On passage to Valdivia, Chile from Auckland NZ. Weather improved during yesterday and the wind decreased to a nice 20 knots in the afternoon. The polar low is moving off to the SE and we will follow it to try to stay in wind as long as possible. We took the third reef out of the main and I enjoyed surfing Ithaka down the waves. Lucas made a risoto for dinner which we followed with Christmas Pudding. Overnight another front came through with wind up to 30 knots and rain. We struggled to take down the main but are now running at 7 - 9 knots with twin headsails and Lucas hand steering. Ana had a chat with Lisa on Obsession who are anchored off Great Barrier Island. Very clear - SSB Radio working very well so far.

On passage to Valdivia, Chile from Auckland NZ. Wind moved onto beam yesterday midday but sea remained confused and lumpy all afternoon as we moved back into the western hemisphere. We are riding the top of a deep polar low a long way to our southeast. Currently we are heading due East and the wind is on the starboard quarter generally 30 but gusting 35 knots. Neither the windpilot nor the autopilot can manage this so its hand steering. However speed is good rarely below 7 and sometimes up to 10 knots on waves, with 2x reefed main and staysail. It has been a cold night and we are in full waterproofs, gloves and Peter Blake Red Socks (thank you santa!). Found a lot of water in the forward cabin, luckily no longer our bedroom. The electrical cables going up the mast go through an aluminium inverted "U" bend through the deck, designed to keep the water out. Unfortunately it could not cope with the full immersion it was receiving. So I enjoyed a wet few minutes stuffing the pipe full of plastic and covering it all with gaffer tape....proper job! Not much socialising with the crew, but they are up doing their watches and helping to eat the enormous amount of food.

On passage to Valdivia, Chile from Auckland NZ. We reached the wind at noon yesterday. An area of cloud ahead gave us some warning and we put in a reef just before 20 to 25 knots arrived from the SE. So here we are again closehauled and jumping about in 2 -3 metre seas. It has freed slightly overnight and we are beginning to make some southing. Crew are not so upright now but they are doing their watches and eating. There's plenty of Christmas cake and pudding but, thankfully, no cold turkey! The annoying Rubic cube sits on the chart table glaring at me in colouful disarray, just one orange side in order. Own up, who put that in the stocking!

On passage to Valdivia, Chile from Auckland NZ.

Slow progress yesterday over flat seas and under a clear blue sky. We have been motoring for the last few hours to try to get out of the wind hole in the lee of NZ. This may have worked as the first signs of a SE zephyr are appearing. Settling into the watch system and working our way through the fresh salad and vegetables. This light start is very good for Ana who is enjoying being upright and eating!

On passage to Valdivia, Chile from Auckland NZ.

Happy Christmas. We left pier21, Auckland, on Christmas Day at 4 PM after 8 weeks of maintaining and repairing. It was a fine sunny day with 15kts from the SW blowing us on our way. We had a fine Christmas dinner south of Waiheke, Baked Salmon and then Pavlova. Various Santas had left or sent presents and we enjoyed opening them. Thank you all. The wind headed and dropped overnight so progress is steady but slow.

We have just spent 2 months readying the boat for the big trip East to Chile. It is amazing how much there was to do but we are nearly there. Had a test sail today in Auckland harbour, checking new mainsail, new autopilot, water maker and calibrating the log. Another trip out a bit further tomorrow to test drogue deployment and new preventers. All went well today so we are beginning to see a departure date before Christmas as a real possibility. Lucas, our third crew member who has joined us for the big passage, is fitting in well and helping with all the work. He and Ana are just discussing the menu for the next two months....provisioning will take place on Monday.

Tied up at berth B12, pier21 marina, Auckland. Local phone number is +44(0)224176402

On passage to Auckland, NZ, from Noumea.

Tiritiri Matangi, our favourite island, on starboard beam. Wind died so started the engine again......trying to get in before the rain. ETA at customs dock 1000.

Ithaka change of plan. Update at 1800 hrs NZ, Wednesday 28/10/2015. We are taking the advantage of the current northerlies to go to Auckland and will therefore by-pass Marsden Cove and clear into NZ in Auckland. Our ETA is 0900 tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

On passage to Marsden Point, NZ, from Noumea.

Passed 3 Kings Islands in fine form yesterday with spinnaker flying gaily. Passed Cape Reinga 5 hrs later with dowdy white sails only, the spinnaker having finally given in to age and years of UV. One moment it was there filling the view ahead, the next there was a picture frame of luff tapes and the bright sparkling sea and sky, the only picture to be seen.

The wind died with the sun and we have been motoring all night. Now south of North Cape and heading for Cape Brett.

On passage to Marsden Point, NZ, from Noumea. Wind has now shifted to SW and is only 6 knots so still motor sailing. Beautiful sunrise and moonset

On passage to Marsden Point, NZ, from Noumea. Beating into southerlies for last 24 hours tacking on shifts, whims and vain hopes! Wind has remained fresh throughout with lumpy seas. Using motor to improve heading sometimes.

On passage to Marsden Point, NZ, from Noumea. Front passed at 0300 this morning. Wind now shifted into south 20-25 knots,and its raining, giving the rig a nice wash in fresh water. Close hauled on port tack to get out of the front quicker and back into clear air. Staysail and 2 reefed main.

On passage to Marsden Point, NZ, from Noumea. Running with Main and Goosewinged Yankee. Busy night on deck. Cool and damp. Swapped shorts for waterproof trousers and Ana decided we could stop taking malaria pills!

eta depends on winds but around 27/28th

On passage to New Zealand from Noumea.

On passage to New Zealand from Noumea. Left Noumea yesterday morning. Headed south in fast and boisterous conditions but wind now reducing.

At anchor, Noumea, New Caledonia. Taking a pit stop from passage to New Zealand to await better weather and forecast, and more certainty on TD02F's movements.

At anchor, Bay of Prony, New Caledonia. Taking a pit stop from passage to New Zealand to await better weather and forecast, and more certainty on TD02Fs movements. Will move to Noumea to check-in later today.

On passage to New Zealand from Port Vila, Vanuatu. Close hauled on port tack just to south west of Mare Island, loyalties. l.

Departed Port Vila, Vanuatu, yesterday 0600 bound for New Zealand. Slow progress and disappointing heading in rough seas. Stop off in Loyalties or Noumea therefore a possibility. Currently motorsailing to maintain heading.

waiting in P. Vila for passage weather

On mooring in Port Vila. Arrived last night at midnight having had a good passage from Epi.

Ithaka is at anchor in Lamen Bay, Epi. We arrived this afternoon having motored, motorsailed and finally sailed, down the east coast of Anbrym and between Paama and Mopevi Islands to Epi. Greeted by big turtles and a dugong. Hopefully we will see them closer tomorrow.

Ithaka is at anchor off Ranvetlam, Ambryn. We arrived this afternoon having overnighted in the lee of Suaro Island, Port Stanley, Malekula.

Ithaka is at anchor off Oyster Island Resort, Santo. Very sheltered anchorage in all wind directions and very good holding. South entrance pass challenging and needs to be undertaken at or just before high water. We touched bottom with 2.5 metre draft 2 hours before HW. This pass is currently buoyed with red and green tubular columns which lie horizontal at low water but become vertical when tide rises. NB Buoyed pass is different to that given in Tusker Guide. Yesterday enjoyed Sunday Lunch at the resort on Oyster Island. Today 2 dives on the USS President Coolidge wreck which is enormous and very interesting. You could dive it all your life (and some people have) and not see all of it. Nice fish at the 5 metre safety stop. Allan Powers Dive Tours provided very professional service.

On mooring off Ratua Island, Santo. Came here over the past few days via Banam Bay and Wala island where we enjoyed seeing the custom dances. Very special.

Arrived in Port Sandwich on Malekula yesterday evening after a short sail from Awei Bay in the Maskelyn Islands. Had very enjoyable birthday party there on the 2nd with crews of Antares and Yaya. We have had two days of bright sunshine and light easterly winds and we are at last feeling that we are in tropical waters. The scenery here is reminiscent of NW Scotland. We are anchored in a long deep sea loch, perfect shelter. The surrounding hills are green and tree clad. Small plumes of blue woodsmoke give indication of human habitation. Outrigger dugout canoes move silently across the smooth waters, blacksilhouettes against the bright sea. There are very few seabirds but the land birds set up a fine dawn chorus and the roosters have their own enthusiastic choir. Otherwise perfect peace.

Anchored at Port Havana, very peaceful. Intending to move further Northin the next day or so

Moored in Port Vila. Completed PADI Open Water course with Tranqillity Dive Centre on Moso Island. Highly recommended.

On a mooring in Port Vila. Arrived yesterday after fast downwind passage from Tanna where we had visited the majestic active Volcano, Yasur. Ana says it was like tip toeing around a sleeping Dragon! No wind here today and heavy rain last night.

Ithaka on passage from Aneityum to Port Resolution, Tanna. Planning to visit the volcano.

Ithaka is now at anchor in front of the village of Anelcauhat, Aneityum, Vanuatu, awaiting immigration clearance. There are 5 yachts anchored here in total. The anchorage is well protected from the south east winds. We gained an extra hour with this passage. Looking forward to all that Vanuatu has to offer.

On passage to Anatom, Vanuatu. Good progress yesterday. Wind aft of the beam at last, an unusual phenomenon on this boat! Very cloudy so no chance to see meteorites or the glow from Tanna volcano. Hope to make landfall soon after dawn and be anchored in Anelgowhat by mid afternoon.

On passage to Anatom, Vanuatu. Close reaching in gusty winds but plenty of sunshine yesterday. Expecting winds to ease and free later today.

Checked out of Vuda Point Marina at noon yesterday. Sailed out of Fiji waters in brilliant sunshine and a 25 knot southerly. Now on passage to Anatom, Vanuatu

At Vuda Point Marina preparing for departure to Anatom, Vanuatu later today.

We are at anchor in Musket Cove on the island of Malomo. We sailed around the North Side of Viti Levu with Sea Whisper arriving at Lautoka on Wednesday. Spent a day reprovisioning before moving here on Thursday and struggling to find a spot to anchor among the 60 other yachts. Weather here is less windy although still unsettled. Landscape browner, reminiscent of Australia.

left Makogi at day break to head along the north coast of Viti Levu with final destination of Lautoka

At anchor in Makogai, after a pleasant sail from Lavuka yesterday in brilliant sunshine

Finally managed to drag ourselves away from the stunning beauty of Fulaga and her people, yesterday. Now on passage to Levuka on the island of Ovalau, the old capital of Fiji. Easterly breeze on our starboard quarter. No moon but a miriad of stars giving us light.

have been doing land things as too windy for doing much in the water

Arrived in Fulaga, Southern Lau, this morning after a 27 hour trip from Naiviivi Bay. Managed to grab the very rare ENE breeze to get here. Accompanied by Maunie of Ardwall who led us and two other yachts through the Fulaga pass this morning.

Weather continues to remind us of home - overcast with regular heavy squalls and showers. Despite the weather this must be one of the most beautiful places we have visited in the Pacific. Looking forward to exploring it over the next few weeks.

Arrived here in Naiviivi Bay yesterday afternoon after a battery charging, watermaking motor from Kioa. Sevusevu with village chief this morning and we are now accepted as honorary village members. Weather very dricht but much warmer than west coast Scotland.

Anchored at Kioa. Lovely village with very friendly people. Big day yesterday when the U.S. Army helicopter flew in and delivered supplies for school and health clinic.

In Viani Bay. Guided snorkelling by Jack Fisher. Amazing corals and fish!

Back in Savusavu on mooring for a few days while the wet weather blows through. Fuelling and provisioning.

Anchored in Navatu. Very peaceful. Plan to visit village today

Anchored off Cousteau Resort. Hoping to get in the water

We are on a mooring in Savusavu, enjoying this little town with its buzz, tropical fruits and cool Fijian bitter.

About to enter Savusavu, Fiji. Hove to overnight awaiting daylight and availability of authorities for clearance

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. In Koro Sea just northeast of Island of Nairai.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. 60 degrees off the wind, starboard tack. Entering Koro Sea. Island of Matuku sighted at dawn 80 degrees off stbd bow. Engine cooling repaired yesterday.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Close hauled starboard tack. Double reefed main and double reefed Yankee. Engine salt water impellor stripped. will replace today if conditions allow, meantime limited electrical power.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Close reaching on starboard tack. Triple reefed main and staysail but considering increasing sail area. Engine (on for charging) overheating and turned off. Will investigate but meantime reducing power consumption.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Close reaching, heading directFiji. Triple reefed main and staysail.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Close reaching now heading direct for Fiji, having given up the option for Minerva (could no longer lay it on stbd tack). Triple reefed main and staysail.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Close reaching now heading direct for Fiji, having given up the option for Minerva (could no longer lay it on stbd tack). Triple reefed main and staysail.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Close hauled on stbd tack trying to gain easting. Double reefed main and staysail.

On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Close hauled on stbd tack heading towards Minerva Reef

Departed Opua noon on Friday 1st May. On passage to Savusavu, Fiji. Motoring.

In Opua Marina. Delayed departure to Fiji until Friday 1st May 2015

In Opua Marina preparing to depart for Fiji later in week