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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Motoring into wind and current. Noisy.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Beam to close reaching. A bit bumpy.

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

Departing Minerva Reef bound for Whangarei at approx noon local

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.

leaving 23nov for Opua. In company with others!

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

Close reaching in light air

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

Close reaching

Preparing to weigh anchor at 0800L bound for Minerva Reef and onward to New Zealand.

At anchor. Conducting sail repairs and awaiting a weather window