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 22 51.5N 166 38.5E
Run: 151.3nm (273.9km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.7nm
Weather: TWS 12 TWD 065T Baro 1015.9 Sea Temp 29.1C. Air temp 27C. We seem to be out of the squally area and into a high overcast. Approx 1.2m NE swell.

All is well onboard as Fluenta leave the tropics in nine miles. First time north of the tropics since the Baja Ha Ha 2012. Liz has been writing lots for the blog which you can check at SV-Fluenta.blogspot.ca


Mon Jun 24 19:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
4
knts
GPS: 20 40.25N 166 44.37E
Run: 137.7nm (249.2km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 140.3nm
Weather: TWS 7-20 TWD 066T Baro 1015.4 Sea Temp 29C. Air temp 26C. Squally. Just entered a massive drizzly area of light wind after a patch of 20 kts. Approx 1.3m NE swell.

All is well onboard as we progress slowly north through a large region of squalls. Based on miles to go from Majuro and miles to go now, we are approx 1/4 the way through the passage. About 2250nm to go.


Sun Jun 23 20:24 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 18 41.9N 167 02.1E
Run: 155.4nm (281.3km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 152.5nm
Weather: TWS 12.5 TWD 065T Baro 1013.1 Sea Temp 29C. Air temp 28C. Just some trade wind Cu now but an impressive collection of squalls for about six hours earlier day corresponding I suppose with the forecasted high CAPE for the area. Approx 1.1m NE swell.

All is well onboard as we progress north. A busy morning for Liz and Victoria with playing "Frogger" to dodge the squalls but they managed to miss most of them. Winds were ranging from 6 to 20 kts. No fish yet. We should pass Wake Island tonight.


Sat Jun 22 19:57 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 16 27.3n 167 12.1e
Run: 177.7nm (321.6km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 176.6nm
Weather: TWS 11 TWD 058T Baro 1011.1 Sea Temp 30C. Air temp 28C (29C in the cockpit). Trade wind Cu with some squalls forming. Approx 1.0m NE swell.

All is well onboard as we progress north. We have mostly been heading north or NNE but recently the winds have backed a bit and so heading NNW. We could sail a but harder on the wind but a long ways to go so keeping with a conservative sail configuration. Presently heading towards Russia but not intending landfall there !


Fri Jun 21 19:48 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.7
knts
GPS: 13 53.0N 167 11.1E
Run: 174.1nm (315.1km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 135.7nm
Weather: TWS 13 TWD 068T Baro 1010.2 Sea Temp 29C. Air temp 28C (30C in the saloon). Trade wind Cu with some squalls forming. Approx 1.2m NE swell.

A quiet night last night in 16-18 kts close on the wind with just a staysail and reefed main to keep it comfortable as everybody gets back into passagemaking. Winds down to the 13 to 14 kts range and sailing with reefed main and genoa at 45 degrees to the apparent wind. Mostly heading in a northerly direction and we intend to worry about getting our easting once out of the NE trades. Interview with CBC today. Apparently we will be on a morning show in Alberta this weekend. No fish yet. We did not fish passing the reef as the reef fish are reputed to have cigatera and the large number of sharks. We hooked a shark going into Rongerik and a sailboat we talked to near there hooked three in a short period of time.


Thu Jun 20 13:00 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 11 23.069n 167 30.322e
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Weather: TWS 16 TWD 048T Baro 1010.3 Sea Temp 30C. Air temp 29C (and 30C in the saloon)

Fluenta is on the move again. In a few minutes we intend to weigh anchor and head north. Rongerik is a beautiful uninhabited spot - if rumoured to be haunted - and we were fortunate to spend time here working on a bunch of boat projects and waiting for the 'right' weather to head north. Yesterday we finally went out snorkeling and visited one of the small islands: Boobie chicks ashore and big turtles, giant clams, curious sharks and lots of fish around the reef.


Sun Jun 9 11:39 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 11 23.146n 167 30.058e
Run: 122.1nm (221km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 100.7nm
Weather: TWS 12 TWD 052T Baro 1012.4 Sea Temp 29.5C. Air temp 29C (and 30C in the saloon)

All is well onboard but have diverted to Rongerik to make a few repairs and then head north when a good weather window. For anyone looking at Predictwind Tracker, take our position reports with a grain of salt. It appears our Iridium Go is having some issues with its GPS. No fish but, for our first time in seven years of cruising, we caught a shark (we have had many sharks eat fish we have caught but never have hooked a shark directly). We managed to pull him up close enough to remove our lure and set him free. An interesting exercise for sure.


Sat Jun 8 6:33 2019 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 10 00.595n 168 37.72e
Run: 292.6nm (529.6km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 209.3nm
Weather: TWS 17.4 TWD 058T Baro 1010.3 Sea Temp 29.8C. Air temp 29C (and 29C in the saloon)

All is well onboard. No fish (yet). Beautiful starry night.


Thu Jun 6 21:00 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 7 23.1n 171 59.4e
Run: 49.9nm (90.3km)
Weather: TWS 15.6 TWD 075T Baro 1010.3 Sea Temp 29.9C. Air temp 28C (and 32C in the saloon)

On passage again after a few delays.


Sun Apr 14 15:48 2019 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 7 07.710n 171 18.551e
Run: 4.7nm (8.5km)
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 058T Baro 1007.7

A quick trip down to the MIYC moorings for a break from the city and for one of a birthday party on one of the other kid boats.


Fri Mar 29 23:06 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 7 06.214n 171 22.346e
Run: 126.9nm (229.7km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.1nm
Weather: TWS 18 kts TWD 050T Baro 1010.4

Arrived Majuro 2130L today after a bumpy and wet 36 hour passage from Majuro. A nice size mahi mahi and wahoo in the, now working again, fridge. Fun filleting with the beam seas in 20+ kts of wind.


Fri Mar 29 5:24 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.3 kts
knts
GPS: 8 46.660n 170 36.635e
Run: 109.1nm (197.5km)
Weather: TWS 16 kts TWD 039T Baro 1008.8

Departed Ailuk Thurs mid morning and heading towards the big city of Majuro after a nice two month stint in the outer atolls. Conditions were a bit bumpy close reaching once out of the lee of Ailuk but nice now that we are slightly further off the wind and in the lee of Maloelap.


Sat Mar 23 15:54 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 13.702n 169 58.823e
Run: 15.1nm (27.3km)
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 045T Baro 1010.0

A lovely time at Enejelar village again seeing friends from our 2017 visit. Now back in front of the main Ailuk village (population approx 200) for a feast with Anious and Emily. We saw the pig for the feast being loaded into a sailing canoe yesterday at Enejalar - not a happy sailing pig.


Mon Mar 18 15:57 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 26.695n 169 57.221e
Run: 2.1nm (3.8km)
Weather: TWS 14 kts TWD 058T

Back up to Enjelar village where we spent so much time in 2017.


Mon Feb 25 16:03 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 24.931n 169 57.531e
Run: 13.1nm (23.7km)
Weather: TWS 18 kts TWD 058T

and now back to the "Kid's Kite School" location but with Sweet Dreams in tow (not literarily though) ... Pretty good for bonfires as well.


Sun Feb 24 15:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 13.619n 169 58.683e
Run: 13.1nm (23.7km)
Weather: TWS 18 kts TWD 045T

and now back to the southern end of the atoll to welcome Sweet Dreams to Ailuk. Excited kids.


Tue Feb 19 20:57 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 24.921n 169 57.538e
Run: 12.6nm (22.8km)
Weather: TWS 25 kts TWD 060T

Moved back to the "kite school" anchorage in the north of the atoll. Nice visit to the village for Anious's birthday feast.


Sat Feb 16 15:12 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 14.022n 169 58.789e
Run: 12.6nm (22.8km)
Weather: TWS 20 kts TWD 035T

Had a great stay at previous anchorage kiting plus catching up on maintenance projects and school. Back to the south end of the atoll for Anious's (aka Pumpkin) birthday feast tonight. Supposed to get some boisterous weather tomorrow so will likely head back north again.


Tue Feb 12 9:30 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 24.905n 169 57.555e
Run: 7.3nm (13.2km)
Weather: TWS 22-25 TWD 045T

We have moved a little further north in Ailuk to find a combination of adequate protection from the winds and seas outside the atoll and a good place for the kids (and grown ups) to kiteboard. A quick recce ashore yesterday - looks like a good spot.


Sat Feb 9 20:24 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 18.556n 169 57.969e
Run: 5.7nm (10.3km)
Weather: TWS 22-30 kts TWD 050T

Moved further up the atoll in Ailuk for better protection from the building wind and seas. Nice time visiting Enious and Emily again in Ailuk (and fixing his generator) and kiting near the village. Kids making good progress with the kiteboards even in the mid 20 kt winds.


Wed Feb 6 14:30 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 13.638n 169 58.733e
Run: 50.1nm (90.7km)
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 049T

Returned to Aliuk after an overnight passage from Wotje. Fishing report: no fish landed and one beast stripped the hook off one of our lures and bend the two treble hooks on the other.


Sat Feb 2 16:18 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 9 31.697n 170 10.320e
Run: 6.3nm (11.4km)
Weather: TWS 18 TWD 042T

Moved Fluenta to a potential kiteboarding location behind Bikanol Island.


Thu Jan 31 18:33 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 9 27.345n 170 13.719e
Run: 124.7nm (225.7km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 151.9nm
Weather: TWS 13 TWD 015T

Anchored in front the main village in Wotje. Relatively quick passage close reaching the whole way in TWS 14 to 18 kts. Winds only turned to the north in the last few hours. One mahimahi caught and in the fridge.


Wed Jan 30 22:51 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.2
knts
GPS: 7 46.1n 170 52.4e
Run: 57.6nm (104.3km)
Weather: TWS 17 TWD 070T Clear skies

Fluenta and crew has finally escaped the gravitational pull of the city of Majuro and heading towards Wotje.


Fri Jan 4 23:51 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 7 06.020n 171 22.566e
Run: 101.3nm (183.4km)
Avg: 3.1knts
24hr: 74.6nm
Weather: Light winds and overcast. Baro 1010.7

Anchored at Majuro at noon and all checked in just before 1700. Ashore for the first time in three weeks and prepping tomorrow for a potential tropical disturbance Saturday night (GFS says yes, ECMWF says no, Joint Typhoon Centre expresses concern, official weather report does not ...). Caught another mahi mahi and a wahoo yesterday making it 1 fish per 290 nm (I removed the 300 nm or so we did not fish due to the bouncy weather from the stats). Stats would have been much better if we did not lose both mahi mahi that hook at the same time just before entering the pass to Majuro. Full stats to follow in a blog post but that is rather further down the "to do" list.


Thu Jan 3 15:15 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.0
knts
GPS: 6 09.7n 172 30.6e
Run: 118.3nm (214.1km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.7nm
Weather: TWS 25 TWD 070T High overcast with scattered stratus. Light rain

In the first time in three days we have eased the sheets a bit and are not hard on the wind as rounding - at a large distance - Mili Atoll. Much more comfortable now. Thankful for our little tough hank-on staysail that has pulled this far to windward. Still a fair amount of wind averaging in the low 20's peaking so far at 28 kts.


Wed Jan 2 19:54 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 4 32.7n 173 04.4e
Run: 350.7nm (634.8km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 134nm
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 030T High overcast

Still heading north ... After days of light winds we went through one big squall and as if we had gone through the Alice in Wonderland looking glass the winds changed. Fluenta has been hard on the wind since 31 Dec (our time) in true winds from 15 to 27 kts. Rather bumpy and wet as we blast through the waves plus amazing amounts of torrential rain. The most dense concentration of squalls and electrical storms we have ever seen so we have been stowing some of the electronics at night including the Iridium Go so you may notice the tracking feature on our blog stops working. Appears we have made it north of the ITCZ so hopefully a bit less squally but stronger winds are forecast. 215nm to go (less than a Marblehead-Halifax race)


Mon Dec 31 5:06 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.6
knts
GPS: 0 00.1n 175 20.2e
Run: 43.6nm (78.9km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 150.6nm
Weather: TWS 5 TWD 210T Baro 1006.4 Sea Temp 31C. Light rain

Fluenta is back in the Northern Hemisphere after just her crew just completed their fourth equator crossing. No party onboard this time as is it 0500 Fluenta time (UTC+13) and everyone but me is asleep. 523 nm to go.


Sun Dec 30 22:09 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 0 35.479s 175 33.204e
Run: 97.8nm (177km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 118.5nm
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 134T Baro 1006.4 Sea Temp 31C. Low overcast during the day and now squalls.

Off and on sailing day with light following winds. Decent wind for the last few hours with a massive squall that is very slowly catching up with us.


Sun Dec 30 2:21 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.3
knts
GPS: 1 44.0s 176 23.3e
Run: 478.3nm (865.7km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138.1nm
Weather: TWS 2.5 TWD 043T Baro 1004.6 Sea Temp 31C.

Sailing for most of today in decent winds as we start to pass the southern islands in the Kiribati Gilbert chain. Started in approx 4 to 6 kts TWS and then in the afternoon to 9-11 kts TWS. After a large squall this evening the winds died as they normally do behind a larger squall but then they have not come back so far (3 hours later). All the weather forecasts we use say we should be having 9 to 12 kts of wind but alas motoring again. Batteries are fully charged and making water. No fish today but it appears we have adopted a bird that ran into the mainsail this evening.


Thu Dec 27 13:03 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.5
knts
Weather: TWS 3.7 TWD 018T Baro 1004.8 Air Temp 31C. Sea Temp 32C. Really hot.

Weather generally doing as forecast so far ... light winds during the day and impressive squalls at night. Winds so far ranging from 0.1 to 28 kts. Have not caught more fish (yet) but went by a massive bait ball that we think also had whales blowing. Did not detour for a closer look as a massive squall was bearing down on us at the time. A note for anyone following our progress on the Predictwind tracker on the blog (SV-Fluenta.blogspot.ca): we have been stowing the laptop and the Iridium Go at night due to all the electrical storms so do not be alarmed if there are no updates. There have been a few updates to the blog since leaving Fiji for those who are interested.


Wed Dec 26 15:12 2018 NZDT
GPS: 8 06.057s 179 06.495e
Run: 29.8nm (53.9km)
Weather: TWS 2.5 TWD 311T Baro 1003.7 Air Temp 31C. Sea Temp 31C. Really hot.

We had a nice quiet Christmas at anchor at Funafuti but with the monsoonal westerlies heading towards Tuvalu it is time get going north. Motoring over a slight glassy swell. 34C in the saloon. Caught another mahi mahi just after leaving the atoll. About 1050 nm to go if we actually followed the rhumb line.


Sat Dec 22 10:45 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 8 31.498s 179 11.326e
Run: 18.6nm (33.7km)
Weather: TWS 11 TWD 113T Baro 1009.1 Air Temp 31C. Sea Temp 31C. Hot.

Anchored in Funafuti, Tuvalu yesterday afternoon. Will stay to have Christmas at anchor and then keep heading north


Fri Dec 21 12:51 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7 kts
knts
GPS: 8 42.7s 178 59.6e
Run: 132.7nm (240.2km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139.4nm
Weather: TWS 13 TWD 120T Baro 1007.7

Jeckle and Hyde sailing conditions. Lovely sedate close reaching in 6 to 9 kts of wind with small +/- 10degree wind shift by day but then by night more squalls than not squalls. Winds between 5 and 28 kts and 90 degree wind shifts. Predominate wind direction for much of last of night was straight out of the destination at 20 kts. Less lightening though which is nice. Now making good progress 7 kts down the rhumb line and ten miles from the eastern pass into Funafuti. A fresh mahi mahi in the fridge.


Thu Dec 20 14:00 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5 kts
knts
GPS: 10 36.4s 178 40.8e
Run: 303.5nm (549.3km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 120.6nm
Weather: TWS 7 TWD 081T Baro 1010.3

As expected in this area between the trade winds, the winds have been rather fickle. Winds have varied from 2-3 kts - when we motor - to low 20's in the squalls. Most of the last 24 hours as been close hauled to close reaching in 6 to 9 kt winds. Will likely stop at Tuvalu to celebrate Christmas at anchor and looks like a wide swath of no wind north of Tuvalu once this light easterly fades away.


Tue Dec 18 1:36 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 kts
knts
GPS: 14 52.6s 177 37.598e
Run: 120nm (217.2km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.9nm
Weather: TWS 4 TWD 354T Baro 1008.9

Sailed until almost noon and then very light winds. Now motoring in the lighter winds and sailing when the wind rises above around 6kts. One small tuna caught. Hooked something big at sunset but it bent two of the big tremble hooks back. Some lightening after midnight as expected in this area.


Mon Dec 17 6:00 2018 NZDT
Speed:
4.7 kts
knts
GPS: 16 35.2s 177 18.8e
Run: 82.1nm (148.6km)
Weather: TWS 9 TWD 198T Baro 1007.4

On our way north. Forecast winds were for single digit winds and we had 18-22 kts from behind for most of the day. Nice. By the middle of the night the winds are back as forecast ranging from 6 to 9 kts so slow going but not uncomfortable.


Tue Dec 11 15:09 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.359S 177 22.927E
Run: 6.4nm (11.6km)
Weather: TWS 11 TWD 190T Baro 1005.5 Hot.

Fluenta is back in the water. Slight delay due to a broken travel lift at the yard. Over at Denarau Marina to finish provisioning and transition from yard chaos onboard to prepare for the passage north.


Thu Dec 6 5:57 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.796S 177 23.190E
Run: 14.7nm (26.6km)
Weather: TWD 133T TWS 6.5 kts Baro 1007.1

An "unscheduled" haulout at Vuda a few days ago to address a ever so slightly weeping thru hull. Intention is to relaunch Saturday. I have been slack in updating YIT over the last week. We had a nice visit last week to Musket Cove, Cloud 9 and then Denarau last week with our friends in Sonodora.


Fri Nov 23 22:44 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.359S 177 11.128E
Run: 14.7nm (26.6km)
Weather: Hot and still

Waiting for part required for our haulout so escaping the heat and bugs and back out at anchor.


Wed Nov 21 11:43 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.883S 177 23.195E
Run: 5.3nm (9.6km)

Arrived Vuda Marina.


Wed Nov 21 5:00 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 45.485S 177 23.425E
Run: 69.5nm (125.8km)
Avg: 3.7knts
24hr: 89nm

Anchored outside of Denarau at 0430 in prep for heading to Vuda later today,


Tue Nov 20 10:16 2018 NZDT
GPS: 18 17.001S 178 17.560E
Run: 124.6nm (225.5km)
Weather: TWS 5 TWD 255T Baro 1009.8 Seas Slight

Heading towards Nadi. Had a nice sail mostly close hauled or close reaching across the Koro Sea and a bit of beating to windward last night. Now motoring towards Beqa Channel. More traffic than we have seen earlier in the season: cruise ship, ferries and Chinese fishing ships.


Wed Nov 14 20:02 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 46.694S 179 20.013e
Run: 39nm (70.6km)
Weather: Wet and calm

After a great visit back to Taveuni Fluenta is back on the dock at the Copra Shed. Now to get Fluenta ready to head north.


Mon Nov 12 12:32 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 56.100S 179 53.955E
Run: 16.7nm (30.2km)

Back on a mooring in front of Paradise Resort after a nice visit further north on Taveuni - family visit, Diwali, a wedding, Indian night, waterslide visit (of course) and more.


Mon Oct 29 22:29 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 44.415S 179 57.033w
Run: 5.5nm (10km)

Moved north and crossed the dateline to be anchored near my parent's place. Shorter commute now.


Mon Oct 29 7:00 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 47.836S 179 59.466E
Run: 11.2nm (20.3km)
Weather: Baro 1008.9 TWS 8 TWD 210T

Anchored beside the ferry dock on Taveuni. Check how close to the dateline we are anchored ! Tried to anchor further north yesterday but it was untenable with the northerly winds. Fun tide rips with the 20 kt winds and 2 kts of current to retreat back to here.


Fri Oct 26 22:18 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 56.075S 179 54.011E
Run: 39nm (70.6km)

Back on a mooring in front of Paradise Resort to pick up the big kids and Granny who took the bus down the island to meet up with us.


Sun Oct 14 23:48 2018 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 16 46.688s 179 19.978e
Run: 39nm (70.6km)
Weather: Baro 1014.0 Squalls and electrical storms.

Fluenta is back at the Copra Shed Marina at Savusavu after a very nice stay on a mooring off Paradise Resort.


Thu Oct 11 19:36 2018 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 16 56.056s 179 53.994e
Run: 12.5nm (22.6km)
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD SE Baro 1010.5 Squally

Fluenta is back at Paradise Resort on Taveuni. Kids were swimming in the pool a few minutes after the mooring was secured ...


Tue Oct 9 19:21 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 45.308S 179 55.418E
Run: 4.8nm (8.7km)
Weather: TWS 1.8 TWS 090 Baro 1010.4

Anchored in front of Dolphin Bay Resort after a nice short passage on the inside route between Nasasobu and Dolphin Bay. We first visited Roland and Viola at Dolphin Bay 11 years ago as tourists. Snorkelling and maybe diving on the agenda for the next few days.


Fri Oct 5 13:42 2018 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 16 45.200s 179 51.087e
Run: 34.4nm (62.3km)
Weather: TWS 4 kts TWD SW Baro 1011.4 Hot !

Anchored near Dakuniba after a calm motorboat trip from Savusavu this morning with a 0500 departure. No fish caught. Quiet bay with lots of bird song from the mangroves.


Mon Sep 24 11:36 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 16 46.698s 179 19.968e
Run: 22.5nm (40.7km)
Avg: 2.7knts
24hr: 65.5nm
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 129T Baro 1011.1

Arrived Savusavu early this morning. Nice fast passage - under three days - and Victoria caught a walu just before arrival. A big treat as tied to a dock for a few days to catch up on some maintenance and prepare for guests. Fun to be back to a place where the staff remember us.


Mon Sep 24 3:21 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.5 kts
knts
GPS: 16 57.6s 179 36.948e
Run: 177.3nm (320.9km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 187.9nm
Weather: TWS 16 kts TWD 147T Baro 1009.8

Making great progress and past the Lau Group mostly in the daylight and now crossing the top of the Koro Sea so nice to be back in familiar waters. Averaging speeds in the mid 7's all day. ETA Savusavu later this morning as 28 nm to run to Savusavu


Sun Sep 23 4:42 2018 NZST
Speed:
296T
knts
GPS: 17 42.708s 177 48.93w
Run: 152nm (275.1km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.2nm
Weather: TWS 7.5 kts TWD 067T Baro 1008.6

Can see why people seek out tradewind passages. Has been a nice day sailing either wing on wing or broad reaching with about 12 kts of wind and sunshine. About a 2m swell behind us. Seas are calming but so is the wind. Forecast with both EC and GFS was to have 1.9 kts of wind by this point so happy we have avoided motoring so far. Nice birthday celebrations onboard with a cake produced by Victoria.


Sat Sep 22 4:15 2018 NZST
Speed:
281T
knts
GPS: 18 13.907s 175 34.158w
Run: 108.1nm (195.7km)
Weather: TWS 14 kts TWD 081T Baro 1009.4

On the road again ... Heading towards Savusavu, Fiji. After not seeing many whales in Vava'u (and so many in Ha'apai) was nice to have a little whale show as we sailed away from Tonga. Enjoying some actual trade wind sailing with the sails wing on wing with the wind and swells from far aft.


Wed Sep 19 7:15 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 39.678s 173 58.995w
Run: 2.5nm (4.5km)
Weather: TWS 3 kts TWD 078T

Back to town to provision, clear out and fuel up. Was very tempting to stay at Kenutu for another day of kitesurfing as the kids making great progress.


Fri Sep 14 18:27 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 41.298s 173 57.425w
Run: 2.3nm (4.2km)
Weather: TWS 18 kts TWD 113T

Considerations in modern passage planning: Found an anchorage with 3G coverage (sort of), close to a kitesurfing location and suitably safe in the 20+ kt winds we have been having all day. Progress made on school and admin with the internet and a good afternoon kiting on the Kenutu sand bar.


Wed Sep 12 0:00 2018 NZST
GPS: 18 42.358S 173 59.247w
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)
Weather: TWS 16kts TWD 130T

Anchored near Tapana Island to spend some time with the large group of boats with teenagers. Fun dingy raft-up sundowners. Still boat work to do before leaving for Fiji but hoping to get in some kiting at Kenutu tomorrow.


Mon Sep 10 9:06 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 39.221s 173 59.101w
Run: 75.7nm (137km)
Weather: TWS 9 kts TWD 140T Baro 1011.7

Back to the big city of Neiafu in Vavau to do some work on the boat, catch up on logistics/admin/school and to clear out of Tonga. Nice if slow passage from Haapai dead downwind in 8 to 10 kts of wind and then close hauled threading our way through Vavau in the moonless dark. Lots of whales to watch during the daylight hours - we even altered course as a pod seemed to converging from our port side and then they dove and reappeared close on our starboard side. Arrived around 0200 but could not find a mooring ball so anchored in almost 100' of water at 0300. A few bites on one of our fishing lines but no fish. The last fish, a wahoo, lasted for five days of lunch and suppers for the family so time to catch another.


Sat Sep 8 16:05 2018 NZST
GPS: 19 42.753S 174 16.972W
Run: 17.5nm (31.7km)
Weather: TWS 12 Kts TWD 166T Baro 1006.6

After some great whale watching, playing on the beach and kitesurfing at Nukupule we are back at Foa to say goodbye to the nice folks at Matafonua and for the kids to have one last play with the kids ashore. The whales came to say goodbye too as a mum and calf loitered around Fluenta at anchor for over an hour today coming to within a boat length. A bit bumpy with the leftover swells from the westerlies and not quite enough wind for a final kite (I did get to rescue a kiter who unintentionally was heading towards Fiji when he could not get upwind against the current but was drifting down to Fluenta).


Tue Sep 4 20:09 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 46.876s 174 32.471w
Run: 8.1nm (14.7km)
Weather: TWS 13 kts TWD 090T Baro 1012.8

Anchored mostly in the lee of Nukupele Island. Lots of whales and can even hear whale song inside Fluenta. Pretty little island and hopefully the wind picks up a bit tomorrow so we can see if the island is good for kitesurfing. We have never heard of anyone anchoring here before so were surprised when a Fijian mini-cruise ship (MV Nai'a) anchored behind us just before sunset.


Sun Sep 2 17:39 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 52.559s 174 28.091w
Run: 5.9nm (10.7km)
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 100T Baro 1013.0

Anchored near Luangahu Island. Not an ideal anchorage but a nice place to watch the whales around us.


Sat Sep 1 22:09 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 57.607s 174 28.694w
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 115T Baro 1013.0

Nice short sail to anchor off Uonukuhahaki Island (Lobster Island East, we think). Lots of whales but none too close this time. One small tuna caught but returned.


Fri Aug 31 18:15 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 52.394s 174 26.235w
Run: 14.4nm (26.1km)
Weather: TWS 6 kts TWD 068 Baro 1011.9

Anchored near Tatafa with some protection from the reef for the forecast westerlies tonight. Nice, if slow, passage here today with many whales sighted and one decent size wahoo caught.


Wed Aug 29 9:00 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 43.268s 174 17.217w
Run: 13.6nm (24.6km)
Weather: TWS 18 kts TWD 093 Baro 1015.4

Back to Foa Island a few days ago. Anchored off the very friendly Sandy Beaches resort. Lots of kiteboarding for all (excepted Benjamin) and the bigger kids have been camping ashore the last few nights.


Thu Aug 23 12:00 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 36.450s 174 27.466w
Run: 13.6nm (24.6km)
Weather: TWS 11 kts TWD 063 Baro 1011.8

Appeared to be taking root at Foa so on a short side trip to the western side of Haapai. Anchored off Ofolanga Island. Lots of whales sighted breaching and several came to welcome us into the anchorage. Amazing water visibility so looking forward to our exploring today and tomorrow.


Sat Aug 18 11:06 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 43.237s 174 17.198w
Weather: TWS 4 kts TWD 178 Baro 1012.4

w: TWS 4 kts TWD 178 Baro 1012.4


Wed Aug 15 19:33 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 43.237s 174 17.198w
Run: 76.1nm (137.7km)
Weather: TWS 4 kts TWD 178 Baro 1012.4

Arrived yesterday morning off Foa Island in the Haapai after a bumpy close hauled trip from Vavua. Lots of whales sighted including two who breached by the boat around midnight on a moonless night. Amazing swim with the mum and calve whales today. Photos to follow at some point.


Sat Aug 11 8:36 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 39.494s 173 58.972w
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: TWS 6 kts TWD 088 Baro 1009.9

Back to the big city (okay, small town) to resupply and get our local movement clearance to go back to the Haapai. Fun racing last night on the well organised and well sailed SY Darth Vader with a mix of Tongan and Palangi crew (oh, and we won).


Thu Aug 9 13:42 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 42.466s 174 04.567w
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)
Weather: 1

Anchored near Nuapapu Island yesterday in preparation for the "Tongan Feast". Tongan feast was fun and shared with a visiting billionaire couple and 17 crew who anchored near us in their 285' ketch.


Sat Aug 4 10:21 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 45.007s 174 00.412w
Run: 3.4nm (6.2km)
Weather: Baro 1008.2 TWS 11 kts TWD 181T

Fun times swimming into Mariners and Swallows Cave yesterday but with the shift of the winds to the west it was time to move again. Now anchored near Taunga and Ngau in 10' of pretty green water with sand beaches to windward. Looks like a great place to sail Trickle and, maybe, kitesurf if the winds pick up tomorrow.


Thu Aug 2 14:33 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 42.752s 174 02.362w
Run: 7.2nm (13km)
Weather: Baro 1008.2 TWS 14 kts TWD 191T

No kiting surfing winds forecast for awhile and potentially some westerlies so it was time to move. We are now anchored between Nuku Island and Kapa Island in preparation for exploring Mariners and Swallows Cave tomorrow.


Fri Jul 27 14:51 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 42.034s 173 55.775w
Run: 11.3nm (20.5km)
Weather: Baro 1010.2 TWS 10 kts TWD 125T

Anchored in the lee of Kenutu Island. Thank you Carol and Livia for the waypoints. Very pretty anchorage with lots of snorkeling and kiting potential. Just as we were going through the narrow Fanua Tapu pass we sailed past a humpback mother and calf.


Thu Jul 26 8:06 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 43.263s 174 06.045w
Run: 8.9nm (16.1km)
Weather: Baro 1012.8 TWS 10 kts TWD 143T

Anchored in the very protected anchorage of Vaka'Eitu. Nice little passage yesterday with a few whales spotted. In the anchorage with two other Canadian boats, one with kids ! Seems the trough has passed through so nicer weather again.


Mon Jul 23 9:00 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 39.515s 173 58.941w
Run: 9.1nm (16.5km)
Weather: Baro 1012.8 TWS 4 kts TWD 138T

On a mooring at the town of Neiafu. Wow. Lots of boats and idle radio chatter here.


Sun Jul 22 15:54 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 18 45.007s 174 04.898w
Run: 68.3nm (123.6km)
Weather: Baro 1009.5 TWS 10 kts TWD 118T

Anchored off Avalau Island in the Vava'u Group in preparation for heading to Neiafu to renew our visas. Nice passage with a 0400 start to ensure a daylight arrival. Lots of whale breaching and one small tuna caught but released. A lot more boats here than the Haapai.


Fri Jul 20 7:36 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 43.201s 174 17.125w
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: Baro 1013.9 TWS 5 kts TWD 186T

Anchored off Foa Islands in front of the lovely Sandy Beaches Resort. Rather tight to get into the anchorage and just enough swing room between the reefs but very nice. Interesting night here to nights ago when a large squall reversed the winds - we were fine but of the four boats here one boat wrapped their chain around coral and another had to reanchor in the pouring rain at 0430. Not enough wind for kiting but lots to do including snorkeling to see the leopard sharks.


Sun Jul 15 16:21 2018 NZST
GPS: 19 47.922S 174 21.239W
Run: 7.5nm (13.6km)
Weather: Baro 1009.7 TWS 10 TWD 091

Anchored outside the harbour for Pangai so we can clear in.


Sun Jul 15 11:48 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 52.349s 174 26.335w
Run: 7.4nm (13.4km)
Weather: Baro 1010.9 TWS 14 kts TWD 074T

An unusual stop for Fluenta. We have stopped mid passage for lunch and a snorkel. There is a small indent in the reef just before the Auhnga Mea pass and we have anchored there. Should be able to snorkel from the boat and leave the dingy hoisted. A small (approx two meals for th family) rainbow runner caught so far.


Wed Jul 11 11:18 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 57.956s 174 29.601w
Run: 9.5nm (17.2km)
Weather: Baro 1012.9 TWS 14 kts TWD 090T in lee of island

Anchored behind the sandspit connecting Uonukuhifo and Uonukuhaki Islands (West Lobster and East Lobster Islands in Tongan) in about 15 feet of water. Great time kiteboarding off Uoleva Island the last few days but time for a new place. From what we can see it should have great kiting and snorkelling and a possibility of camping ashore on the uninhabited islands (although there are apparently a few pigs).


Wed Jul 4 15:27 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 50.969s 174 24.944w
Run: 20.5nm (37.1km)
Weather: Baro 1009.6 TWS 12 kts TWD 160T in lee of island

Anchored at Ouleva after a close hauled sail from the previous anchorage. The winds and seas have calmed down so a pleasant sail. A very protected bay so we are looking forward to the boat not rolling for awhile. We commented that it looks busy - when we realised that we were getting spoilt and perhaps six boats in a massive bay is not really busy. Lots of kid boats here and hopefully Liz and I can get some kiteboarding in.


Sat Jun 30 13:57 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 19 56.393s 174 42.951w
Run: 23.9nm (43.3km)
Weather: Baro 1015.3 TWS 10-20 kts TWD 120T

Anchored in the lee of Ha'afeva island after a vigorous little sail from Nomuka. Quite squally conditions on the passage with winds varying from 19 to 26 kts. Lot of rain. Time to prepare for Canada Day festivities tomorrow.


Thu Jun 28 13:54 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 20 16.568s 174 48.267w
Run: 63.2nm (114.4km)
Weather: Baro 1012.8 TWS 19 kts TWD 150T

Anchored off Nomuka Iki after a fast but rather bumpy passage here from Tongatapu. 0330 departure so we could arrive here with good light. Nice passage - whales about a boat length away and we caught two small tuna (both returned) and an approx 30 lb walu (was fun to filet as we rolled).


Sat Jun 23 10:06 2018 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 21 07.671s 175 09.635w
Run: 31nm (56.1km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139.1nm
Weather: Baro 1011.8 TWS 9 kts TWD 162T SST 26C

Anchored off Pangiamotu in Tongatapu. 'Q' flag is up and will clear Customs etc on Monday.


Sat Jun 23 4:45 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
GPS: 21 09.871s 175 38.423w
Run: 157.4nm (284.9km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.7nm
Weather: Baro 1009.1 TWS 11 kts kts TWD 185T SST 26C

Fluenta was galloping towards Tongatapu for most of the day. The forecast light winds were actually 16 to 20 kts straight down the rhumb line allowing us to stay wing-on-wing with average speeds in the 7's with peaks to the low 9's when given a push from the waves. Classic landfall dilemma: we kept our speeds up in case the forecast light winds arrived and we would be too late for a daylight arrival. Now we have slowed the boat so we do not arrive too early !


Fri Jun 22 4:48 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 22 30.9s 177 36.95w
Run: 112.4nm (203.4km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 124nm
Weather: Baro 1008.4 TWS 14 kts kts TWD 218T SST 25C

Making decent progress wing-on-wing deep downwind towards Tongatapu. Caught a 30+ lb bigeye tuna coming out of the pass at Minerva reef and then later a decent size Bonita tuna.


Thu Jun 21 7:03 2018 NZST
Speed:
0.0
knts
GPS: 23 37.209s 178 54.701w
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)
Weather: Baro 1009.2 TWS 11 kts kts TWD 261 SST 24C Sea state: calm inside Minerva Reef

Trough was not too bad last night. Some gusts but I do not think over 20 kts but lots of heavy rain. Skies have mostly cleared and wind from the west. Time to go ! Intention is to head out this morning towards Tongatapu.


Tue Jun 19 15:45 2018 NZST
Speed:
0.0
knts
GPS: 23 37.103s 178 54.606w
Run: 217.5nm (393.7km)
Avg: 19.2knts
24hr: 459.9nm
Weather: Baro 1012.8 TWS 12 kts kts TWD 044T SST 24C Sea state: calm inside Minerva Reef

Fluenta anchored at North Minerva Reef this afternoon after a great if occasionally boisterous sail to get here with sufficient light for the pass and to go across the lagoon. Average over 8 kts for several hours and rarely did our speed last drop below 7. Intention is a short stay here this time and once the weather looks better for sailing then depart towards Tongatapu.


Tue Jun 19 4:24 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.0
knts
GPS: 26 45.447s 178 40.333w
Weather: Baro 1015.5 TWS 11-16 kts TWD 071T SST 23C Sea state: minimal but wind waves building a bit

Great sailing today. Most of daylight close hauled in 6 to 8 kts of wind. Wind built to about 16 overnight now averaging about 11-12 kts. Turned a bit downwind as will likely divert to Minerva Reef for a day or so to get better winds to Tongatapu.


Mon Jun 18 4:48 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 26 45.447s 178 40.333w
Run: 163.7nm (296.3km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.3nm
Weather: Baro 1016.4 TWS 0 to 3 kts TWD 150T SST 23C Sea state: like glass with a long period swell from the ESE

Nice Fathers Day onboard - some sailing, brunch and maintenance. Sailed for awhile when the winds went between 6 to 10 kts for awhile but mostly motoring in very light winds. Glad we brought lots of diesel - quite a contrast from our 21 day passage from Mexico to French Polynesia when we only motored for 7 hours. Appears from the forecast that we are north of where most of the unpleasant weather is expected to form, although may catch the northern part of the trough, so hope to start sailing again when across this ridge tomorrow. Various blog updates posted (SV-Fluenta.blogspot.ca)


Sun Jun 17 5:02 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.3
knts
GPS: 28 51.09s 179 55.404w
Run: 177.1nm (320.6km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 175nm
Weather: Baro 1016.1 TWS 5 TWD 260T SST 21C Sea state: slight

All is well onboard. Light air day - motor on all day to get north across this ridge before the unfavorable winds fill in later in the week. Glad we left with our largest load of diesel ever.


Sat Jun 16 4:45 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.6
knts
GPS: 31 05.473s 178 38.351e
Run: 169.3nm (306.4km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 178.6nm
Weather: Baro 1017.0 TWS 6 TWD 235T SST 21C Sea state: slight

All is well onboard. Spent the day either sailing deep downwind wing-on-wing or motoring. Motoring now to make progress north before the forecast unfavourable winds start. Two tuna caught, one returned as too small.


Fri Jun 15 6:00 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 33 11.068s 177 08.192e
Run: 238.1nm (431km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 83.3nm
Weather: Baro 1017.1 TWS 12 TWD Avg 220T SST Rising ! Now at 19C Sea state: slight

Slowly heading towards Tonga. Very comfortable conditions but slow considering deep downwind. Passed several humpback whales. We are assuming they are going to Tonga too so we think we are going the right way. Two small tuna caught but returned to the sea.


Tue Jun 12 9:23 2018 NZST
GPS: 35 50.197S 174 28.093E
Run: 11.1nm (20.1km)
Avg: 3.2knts
24hr: 77.4nm
Weather: TWS 8 kts TWD 240T

At Marsden Cove in preparation to clear Customs tomorrow.


Tue Jun 12 5:56 2018 NZST
GPS: 35 43.468S 174 19.605eE
Weather: TWS 4 TWD 229T Baro 1003.9

Intention is to head down the river today to Marsden Cove for a Wed departure towards Tonga.


Sun Jun 10 18:06 2018 NZST
GPS: 35 43.467S 174 19.609eE
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: TWS 3 kts TWD 135T Light Rain

Our few days stop in Whangarei has stretched to weeks ... Latest thought is to leave tomorrow for Marsden Cove and, perhaps, head for Tonga.


Sat May 19 11:04 2018 NZST
GPS: 35 43.447S 174 19.55E
Run: 14.2nm (25.7km)

Alongside Whangarei Marina.


Fri May 18 17:01 2018 NZST
GPS: 35 50.626S 174 31.92E
Run: 118.9nm (215.2km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 124.5nm
Weather: TWS 10 TWD 255T

Anchored in Urquharts Bay after a nice passage from Tauranga. Sweet weather window in the SW winds.


Thu May 17 18:06 2018 NZST
GPS: 37 05.899S 175 59.728E
Run: 40nm (72.4km)
Weather: TWS 13 kts TWD 247T SOG 8.2 kts COG 350T

After a productive six week maintenance period in Tauranga we are heading towards Whangerei for a visit and finish up some remaking maintenance.


Mon Apr 2 16:59 2018 NZST
GPS: 37 39.617S 176 09.981E
Run: 43.5nm (78.7km)

Alongside Tauranga Marina to start our month long (or so ...) maintenance period. Nice sail down from Slipper Island close hauled or a very close reach the whole way.


Sat Mar 31 18:06 2018 NZDT
GPS: 37 3.467S 175 56.164E
Run: 29.8nm (53.9km)
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 260T

Anchored off Slipper Island (just past Shoe Is of course). Good sail here which especially nice as the forecast was much light winds. No fish landed but hooked something big briefly. It broke our big bungee, ripped off the beefy double hook, snapped one barb of the treble hook and broke the others. Even snapped off the dive fin off the front of the Halco lure.


Thu Mar 29 18:11 2018 NZDT
GPS: 36 38.334S 175 48.506E
Run: 3.3nm (6km)
Weather: TWS 10 kts TWD 325T

Move to Peachgrove Bay. Successful stop for scallops on the way - limit of 40 in about 15 min.


Sun Mar 25 16:27 2018 NZDT
GPS: 36 36.046S 175 46.425E
Run: 18.4nm (33.3km)
Weather: TWS 6 kts TWD 340T Sunny !

Moored in Huruhi Harbour on Mercury Island. Very pretty and a friendly welcome from a caretaker as we came in. Lots of bird song. Already invited to watch the sheep shearing and given coordinates for scallops diving and snapper fishing.


Sat Mar 24 18:59 2018 NZDT
GPS: 36 36.815S 175 26.521E
Run: 76.4nm (138.3km)
Weather: TWS 11 kts TWD 025T Baro 1020.2

Anchored in Otautu Bay.


Thu Feb 22 20:58 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 48.644S 174 29.995E
Run: 31.3nm (56.7km)
Weather: TWS 8 kt TWD 260T

Anchored off Mcleod Bay - yoga for Liz and camping for the kids coming up.


Wed Feb 21 18:57 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 22.487S 174 20.769E
Run: 43.1nm (78km)
Weather: TWS 8. TWD 280T

Anchor down in Whangaruru to stop for the night. Pretty civilized stuff this coastal cruising. Nice day passage. Dolphins came out to play.


Tue Feb 20 17:45 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 00.247S 173 44.005E
Run: 2.6nm (4.7km)
Weather: TWS 12 kts with gust to 30 kts. TWD 320T Baro 1002.7

Securely anchored for the leftovers of Cyclone Gita. Should not be too bad this far north.


Sun Feb 18 14:56 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 02.465S 173 43.957E
Run: 5.9nm (10.7km)
Weather: TWS 9.5 TWD 350 T

Moved to anchor off Totara North to see if we can do a minor reprovision here. Won’t be buying too much as fridge/freezer just blew a line and vented all of its refrigerant. Will move tomorrow to a more secure area to prep for the leftovers of Cyclone Gita


Fri Feb 16 11:42 2018 NZDT
GPS: 34 57.793S 173 46.574E
Run: 4.1nm (7.4km)
Weather: 6.5 kts TWD 100 TWD. Sunny !

Moved out of Whangoroa to Stephenson Is to make water (The water in Whangoroa looks like a mud puddle after all this rain). Had a private dolphin show as we came into anchor - dolphins jumping so close the the boat that the boat was splashed. Pretty rolly in the anchorage but scenic. Spearfishing scheduled for the afternoon.


Mon Feb 12 18:24 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 00.557S 173 43.791E
Run: 29.1nm (52.7km)
Weather: Calm and the fog has lifted.

Anchored in Rere Bay in Whangaroa. Fairly dense fog for the last hour of the passage. Good radar refresher for the crew.


Wed Feb 7 22:17 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 16.638S 174 07.638E
Run: 2.2nm (4km)
Weather: TWS 15 kts Gusts in low 20?s. TWD 110T Baro 1017.1

Moved over to near Russel due a gale warning.


Mon Feb 5 12:57 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 16.397s 174 05.368e
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: TWS 7 kts TWD 020T Baro 1008.0 Sunshine !

Off the dock after repairs and anchored of Waitangi in prep for Waitangi Day !


Thu Dec 28 20:24 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 16.399s 174 05.428e
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: TWS 6 kts Gusts to 20 kts TWD 260T Baro 1015.5

Moved back to Paihia for some logistics and and admin. Engine still overheating if pushed up to cruise RPM so change of plans and will leave Fluenta in (expensive) Opua rather than the mooring in Whangerei while we fly out for a few weeks.


Tue Dec 26 12:15 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 13.091s 174 11.688e
Run: 1.7nm (3.1km)
Weather: TWS 5 kts TWD 220T Baro 1007.1

Moved to the east side of Motura Island in prep for the 20-30 kts SW winds and thunderstorms forecast for later today. Engine still cooperating. No mobile or 3G coverage here so back to the SSB/Pactor for comms. Lots of boats in the Bay of Islands - I think all of New Zealand is here.


Sun Dec 24 21:27 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 13.121s 174 13.529e
Run: 3.4nm (6.2km)
Weather: TWS 4 kts TWD 070T Baro 1014.1

Anchored off Urupukapuka Island to meet up with the other kid boats. Engine cooperated. Celebrated with paddleboard trip around Urupukapuka. Christmas lights blinking and AIS left on to help Santa find Fluenta.


Sat Dec 23 20:27 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 14.086s 174 10.164e
Run: 5.3nm (9.6km)
Weather: TWS 6 kts TWD 065T Baro 1013.4.

Was intending to RV with other kids boats further east but stopped here at Roberton Island (which is actually really nice and one of Capt Cook's anchorages) due to an overheating engine.


Tue Dec 19 9:15 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 16.385s 174 05.280e
Run: 8.5nm (15.4km)
Weather: TWS 7 kts TWD 220T Baro 1010.8.

Anchored off Waitangi so the kids can attend a sailing camp. Busy place with a large cruise ship (Sun Princess) unloading its thousands of passengers ashore near here.


Sat Dec 16 10:56 2017 NZDT
GPS: 35 12.149S 174 12.62E
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: Baro 1019.5 TWS 2 kts TWD 285T

Back to the “Christmas Anchorage “ so named as we spent such a nice Christmas here two years ago with good friends. The real name is Waewaetorea Bay which is rather harder to pronounce.


Thu Dec 14 22:33 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 16.38s 174 07.310e
Run: 2.8nm (5.1km)
Weather: TWS 2 kts TWD 115T Baro 1014.1

Finally off the dock after two weeks of boat projects. The diesel now stays inside the injector pump on its way to the injectors and a new steering cable and more. Anchored near Russel and intend to head further into the Bay of Islands tomorrow.


Sun Nov 26 18:39 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 18.783s 174 07.335e
Run: 229.3nm (415km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 136nm
Weather: TWS 7.1 kts TWD 015T Baro 1024.6

Alongside the 'Q' dock in Opua this afternoon after a lovely downwind sail through the Bay of Islands right to within a few feet short of the dock. Greeted back to New Zealand by dolphins, a shark and baby blue penguins. Also, a Fluenta first, our autopilot made it all the way to from the tropics to New Zealand without failure (the autopilot drive failed on each of the last two trips from the tropics to NZ - we replaced our wimpy Simrad autopilot drive with one from Hy-Pro Drive while we were in the Marshall Islands). Limited new things on the repair list this time: a blown out panel in the dodger, my cover for the rigid SUP is shredded, the safety knife on the pushpit disappeared (it had been there for five years without a problem), and a new leak on the engine's injector pump. A few new things as well on the rebedding list to keep the water out before the next longer passage.


Sat Nov 25 2:12 2017 NZDT
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 32 03.0s 173 24.21e
Run: 139.4nm (252.3km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.2nm
Weather: TWS 15 kts TWD 060T Baro 1024.1

Seas abating and winds have backed so making good progress now. And .. the current that has been hindering us has finally seemed to have gone away. The staysail has been dropped and secured to the deck as now back into genoa range winds.


Fri Nov 24 5:03 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6.1
knts
GPS: 30 03.519s 173 01.609e
Run: 117.9nm (213.4km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 147nm
Weather: TWS 17 kts TWD 088T Baro 1023.1

Able to actually easily point towards Opua now that the wind has backed a bit more. Seas and wind abating so more comfortable(ish) onboard. Still hitting some steep waves that put a lot of water on deck (and into the cockpit).


Thu Nov 23 9:48 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 28 21.4s 172 53.1e
Run: 177nm (320.4km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 150.6nm
Weather: TWS 16-22 kts TWD 100T Baro 1020.6

Making progress towards NZ but rather bouncy hard on the wind into steep but not very big seas.


Wed Nov 22 5:36 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 25 48.1s 173 04.5e
Run: 131.4nm (237.8km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138nm
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 104T Baro 1014.6

Tacked over to port tack and sort of pointing at New Zealand. The current remains strong but pushing us westward now off our desired course.


Tue Nov 21 6:45 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6.1
knts
GPS: 23 57.0s 172 36.2e
Run: 132.5nm (239.8km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.9nm
Weather: TWS 3 kts TWD 228T Baro 1012.5

Nice day of light air sailing yesterday with a few periods of motoring as the wind varied from 8 to 3 kts. Motoring now with the wind averaging 4 kts over the last few hours. Still in an adverse current although it is under one knot against us now.


Mon Nov 20 9:06 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5.9
knts
GPS: 22 57.044s 170 49.233e
Run: 259.1nm (469km)
Avg: 9.3knts
24hr: 222.1nm
Weather: TWS 4.6 kts TWD 157 T Baro 1012.9

Just started motoring. Have been mostly sailing close hauled or close reaching in the southerly wind ranging from 6 to 9 kts. Lots of bioluminence at night and Walpole Island was sighted on Victoria's watch yesterday's sunrise.


Sun Nov 19 5:06 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5.8
knts
GPS: 22 24.325s 166 48.054e
Weather: TWS 11 kts TWD 178 T Baro 1010.5

Nice departure from Ire Bay as a dugong came to just as we were weighing anchor and then a pleasant four hour sail through the lagoon where we had a chance to refresh our memory on how to use the storm staysail (and in doing so hoping we never need it). Since 1200 we have been outside the lagoon mostly close hauled or close reaching making our easting in the southerly winds.


Sat Nov 18 8:45 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 24.325s 166 48.054e
Run: 25.7nm (46.5km)
Weather: TWS 5 kts TWD 178 T Baro 1012.4 (In Ire Bay so winds not representative of winds outside the bay)

Departing Ire Bay in a few minutes for the passage towards Opua, New Zealand. Intention is to head east for a while to take advantage of the forecast southerly winds before turning right towards NZ.


Tue Nov 14 11:36 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.971s 166 24.388e
Run: 4.4nm (8km)
Weather: TWS 10 TWD 115T Baro 1016.5

Escaped the gravitational pull of the dock and are out at Ilot Maitre. Latest intention/thought is to depart Saturday for NZ.


Tue Nov 7 15:39 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 16.625s 166 26.401e
Run: 0.8nm (1.4km)
Weather: TWS 8 TWD 098T Baro 1008.5

Fluenta is actually in a marina ! First time in over a year and ... we may even be able plug into shore power by tomorrow for the first time in almost four years. And potable water at the dock ... and real showers ashore ...


Mon Nov 6 23:54 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 17.108s 166 25.799e
Run: 65.6nm (118.7km)
Weather: TWS 12 TWD 105T Baro 1011.0

We had a very nice stay in the beautiful Gadji Bay anchorage but were relieved it make it back through the shallows again on our way out. In our two weeks there we were the only non-centerboard monohull in the anchorage (the other monohulls where French built metal centerboard boats) - it is a bit shallow. A good 59 nm daysail today back to Noumea with a night arrival into the anchorage. One decent sized Walu caught on passage - should provide a few meals. Time for some repairs and preparing for the migration south.


Tue Oct 24 10:12 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 31.817s 167 25.308e
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: TWS 2 TWD 215T Baro 1013.4

Victoria and I did a little survey with the dingy armed with a handheld GPS and depthsounder and found a new spot where we would not go aground at low tide nor swing into anything unpleasant. With the previous spot we would just slightly settle into the sand at the lowest low tide of the next few days. Now we have almost two feet under the keel at low tide which makes for a fun game for kids (and adults) to swim under the keel between the small gap. A good time to grease the Max-Prop propeller mechanism as well as I can set my tools down in the sand as I work.


Mon Oct 23 11:48 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 31.878s 167 25.312e
Run: 0.6nm (1.1km)
Weather: TWS 7 TWD 005T Baro 1011.6

Last anchorage was pretty but this is one is even nicer but even shallower. 3.6 feet of water under the keel at high tide. Will be a bit shallow at low tide. Can access only on high tide.


Sun Oct 22 16:54 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 32.024s 167 24.812e
Run: 65.1nm (117.8km)
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 030T Baro 1009.8

Anchored near Isle de Pines. 3 feet of water below the keel. Long day sail with a 0330 departure but managed to sail most of the way. Caught two tuna and one walu.


Sat Oct 21 11:09 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 17.111s 166 25.865e
Run: 3.7nm (6.7km)
Weather: TWS 12 TWD 090T Baro 1013.5

Trade winds forecast to take a break so we are giving our bodies a break too and have returned to Noumea for reprovisioning. Intending to head out towards Prony and Isle de Pines tomorrow.


Thu Oct 12 11:33 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 20.015s 166 24.332e
Run: 3.7nm (6.7km)
Weather: TWS 17 TWD 102T Baro 1016.3

Back to Ilot Maitre as the trade winds have returned. Johnathan's birthday today so surfing behind the dingy is on the agenda. Back to kite surfing tomorrow (For the info of people reading this on Facebook, our Yachts In Transit reports are now automatically also posted to Facebook).


Mon Oct 9 10:45 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 17.131s 166 25.858e
Run: 3.7nm (6.7km)
Weather: TWS 2.5 TWD 260T Baro 1013.0

The wind has turned off so back to Noumea for reprovisioning and admin.


Mon Oct 2 14:54 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.991s 166 24.349e
Run: 3.7nm (6.7km)
Weather: TWS 22 TWD 125T Baro 1018.8

Back to Ilot Maitre for kiting. The winds are back ! Had about 27 kts TWS and rolly seas crossing the channel between Grand Terre and Islot Maitre. Hoisted the outboard and the dingy for the 30 min passage.


Sun Oct 1 15:30 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 17.108s 166 25.886e
Run: 13.4nm (24.3km)
Weather: TWS 6 TWD 190T Baro 1014.5

Back to the big city to restock baguettes and French wine ... Trade winds rumoured to return tomorrow.


Thu Sep 28 14:33 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 28.567s 166 27.832e
Run: 29.8nm (53.9km)
Weather: TWS 6 TWD 155T Baro 1016.1

Nice day passage to Islot Amedee (the location of the biggest lighthouse in New Caledonia at 175 ft tall. Especially impressive as this is one of the few countries we have been to that actually has functioning lighthouses). Highlight of the trip was a mum and child humpback whale surfacing about 20 feet from Fluenta. We saw two small pods of the whales and drifted for awhile to watch them.


Wed Sep 27 15:03 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 46.394s 166 48.092e
Run: 0.4nm (0.7km)
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 230T Baro 1014.3

Moved to the other side of Kouare Island for the westerly and southwesterly winds. Pretty spot with lots of reef sharks, dolphins (I paddleboarded with about a dozen of them this morning), turtles, sea snakes, ospreys and audi birds (the Audis are protected and this is an important nesting area for them).


Sun Sep 24 17:51 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 46.615s 166 47.762e
Run: 15.6nm (28.2km)
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 115T Baro 1015.5

Anchored off Kouare Island in the south of the lagoon. Caught a small tuna on the way here. We checked out anchoring off Ndo Island but could not find a spot that we were comfortable with so headed here instead.


Thu Sep 21 13:18 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 33.099s 166 47.853e
Run: 29.7nm (53.8km)
Weather: TWS 2 TWD 180T Baro 1015.5

Nestled into a pretty anchor spot between the reefs surrounding Isle Mato. Very clear water and already watching the big remora circling under the boat. Three walu (Spanish Mackerel) caught enroute - that should be about ten meals for the family. Victoria and Johnathan pulled one up each and Johnathan processed most of them on the way here.


Tue Sep 19 12:18 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 17.170s 166 25.899e
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)
Weather: TWS 15 TWD 140T Baro 1019.2

Back to the big city for resupply and admin.


Wed Sep 13 13:06 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.952s 166 24.398e
Run: 4nm (7.2km)
Weather: TWS 10 TWD 145T Baro 1016.9

Anchored off Ilot Maitre in anticipation of the forecast kiting winds. Anchored in 15' of nice clear water and sea turtles swimming by the water.


Mon Sep 4 23:09 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 16.699s 166 25.738e
Run: 9.8nm (17.7km)
Weather: TWS 8 TWD 075T

Back anchored out in front of the big city of Noumea after a brisk downwind sail in 15-20 kts of wind. Kids had a good camping expedition on Isle Bailly.


Fri Sep 1 13:57 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 17.892s 166 34.809e
Run: 11.3nm (20.5km)
Weather: TWS 14 TWD 255T Baro 1013.8

Moved to an anchorage off Ille Bailly for better protection from the westerly winds.


Thu Aug 31 12:48 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.868s 166 24.399e
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)
Weather: TWS 4 TWD 180 Baro 101.5

Anchored off Ilot Maitre in 20 feet of clear water.


Fri Aug 25 19:18 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 17.145S 166 25.899E
Run: 77.8nm (140.8km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 99.9nm
Weather: TWS 11 kt TWD 080T

At anchor a few hours ago in Noumea. Nice fast sail through the (World's largest) lagoon.


Fri Aug 25 0:36 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.9
knts
GPS: 21 45.949s 167 30.549e
Run: 186.2nm (337km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154.6nm
Weather: TWS 16 kt TWD 108T Baro 1016.7

Still heading toward Noumea. Slowing down with the intention of going through the Pass de la Havannah at slack water and daylight.


Wed Aug 23 19:42 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.7
knts
GPS: 19 44.72s 169 24.94e
Run: 16nm (29km)
Weather: TWS 17 kt TWD 120T Baro 1015.4

Fluenta is on the move again. We left Tanna this afternoon and are headed towards New Caledonia.


Mon Aug 21 15:09 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 31.572s 169 29.754e
Run: 104.8nm (189.7km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 129nm
Weather: TWS 15 kt TWD 185T Baro 1012.3

Anchored in Port Resolution on Tanna. Fun to see the volcano smoke as we arrived. Lots of dolphins enroute and then arrived to find the anchorage full of kid boats including Tikka.


Sun Aug 20 19:39 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.7 kts
knts
GPS: 18 17.934s 168 33.330e
Run: 41.5nm (75.1km)
Weather: TWS 16 kt TWD 255T Baro 1009.4

Fluenta is on the move again bouncing along towards Tanna.


Mon Jul 3 15:33 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 44.711s 168 18.743e
Run: 13.5nm (24.4km)
Weather: TWS 12 kt TWD 119T Baro 1013.3

On a mooring ball off Port Vila after a five hour hard on the wind sail this morning. More boats here than we have seen total in our whole time in Vanuatu and Tikopia (of course, that if not a very high standard since we have seen very few boats and have usually been the only boat in any anchorage). Reunion time though as we know at least four other boats here already (including Adamaster who was one of the "baby on board" boats with us in Mexico and our rafting up neighbours in Whangarei.) Fluenta is here for a month or so while Liz and kids head back to Canada and I try to fix things onboard.


Sat Jul 1 8:57 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 34.681s 168 12.413e
Run: 3nm (5.4km)
Weather: TWS 7 kt TWD 085T Baro 1015.7

Anchored in a small bay off the NW of Lamen Island. Very pretty but small'ish entrance and limited room inside the bay. Lots of coral bommies so the anchor chain is buoyed.


Wed Jun 28 21:21 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 36.302s 168 14.557e
Run: 6.1nm (11km)
Avg: 10.2knts
24hr: 244nm
Weather: TWS 4 kt TWD 115T Baro 1015.9

Anchored back in Havannah Bay.


Wed Jun 28 20:45 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 37.935s 168 09.317e
Run: 6.1nm (11km)

Day anchorage to see the burial site of Chief Roi Mata. Normally the Chief Roi Mata tour includes a boat trip but since we have a boat ... we did the tour, with the chairman of this UNESCO site, with our dingy for two of the sites and then Fluenta for the third site.


Mon Jun 26 16:57 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 36.234s 168 14.602e
Run: 9947nm (18004.1km)
Avg: 152.6knts
24hr: 3661.5nm
Weather: TWS 7 TWD SE.

A rather bumpy upwind passage to Efate last night and anchored early this morning


Fri Jun 23 23:45 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
Run: 10021.4nm (18138.7km)
Avg: 200428knts
24hr: 4810272nm
Weather: TWS 8 kts TWD 145T Baro 1011.8

Back to our our anchorage to the north of Epi Island hiding from the swell.


Fri Jun 23 23:42 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 27.187s 168 13.334e
Run: 8.6nm (15.6km)
Weather: Swell from SW. Wind from SE.

A belated post. We moved to Paama Island this morning as it is known for its sand drawing but the anchorage was also untenable with the continued SW swell. Consolation prize however was two big wahoo caught within minutes of each other on our way there.


Thu Jun 22 17:12 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 34.094s 168 10.376e
Run: 1.9nm (3.4km)
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 190T Baro 1010.0 Low cloud.

Unplanned move to a new anchorage day as the wind and swell went SW turning Lamen Bay into an uncomfortable lee shore (but perhaps good surfing). Wind backing now back so should go back to normal soon. Hoping we can see Tematou volcano this evening from the anchorage if the cloud lifts.


Wed Jun 21 16:18 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 35.683s 168 09.798e
Run: 22.5nm (40.7km)
Weather: Conditions in the bay: TWS 3 kts TWD 195T

Anchored in Lamen Bay of Epi Island as we slowly make our way to Efate.


Fri Jun 16 10:03 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 31.979s 167 49.765e
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Weather: Conditions in the bay: TWS 8 kts TWD 095T Winds outside the bay are 12-15 kts. Baro 1014.1

After a rolly night between the fringing reef and island in not ideal holding we are now tucked into a small bay in front of the Lutes village (the main village of the Maskelynes - even tin on the roofs of some of the buildings) with good protection all round and solid holding. As the entrance to the bay is narrow and shallow we took the dingy in ahead with the handheld GPS and depthsounder to do a quick route recce first.


Thu Jun 15 18:45 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 32.456s 167 50.106e
Run: 32.4nm (58.6km)
Weather: TWS 19 kts TWD 095T Baro 1012.6

Saw the dugongs at the last anchorage but now moved along. Anchored between Uliveo Island and the fringing reef. Will take the dingy into Lutes village tomorrow to see if we can get Fluenta into the inner basin.


Sun Jun 11 17:09 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 09.051s 168 06.410e
Run: 17.3nm (31.3km)
Weather: TWS 2 kts TWD 170T Baro 1012.4

Anchored off Ambrym in the lee of the active volcano Mt Marum


Fri Jun 9 13:27 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 15 54.748s 168 11.273e
Run: 43.3nm (78.4km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 116.8nm
Weather: TWS 4 kts TWD 310T Baro 1011.2 Clear skies

Anchored near Landot on Pentecost Island in hope of seeing the Land Diving tomorrow.


Fri Jun 9 4:33 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 15 17.540S 168 05.749E
Run: 6.3nm (11.4km)
Weather: TWS 14 kts TWD 185T Baro 1010.3 Clear skies

Heading towards Pentecost Island in what is supposed to be calm seas and wind.


Tue Jun 6 18:57 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 15 12.166s 168 06.555e
Run: 8nm (14.5km)
Avg: 160knts
24hr: 3840nm
Weather: TWS 13.2 kts TWD 095T Baro 1009.9 Scattered overcast and light rain.

Anchor down again just before sunset finally finding a reasonable anchorage.


Tue Jun 6 18:54 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 15 05.47s 168 04.576e
Run: 20nm (36.2km)

Buddy boating with Honey who were dropping off some locals on northern Maewo. We tried anchoring in this location but it was totally unsuitable in this wind and swell.


Sat Jun 3 13:51 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 15 22.542s 168 07.989e
Run: 35.1nm (63.5km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 115.4nm
Weather: Winds in the anchorage: TWS 5.6 kts, TWD 241T, Winds in the open was TWS 14 kts TWD SE Baro 1008.9 Overcast and light rain.

Anchor down Ansanvari Bay. Lots of waterfalls visible during the passage and one visible in the anchorage. Not in atolls anymore ...


Sat Jun 3 6:33 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.7
knts
GPS: 15 21.034s 167 36.423e
Run: 30.4nm (55km)
Weather: TWS 14 kts, TWD 145T, Baro 1010.9 Overcast and light rain.

Departed Luganville during the night and heading towards Maewo. Forecast on both GRIB models we use show light winds. Getting 14 to 16 kts of wind so sailing around the leeward of Aoba for a more comfortable trip.


Mon May 29 8:24 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 15 30.944s 167 11.034e
Run: 243.5nm (440.7km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143.4nm
Weather: TWS 0.8 kts, TWD 320T, Baro 1014.0

Anchor down in front of Luganville. Awaiting Customs clearance. A bouncy passage with lots of unsettled weather. Ironic the biggest challenge was slowing the boat down so as to not arrive in the dark at Luganville.


Sat May 27 15:39 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.7
knts
GPS: 12 21.084s 168 46.8e
Run: 4.8nm (8.7km)
Weather: TWS 13 kts, TWD 108T, Baro 1008.6

Wind back on again. Heading towards Luganville, Vanuatu.


Tue May 23 11:09 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 12 17.553s 168 49.012e
Run: 50.9nm (92.1km)
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 72.7nm
Weather: TWS 5 kts, TWD 220T, Baro 1009.1

Anchor down at Tikopia while we wait for the trade winds to return. Greeted by fishermen in small sailing canoes and given two tuna.


Mon May 22 18:21 2017 NZST
Speed:
0.5
knts
GPS: 11 35.552s 169 02.964e
Run: 64.6nm (116.9km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 95.1nm
Weather: TWS 4 kts, TWD 040T Baro 1006.6 . Swell about 1.5m from SE, long period. Some Cu and Cb's building (again)

A nice sail last night and through most of the day as the wind eased. As the wind backed rapidly to NE and NW and eased to 3 to 5 kts we motored for a few hours and are now hove-to. Perfect time for a mid-passage beach party with lots of swimming in 9800 feet of water. Intention is to motor the remaining miles to Tikopia in time for a mid morning arrival to see if the anchorage is tenable.


Mon May 22 2:03 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.1
knts
GPS: 10 39.9s 169 10.34e
Run: 127.6nm (231km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 140.8nm
Weather: TWS 11 kts, TWD 090T Baro 1007.1

As the winds eased to 4 kts TWS resorted to motoring for a few hours today. Sailing again since late afternoon as the wind came back despite the forecast for very light winds.


Sun May 21 4:18 2017 NZST
Speed:
3.5
knts
GPS: 08 53.27s 169 40.8e
Run: 153nm (276.9km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 147.5nm
Weather: TWS 7 kts, TWD 160T Baro 1006.3 Sea state approx 1.0 m very long period. Still lots of squalls

Some good progress in the beginning of the day but squally with big, usually unfavourable, wind shifts since early afternoon.


Sat May 20 3:24 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 06 43.7s 170 10.096e
Run: 154.6nm (279.8km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142.2nm
Weather: TWS 7 kts, TWD 103T Baro 1005.4 Sea state approx 1.0 m very long period. Occasional Cu and Cb. Impressive lightening storms in the distance earlier this evening.

A very pleasant is slow day at sea with the winds in the 6 to 8 kt range. A few squalls overnight. Nice "over halfway" brunch in the cockpit and progress made with the Honda generator. Blog post on the first seven days at sea to be released soon.


Fri May 19 1:18 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 04 31.6s 170 33.8e
Run: 114.9nm (208km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 136.2nm
Weather: TWS 10 kts, TWD 069T Baro 1007.8 Sea state approx 1.0 m. Occasional Cu and Cb. Impressive lightening storms in the distance

A quiet day making steady if sometimes slow progress in the light winds (less then 10 kts most of today). Big wide ocean but just had to alter course to go around a big Chinese fishing vessel at 0100 local time. Lots of reading and a bit of school and baking onboard today.


Thu May 18 5:03 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.0
knts
GPS: 02 54.069s 170 54.64e
Run: 162.6nm (294.3km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 130.7nm
Weather: TWS 10 kts, TWD 060T Baro 1009.1 Sea state slight (approx 1.0 m) Occasional Cu and Cb. Big bands of Cb with heavy rain and wind (I think we are going through the convergence zone shown in the Nadi Fleet Code).

A squally day and a squallier night. Lots of wind in the squalls and very little after them. Sea state very benign so able to keep sailing in the light winds.


Tue May 16 23:12 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.6
knts
GPS: 00 33.72s 171 09.81e
Run: 134.4nm (243.3km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 152.5nm
Weather: TWS 10 Twd 062T Baro 1009.4 Clear except the occasional squall

Hello again Southern Hemisphere. Equator crossing was greeted with an hour long 30+ kt squall but winds back to 10 kts. All is well onboard.


Tue May 16 2:03 2017 NZST
Speed:
5.4
knts
GPS: 01 22.958n 171 12.689e
Run: 122.9nm (222.4km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 171nm
Weather: TWS 15 Twd 066T Baro 1006.8 Clear.

Reasonably fast if bumpy day under staysail and reefed main today. Winds eased from an average of 20 kts to about 15 kts an hour ago.


Mon May 15 8:48 2017 NZST
Speed:
7.1
knts
GPS: 03 09.595n 171 09.363e
Run: 201.1nm (364km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 182.5nm
Weather: TWS 21 Twd 079T Baro 1007.5 Clear with occasional Cu.

We seem to be out of the ITCZ squally area with now just steady 20 kt winds. Lot of rain in the squalls but clear now.


Sun May 14 6:21 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 06 03.79n 170 57.560e
Run: 74.1nm (134.1km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 96.4nm
Weather: TWS 14 Twd 196T Baro 1007.9 Squally

After a variable, rainy night appears the wind is back on again. Overnight the wind varied from 5 to 26 kts. New-to-us water towed generator seems to be working well.


Sat May 13 11:54 2017 NZST
Speed:
4.0
knts
GPS: 07 07.557n 171 6.31e
Run: 18.1nm (32.8km)
Weather: TWS 10 Twd 108T Baro 1009.5 Overcast.

Fluenta is on the move again heading towards Vanuatu. Should take about two weeks. Presently sailing slowly downwind towards the pass.


Fri Apr 7 7:15 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 07 06.459n 171 22.085e
Run: 83.5nm (151.1km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144.2nm
Weather: TWS 6 Twd 082T Baro 1008.2 Majuro standard issue rain showers.

On a mooring in Majuro with a sunrise arrival.


Thu Apr 6 17:21 2017 NZST
Speed:
194T
knts
GPS: 08 15.08n 170 58.479e
Run: 37.9nm (68.6km)
Weather: TWS 17 Twd 075T Baro 1005.9 Occasional Cu

Heading towards Majuro to prepare for the migration south. Enjoying being in the lee of Aur Atoll before back into the mixed-up swell.


Mon Apr 3 13:06 2017 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 08 45.807n 171 10.405e
Run: 5.1nm (9.2km)
Weather: TWS 13 Twd 050T Baro 1010.0 Squally

Anchored off Ollet Island to see if we can find the WWII relics at this location. Reported to be some Japanese zero fighter aircraft and two sunk ships.


Fri Mar 31 16:51 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 08 42.346n 171 13.243e
Run: 108nm (195.5km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 134.3nm
Weather: TWS 11 Twd 053T Baro 1008.0. Overcast with occasional squalls

Anchored in front of the main village at Maloelap. Took the southern pass to give us better light through the pass and less time motoring upwind across the lagoon. Caught a nice dogtooth tuna and a barracuda while crossing the lagoon. Even from our spot at anchor we can see two WWII wrecks, a shore battery and bunkers.


Thu Mar 30 21:33 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6.3
knts
GPS: 09 50.035n 170 07.5e
Run: 10896.8nm (19723.2km)
Avg: 138.4knts
24hr: 3320.9nm
Weather: TWS 19.5 Twd 042T Baro 1010.2

On our way towards Maloelap. A bit bouncy and uncomfortable so very quiet onboard. Caught a nice rainbow runner coming out the pass at Ailuk and then a nicer big yellow fin tuna a few hours ago. Challenging filleting conditions. Fluenta doing well under reefed main and hank on staysail.


Mon Mar 27 14:48 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
Run: 10862.7nm (19661.5km)
Avg: 51knts
24hr: 1224.3nm
Weather: TWS 22 Twd 056T Baro 1009.7. Occasional Cu

Anchored back in front of the main village.


Sat Mar 18 17:51 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 18.441n 169 57.927e
Run: 5.6nm (10.1km)
Weather: TWS 15 Twd 068T Baro 1009.7. Occasional Cu

Anchored for better access to a potential good kiting spot. Looks like a quiet place to stay for a few days.


Wed Mar 15 16:15 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 13.661n 169 58.702e
Run: 9.5nm (17.2km)
Weather: TWS 16 Twd 088T Baro 1006.7. Squally

Anchored between Ailuk village and a potential kiting spot.


Sun Mar 12 15:03 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 21.891n 169 58.118e
Run: 5.6nm (10.1km)
Weather: TWS 10 Twd 100T Baro 1008.7. Overcast and squally.

Moved a few miles south making our way slowly back to Ailuk village for a few days.


Mon Feb 20 13:27 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 26.683n 169 57.121e
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Weather: TWS 10 Twd 057T Baro 1011.4. Occasional Cu

Not a big passage today. Moved 3/4 nm to be closer to the kiting spot and the village of seven families where we will be judged (we think) for the spelling bee (in English thankfully) and other "Education Week" activities. Kiting has been good with 15 to 20 kts of wind and both Liz and I making good progress. About 12 kids are are our constant welcoming party and assistants when we go to the beach to set up the kites. For those who are interested the location of our kite launch spot is 10 26.414'N 169 57.562'E


Fri Feb 17 16:03 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 27.276n 169 56.965e
Run: 15.9nm (28.8km)
Weather: TWS 12 Twd 028T Baro 1011.0. Occasional Cu and a partial high overcast.

Anchor down at in the northern corner of Ailuk Atoll for better protection from the NE winds that are expected to start tomorrow. Three hour transit across the lagoon dodging the many coral bommies. Fun birthday party with our new friends ashore last night - the RHIB is under repair so Liz and the kids rowed Tickle (the kid's sailing dingy) and I took the SUP. Kiting weather tomorrow ?


Wed Feb 15 15:39 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 10 13.552n 169 58.649e
Run: 44.7nm (80.9km)
Avg: 3.8knts
24hr: 90.2nm
Weather: TWS 10.7 TWD 062T Baro 1011.5. Clear skies with occasional Cu

Anchor down at Ailuk. Looks very pretty. Nice passage from Aur and the furthest north since the Mexico to Marquesas passage. A bit cheeky to say that it was cold at night with Nova Scotia getting hit by another winter storm but we now need light fleeces at night on passage. Also saw Polaris/North Star again for the first time from Fluenta since heading to the Marquesas.


Wed Feb 15 3:45 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 09 38.581n 170 15.817e
Run: 96nm (173.8km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 147.7nm
Weather: TWS 10.5 TWD 046T Baro 1012.2. Clear skies.

Moving along nicely now after a few hours of true wind speeds less than 8 kts. Close reaching/close hauled in seas approx 1.5 m long period so pretty comfortable. Just caught a mahi mahi - a first in the dark and with everyone else asleep.


Tue Feb 14 12:09 2017 NZDT
Speed:
8.2
knts
GPS: 08 26.473n 170 58.166e
Run: 23.9nm (43.3km)
Weather: TWS 13 TWD 068T Baro 1013.7. Occasional Cu

Enroute towards Ailuk from Aur.


Mon Feb 6 15:12 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 08 09.262n 171 09.798e
Run: 24.3nm (44km)
Weather: TWS 19 TWD 050T Baro 1005.1. Occasional Cu

Oopps. This doesn't look like Maloelap ... Stopped at Aur as close hauled in 19-21 kts TWS and mixed up seas was not much fun. Hove to off the pass for a few hours for good light and then sailed across the lagoon to this anchor spot. Caught a yellow fin tuna in the pass.


Mon Feb 6 2:30 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 07 49.3n 171 03.022e
Run: 54.4nm (98.5km)
Weather: TWS 19 TWD 071T Baro 1006.9. Occasional squalls

Heading towards Maloelap. Double reefed and hank-on staysail to slow try to slow the boat for a daylight arrival


Sun Jan 15 19:15 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 07 06.162n 171 22.409e
Run: 22nm (39.8km)
Weather: TWS 5 TWD 070 Baro 1007. Occasional Cu and a few Cb.

On a mooring at Majero. Nice sail through the day in decent if shifty winds. Nice squall as we approached the pass [edited to show we are not in Africa]


Sun Jan 15 8:42 2017 NZDT
Speed:
5.8
knts
GPS: 06 48.526n 171 29.86e
Run: 219.1nm (396.6km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154.4nm
Weather: TWS 14 TWD 120 Baro 1008. Occasional Cu and a few Cb.

Mostly nice sailing interrupted by occasional squalls and big calms behind the squalls.


Fri Jan 13 22:39 2017 NZDT
Speed:
3.5
knts
GPS: 03 48.1n 172 30.3e
Run: 53.8nm (97.4km)
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 104.6nm
Weather: TWS 6 TWD 155 Baro 1009. Occasional Cu and a few Cb.

A very slow day in winds varying from 4 to 6.5 kts dead behind. Broach reaching to keep enough winds in the sails to keep the boat moving. On present COG we would end up in Juneau (but it is 3995nm away so I suspect the winds will come back before then and we still intend to go to Majero).


Fri Jan 13 10:18 2017 NZDT
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 03 01.53n 172 26.5e
Run: 98.1nm (177.6km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 160.7nm
Weather: TWS 9 TWD 120 Baro 1010. Occasional Cb

Winds have eased but still making good progress. Squall-free night was appreciated.


Thu Jan 12 19:39 2017 NZDT
Speed:
8.2
knts
GPS: 01 39.475n 172 49.276e
Run: 28.4nm (51.4km)
Weather: TWS 14 TWD 090 Baro 1008. Clear sky except occasional Cb

Departed Tarawa towards Majero. Nice close reach so far.


Thu Jan 5 16:39 2017 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 01 22.247n 173 06.896e
Run: 5.8nm (10.5km)
Weather: Baro 1005 TWS 8 TWD 070T Occasional Cu with higher thin overcast.

Anchored in from of Bikenbeu village.


Mon Jan 2 15:48 2017 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 01 21.316n 173 01.958e
Run: 5.9nm (10.7km)
Weather: Baro 1004 TWS 11 TWD 110T Occasional Cu

After a nice New Year's Eve party ashore, we have moved back to in front of the Parliament building.


Fri Dec 30 15:33 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 01 23.334n 173 06.637e
Run: 56.9nm (103km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 95.5nm
Weather: Baro 1004 TWS 6 TWD 110T Occasional Cu

Anchored off Abato Islet at Tarawa where we hope to celebrate New Year's Eve with some new expat friends ashore. Anchored off a pretty resort that seems many miles from smelly Betio (in fact is only 12 nm away). Dolphins greeted us in the pass to Tarawa and we stopped for lunch off the Parliament buildings to get better light to come this far east.


Fri Dec 30 1:15 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 02 07.289n 172 44.16e
Run: 66nm (119.5km)
Weather: Baro 1007 TWS 4 TWD 026T Clear skies

Enroute from Butariari towards Tarawa. We were slowly sailing close hauled towards Tarawa in winds under ten knots but wind has now eased below five knots. Motoring. Dolphins and a sea turtle came to see us off as we left the pass at Butaritari.


Sun Dec 18 13:45 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 03 04.538n 172 47.110e
Run: 107.2nm (194km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 113.6nm
Weather: Baro 1006 TWS 8 TWD 150T Occasional Cb and Cu

Anchor down at Butaritari


Sat Dec 17 15:06 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7.7
knts
GPS: 01 31.556n 172 51.819e
Run: 16.6nm (30km)
Weather: Baro 1006 TWS 11 TWD 088T Occasional Cu

Have departed Tarawa and enroute towards Butaritari where we hope to spend Christmas. Nice fast close reach in the lee of Tarawa so far under genoa, staysail and mainsail.


Wed Dec 14 17:15 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 01 21.384n 173 02.005e
Run: 7.2nm (13km)
Weather: Baro 1005 TWS 11 TWD 050T Occasional Cu

Anchored off the Parliament buildings. Much nicer surroundings and not getting bashed by the wind chop like in the commercial harbour last night. Anchored in 19' of water and the tide should drop about 7' tonight. Waiting for our paperwork to head out to the outer islands.


Tue Dec 13 16:57 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 01 21.988n 172 55.753e
Run: 29.5nm (53.4km)
Weather: Baro 1008 TWS 12 TWD 020T Occasional Cu

Anchor down at Tarawa, Kiribati at 1300L today. Awaiting Customs clearance etc.


Mon Dec 12 20:24 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 00 56.411n 172 55.898e
Run: 75.8nm (137.2km)
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 107.3nm
Weather: Baro 1009 TWS 9 TWD 099T Occasional Cu

Fluent is back in the Northern Hemisphere. Taking a short tactical pause to allow for a daylight entry to Tarawa. Nice day of sailing despite ever decreasing winds and increasing current against us. Found out that our bigger fishing lure (we always drag a big and a small lure on passage to cover our bets) had its two big hooks stripped off of it at some point. They were substantial hooks so it would have been a big fish.


Mon Dec 12 3:27 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.6
knts
GPS: 00 02.473s 173 25.286e
Run: 119.6nm (216.5km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.3nm
Weather: Baro 1007 TWS 8.5 TWD 094T Clear skies

Still on a close reach but the wind speed is slowly diminishing. 2.8nm to the equator.


Sun Dec 11 9:12 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 01 28.818s 174 22.979e
Run: 171nm (309.5km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 166.8nm
Weather: Baro 1008 TWS 14 TWD 075T Occasional trade wind Cu.

Still making good progress on a close reach despite the foul current against us. Should cross the equator tonight. After a long absence since our our Mexico to Marquesas passage, we can see the big dipper again at night - plus the Southern Cross and Orion.


Sat Dec 10 8:36 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.7
knts
GPS: 03 32.324s 175 45.443e
Run: 197.4nm (357.3km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 159nm
Weather: Baro 1008 TWS 15 TWD 086T Occasional Cu.

After what seemed to be constant squalls since Tuvalu we have had a nice patch of squall free sailing for the last 18 hours or so. Just past the half way to go point.


Fri Dec 9 2:48 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 05 56.261s 177 18.792e
Run: 102.2nm (185km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 140.6nm
Weather: Baro 1006 TWS 5.5 TWD 070T Constant squalls.

Squally day and night. Mostly sailing close reach or close hauled. Presently motoring in a post squall calm.


Thu Dec 8 9:21 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 07 10.512s 178 07.739e
Run: 118.2nm (213.9km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 118.7nm
Weather: Baro 1008 TWS 9 TWD 050T Occasional Cu. Air Temp 31C

First day at sea almost complete. Mixed bag of motoring in 0.9 kts of wind, motor sailing in 5 kts of wind and screaming along with the wind in the low 20 kts. Heavy rain in squalls. Just had a private airshow from a helicopter from the nearby fishing fleet.


Wed Dec 7 9:27 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 08 31.503s 179 11.354e
Weather: Baro 1007 TWS 8 TWD 260T Occasional Cu. Air Temp 31C

Intention is to depart Funafunti today towards Tarawa, Kirabati. Looks like a light wind but squally trip.


Mon Nov 28 13:42 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 08 31.526s 179 11.356e
Run: 8.3nm (15km)
Weather: Baro 1008 TWS 9 TWD 290T Occasional Cb with heavy rain. Air Temp 30C

Back in front of the town at Funafuti.


Tue Nov 22 14:30 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 08 36.213s 179 05.864e
Run: 8.3nm (15km)
Weather: Baro 1007 TWS 11 TWD 050T Occasional Cu. Air Temp 32C

Anchor down off Mateiko. Still the only cruising boat around.


Thu Nov 17 13:27 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 8 31.516s 179 11.343e
Run: 45.2nm (81.8km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 129.6nm
Weather: Baro 1007 TWS 4 TWD 340T A few big Cb. Air Temp 32C

Anchor down at Funafuti. Nice passage.


Thu Nov 17 5:05 2016 NZDT
Speed:
3.5
knts
GPS: 9 10.6s 179 14.355e
Run: 110.8nm (200.5km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 113.1nm
Weather: Baro 1007 TWS 7.5 TWD 100T Occasional Cu. A few big Cb with lightening. 0500L and still 29C

Another nice day of sailing in light air. Lots of electrical activity overnight. Fluenta fishing drought is over as we caught a 83" long (we broke our scale trying to weigh it) sailfish. Fish now for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the fishing lines are inboard as the fridge and freezer are full. Photos on the blog at: SV-Fluenta.blogspot.ca


Wed Nov 16 5:34 2016 NZDT
Speed:
4.2
knts
GPS: 10 46.5s 179 21.45e
Run: 133.7nm (242km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 135.8nm
Weather: Baro 1009 TWS 6.4 TWD 090T Occasional Cu. A few Cb with lightening.

The squalls lasted through the forenoon but otherwise a calm sailing day close reaching in light air. Just passed the southernmost island of Tuvalu (Niulakita Island). 140 nm to Funafuti.


Tue Nov 15 5:56 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 12 41.9s 179 34.5e
Run: 178nm (322.2km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 169.2nm
Weather: Baro 1009. Hard to tell the gradient wind due to frequent squalls. Approx TWS is 15 kts TWD 110M. Wind varying from 8 to 25 kts in and around squalls. Scattered Cu/TCu/Cb. Electrical storms and heavy rain in squalls

Good progress during the day reaching at speeds in the 7's and low 8's. Now slower progress with adverse tide and frequent squalls. Caught and returned a 50+ barracuda. Was rather hoping it was a tuna instead.


Mon Nov 14 4:41 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 15 15.2s 179 54.4e
Run: 106.3nm (192.4km)
Avg: 5.1knts
24hr: 122.6nm
Weather: Baro 1010 TWS 12 kts TWD 142T Scattered Cu

Nice first day on passage towards Funafuti


Sun Nov 13 7:52 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 16 47.335s 179 59.744e
Run: 43.8nm (79.3km)
Weather: Baro 1012 Winds Very light. Zero cloud cover

Heading off towards Funafuti, Tuvalu


Tue Nov 8 7:04 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 46.698s 179 20.006e
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Weather: TWS 9 kts TWD 120T, Baro 1013, 100% cloud cover, rain showers.

Alongside Copra Shed preparing to head north towards Tuvalu


Wed Nov 2 22:24 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 46.647S 179 19.714E
Run: 51.7nm (93.6km)

Anchored off Savusavu after a fast but rolly passage from Taveuni.


Tue Oct 25 17:19 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 41.508S 179 53.713W
Run: 21.5nm (38.9km)

Anchored off Taveuni.


Mon Oct 24 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 56.052S 179 54.001E
Run: 39nm (70.6km)

On a mooring bouy off Paradise Resort.


Sat Oct 22 15:43 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 46.692S 179 19.984E
Run: 45nm (81.5km)

At the Copra Shed, Savusavu


Wed Oct 19 20:37 2016 NZDT
GPS: 16 58.526S 178 41.064E
Run: 39.1nm (70.8km)

Anchored off Coconut Point on our way to Savusavu. Shallower anchoring so should be easier than it was this morning in 60' this morning without the windlass.


Mon Oct 17 10:28 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.41S 178 13.063E
Run: 63.2nm (114.4km)

Anchored off Nananu-I-Ra enroute towards Savusavu.


Broken windlass so anchoring is good exercise.


Fri Oct 14 21:43 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.372S 177 22.903E
Run: 13.2nm (23.9km)

Brief stop at Denarau to wait out a bit of a blow, pick up parts and do some serious provisioning.


Fri Sep 23 22:03 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 46.39S 177 10.85E
Run: 14.9nm (27km)

Anchored off Musket Cove.


Sat Jul 2 8:24 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 40.867s 177 23.179e
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)
Weather: Winds light. Baro 1013

Ready to be hauled out at Vuda Point


Mon Jun 27 15:02 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 45.542s 177 23.312e
Run: 25.4nm (46km)

Anchored outside of Denerau preparing the boat for our trip to Canada.


Sun Jun 26 20:57 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 27.093s 177 36.015e
Run: 62.2nm (112.6km)
Weather: Light winds from NE. Baro 999

Kind of like pulling over to the side of the road to sleep, we are anchored off Gana Point on the north coast of Viti Levu on our way to Nadi.


Wed Jun 22 12:28 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 49.948s 178 17.057e
Run: 3nm (5.4km)
Weather: TWD 10-20 kts TWD 140T although winds outside the bay are more easterly. Baro 1012

Anchored in Cukuvou Bay in Yadua.


Sat Jun 18 9:22 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 48.995s 178 19.559e
Run: 12.4nm (22.4km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 85nm
Weather: TWS 10 kts TWD 136T Baro 1014

Anchored on the east of Yadua.


Sat Jun 18 5:52 2016 NZST
Speed:
2.4
knts
GPS: 16 59.5s 178 22e
Run: 49.5nm (89.6km)
Weather: TWS 15 to 16 kts, TWD 142T, Baro 1012

Slowly sailing under bare poles towards Yandu waiting for sufficient daylight. Nice peaceful sail.


Wed Jun 8 20:07 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 26.457s 178 57.084e
Run: 52.2nm (94.5km)
Weather: TWD 095T, TWS 10 kts, Baro 1014. We are in a protected anchorage and likely the Koro Sea is still in the high teens.

Anchored at Makogai to see if we can help with Sea Mercy. We have not been ashore yet but damage to the trees is evident even from a distance.

Fast if bumpy passage with a 0430 departure from Savusavu. Slight delay to standby to help a boat drifting towards the outer reef at Point Passage (turns out he was in sailboat and could sail out of danger rather than the precarious tow we were potentially going to need to do). Speeds into the 7's and 8's and one small Mahi Mahi caught.


Tue May 31 4:59 2016 NZST
GPS: 16 46.621s 179 19.69e
Run: 135.9nm (246km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 128nm
Weather: TWS 1.4 kts TWD 113T Baro 1014. Clear skies.

Anchored Savusavu 0400L. Nice day sailing either wing on wing or broad reaching


Mon May 30 3:30 2016 NZST
Speed:
5.4
knts
GPS: 18 33.13s 179 47.103w
Run: 117.4nm (212.5km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 117.7nm
Weather: TWS 12 kts TWD 158T Baro 1014. Scattered Cu with considerable vertical development - almost Cb's. Light rain under some of the clouds.

Light air day going sailing either wing on wind or broad reaching in winds from 6 to 9 kts. Winds built up to 10 to 12 kts now that we are in the Koro Sea.


Sun May 29 3:34 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 20 12.402s 179 22.714w
Run: 136.6nm (247.2km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 132.6nm
Weather: TWS 10.5 kts TWD 140T Baro 1015. Scattered Cu.

Nice day of spinnaker sailing with our light air spin up from just after sunrise to sunset in winds varying from 6 to 10 kts TWS. Have been wing on wing all night making decent, if slow, progress down the rhumb line towards the Koro Sea with about 10 kts average TWS. Bobby the Boobie Bird has stayed with us on and off all day but appears to have left - perhaps our failure to catch any fish recently has disappointed him.


Sat May 28 2:51 2016 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 22 10.469s 179 10.702w
Run: 95.8nm (173.4km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154nm
Weather: TWS 5.5 TWD 165 Baro 1016. Clear sky except occasional Cb

Most of the day was a nice close reach - boat speeds from the high 6's to the low 8's - as we were under what looked like the clouds of the trough. Wind died once the trough moved off and now going back and forth from sailing in light air from the south (not very productive) and motoring slowly. Bobby the Booby has joined the crew for awhile and spent most of the day on the stbd solar panel and now is sleeping on the aft deck. Kids are enjoying our new "pet" but clean up will be interesting ...


Fri May 27 11:55 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 23 32.65s 178 56.836w
Run: 6.9nm (12.5km)
Weather: TWS 8.0 TWD 086T Baro 1017 High Overcast.

Departed through the pass at North Minerva Reef approx 1100L. Nice close reach towards the Koro Sea


Fri May 27 6:52 2016 NZST
GPS: 23 38.557s 178 56.017w
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: TWS 7 kts TWD 050 Baro 1016 Overcast

Still anchored in North Minerva but intention of departing towards Savusavu today. Gave up waiting for decent winds to sail to Savusavu but had a nice time snorkelling and spearfishing here.


Wed May 25 7:10 2016 NZST
GPS: 23 38.5s 178 55.989w
Weather: TWD 8 kts presently but generally lighter. TWD 345T Baro 1015. Presently raining in a small squall.

Anchored North Minvera. Intention is to depart tomorrow for Savusavu


Tue May 24 7:22 2016 NZST
GPS: 23 38.535s 178 55.992w
Weather: TWS 8 kts TWD 255T Baro 1015

Anchored in North Minerva waiting for a weather window to Savusavu


Mon May 23 6:41 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 38.536s 178 55.983w
Weather: TWS 14 kts TWD 285T Baro 1010

Still anchored in North Minerva Reef awaiting a weather window with some wind to get to Savusavu. Gribs show 5.4m swells outside the reef. A bit bouncy in the the anchorage but not worse than Auckland Harbour ferry wake.


Sat May 21 10:54 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 38.551s 178 56.013w
Run: 7.9nm (14.3km)
Weather: TWS 3.5 Kts TWD 060 Baro 1014. Overcast

Anchored in North Minerva


Sat May 21 6:43 2016 NZST
Speed:
3.5
knts
GPS: 23 39.979s 179 03.358w
Run: 113.4nm (205.3km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 116.8nm
Weather: TWS 5 kts TWD 060T Baro 1013

Slowly moving to North Minerva waiting for better light for the pass. Combination of light air sailing and motoring last night.


Fri May 20 7:25 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 25 12.903s 179 39.098w
Run: 205.5nm (372km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.4nm
Weather: TWS 2 kts gusting to 4. TWD 295T Baro 1017. Overcast.

Motoring over glassy swells


Thu May 19 2:08 2016 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 27 58.0s 179 05.309e
Run: 108.6nm (196.6km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 120nm
Weather: TWS 6.5 TWD 210T Baro 1016

Busy day sailing taking advantage of the wind lasting longer than predicted. Shifty winds and generally light. Motoring at the moment as light winds dead downwind.


Wed May 18 4:25 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 29 29.01s 178 37.38e
Run: 160.9nm (291.2km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 155.9nm

Slow going in light wind downwind. Running wing and wing.


Tue May 17 3:39 2016 NZST
Speed:
7.4
knts
GPS: 31 30.992s 177 18.455e
Run: 176.6nm (319.6km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 164.9nm
Weather: TWS 17 TWD 260T Baro 1014. Long period swell building (1.5m ?)

Very light winds throughout the day. Too light to even keep the 0.5 oz spin flying. Motored - maintenance and home schooling day. Winds picked up at sunset for a gentle close reach at first and now a comfortable beam reach. Trying to make the best of this wind as it looks like it will get light again before Minerva. Mexican dinner: Kauwai ceviche and buritos on tostadas (no tequila though)


Mon May 16 1:57 2016 NZST
Speed:
5.9
knts
GPS: 33 52.6s 176 08.68e
Run: 133.3nm (241.3km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 137.6nm
Weather: TWS 2 to 4 kts TWD 270T Baro 1018. Seas Slight. No clouds.

Winds light as forecast. We had 6 to 8 kt TWS all day so it made for a nice spinnaker flying day. Motoring now in very light winds.


Sun May 15 2:42 2016 NZST
Speed:
7.4
knts
GPS: 35 43.7s 175 29.1e
Run: 87.2nm (157.8km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 119.9nm
Weather: TWS 14 to 16 kts TWD 240T Baro 1018

Nice start to the passage with favourable winds and slight swell (and two fish)


Sat May 14 9:15 2016 NZST
Speed:
0.0
knts
GPS: 36 50.571s 174 45.105e
Run: 1.1nm (2km)

Departing Pier 21 Auckland 1200L


Mon May 9 13:46 2016 NZST
GPS: 36 49.7S 174 45.7E
Run: 114nm (206.3km)

Anchored of Auckland waiting for a weather window to head towards Fiji via Minerva.


Fri Jan 1 12:05 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 15.861sS 174 06.922eE
Run: 6.8nm (12.3km)

Anchored off Russell to duck out of some of the gale force wind that is forecast.


Thu Dec 24 14:13 2015 NZDT
GPS: 35 12.179s 174 12.581e
Run: 2.2nm (4km)

Anchored with other kid boats for Christmas.


Thu Dec 10 22:01 2015 NZDT
GPS: 35 13.288s 174 14.434e
Run: 9.2nm (16.7km)

Anchored in Urupukapuka Bay after a nice sail to see and go through "hole in the rock" (through the hole with the rhib not Fluenta).


Wed Dec 9 22:10 2015 NZDT

Off for a little cruise in the Bay of Islands with my sister's family


Thu Nov 19 19:13 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 35 18.799s 174 07.347e
Run: 81.2nm (147km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.5nm
Weather: Wet. Very Wet. Baro 1021.

Arrived Q Dock in Opua at 1800. On the dock until Customs clears us tomorrow. Other than the last two days beating to windward with a small fire and no autopilot (thanks B&G), it was a nice passage. Much thanks to David and Patricia from Gulf Harbour Radio for the awesome support to the cruiser community.


Thu Nov 19 6:11 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 34 08.709s 174 16.091e
Run: 182.1nm (329.6km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 132.3nm
Weather: TWS 8 kts TWS 098T Baro 1020

Last while spent beating to windward and motorsailing. NZ slowly getting closer. Wind has dropped so motorsailing straight towards Opua now to get in before the unpleasant weather scheduled for later in the week.


Tue Nov 17 21:09 2015 NZDT
Speed:
4.1
knts
GPS: 31 40.578s 173 10.399e
Run: 73.7nm (133.4km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 133nm
Weather: TWS 12 TWD 196T Baro 1015.

Interesting day. Through the front on schedule. Lots of rain and spray. Not too bad bad but wind on the nose and 2 kts current against us from there. Making better progress now. Interesting boat maintenance day as well. Good to have backups.


Tue Nov 17 7:51 2015 NZDT
GPS: 30 55S 173 63E
Run: 83nm (150.2km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 180.3nm
Weather: FYI crossed the front at 0655NZ this morning

Wind shift to 170T 18 kts TWS. Baro 1011 trending up from 1010 low.


Mon Nov 16 20:48 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 30 01.551s 173 06.984e
Run: 170nm (307.7km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 166nm
Weather: TWS 17 kts TWD 000. Winds not backing as forecast. Baro 1013. Interesting cloud formations to the south east.

Nice downwind sail today. A chance to relax before the frontal passage tonight/tomorrow morning.


Sun Nov 15 20:13 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.0
knts
GPS: 27 34.08s 172 59.991e
Run: 175.4nm (317.5km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.6nm
Weather: TWS 14 kts TWD 034T. Clear skies except occasional Cu. Baro 1016.

The wind has backed and the sea has settled a bit so a much more pleasant day at sea. Time to catch up on chores before we catch up the front tomorrow night (I think).


Sat Nov 14 18:29 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 25 01.812s 173 01.57e
Run: 141.8nm (256.7km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 153.3nm
Weather: 16 TWS 085T TWD. Seas: 2.5 m swell plus cross seas. Baro 1015

Rather a change in conditions so not so comfortable now in confused and short period seas. Had to motor for a two hours in winds under 5 kts TWS. Lots of squalls last night. Slowed down now to make it more comfortable for the crew and boat.


Fri Nov 13 20:17 2015 NZDT
Speed:
3.6
knts
GPS: 23 00.592s 173 25.006e
Run: 80.3nm (145.3km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 176nm
Weather: TWS 5kts TWD 090T Scattered Cu and Cb. Passed a squall line at approx 22 55S. Baro 1015.

Have been making good progress with comfortable sailing but since passing a squall line at approx 22 55S very light winds.


Fri Nov 13 9:19 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7
knts
GPS: 22 01.39S 174 04.82E
Run: 92.3nm (167.1km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.3nm
Weather: TWS15 TWD 114 Baro 1014. Scattered Cu

Heading towards a WP 24S 172 30E and then south until the front.


Thu Nov 12 19:56 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.3
knts
GPS: 20 52.763s 174 49.327e
Run: 179.8nm (325.4km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 180.6nm
Weather: TWS 12.3Kts TWD 129T Lots of trade wind Cu. Baro 1014

Pleaseant sailing conditions with fresh tuna for dinner.


Wed Nov 11 20:02 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.5 kts Boat Speed
knts
GPS: 18 48.431s 176 29.633e
Run: 93.4nm (169.1km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.6nm
Weather: Winds 128T TWD 15kt TWS Baro 1013 at 2000L

Great start to the passage. Out of Denerau anchorage at 0715 and flushed out Navula Pass on the ebb. Bouncing along on a close reach west of the rhumb line.


Wed Nov 11 6:30 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0 kts
knts
GPS: 17 45.488s 177 23.481e
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)
Weather: TWS 3.0Kt TWD 100T Baro 1011 100% Cloud cover

Departing Fiji towards Opua in 30 minutes


Thu Oct 29 1:01 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 45.484s 177 23.286e
Run: 81.7nm (147.9km)
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 106.8nm

Arrived Denerau after a nice fast passage. Added two mahi mahi the fish count after yesterday's catch.


Wed Oct 28 6:39 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 18 18.012s 178 29.616e
Run: 153.7nm (278.2km)
Weather: 14.5 TWS 130T TWD 20% Cloud Cover

On passage from Taveuni towards Denerau. Nice quick crossing of the Koro Sea yesterday close hauled or tight close reach and now broad reaching across the the south side of Viti Levu. Fishing report: one 43 lb yellowfin tuna and one 35 lb wahoo.


Wed Oct 21 17:48 2015 NZDT
GPS: 16 41.520s 179 53.746w
Run: 21.5nm (38.9km)

Anchored off Taveuni. Parents dropped off via RHIB.


Tue Oct 20 14:50 2015 NZDT
GPS: 16 56.008s 179 54.020e
Run: 39.1nm (70.8km)

Moored outside Paradise Resort after a calm motor to Taveuni.


Thu Sep 24 14:26 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.682s 179 19.94e
Run: 27.8nm (50.3km)

Into Savusavu for a few days to sort some logistics.


Mon Sep 21 7:37 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 06.607s 179 05.670e
Run: 28.3nm (51.2km)

Anchored of Namena Island in the big marine reserve. Very calm conditions which seems odd after so much wind. More birds than we have seen anywhere in Fiji.


Fri Sep 18 23:30 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 59.531s 178 41.039e
Run: 10.5nm (19km)

After a bumpy wind against tide but short passage now anchored off Coconut Point for the night.


Tue Sep 15 17:42 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 51.929s 178 35.770e
Run: 18.2nm (32.9km)

Anchored in the large bay at Bua. Nice to be in a calm, non rolly, anchorage ! Two walu caught enroute. Sharks ate half of one. Blog updated: SV-Fluenta.blogspot.ca


Fri Sep 11 21:19 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 48.984s 178 19.565e
Run: 2.9nm (5.2km)

Moved over to the east side of Yadua to be able to deliver some of the walu and tuna that we spearfished. Very pretty but missing our totally protected anchorage on the west side of Yadua - but it is a 3 hour hike to the village from the western anchorage.


Sun Sep 6 18:34 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 48.622s 178 16.925e
Run: 61.3nm (111km)

Anchored to the west of Yadua. Caught yellow fin and a skipjack enroute.


Wed Sep 2 15:34 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 56.653s 177 21.969e
Run: 16.1nm (29.1km)

Anchored off the site where the Blue Lagoon movie was shot.


Mon Aug 31 19:22 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 07.769s 177 13.115e
Run: 12.1nm (21.9km)

Anchored just north of the manta ray pass. Very worthwhile to visit but the anchorage was getting too busy for us considering the gusty weather.


Tue Aug 25 20:03 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 16.33s 177 06.733e
Run: 13.5nm (24.4km)

Anchored in the northern bay of Waya after a nice daysail from Navandra.


Sun Aug 23 20:26 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 27.436s 177 02.701e
Run: 26.3nm (47.6km)

Anchored off Navadra with a herd of kid boats.


Fri Aug 21 18:40 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 38.484s 177 23.644e
Run: 7.9nm (14.3km)

After a quick stop to take a look at Vuda Marina we are now at Saweni Bay for the night.


Fri Aug 21 8:35 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 50.49s 177 11.128e
Run: 4.6nm (8.3km)

We stopped overnight by the beautiful Namotu Island but left at first light as the anchorage became untenable overnight.


Fri Aug 21 8:35 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 45.364s 177 23.141e
Run: 14.4nm (26.1km)

We have been anchored in the bay outside Port Denarau for a few days sorting out some logistics.


Thu Jul 30 18:07 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 46.457s 177 11.002e
Run: 20.3nm (36.7km)

Now anchored off Musket Cove. Definitely not in the Lau Group anymore !


Sun Jul 26 21:40 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 03.13s 177 17.083e
Run: 51.3nm (92.9km)

After a fast passage today with winds in the 20's and 30's we are anchored off Likuri Island.


Tue Jul 21 17:24 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 22.729s 177 59.172e
Run: 86.5nm (156.6km)


Anchored off Yanuca Island (near Beqa) for a few days with a few of the other kid boats. Nice passage here from Gau Island - beam reach all the way struggling to slow down to arrive in daylight.

Wed Jul 15 21:40 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 05.165s 179 16.053e
Run: 6.7nm (12.1km)

Anchored by the south pass in Gau for some diving and snorkelling. Walu caught on the transit from the north of the lagoon.


Fri Jul 10 21:14 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 59.528s 179 14.496e
Run: 54.7nm (99km)

Anchored in the rain in Gau after a nice fast overnight passage from Suva.


Tue Jun 30 22:15 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 07.53S 178 25.264E
Run: 112.7nm (204km)

In Suva for a few days.


Mon Jun 22 12:15 2015 NZST
GPS: 19 09.58s 179 45.08e
Run: 110.9nm (200.7km)

Anchored at Matuku. Blog updated: SV-Fluenta.blogspot.ca


Thu Jun 18 16:17 2015 NZST
GPS: 19 08.37s 178 32.99w
Run: 1nm (1.8km)

Still at Fulaga moved anchorages for better protection from the wind and waves. Wind was 25 to 30 kts at the sandspit.


Sun Jun 7 21:57 2015 NZST
GPS: 19 09.058s 178 32.503w
Run: 1.3nm (2.4km)

Along with the rest of the kid boat fleet, yesterday we tiptoed with Fluenta into a new anchorage by a big sandspit. Better protected from the increasing winds and better skimboarding and camping.


Fri Jun 5 6:27 2015 NZST
GPS: 19 07.937s 178 32.522w

Blog updated (SV-Fluenta.blogspot.ca) to cover passage preps, the passage to Fulaga and our first sevusevu.


Thu Jun 4 20:01 2015 NZST
GPS: 19 07.93s 178 32.52w
Run: 112.4nm (203.4km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 82.9nm

Anchored by the pass in Fulaga after sailing all but 12nm of the route. Our first sevusevu completed and we had a nice meeting with our host family.


Wed Jun 3 11:29 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.1
knts
GPS: 18 12.74s 179 57.44w
Run: 109.7nm (198.6km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 95.1nm
Weather: 038M TWD 13 TWS Scattered Cu and Towering Cu. Baro 1014.3 (what a standard day - met joke)

Still close hauled for Fulanga in South Lau Group. Autopilot has decided to quit working so lots of hand steering for all. Kids (expect Baby Benjamin) becoming good helms.


Tue Jun 2 7:47 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.64S 179 19.99E
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)

Preapring to depart Savusavu with intentions of heading to Fulanga in the South Lau Group in a few hours


Thu May 28 14:07 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.7s 179 19.97e
Run: 305.7nm (553.3km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131.1nm

Arrived Savusavu, Fiji. Thank you Gulf Harbour Radio for your support.

position: 16 46.7s 179 19.97e


Tue May 26 6:09 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.2
knts
GPS: 21 09.2s 179 58.5W
Run: 246nm (445.3km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 111.7nm
Weather: 15 kts TWS 135M TWD Baro 1019.0 Clear sky.

Change of destination as going to join some of the other kid boats in Fiji. Intended destination Savusavu. Fun day hove-to yesterday (Sunday) but now nice downwind sail.


Sun May 24 1:18 2015 NZST
Speed:
3.3
knts
GPS: 24 42.7s 179 58.7E
Run: 37nm (67km)
Weather: 16-20 kts TWS 325 TWD Baro 1014.4

Lumpy conditions. 15 kts on the nose now, but was nice enough in the afternoon to give Benjamin a bath in the cockpit. Extraordinarily clear blue skies. Overnight, we have shortened sail and hunkered down in headwinds.


Sat May 23 6:07 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 25 14.2s 179 54.4w
Run: 36nm (65.2km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144.8nm
Weather: 10kts TWS 024M TWD Baro 1018.1

Sailing again. Close hauled on stbd tack. Intend to go over to port on the forecast NW wind Sat morning.


Sat May 23 0:09 2015 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 25 43.729S 179 42.992W
Run: 191.6nm (346.8km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 180.1nm

Still motoring. Now heading direct to Tonga.


Thu May 21 22:37 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 28 17.799S 179 06.706E
Run: 173.4nm (313.9km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 148.9nm

A pleasant day of motoring. Victoria baked bread.


Wed May 20 18:40 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.7
knts
GPS: 30 38.7s 178 05.87e
Run: 50.1nm (90.7km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 114.5nm
Weather: 9 kts TWS 130M TWD long period swell approx 1m. Scattered Cu. Baro 1021.6

Pleasant day under spinnaker and now close reaching


Wed May 20 8:10 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 31 11.82s 177 33.017e
Run: 159.7nm (289.1km)
Avg: 25.6knts
24hr: 613.2nm
Weather: Generally 15kt TWS from 200M. Squally.

All well


Wed May 20 1:55 2015 NZST
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 33 19.45s 176 28.95e
Run: 190.9nm (345.5km)
Avg: 3.4knts
24hr: 82.7nm
Weather: Wind TWS 15-20, gusting 25 kts TWD 190M

Great day on passage - good winds and a fish in the freezer (tuna of some kind; likely albacore). Victoria and Johnathan are officially standing 30 min watches. Benjamin is getting his sea legs back.


Sun May 17 18:29 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.7
knts
GPS: 35 37.91s 174 38.443e
Run: 17nm (30.8km)
Weather: Wind TWS15kts TWD 190M

Left Marsden Cove just before 1400. Lovely sail with a following sea so far. Toques to be worn for night watches.


Sun May 17 11:10 2015 NZST
GPS: 35 50s 174 28e
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)

Departing Marsden Cove in a few minutes with intentions of proceeding to Minerva Reef.


Fri May 15 18:51 2015 NZST
GPS: 35 50.232S 174 28.106E
Run: 3.4nm (6.2km)

At Marsden Cove Marina. Intentions fuel tomorrow and clear customs and depart for Minerva Sunday


Tue May 5 10:42 2015 NZST
GPS: 35 50.784S 174 31.72E
Run: 14.2nm (25.7km)

Anchored in Urquarts Bay near Marsden Cove waiting for a weather window to Tonga


Sat Dec 6 23:24 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 43.45s 174 19.56e
Run: 32.8nm (59.4km)

Fluenta is in the Town Basin Marina in Whangarei. This will be our "home town" for the next few months until the end of cyclone season. Seems like a great place to live and to fix up the boat for the next season.


Mon Dec 1 22:04 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 15.044s 174 17.93e
Run: 11.1nm (20.1km)

Woo hoo ... we are at Whangamumu. Pretty spot. Looks a bit like a cross between Cornwall, UK and Gulf Islands, BC.


Fri Nov 28 15:59 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 19.08S 174 07.16E
Run: 117nm (211.8km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.7nm

Arrived today at 1215 in Opua. Great passage and arrived ahead of the front. Thank you Gulf Harbour Radio for the guidance. Will wait here until the weather comes through and then head to Whangarei.


Thu Nov 27 20:43 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.1 kts SOG
knts
GPS: 33 38.2S 174 21.63E
Run: 44.6nm (80.7km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.8nm
Weather: 3 kts TWS 290T TWD. Overcast and cold. Baro 1014.5 and dropping.

Great day of sailing and caught another albacore. Motoring now after the wind just died. Fishing lines retired for the passage. Racing the front into Opua.


Thu Nov 27 13:56 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.7 kts SOG
knts
GPS: 32 59.5S 174 23.45E
Run: 117nm (211.8km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.8nm
Weather: 13 kts TWS 315T TWD Baro 1015.9 and dropping finally. Cloud cover 10%. Current setting east and north at approx 0.7 kts.

Sailing since noon. Caught our first albacores at dawn. Larger one was almost 25lbs


Wed Nov 26 21:18 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.1 kts SOG
knts
GPS: 31 18.1S 174 31.1E
Run: 15.2nm (27.5km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.5nm
Weather: 3 kts TWS 262T. Baro 1018.8

As expected, still motoring across the ridge. Now heading for Opua vice Whangarei due to weather and minor engine issue.


Wed Nov 26 18:59 2014 NZDT
Speed:
4.7 SOG
knts
GPS: 31 05.1S 174 33.5E
Run: 58.5nm (105.9km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.5nm
Weather: 7 kts TWS 215T TWD 100% cloud cover. Baro 1018.1

Motoring into wind and current. Noisy.


Wed Nov 26 9:20 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.3 kts
knts
GPS: 30 14.8S 174 41.3E
Run: 42.2nm (76.4km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143nm
Weather: 4.5 kts TWS 080T TWD 100% overcast. Baro 1019.3

Now motoring in light winds. Seems a shame as enough wind to move the boat but prudent to clear this area before any nasty NZ weather comes our way. On the bright side, unlimited fresh water and unlimited hot water ! Cleaning stations throughout the boat and a chance to repack the lazerette following the autopilot ram change.


Wed Nov 26 2:15 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 29 38.5s 174 46.9e
Run: 56.7nm (102.6km)
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 128.6nm
Weather: 085T TWD 8-10 TWS

Pleasant evening close reaching. Still sailing although expect the wind to diminish soon.


Tue Nov 25 15:40 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 28 52.84s 175 07.95e
Run: 92.7nm (167.8km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.8nm
Weather: TWD 138T TWS 12 kts, 15% cloud cover Cu. Baro 1017.5

Still close reaching. Will turn soon for a wp at approx 34S 174E to be prepared for the SW winds.


Tue Nov 25 2:05 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.0
knts
GPS: 27 52.844s 176 08.95e
Run: 108.9nm (197.1km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.6nm
Weather: TWD 145T TWS 8 kts. Baro 1017.7

Close reaching over calmer seas. New Simrad autopilot drive replaced with antique Robertson drive. Autopilot working fine now.


Mon Nov 24 10:18 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 26 46.783s 177 25.104e
Run: 141.2nm (255.6km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.2nm
Weather: 12 kts TWS 128T TWD Cloud cover scattered Cu. Baro 1019.1

CLose reaching. Hand steering as autopilot ram has died. Will replace later today. Two dorado caught yesterday. Fishing lines out of the water now.


Sun Nov 23 13:47 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.0 kts
knts
GPS: 25 08.89s 178 47.22e
Run: 77.3nm (139.9km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 166.4nm
Weather: 13-15 kts TWS 144T TWD Approx 10% cloud cover all trade wind Cu. Baro 1018.4

Close reaching. Still in the foul current. Caught, lost and then caught the same Mahi Mahi


Sun Nov 23 2:38 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.3
knts
GPS: 24 28.50s 179 46.29e
Run: 77.1nm (139.6km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 175.1nm
Weather: 17 kt TWS 128T TWD approx 40% cloud cover. Rain and 20+ kts in squalls. Baro 1017.0

Beam to close reaching. A bit bumpy.


Sat Nov 22 16:04 2014 NZDT
Speed:
7.0 kts SOG
knts
GPS: 23 50.00s 179 13.71w
Run: 23.8nm (43.1km)
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 72.6nm
Weather: 13kts TWS 115M TWD. 20% cloud cover. Cu. Baro 1015.8

Nice close to beam reaching. Yellow fin tuna caught earlier. 0.7 kt counter current


Sat Nov 22 8:12 2014 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 39.572s 178 54.272w
Run: 2.6nm (4.7km)
Weather: 15ks TWS 116t TWD Cloud cover 15% Cu. Baro 1017.2.

Departing Minerva Reef bound for Whangarei at approx noon local


Fri Nov 21 10:07 2014 NZDT
GPS: 23 37.720s 178 55.748w
Run: 2.6nm (4.7km)

At Minerva Reef with a few remaining boats. Preparing to depart bound for Whangarei, NZ tomorrow (Sat NZ time). Hull cleaning time with the kids looking out for the tiger shark. New spinnaker bought off another cruiser installed into a sock but looks like we will not get to try our new toy as forecast is 850nm to windward next week.


Thu Nov 20 10:34 2014 NZDT
GPS: 23 39.721S 178 54.59W
Run: 2.6nm (4.7km)
Weather: 6knts NE, 10% cloud, 1013 bar, (up 2)..

leaving 23nov for Opua. In company with others!


Mon Nov 17 18:47 2014 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 37.730s 178 55.737w
Run: 244.8nm (443.1km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 126.9nm
Weather: 4kts TWS 106M TWD.

Arrived at anchor at Minverva Reef. Waiting for a weather window to proceed to NZ.


Sun Nov 16 19:54 2014 NZDT
Speed:
3.0
knts
Weather: 6.0kt TWS at 100T TWD

Close reaching in light air


Sat Nov 15 20:30 2014 NZDT
Speed:
7.8 kts
knts
GPS: 21 25.763s 175 55.337w
Run: 31.4nm (56.8km)
Weather: 13.4 TWS 120M TWD. 3m swell from approx 180M

Close reaching and in company with Exodus, Nautiaus, Iguana and Koa


Sat Nov 15 20:30 2014 NZDT
Speed:
7.3
knts
GPS: 21 09.298s 175 32.030w
Run: 24.2nm (43.8km)
Weather: 128M TWD 14.2 TWS 3m swells.

Close reaching


Sat Nov 15 6:49 2014 NZDT
GPS: 21 07.673s 175 09.564w
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)

Preparing to weigh anchor at 0800L bound for Minerva Reef and onward to New Zealand.


Fri Nov 7 8:52 2014 NZDT
GPS: 21 07.704S 175 09.633W
Weather: 13.5 kts at 086M

At anchor. Conducting sail repairs and awaiting a weather window


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