Jade Adelaide

Fri Dec 2 12:48 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.25878S 174 32.13535E
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)

Tied up in Whangerai Marina. Looks great. X


Fri Dec 2 7:36 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.48348S 174 31.93425E
Run: 46.7nm (84.5km)

Anchored here overnight and are up early to make the final miles up the river. We have to request the bridge to open so that's causing a bit of excitement (it's a new bridge shaped to look like a Maori fishing hook).


Thu Dec 1 9:18 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 14.070S 174 10.118E
Run: 6.1nm (11km)

On our way to Whangerai and stopped for a night at Roberton Island. This was one of Cook's landing sites and he chose well! Beautiful view from the top of the hill and lots of birds and insects. I think I saw a Kiwi (but that could've been wishful thinking). Off this morning around Cape Brett and beyond! Woke up to a sunny and dare I say it 'warm' morning. Pinch punch first of the month and time to get the Advent calendars out!!


Thu Nov 24 20:00 2016 NZDT
Speed:
o
knts
GPS: 35 18.83S 174 07.35E
Run: 69.4nm (125.6km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138.8nm
Weather: cold!

Woohoo - we are here! Safely tucked up at the Q dock in Opua for the night. We caught a tuna today so we're BBQing that on the dock to share with the other boats in quarantine (about 6 of us so far). So chilly it feels like a real Brit BBQ! Very good passage and so far from what we've seen, NZ looks beautiful. xxx


Thu Nov 24 8:00 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5kts motoring
knts
GPS: 34 18.92S 174 15.16E
Run: 147.2nm (266.4km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.3nm
Weather: dry, sunny, Bar 1021 , wind N 5kts, little swell, 30% cloud cover

Nearly there! Just munching through the last of our supplies - there's been a rush of using up fruit, veg and eggs. I attempted to do something with the cabbage but couldn't muster the enthusiasm after ripping off the first 10 layers. Our ETA is 1800 local time to Opua - no doubt we'll be docking overnight on the quarantine dock but we'll be in good company! Sunday's planned party for 'Minerva Reef fleet' is currently up to 60 odd people! I note I've not included many sailing references here, so, erm, we are motoring with just the main up. The sea is very flat and the wind is coming from behind. I think that's everything.


Wed Nov 23 7:51 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.7kts motoring
knts
GPS: 32 11.81S 174 30.82E
Run: 160nm (289.6km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.3nm
Weather: dry, sunny, Bar 1025 , wind NE 8kts, little swell, 10% cloud cover

All is well on board. We have less than 180NM to go and are all very excited. At this rate (we are motoring as expected) we should arrive in Opua tomorrow evening (our Thurs evening). Whoop!


Tue Nov 22 8:03 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7kt
knts
GPS: 30 00.12S 175 22.34E
Run: 190.6nm (345km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 188.6nm
Weather: dry, sunny, Bar 1026 , wind ENE 14kts

Things we are NOT doing on Jade - hanging about, pottering, dawdling OR eating the cabbages! We are zipping along nicely and still in the company of Free Spirit who should be renamed Free Sparkle as their boat gives a little wink from their metal work every now and then. Long may the zipping along continue! xx


Mon Nov 21 7:48 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7kt
knts
GPS: 27 28.54S 176 37.90E
Run: 164.1nm (297km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 170.3nm
Weather: dry, cloudy, Bar 1023 , wind E 14kts

all fine on Jade


Sun Nov 20 8:40 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7
knts
GPS: 25 26S 177 59E
Run: 0.8nm (1.4km)
Weather: 1.5m seas, 90%cc, E13

all well on board but it is getting chilly.


Sun Nov 20 8:03 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7kt
knts
GPS: 25 25.38S 177 59.40E
Run: 158.3nm (286.5km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 162.7nm
Weather: dry, cloudy, Bar 1020 , wind E 13kts

We have an arrival date in mind - based on weather report - and we are doing our best to get there in time. Full steam ahead! We are zipping along nicely at the moment in the company of Free Spirit. No luck with fishing but good luck with the stocks of fish and other yummy stuff in the freezer (which need to be entirely depleted before arrival or it gets thrown out). Getting very nippy - layering up and wearing our hats and gloves. Ferne playing an active role at the helm, Noah just playing.... All tickety boo.


Sat Nov 19 8:42 2016 NZDT
Speed:
4
knts
GPS: 23 34S 179 27.9E
Run: 0.5nm (0.9km)
Weather: 8ESE, long slow 2.5m swell, 75%cc

Sat Nov 19 8:06 2016 NZDT
Speed:
4kts motor sailing
knts
GPS: 23 34.37S 179 27.65E
Run: 103.5nm (187.3km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 113.9nm
Weather: dry,cloudy,Bar 1016 , wind ESE 8kts

The starter's gun has sounded and we are off! In fact, we left last night and are staying close to the wind (which has just dropped off - hopefully only temporarily). It's like Spaghetti Junction out here this morning we are with Free Spirit but also in the company of Galatee, Aquarelle, Velic and a few others! I don't think it will be long before the speedier boats from Minerva catch us up (they were leaving this morning) including our friends on Enough. NZ here we come!


Fri Nov 18 10:18 2016 NZDT
GPS: 23 37.04S 178 54.32W
Weather: cloudy, windy,Bar 1011 ,

Still in Minerva. It's now looking like Saturday is a better departure day. We had a lovely visit from the NZ Air Force yesterday. Their Orion plane circled the reef, taking note of all our of boat names. They also said they were taking photos that would be on the Orion Facebook site. If they did take them they should be keepers as it was a gorgeous day yesterday. A bit different weather here today but good to be here to sit it out. Tomorrow's forecast is much better. Lots of love xx


Thu Nov 17 9:57 2016 NZDT
GPS: 23 37.04S 178 54.32W
Weather: dry,sunny,Bar 1012 ,

Possibly leaving here tomorrow (our Friday 18th) with Free Spirit and a few others. We will keep you updated! All is well.


Wed Nov 16 9:51 2016 NZDT
GPS: 23 37.04S 178 54.32W
Weather: dry,sunny,Bar 1015 , wind ENE 5kts

There are now 25 boats here in Minerva all waiting for the green light. At the moment we think we can leave either Friday or Saturday. In the meantime, having fun, lovely reef walks and good company. Hope everyone is well. xx


Mon Nov 14 10:12 2016 NZDT
Speed:
10kt ESE
knts
GPS: 23 37.04S 178 54.32W
Run: 1.5nm (2.7km)
Weather: dry,sunny,Bar 1016

Gulf Harbour Radio: Hello Patricia and David, we are a slow boat so would be interested in an early departure from N. Minerva (e.g like Velic on Friday or earlier) to reach Opua by the date David mentioned.

To friends and family: Hello, we are still here in the North Minerva Reef and although we are keen to get moving we are having a wonderful time. Alex caught 4 lobster, the kids sold pizza to boats for a Kiwi bird charity and made over $100NZ. Poss Supermoon Monday dinghy drift from the back of Jade tonight. At the moment it looks like we could be leaving here Friday. Will post an update as soon as we know more. All well - hope you are too. Lots of love xx


Fri Nov 11 9:45 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.5kt
knts
GPS: 23 36.24S 178 55.50W
Run: 296.2nm (536.1km)
Weather: dry, cloudy, chilly

Just arriving at North Minerva Reef. Looks like there are about 7 boats here already. Will update soon with departure to NZ but expect it will be a good few days waiting here.


Thu Nov 3 8:55 2016 NZDT
GPS: 21 07S 175 09W
Run: 86nm (155.7km)

Arrived in Tongatapu. Lots of boats anchored and waiting for the weather window to NZ! All well.


Sat Oct 29 10:48 2016 NZDT
GPS: 19 56.44S 174 42.93W
Run: 97.5nm (176.5km)
Weather: sunny, light clouds, 1014 baro

Anchored at Ha'afeva island. Had a very slow journey (into the wind) from Va'vau but all was fine. All well and happy. Saw some dolphins this morning.


Fri Oct 21 9:34 2016 NZDT
GPS: 18 42.59093S 173 59.18370W
Run: 7.5nm (13.6km)

On a mooring ball. Seems like the middle of nowhere but there's a Spanish tapas restaurant and a floating jewellery/art gallery here! Sunny day today - yesterday was non stop rain but at least tanks are full. Looks like next week for the Ha'apai group...


Fri Oct 14 14:38 2016 NZDT
GPS: 18 43.325S 174 06.027W
Run: 8.6nm (15.6km)

Anchored with Enough. Meeting a group of boats here for a Tongan feast on Sat night. Spotted a whale on the way here!


Thu Oct 6 8:07 2016 NZDT
GPS: 18 39.16S 173 59.54W

moored and enjoying the Blue Water Festival.


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