After enriching the New Zealand economy with three weeks of maintenance work in a marina, we escaped to the Bay of Islands. We are anchored between the islands of Waewaetorea and Urupkapuka. Both islands have hiking trails, but we are not allowed to use them until we can pronounce the names of the islands. While we practice, we are enjoying the melodies of the land and sea birds all around.

Arrived at the Bay of Islands Marina. Tried to check in with New Zealand Immigration but were told there had been too many Americans applying for asylum over the last few weeks and we had to move on to Australia. We pleaded that we were not responsible since we had been at sea for the last three weeks and were given permission to stay for three months.

All kidding aside, the New Zealand Customs and Immigration officials in Opua and Whangarei have been the most professional and courteous officials we have met in our world travels.

Lovely sailing day yesterday with wind and waves gradually diminishing. The ocean was as calm as a lake last night reflecting the half moon as it rose. Lots of sun charged the batteries and the flat whites are flowing on board. 163 nm to Opua, NZ. ETA is Thursday afternoon NZ time.

It is unusual to have four days of consistent winds in this part of the world so close to the Southern Ocean. Except for shortening the sails at night, we have hardly adjusted them for four days. We told "Otto", our auto pilot, to keep the apparent wind at 55 degrees and take us wherever it leads. However, due to wind fluctuations during the day, our "bread crumb" track looks like it was made by a drunken sailor (appropriately) and Otto will be given a breath-a-lizer test when we arrive in New Zealand. Otto also has a tendency to interrupt our short wave radio conversations on some frequencies. Luckily, we have "Mini Otto", our back-up auto pilot, as a designated driver on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, Mini Otto cannot steer according to the wind or even GPS signals, but can only use magnetic waves from near the North Pole to take us where we want to go. In any event, it is better than driving ourselves and Otto and Mini Otto don't eat much, other than battery power.

Made 202 nm last 24 hours. Expect to sail into the heart of a High Pressure System later today and lose the wind. 294 nm to Opua, NZ. ETA is early Thursday NZ time.

Great sailing conditions. Made 185 nm last 24 hours. Would heave to and fix the generator, but no sailor could tolerate being passed by other sailboats. However, should the batteries fail to power the espresso machine, we would have to declare an emergency and stop to repair the generator. 473 nm to Opua, NZ.

12 foot waves yesterday reduced to 6 feet overnight. Generator stopped working - probably a broken water pump impeller which is difficult to replace in these sea conditions but not impossible. In the interim, will use engines to supplement solar panels for charging batteries. Made 175 nm in first 24 hours with 637 nm to Opua, NZ.

Planning to leave North Minerva Reef in a few hours bound for Opua, New Zealand. Should take 5 days. Many boats left Minerva Reef yesterday and many more, if not all, leaving today. Watching weather system currently predicted to cross New Zealand on Friday.

Happy Birthday Rankin

NORTH MINERVA UPDATE: 21 boats anchored at North Minerva Reef waiting for a large High to arrive over New Zealand this week. Thank you Gulf Harbour for the interesting and entertaining special Minerva report on Sunday. And we had pizza delivery last night by the children on boats here with proceeds to help the kiwis in NZ.

NORTH MINERVA UPDATE: Front with rain passed through early morning with sunshine now. Fifteen boats anchored at North Minerva Reef waiting for large Low to pass over New Zealand next week. Some boats may leave on Tuesday or Wednesday and head West to stay North of the Low before turning South to New Zealand, but that adds hundreds of miles to the passage. Other boats my wait until Friday or so when a High follows the large Low and go direct to New Zealand which will require more motoring (with no gas stations) but possible calmer sea conditions. We will all see how the weather systems develop.

A beautiful 22 degree halo visible from North Minerva last night. Does it portend a coming storm? Three boats anchored at North Minerva Reef, but a dozen or so arriving today. The world is getting smaller.

Still anchored at North Minerva Reef. Three boats left and two arrived for a total of three boats anchored. Expect several boats arriving from Tonga in the next day or so. We hear there has been a recent huge interest in Americans immigrating to New Zealand for some reason.

Seven boats anchored at North Minerva Reef. The sun returned yesterday. We decided to delay our departure until a more reliable weather window appears - hopefully next week. In the meantime, we will have to make do with beautiful water and pleasant temperatures.

Five boats anchored at North Minerva Reef. Looking forward to seeing the sun again, if it still exists. Weather forecast in New Zealand not looking comfortable for a passage, so may delay departure until a cold front crosses NZ and a new High is about the longitude of Tasmania whenever that might be. No problem as long as weather at Minerva Reef continues to be fine. Having trouble finding a place to cast our ballots, however.

Seven boats anchored at North Minerva Reef. Considering a departure to Opua tomorrow or Wed with arrival Monday 14th before Low arrives, but we may stay here to harvest crayfish instead. The fleet was shocked to receive the news about the Irish rugby team defeating the New Zealand All Blacks in Chicago yesterday. If such an unbelievable thing can happen in America, what does it portend for the U.S. elections in two days?

Anchored at North Minerva Reef yesterday (Friday) at 5 pm local time (if Minerva Reef has not switched to daylight savings time). Sandy caught a Rainbow Runner in the pass as she was reeling in the line. The wifi is a bit spotty here since dry land is 250 miles away. At least we cannot receive any "news" about Donald's emails or Hillary's groping ... or maybe it was...oh, never mind. If we stay until Tuesday, we might have an election party, but we will have to check guests for picture I.D.s.

Our blood red spinnaker struggled for 12 hours to drag ten tons of boat through the water like a race horse plowing a furrow in the sea. The light wind danced around the sail with no sense of direction. In the end, the fickle wind deserted the sail and left it hanging limp from the mast. We solemnly lowered the sail and placed it in its dark crypt with the hope that someday soon it would rise again and fly in the sun. Now, the engine is running and the auto pilot is driving us to Minerva Reef 45 miles away.

Fine sailing conditions last 22 hours, but wind diminishing and backing now. May fly a spinnaker after the radio net. 170 nm to North Minerva. ETA Friday (tomorrow) local time.

Anchored at Ha'afeva island in Tonga and ready to sail to Minerva Reef. If we stop there, it looks like the weather in New Zealand may keep us there for a week or two. Hopefully, there are enough crays to sustain us.

Anchored at Uoleva Island last night. No bad weather as expected. Highest wind 15 kts and Baormetric Pressure no lower than 1010. What happened?

May move to Ha'afeva or Nomuka today and head to Minerva Reef tomorrow.

Moving from Foa Island to Ha'afeva Island in the Ha'apai Group of Tonga for protection from effects of a Low expected later today. Planning on departing to Minerva Reef on Wednesday with arrival on Friday.

Nice day of sailing and now anchored in Northern Haápai Island group (Haano Island)

Sailing from Vavaú (Tonga) to Haápai Group should arrive later today.

Had a pleasant 10 hr broad reach sail north from the Haápai Island Group of Tonga on waves under 1 meter and 10 - 15 knot winds back to the Vavaú Island Group of Tonga. Fewer whales seen en route on this passage.

Anchored at Nomuka Ika Island in the Haápai Island Group of Tonga after many hours of motoring. Looking forward to more whale encounters with Whale Discoveries.

Returned to the Ha'apai island group in Tonga after a leisurely 10 hour, close hauled sail from the Vava'u island group. The humpback whales seemed to welcome us back with displays of breaching. Enjoyed fresh tuna for dinner on board. Anchored near Matafonnua Lodge on Foa Island.

Sailing along from Vavaú to Haápi with about 10 knots SE winds 30-40% cloud cover, 1 meter seas. Just caught a nice size yellow fin tuna, so it looks like sushi tonight.

Back in the Vava'u Island Group of Tonga for fuel, vegetables and internet.

Motor sailed 20 nm north from Nomuka to Ha'afeva Island in the Ha'apai Island Group of Tonga yesterday. Had several days of close encounters with humpback whales with Whale Discoveries on Nomuka Island which is operated by a couple and their daughter who used to be "yachties" and still sail their catamaran "Wildlife". The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club was dedicated by the crown prince of Tonga a few months ago and construction is scheduled to commence momentarily on Nomuka Iki and should be open for business next year. No Digicel phone service in Nomuka or Ha'afeva - only TCC.

Anchored at Nomukaiki Island in the Ha'apai Group of Tonga to wait out the unsettled weather systems for a few days. On Sunday at noon local time, the wind switched from the NW to South in a couple of minutes and blew 30 knots for 30 minutes before settling down to 20-25 knots for 8 hours with some light rain.

HMS Bounty stopped at nearby Nomuka Island to pick up water for the breadfruit plants it was carrying to feed the slaves in the Caribbean and the mutiny occurred just 5 days later.

We see many humpback whales in the area. Whale watching and even swimming with whales is a major tourist attraction.

Dog gone it got the wrong position from iPad or read it wrong perhaps I should have been wearing my glasses. This is what happens when I (Sandy) submit the report instead of Rankin. SSHHH! Don't tell anyone. Cheers!

Hope all is well with everyone! Looks like it might be a rainy day, so time to bring out the board games or read a book both sound good. Cheers!

So far all is well and quiet here in Uoleva Island with some rain, wind around 9-10 knots from N slowly backing to NNW, 75% cloudy sky and barometer reading 1011. Hope all is well with everyone in New Zealand and all the islands. Cheers

Arrived in the Ha'apai Group of Islands in Tonga after an 8 hour close reach sail from the Vava'u Group. The humpback whales in Vava'u waved their fins in the air when we left as if to say goodbye. Finally caught a Mahi Mahi upon arrival . Wind: E7 kts; Baro 1017; Cloud cover 9% with some rain overnight.

Sailing from Vavaú Group to Haápai Group and expect a 10 hour trip. Wind: E10 knots; Baro: 1016; Cloud cover: still dark but looks about 20% cloud cover.

Port Maurelle was a bit busy, so we dropped a hook nearby. We currently have E 5-10 knots of wind. Hope to do some snorkeling and possibly a dive today.

Anchored at Vakaéitu Island (#16 - near coral gardens) in Tonga. SW winds about 10 knots + gusts. 80% cloud cover. Snorkeled near coral gardens yesterday and saw 2 octopi. Now this morning just testing the YIT iPad app!! Cheers

Arrived in Vava'u at about 11 pm NZ time last night. The wind between the Ha'apai Group and Vava'u last evening increased from 20 knots mean to about 27 knots with gusts greater than 35 knots. It made anchoring in the pitch black an interesting proposition. All turned out well, however. We can celebrate the Tongan King's birthday today (or maybe American Independence day). We are bringing out the bubbly!!!

Successfully avoided the reefs and recently formed volcanic island in the Ha'apai Group and did not hit a whale. Have turned for the Vava'u island group of Tonga. 85 nm to go. Plan to arrive before dawn on Monday morning NZ time. All well on board.

Passed Tongatapu in the night and turned toward the Ha'apai Group. Will navigate our way through the reefs during daylight hours trying to avoid whales. Expect to arrive in the Vava'u island group of Tonga Sunday night or Monday morning. All well on board.

Left North Minerva at 1430 hrs NZ time yesterday after cold front passed through. Caught a yellow fin tuna near the pass. Expect to arrive in the Vava'u island group of Tonga on Monday, but understand there may be some unsettled weather there then, so may slow down or stop on the way and arrive Tuesday or Wednesday.

Tired of eating crays. Looking for weather to sail to the Ha'apai or Vava'u Island Groups in Tonga. Maybe when winds back to the SE on Saturday.

Motored from South Minerva Reef to North Minerva Reef yesterday. Walked on the barren reef for crays last night. Waiting for weather to sail to the Ha'apai Group in Tonga.

Yesterday(Tuesday NZ time) at 2 pm, we arrived at South Minerva Reef = 800 nm from Marsden Cove in 5 days. Three other boats here. Weather permitting, we will stay here for several days trying to eradicate the crayfish (Florida Lobster) infestation. Then on to Tonga. All well on board (and the crew is smelling better). Ha, ha!!

Strong wind and gusts have propelled us further along than expected although it has been a boisterous ride with the beam seas. We should reach South Minerva at midday today and then perhaps decide to continue on to North Minerva. 40 nm to go to South Minerva and 61 nm to North Minerva. All is well on board. We are each looking forward to the other person taking a shower upon arrival.

Wind gusts are strong - 10 to 15 knots higher than sustained winds - and last 5 to 10 minutes. If we average more than 7 knots for 36 hours, we can arrive in South Minerva Reef before dark on Tuesday. 230 nm to go. All is well on board.

Sailing along with Southerly (cold) wind. Looks like arrival at Minerva Reef will be on Wednesday morning, NZ time (Tues afternoon USA time) since we do not want to enter the pass at dark although there is a lovely moon. 395 nm to go.

After 25 hours of running the engine since leaving Marsden Cove, we started sailing at 1 pm Friday local NZ time. We changed course 30 degrees to the east a day earlier than planned to avoid northerly winds associated with a low moving east faster than anticipated. We hope to arrive at Minerva Reef on Tuesday, NZ time. 555 nm to go.

We have been motoring for 18 hours since leaving Marsden Cove at noon on Thursday, local time. We have been spewing more fumes than a VW diesel automobile - well, not THAT much. Hopefully, the wind will pick up later today, but we may be like John Travolta (Urban Cowboy) and looking for "wind" in all the wrong places. All well on board.

Sandy and Rankin have returned to Marsden Cove Marina. The two of us plan to leave for Tonga, possibly via Minerva Reef, in a few hours with a new main sail. We should head North for a couple of days to about 30 degrees South before turning toward Tonga. We plan to monitor Gulf Harbour Radio every morning.

Returned to Whangarei Town Basin where there was frost on the docks this morning. Hoping for a weather window in two weeks after receipt of a new main sail. Apparently, we were not allowed to leave the country with money in our pockets. At least we will see two more episodes of Game of Thrones before we leave.

Returned to Marsden Cove due to torn main sail. Hopefully, will have it repaired and try again next week.

Leaving for Tonga from Marsden Cove Marina today (Wednesday) at 1700 hrs.

We are motoring along making the long passage from Town Basin Marina to Marsden Cove. Hope the weather holds (ha, ha!).

In Whangarei preparing for passage to Tonga via Minerva Reef next week - maybe Thursday, May 19.

West Bay - Hen and Chicken Islands (the Chickens part). Nice small anchorage in calm conditions with lovely song birds on shore and clear water below for diving amongst the kelp and small schools of fish and baby squid.

Tacked against 10 - 15 kt SW winds to Smokehouse Bay to weather coming easterlies.

Sailed to Rakitu Island Cove, a lovely anchorage for a few boats. No cell service, but clear water, caves and walking on the island. Wish we could stay longer but easterlies coming this way.

Sailed to Rangiwhakaea Bay on NE side of Great Barrier Island. No cell phone service and the 25 kt plus SW winds found a way over or through the hills, so we stayed on the boat.

Finally had the wind for a nice spinnaker sail to Great Barrier Island. Plan on sailing to the east side tomorrow.

Working our way North while waiting for wind to go to Great Barrier.

Anchored in the Coromandel for the first time. Lovely with cow, sheep and turkeys ashore.

Anchored at Kawau Island and attended the Music Festival at the Mansion where Michael on Astarte won a bottle of wine for being

the Best Dressed.