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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

Back to the big city for resupply and admin.

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.

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.

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

Anchored off Ilot Maitre in 20 feet of clear water.

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

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

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

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.

Fluenta is on the move again bouncing along towards Tanna.

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.

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.

Anchored back in Havannah Bay.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Wind back on again. Heading towards Luganville, Vanuatu.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

On a mooring in Majuro with a sunrise arrival.

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

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.

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.

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.

Anchored back in front of the main village.

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

Anchored between Ailuk village and a potential kiting spot.

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

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

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 ?

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.

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.

Enroute towards Ailuk from Aur.

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.

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

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]

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

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).

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

Departed Tarawa towards Majero. Nice close reach so far.

Anchored in from of Bikenbeu village.

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