Arrived Opua 1930 NZT yesterday. On the Q dock waiting for check-in formalities to be completed.

Sailing along nicely on the home stretch. Have taken the last pre-prepared passage meal from the freezer for lunch so will only have a few left over vegies that will be confiscated on check-in.

Been sailing along nicely since yesterday's update. The night sky was clearer and we could see some stars however it was much colder and we needed to wear our thermals. Today has been sunny and we were greeted by a pod of dolphins just after lunch.

Yesterday was quite unpleasant. Gale force winds, big seas and lots of rain. Picture being on an amusement park ride for 9 hours that you can't get off. Your carriage is open, the rain heavy and every so often (when you least expect it) someone throws a bucket of salt water over you. The rain stopped late afternoon and the winds dropped by 5 kts which isn't much but made a huge difference and the seas calmed somewhat. It was great to take off the wet clothes and wrap ourselves in the sleeping bag when we got our 3 hour breaks during the evening. This morning the conditions are more favorable and the crew happier.

This morning marked half way for the passage in nautical miles. We know we are getting closer to New Zealand without looking at the charts as we have put away t-shirts and shorts and are now wearing wind-cheaters and long pants. The wind has been 20-25 kts with gusts of 35 kts and the seas are up again to 3m. A squally overcast start to the day had us harnessed in the cockpit wearing our wet-weather gear with sea spray, the occasional wave and heavy rain giving us a good soak. Visibility was down to about 15 meters at this time although no concern as the boats we are in company with are now quite dispersed.

We motored until 11.15 PM and then sailed at a slow pace until morning. It was nice to hear the rushing of the water along the hull instead of the engine. The night sky was quite clear and it is getting lighter each night as we approach the next full moon. The morning was sunny and we now have consistent winds of 15-20 kts which look like they will stay for the rest of our passage. The seas started a bit confused as the wind increased and the swell at 3 metres made lunch preparation a little challenging but now they have settled. We have full head sail and two reefs in the main making the ride very comfortable. All is well on board and crew are smiling.

The wind came up at noon yesterday and we enjoyed a lovely afternoon of sailing. Put one reef in the main before dark and a second at 10 PM along with a full head sail. Still could see 4 of the other yachts lights for most of the night whilst watching lightning around the horizon in a number of directions. 4.30 AM we took the reefs out and spent a gloomy morning sailing in 100% cloud cover and rain. The wind died at noon but as this coincided with me catching a MahiMahi which had to be landed, prepared and then the cockpit cleaned we rolled around doing less than 3 knots before turning the motor on at 2 PM. Still no wind 4 hours later.

The northerly winds we had on leaving Vuda died out and we motored until 11 PM when the wind picked up to 13-15kts from the East. Had a great sail until 3.30 AM when the wind died out and we have been motor-sailing since. There were 5 other yachts close around us most of the evening their mast lights clearly visible. Toronui and Celine have been within 10 miles of Gigi since we exited Navula Passage and we spoke to both early in the evening on the radio. A very comfortable first night with both of us getting some good sleep. The sun is burning off the few clouds around and it looks to be a lovely day.

Cleared customs and immigration with a noon departure from Vuda Marina. Will have an outgoing tide to help us exit Navula Passage during daylight.

In Vuda Marina. The weather has become much hotter.

Leaving Denarau for Momi Bay today. Great sunset last night

Off Denarau again. Plan is to stay a while so that we may do some varnishing. Cooler here and no mosquitoes.

Vuda Marina - will be here for a month as Karen is going to Australia for 2 weeks

Musket Cove on a mooring.

Anchored outside of Denarau. Will spend 2 nights here to allow a Nadi visit for fresh supplies from the market

Anchored off Vatia Beach Resort. Ashore for a cold drink and a walk.

Volivoli Point -first time we have taken the dingy ashore as it's usually too windy. Nice Fish & Chips and cold beers for lunch at the resort

Vitu Levu Bay - off Navuniivi Village which we visit each time we come to Fiji. The village was a happening place with rebuilding of homes (only 15 were left from the 72 after Cyclone Winston), repairs to the church and the installation of power poles for electrical connection to the grid.

Lovely motor/sail to Makogai. Anchored off Dalice which suffered greatly in Cyclone Winston. There is only a small number of men here rebuilding all the houses that were lost. The women and children are living in Suva. This was once one of our favourite snorkelling spots but the beach is now littered by broken coral from the cyclone.

Anchored off Cousteau's resort to enable an early start tomorrow morning

Day 8 NZ to Fiji - Arrived safely in Savusavu at 1600 after sailing through the southern islands with gusty conditions. In the morning there was low cloud and drizzle that reduced visibility for a number of hours. At 11.40 we decided to turn on the engine as we wanted to arrive in Savusavu in time for Customs clearance into Fiji. The timing was such that if we didn't burn some diesel we would need to spend the night sailing back and forth outside the pass as it is prohibited to anchor anywhere before customs procedures have been completed. The thought of a full night's sleep won out! Now on a mooring ball in Nakamaa Creek.

Day 7 NZ to Fiji - The wonderful sailing conditions continue. Enjoyed a clear sky last night with thousands of stars. The only disappointment was not landing the fish on my trolling line this morning. With the Islands of Totoya and Matuku now in view we feel that we are on the home straight.

Day 6 NZ to Fiji - Great sailing with full headsail, staysail and double reefed main for the last 24 hours. All well onboard.

Day 5 NZ to Fiji - Before dark last night we reduced our sails to the staysail and reefed main sail. Whilst this reduces our speed it also reduced the heel of the boat and the frequency of waves into the cockpit. We also hoped that this would eliminate the need for sail changes during the night (this wasn't the case). Due to conditions we decided that using the gas was out of the question so had a dinner of dry crackers and Tim Tams and had the evening meal for today's lunch. Lots of sleeping today as the seas and winds have eased a little. A very sunny warm day good for drying the wet weather gear from last night.

Day 4 NZ to Fiji - There are 2 great sounds on a boat. One when the motor turns on and the second when it turns off. Just after 9pm last night we switched the engine off and enjoyed the sound of the water rushing along the hull and the whoosh of the waves breaking alongside. This morning the winds continued to build and the seas have become boisterous and weather squally.

Day 3 NZ to Fiji - Still motoring but making good progress. Expecting winds to pick up late today.

Day 2 NZ to Fiji - our second 24 hour period has seen the wind drop and seas flatten out. Not enough wind to keep Gigi at a respectable passage speed so we have been motoring. It has made for a comfortable ride to catch up on sleep. It was a cloudy night and although we didn't see the moon there was still plenty of light filtering through and the temperature is not as cold as it has been.

Day 1 NZ to Fiji - a light rain shower as we passed Russell. One tack to clear Tikitiki Rock and we were out of the Bay of Islands. The wind was strong from SW and our course being NE meant that Gigi was rolling around all night and we didn't get any sleep so it's catch up today.

Take 2 - Cleared Customs this morning and on our way!

Berth G31 in Bay Of Islands Marina, Opua. Our last stop north until we check-out of NZ.

In Marsden Cove Marina. After checking out we discovered an electrical fault that has prevented our NZ departure.

Overnight sail from Gulf Harbour blew the cobwebs from Gigi and crew. We threw off the lines at quarter past five in the afternoon after the strong SE winds subsided. Motoring out of the Marina we were greeted with a lovely pink sunset which I deemed a a good omen for the passage as they say "Red sky at night is a sailors delight". Conditions were favourable with wind from the rear quarter, slight seas and a bright moon until about 2:30 am. Lovely except that it was really cold - thermals, three top layers, beanies and gloves. We sailed until we passed the first channel markers and anchored outside of Marsden Cove marina at 4:30 for a few hours sleep before our 10 am Customs clearance from New Zealand.

Gigi is looking shiny and ready to go. We will look for the next weather window to leave for Fiji