Just in Time

Sun Dec 27 10:24 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 11.8566S 175 19.8840E
Run: 41.9nm (75.8km)

Anchored in Smokehouse Bay, Great Barrier. Lots of boats. Weather improving. Nice to be back our here again. Good dive yesterday, although the water was a tad chilly. Nice reward though.


Bit scary when I came face to face with this guy under a rock!!
He tasted pretty good, though!!
Wed Oct 28 22:01 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.134S 174 47.387E
Run: 56.9nm (103km)

Home again on our berth in Gulf Harbour. Great to be home again.


Tue Oct 27 21:18 2015 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.211s 174 28.129e
Run: 92.3nm (167.1km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 147.8nm

Tied up safely at Marsden Cove. Good to be still. Looking forward to a good night's sleep. Clear Customs early tomorrow morning. Back to Gulf Harbour marina tomorrow.


Tue Oct 27 6:19 2015 NZDT
GPS: 34 30.156s 174 22.966e
Run: 147.6nm (267.2km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 148.5nm

15% cloud cover. 15 knot southerlies.

Boat speed 5.5 knots. Course 189T. Should be tied up to 'Q' dock late this afternoon - Marsden Cove. Really chilly now!!! Jerseys and long pants are on now!! All well onboard.


Mon Oct 26 6:28 2015 NZDT
GPS: 32 23.270s 174 44.023e
Run: 161.9nm (293km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.6nm

15 knots S. Boat speed 5.5 knots. Course 189T.

90% cloud cover, overcast.

All well onboard. Definitely getting cooler. Warm clothes and ugg boots on.


Sun Oct 25 6:25 2015 NZDT
GPS: 30 03.398s 175 00.431e
Run: 189.8nm (343.5km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 190.7nm

100% cloud cover. .5m swell Course 184T. 20 knots NW. Boat speed 7 knots. All well


Sat Oct 24 6:32 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.5ms
knts
GPS: 27 19.015s 175 12.648e
Run: 196.1nm (354.9km)
Avg: 8.1knts
24hr: 194.9nm

No wind. Calm sea. 30%cloud cover Motoring 6.5 knots. ETA Tuesday Marsden Cove


Fri Oct 23 6:23 2015 NZDT
GPS: 24 32.689s 175 52.796e
Run: 182.9nm (331km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 183.2nm

50% cloud cover. .5m swell Course 204T. Boat speed 6.5 - 7 knots. Wind 13 knots SSE. All well.


Thu Oct 22 6:25 2015 NZDT
GPS: 22 05.650s 176 58.045e
Run: 170.1nm (307.9km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.9nm

8 knots SE. 100% cloud cover. Southerly swell .5m Course 182 T. Boat speed 6 knots.

Seas a bit more lumpy than first day or so. Definitely getting cooler. All well.


Wed Oct 21 6:23 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 38.177s 177 06.169e
Run: 130.3nm (235.8km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 178.4nm

Cloud cover 50% Calm sea Steering a course of 182T. Wind 5 knots NE. Jock and Leanne onboard heading to Marsden Cove. All well onboard.


Tue Oct 20 12:51 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 45.743s 177 19.122e
Run: 7.1nm (12.9km)

Checked out of Vuda marina, Fiji and heading home to New Zealand. 2 POB.


Tue Oct 13 8:11 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.924S 177 23.167E
Run: 2.9nm (5.2km)

23-24 knots SE. In Vuda marina. Weather window closed. Waiting for next one. Hopefully soon!!!


Thu Oct 8 13:07 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 38.398s 177 23.601e
Run: 16.4nm (29.7km)

In Saweni Bay. Hoping to depart Saturday for NZ.


Mon Sep 28 8:49 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.328s 177 11.163e
Run: 16.4nm (29.7km)
Weather: 50% cloud cover, light ENE wind

Still at Musket Cove waiting for the right weather window to head home to NZ.


Thu Sep 17 8:10 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 38.377S 177 23.590E
Run: 35.1nm (63.5km)

Clear blue skies, 2 knots of wind from SE. Back in Saweni bay. Restocking in Lautoka today before heading back out to Musket this afternoon.


Sun Sep 13 0:00 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 10.294S 177 11.236E
Run: 35.2nm (63.7km)

Manta Ray Pass. Swimming with mantas every morning and diving in afternoons. Beautiful weather and calm seas. Lots to see and do here. Awesome!!


Manta ray swimming through.
Sat Sep 12 0:00 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 38.445S 177 23.659E
Run: 9nm (16.3km)

Anchored in Saweni Bay for the night before heading off to see the manta rays.


Fri Sep 11 0:00 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 46.226S 177 22.897E
Run: 12.8nm (23.2km)

In Denerau to restock before heading out to Manta Ray pass. Have Helen & Paul from Sweet Disorder onboard for few days while their rudder repairs are being done.


Sat Aug 22 14:02 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 46.290S 177 11.225E
Run: 75.4nm (136.5km)

Made it down to Musket. Lovely to be here. Sunshine, blue water and so many people to catch up with.


Thu Aug 20 16:33 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 18.761S 178 13.499E
Run: 48.8nm (88.3km)

Left early this morning and had good sail down from Makogai. Had a pod of dolphins just out of the pass as we left and a whale breeched as we came through the Nananu passage. Drizzling this morning but as we came down there was blue sunny skies. This is certainly the wind capital of Fiji. We can see why kite boarders like this place.


Tue Aug 18 0:00 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 26.415S 178 57.132E
Run: 52.2nm (94.5km)
Avg: 3.1knts
24hr: 73.2nm

Dull day. Overcast with light showers.


Mon Aug 17 6:53 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.642S 179 19.940E
Run: 36.7nm (66.4km)

Leaving Savusavu this morning and slowly making our way down to Musket Cove. The time has come to move on. Light rain as we are leaving and poor visibility. Probably stop at Makogai tonight.


Just in Time moored in Savusavu.
Sat Aug 8 14:49 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 45.028S 179 53.192E
Run: 36.8nm (66.6km)

In Viani Bay. A lovely trip up from Savusavu with no wind and flat calm. Quite a bit of rain. Caught a nice mahimahi so dinner is sorted!!


Looking over at Taveuni from Viani Bay.
Wed Aug 5 8:38 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.671S 179 19.907E

Still in Savusavu waiting for weather to clear. Hoping to get out of here maybe about Friday and head to Cousteau's. If weather is going to be light we hope to get some diving in at Namena. Watch this space. Hopefully this will work out, but things change so quickly with the weather!!! Lots of boats here in Savusavu waiting to leave. So much wind this year.


Fri Jul 24 9:48 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.667S 179 19.908E
Run: 60.9nm (110.2km)

Back in Savusavu. Wind 20-30 knots from ESE. 10%cloud cover. Sun shining but windy. Will be here for a few more days yet!!! Worse places to be, though.


Sat Jul 11 13:07 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 35.732S 178 59.382E
Run: 10.9nm (19.7km)

Overcast today, 17 knots wind from SE. Motored down to Wakaya from Makogai this morning. Nice & calm here and looking forward to a few dives here.


Wed Jul 8 8:06 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 26.472S 178 57.180E
Run: 52.3nm (94.7km)

50% cloud cover. Light E wind. Anchored in Makogai and having a great time - walking, diving, swimming and just chilling out!!!


Thu Jul 2 7:32 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.670s 179 20.110e
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)
Weather: 10%cc, light winds

finally good wx so moving out today


Sat Jun 20 11:53 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.664s 179 19.909e
Run: 0.2nm (0.4km)

Anchored in Savusavu and great to be back. This town is really humming. The first few days have been spent getting communications up and running and sorting out a few emails etc. Today (Saturday) is big market day and we have been into town and got our fresh fruit and veg

The voyage up from NZ was a bit of everything ? hardly any wind, to no wind, lots of wind and very confused seas to calm seas and using the ?iron sails?. All in all not too bad and everyone onboard seemed reasonably happy.


Wed Jun 17 3:04 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.656S 179 19.727E
Run: 146.5nm (265.2km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 173.8nm

YAY!!!! We have arrived in Savusavu. All good. Great last day sailing up the Koro Sea - calm and very little wind. Hopefully clear Customs and then a couple of cold Fiji Golds. Special thanks to our captain and crew.


Tue Jun 16 6:50 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 42.727S 179 45.650W
Run: 191nm (345.7km)
Avg: 9.4knts
24hr: 226nm

70% cloud cover. Course 332T Boat speed 6 knots. Wind 7 knots SE. Seas calmed a lot .5m swell. Passed by Totoya early morning. Getting closer to Savu Savu!!! YAY!!!


Mon Jun 15 10:33 2015 NZST
GPS: 21 25.849S 179 13.931W
Run: 13.7nm (24.8km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 111.8nm

90% cloud cover. Showers. Wind 24knots SE. Steering a course of 350T and boat speed 7 knots. Confused seas.

Left North Minerva yesterday and on way to SavuSavu.


Mon Jun 15 7:36 2015 NZST
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 21 14S 179 15W
Run: 169.3nm (306.4km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 84.6nm
Weather: 80-90%cc, 20SE

good conditions and a good sail overnight


Sat Jun 13 7:35 2015 NZST
GPS: 23 39.721S 178 54.59W
Run: 1.4nm (2.5km)
Weather: hvy o/c, 17ESE

N Minerva


Thu Jun 11 8:57 2015 NZST
GPS: 23 38.884S 178 53.568W
Run: 182.3nm (330km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.5nm

26 knots ESE. Arrived in North Minerva this morning. Will be good to be stopped and have showers, decent meals and a good nights sleep.


Wed Jun 10 7:34 2015 NZST
Speed:
7
knts
GPS: 26 14S 179 28W
Run: 190.3nm (344.4km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 190.1nm
Weather: 25-30ese, lumpy seas

141m to N Minerva


Wed Jun 10 6:23 2015 NZST

50% cloud cover confused sea.


Tue Jun 9 7:33 2015 NZST
Speed:
8
knts
GPS: 28 41S 179 07E
Run: 1.9nm (3.4km)
Avg: 12.6knts
24hr: 301.2nm
Weather: 20-25 ese, confused seas

all well


Tue Jun 9 7:24 2015 NZST
GPS: 28 42.614S 179 06.948E
Run: 210.1nm (380.3km)
Avg: 8.6knts
24hr: 205.5nm

Boat speed 7.8 knots. Wind 20-25 knots ESE. 40% cloud cover. 2m swell seas bit confused. All well and everyone happy onboard.


Mon Jun 8 6:52 2015 NZST
GPS: 31 25.707S 177 32.619E
Run: 193.8nm (350.8km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 188.8nm

Wind SSE 17 knots. 30% cloud cover. 1m swell. Second night and all well. Everybody happy onboard.


Sun Jun 7 6:14 2015 NZST
GPS: 33 52.823S 175 55.751E
Run: 157.8nm (285.6km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 184nm

11 knots SW Calm sea Cleared Customs yesterday and on our way. First night and all well onboard. Motorsailing


Sat Jun 6 9:39 2015 NZST
Speed:
5.9
knts
GPS: 35 49.795s 174 28.834e
Run: 57.2nm (103.5km)

Just cleared Customs and leaving Marsden Cove. Weather looking good. Update as we go.


Fri Jun 5 7:26 2015 NZST
GPS: 36 37.130s 174 47.381e
Run: 41.4nm (74.9km)

Leaving Gulf Harbour this morning and heading to Marsden Cove to clear Customs tomorrow and then on our way to Savu Savu.


Sat Jan 24 10:05 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 11.289S 175 18.443E
Run: 0.8nm (1.4km)

Grey Group Islands. One of our very favourite anchorages when weather permits.


Fri Jan 23 0:00 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 11.658S 175 19.131E
Run: 2.1nm (3.8km)

Oneura Bay. Fresh water pools here to do laundry. Went for a walk up track to top of hill. Sheltered and calm anchorage. Met up with Helen & Paul on Sweet Disorder.


Thu Jan 22 0:00 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 11.136S 175 21.252E
Run: 1.6nm (2.9km)

Kaiarara Bay. Tucked up nice and sheltered from the wind that is supposed to be coming in the next day or so. Very peaceful and relaxing.


Tue Jan 20 0:00 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 11.893S 175 19.850E
Run: 32.3nm (58.5km)

Smokehouse Bay, Great Barrier. One of our favourite spots for a few days. Coming through Man O War passage was lovely with mirror calm water, pohutukawa trees out in flower, the locusts chirping loudly - Summer is here!!!!


Sun Jan 18 0:00 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 25.552S 174 49.500E
Run: 12.9nm (23.3km)

Left Tiri early this morning as wind got up and rolling into anchorage. Stopped at Challenger Island, Kawau on way up to have a look for scallops & mussels. Around to anchorage at Shark Bay later for the night.


Sat Jan 17 0:00 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 36.316S 174 53.174E
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)

Anchored at Tiri Tiri Matangi. Lovely here with the bird song in the evening and pohutukawas in full flower.


Fri Jan 16 0:00 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.134S 174 47.384E
Run: 13.5nm (24.4km)

Back in Gulf Harbour. About to restock and head out again while weather is good.


Mon Jan 12 8:19 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 25.5517s 174 49.5012e
Run: 13.5nm (24.4km)

Lovely morning in Shark Bay, Kawau. Sun shining, no wind and just had scallops for breakfast. Another dive today.


Mon Dec 22 8:43 2014 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.1340s 174 47.3844e
Run: 56.9nm (103km)

Tied up on berth in Gulf Harbour. Stocked, refuelled and ready to head out for Christmas.


Mon Oct 27 12:38 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.211S 174 28.130E
Run: 233.7nm (423km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 190.9nm

Tied up at Q dock in Marsden Cove. Cleared customs and now waiting for biosecurity. All good and glad to be home although a little chilly!!!


Sun Oct 26 7:15 2014 NZDT
GPS: 32 27.319s 174 27.973e
Run: 344.8nm (624.1km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.6nm

Cloud cover 20%. wind 6.5 SE. Course 176T. Boat speed 6 knots. Swell 1m.

Definitely getting cooler. Winter woollies are out and ugg boots on!!! Nearly there. One more night out here.


Sat Oct 25 7:08 2014 NZDT

Cloud cover 70% light showers. Wind 7 knots south. Swell 1m. Course 191T. Sea temperature 2.5 degrees air temperature 21. Feeling colder!!!! All well and counting down to landfall.


Fri Oct 24 7:19 2014 NZDT
GPS: 27 29.8475s 175 06.746e
Run: 183.3nm (331.8km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 186.3nm

cloud cover 40% swell 1-1.5m wind 10 ssw. Course 165T. Light rain overnight All well. 440 miles to go.


Thu Oct 23 7:42 2014 NZDT
GPS: 24 51.520s 175 24.373e
Run: 246.1nm (445.4km)
Avg: 10.1knts
24hr: 242.7nm

Cloud cover 30% no significant swell wind 6 knots from the east.

Ian up and about today which is great news. We are all well and counting down til arrival in Marsden Cove.


Wed Oct 22 7:21 2014 NZDT
GPS: 22 12.402S 172 48.790E
Run: 294.8nm (533.6km)
Avg: 12.7knts
24hr: 304.3nm
Weather: cloud cover 90% swell 1.5 - 2 course 186 T wind 15knots SE

All well onboard. Ian a bit seedy but ok and drinking.


Tue Oct 21 8:06 2014 NZDT
GPS: 19 33.751S 176 23.705E
Run: 151.9nm (274.9km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 155.4nm
Weather: cloud cover 80% light showers

On passage from Fiji to NZ. Four people onboard abd all well.


Mon Oct 20 8:39 2014 NZDT
GPS: 17 36.071S 177 26.420E
Run: 4.2nm (7.6km)

NE 8 knots and 20% cloud cover. Clearing out this morning and are homeward bound.


Fri Oct 17 14:15 2014 NZDT
GPS: 17 38.560S 177 23.597E
Run: 8.9nm (16.1km)

Anchored in Saweni Bay. Finished provisioning, fuelling up, organizing paperwork with crew and now ready for the return passage to NZ. Hopefully weather still looking good for a Monday departure.


Mon Sep 1 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 46.224S 177 22.939E
Run: 15.2nm (27.5km)

At Denerau. Visit to Dentist Tuesday and reprovisioning.


Wed Aug 27 8:31 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 45.058S 177 09.127E
Run: 40.1nm (72.6km)

Came down from Navadra yesterday. Winds dropped all the way to practically nothing. Had a rolly night at Navadra so decided to move on. No room at Musket to anchor so anchored around the corner.


Mon Aug 25 11:15 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 10.314S 177 11.295E
Run: 22nm (39.8km)

Been at Manta Ray Pass for the last five days. Have sum with the mantas and had a dive. The mantas are just awesome and got some great photos. Heading to Navadra today for another few days. Weather is beautiful, blue water, white sand beaches and gloriously sunny. Couldn't be in a better place.


Wed Aug 20 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 27.529S 177 02.725E
Run: 23.5nm (42.5km)

At Navadra. A stunning and beautiful place. Absolutely no wind, clear, blue sky - not a cloud to be seen. Beautiful clear water. Paradise!!!


Mon Aug 18 8:43 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 46.389S 177 10.999E
Run: 75.8nm (137.2km)

Anchored in Musket Cove. Very busy here. Hard to find a spot to anchor. Big day yesterday sailing from Nananu-i-Ra. Good to be here.


Sat Aug 16 9:57 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 18.804S 178 13.687E
Run: 81.8nm (148.1km)

At Nananu-i-Ra. Head down to Lautoka next couple of days. Dentist visit and may head out to Manta Ray Pass. Heading down to the 'dry, west side' of Fiji.


Wed Aug 6 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 46.661S 179 19.915E
Run: 3.6nm (6.5km)

Back on a mooring in our favourite town of Savu Savu. Feels like coming home. Jock's birthday today so out for dinner with good friends Vixen,Seabride, Tusi 2, Slice of Heaven and Yinka. Be here for couple of days to restock and provision then may follow Vixen, Seabride, Tusi 2 and Slice of Heaven to Viani Bay.Looking forward to catching up with them up there and do some more diving.


Tue Aug 5 15:14 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 48.557S 179 17.299E
Run: 66.3nm (120km)

Dropped anchor at 1500 hours at Cousteaus Resort, ready to go into SavuSavu tomorrow morning. Wind 15-20 knots from ESE to SE. Good sail though. Caught mahimahi on newly made toothpaste lure.


Mon Aug 4 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 34.275S 178 40.630E
Run: 12.9nm (23.3km)

Came up to Naigani today ready for early start in morning back to our favourite town, Savusavu. Gusty E-SE wind. Up to 30 knots then back to 15.


Mon Jul 28 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 44.225S 178 45.950E
Run: 23.9nm (43.3km)

Left Makogai this morning and headed to the sheltered hurricane sheltered anchorage on Ovalau. Weather is awful - lots of rain for two days and now really windy. Can't wait for that convergence zone disappears!!!! Lots of reading, watching TV and naps!!!!


Wed Jul 23 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 26.441S 178 57.208E
Run: 11nm (19.9km)

Back to Makogai for few days as wind from SE and big swell coming into Wakaya.


Sun Jul 20 11:39 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 35.781S 178 59.446E
Run: 32.8nm (59.4km)

Left Somosomo, Gau early this morning and came back to Wakaya. Light drizzle to start with but soon had no rain and no wind. Had time with a pod of basking pilot whales on the way.


Wed Jul 16 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 18 00.437S 179 14.387E
Run: 34.7nm (62.8km)

Left Levuka and had a great sail over to Gau. Between 9 and 18 knots from SW.


Mon Jul 14 7:43 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 40.912s 178 50.242e
Run: 11.7nm (21.2km)

Motored across to Levuka from Wakaya yesterday. Beautiful day with no wind and a nice gentle swell, but still no fish. Neat town which is still very colonial and I don't think anything has changed for 50 years!!!! This was the first capital of Fiji. Had dinner at Kim Paak Kum Loong restaurant. Nice food.


Wed Jul 9 21:22 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 35.720s 178 59.425e
Run: 57.8nm (104.6km)

Came down to Wakaya Island from Makogai this morning with hardly any wind. Had lots of dolphins escorting us most of the way. Gorgeous anchorage. Wakaya is a privately owned island with an exclusive resort. Had a dive this afternoon on the Black wall. Hoping to do a few more dives before we leave here to go to Ovalau and onto Gau. Cruising with Seabride and Vixen 7.


Wed Jul 2 0:00 2014 NZST

Anchored at Namena marine reserve. Awesome diving here. Stayed here last year for three days and did lots of diving and the weather has allowed us to do the same again this year. There are so many dive sites and all wonderful diving - Tetons, Fantasy, The Mushsrooms, Rainbow, The Chimneys...... Lots of fish, large and small, soft corals, fan corals, christmas tree worms........ Great for photography, both macro and normal. Also a red footed booby bird colony. Lovely, cute fluffy chicks and birds flying over the boat all day and follow us in the dinghy. Here with Sea Bride and Vixen 7, so good company, good scenery and great diving.


Wed May 28 17:56 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 48.531S 179 17.296E
Run: 19.7nm (35.7km)
Avg: 695.3knts
24hr: 16687.1nm

Anchored at Cousteau's Resort. Wait till tomorrow to head into Savu Savu and pick up a mooring.


Wed May 28 17:54 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 57.177S 179 01.889E
Run: 4.4nm (8km)
Avg: 110knts
24hr: 2640nm

Through the Nasonisoni Passage. Not far now.


Wed May 28 17:52 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 56.641S 178 57.957E
Run: 34.5nm (62.4km)

Coming up to the Nasonisoni Passage.


Wed May 28 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 11.9571s 178 31.0037e
Run: 24.1nm (43.6km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 123.8nm

Left Voli Voli early this morning and heading to Savu Savu.


Tue May 27 19:19 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 18.958S 178 10.336E
Run: 72.3nm (130.9km)

Anchored off Voli Voli Resort tonight. Heading North to Savu Savu.


Wed May 21 17:45 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 46.3138s 177 11.1368e
Run: 13nm (23.5km)

Left Denerau this morning and set sail for Musket Cove.


Sat May 17 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 46.3676s 177 22.9760e
Run: 12.4nm (22.4km)
Weather: RAINING AND HOT

Tied up in Denerau marina. Boat washed off and catching up on cleaning and washing!! Great to be stopped.


Fri May 16 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 36.1041s 177 26.4176e
Run: 21.8nm (39.5km)

Arrived at port of Lautoka. Checked in with Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity. All good. Got cruising permit, coastal clearance and now heading off to Denerau and a marina berth.


Thu May 15 0:00 2014 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 17 51.6700s 177 15.0665e
Run: 170.7nm (309km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 170.7nm
Weather: 5 knots NE

Came through Navula Pass at 0400hrs and motoring slowly up to Lautoka port where we will clear Customs and Immigration. Glad to be here at last.


Wed May 14 0:00 2014 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 20 02.8790s 178 27.9945e
Run: 178.9nm (323.8km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 178.9nm
Weather: 16 knots SE

Making good progress toward Lautoka. 146 nm to go.


Tue May 13 0:00 2014 NZST
Speed:
6.5 knots
knts
GPS: 22 14.9933s 179 55.5439e
Run: 120.1nm (217.4km)
Avg: 39.1knts
24hr: 938.6nm
Weather: 15 knots SE.

Left North Minerva Reef after a good meal, a sleep and transferred all the jerry cans of diesel into the tanks. By unanimous decision we decided to head on up to our destination. The weather isn't looking wonderful and it will be nice to be cleared in and sorted by Thursday.


Mon May 12 20:55 2014 NZST
GPS: 23 38S 178 56w
Run: 3.4nm (6.2km)

Anchored N'Minerva reef 07:30am today.


Mon May 12 0:00 2014 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 23 39.2870s 178 58.8700w
Run: 325.7nm (589.5km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 188.9nm
Weather: 20 knots wind E. 100 per cent cloud cover. Showers.

Beautiful sail yesterday. Motos off all day. Only put back on last night to charge batteries.

:date 12/5/2014


Sat May 10 6:36 2014 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 27 55.5774s 178 48.3734e
Run: 177.3nm (320.9km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 184.1nm
Weather: 13 knots S. Much calmer seas. 100 percent cloud cover.

Calmed down a lot over night. Went through few squalls with winds gusting 30 knots. Averaging 20-25 knots. Wind direction changing frequently.


Fri May 9 7:30 2014 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 29 51S 176 52E
Run: 58.4nm (105.7km)
Avg: 51.4knts
24hr: 1233.7nm
Weather: no wind and rain as entering the trough

getting into front


Fri May 9 6:21 2014 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 29 58.0950s 177 49.9230e
Run: 217.3nm (393.3km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.3nm
Weather: 5 knots wind W. 90 percent cloud cover

Another reasonable night. Calmed down a little from during the day.


Wed May 7 22:25 2014 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 32 53.0706s 176 27.2653e
Run: 159.2nm (288.2km)
Avg: 10knts
24hr: 239.8nm
Weather: wind 3 knots NW. 1.5 - 2 m swell. 50 percent cloud cover

Another good day. Hardly any wind. Motoring. Calm seas


Wed May 7 6:29 2014 NZST
Speed:
7 knots
knts
GPS: 34 59.701s 175 20.564e
Run: 76.3nm (138.1km)
Weather: 6 knots NW

First night out. Motoring. All good, reasonable swell


Sun May 4 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 35 50.2545s 174 28.0693e
Run: 3.7nm (6.7km)

Tied up in marina now awaiting weather to depart. Looking like after the weekend at this stage. Bit of a low developing over Townsville and want to see what this brings. Rayfiki along side. Good to just chill out before leaving. Everybody catching up on sleep and relaxing.


Sat May 3 0:00 2014 NZST
GPS: 35 50.6844s 174 31.9438e
Run: 43.7nm (79.1km)
Avg: 9.1knts
24hr: 219.4nm

Left Kawau this morning and heading for Urquharts Bay, just inside the entrance to Whangarei Harbour. Probably head into Marsden Cove marina in the next day or so.


Fri May 2 19:13 2014 NZST
GPS: 36 25.5562s 174 50.3250e
Run: 13.7nm (24.8km)

Untied the lines and left out of the marina this afternoon. Anchored in Harris Bay tonight and head north to Marsden Cove tomorrow.


Wed Apr 30 20:24 2014 NZST
GPS: 36 37.20s 174 47.20e
Run: 13.7nm (24.8km)

In Gulf Harbour marina. Hope to leave Friday to head north to Marsden Cove where we will await a weather window for departure to Lautoka, Fiji for the season. Hope to update during our passage.


Sun Jan 26 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 36 25.6037s 174 50.4068e
Run: 13.9nm (25.2km)

Anchored in Harris Bay, Kawau. Short stopover before heading out to the Barrier.


Sun Jan 12 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.4349s 174 47.2919e
Run: 13.9nm (25.2km)

Arrived back in Gulf Harbour


Sat Jan 11 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 36 25.5009s 174 49.5024e
Run: 86.4nm (156.4km)

Stopover in Shark Bay, Kawau for night.


Sat Jan 11 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 36 25.5009s 174 49.5024e

Shark Bay, Kawau. Stopover for the night on way to Gulf Harbour


Wed Jan 8 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 15.0024s 174 17.8986e
Run: 36.3nm (65.7km)

Whangamumu Harbour Always a favourite to come back to. This harbour is sheltered in any blow except easterlies. There is old whaling station ruins to wander around and a few walking tracks around the foreshore and up the hill toward the road back to Rawhiti. Great anchorage to chill out or do as much as you want.


Whangamumu harbour from lookout
Our visitor every day
Mon Jan 6 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 00.2748s 173 43.8010e
Run: 126.7nm (229.3km)

Anchored in Waitepipi Bay. Lovely sheltered bay. Took dinghy ride around edge of harbour. Found DOC hut with walkway beside up to Dukes Nose. This is a good walk with stunning views, but, the last part of the walk is hand over hand chains. We didn't do this part up to bluff but the views we had were stunning enough.


View from halfway up to the top.
Dukes Nose bluff
Thu Jan 2 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 00.3789s 173 44.4095e

Whangaroa Harbour Lovely sheltered bay, beautiful scenery, rocks, cliffs, bush and lots of birdsong.


Foggy morning in Whangaroa Harbour
Thu Jan 2 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 35 01.8900s 173 55.1477e

Matauri Bay Stopped here for the night. Won't make Whangaroa before dark.


Thu Jan 2 0:00 2014 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.4310s 174 47.2907e

Back in Gulf Harbour.


Tue Dec 31 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 35 01.8900s 173 55.1477e

Matauri Bay Stopped here for the night. Won't make Whangaroa before dark.


Tue Dec 31 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 35 10.0918s 174 20.2350e

Cape Brett.

Trolling lures but no fish!!


Tue Dec 31 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 35 34.1109s 174 41.6769e

Sugar Loaf Rock. Poor Knights Passing by the Poor Knights but no time to stop for a dive. Maybe on the way back.


Tue Dec 31 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 36 004967s 175 06.2076e

Heading North to Whangaroa.


Fri Nov 1 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.4310s 174 47.2907e
Run: 57.2nm (103.5km)

Gulf Harbour Home again!!


Thu Oct 24 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.2118s 174 28.1277e
Run: 90.1nm (163.1km)

Marsden Cove. Cleared Customs and MAF. All Good.


Tue Oct 22 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 34 32.2813s 174 35.9259e
Run: 167nm (302.3km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167nm

Nearly Home!!!


Mon Oct 21 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 32 07.4043s 174 28.2869e
Run: 174.2nm (315.3km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174.2nm

On Passage


Sun Oct 20 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 29 37.3363s 174 50.4115e
Run: 172.4nm (312km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 172.4nm

On Passage


Sat Oct 19 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 27 09.7837s 175 19.0955e
Run: 189.4nm (342.8km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 189.4nm

On Passage


Fri Oct 18 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 24 27.0588s 175 45.2683e
Run: 167nm (302.3km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167nm

On Passage


Thu Oct 17 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 22 07.6115s 176 28.3785e
Run: 167.5nm (303.2km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.5nm

On Passage


Wed Oct 16 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 19 44.9527s 176 58.3465e
Run: 139.3nm (252.1km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139.3nm

On Passage


Tue Oct 15 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.2566s 177 22.8837e
Run: 13nm (23.5km)

Denerau


Sun Oct 6 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.3895s 177 11.0502e
Run: 8.2nm (14.8km)

Musket Cove


Tue Oct 1 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.7568s 177 06.4159e
Run: 35.5nm (64.3km)

Mana Island


Tue Oct 1 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 17 10.2691s 177 11.2653e
Run: 41.6nm (75.3km)

Manta Ray Pass


Mon Sep 30 0:00 2013 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.3895s 177 11.0502e
Run: 20.4nm (36.9km)

Musket Cove


Fri Sep 27 23:00 2013 NZST
GPS: 18 03.1500s 177 17.1607e
Run: 161.3nm (292km)

Likuri Harbour (Robinson Crusoe Island)


Mon Jul 22 0:00 2013 NZST
GPS: 16 46.667s 179 20.094e
Run: 194.2nm (351.5km)

back in savu savu to restock with food, veges, beer, diesel and the most

important of all, to repair our autopilot!!! this decided to pack up on

our trip up from namuku-i-lau. at least the rough part of the trip was

over and handsteering was done in the relatively calmer seas. a rather

hair raising trip up with 40 knot winds, thunder and lightning and 3-4m

swells.


Thu Jul 11 0:00 2013 NZST
GPS: 18 50.939s 178 40.226w
Run: 22.7nm (41.1km)

namuka-i-lau we have now left fulaga and are now gradually, and i say gradually, making our way back to savu savu. our first big trip out of fulaga was 20 miles up to namuka-i-lau. trolled two lures all the way but no fish!! this is a very pretty anchorage with a nice sandy bay to anchor in. only enough room here for four boats, maybe five at the most. walked across to the village to do sevu sevu. the walk was a good hour each way and the track quite overgrown. good school which is australian aid funded.


Sat Jun 22 0:00 2013 NZST
GPS: 19 09.208s 178 32.409w
Run: 195.7nm (354.2km)

anchored in fulaga in the southern lau along with 22 other boats!!!! this

is certainly a lovely and very safe anchorage. white sandy beaches,

swaying palm trees and clear blue water.


Tue Jun 18 0:00 2013 NZST
GPS: 16 45.0194s 179 53.1988e
Run: 50.2nm (90.9km)

here we are back in viani bay and looking forward to diving the white wall

again. we have been coming here to viani bay each year to go diving with

jack. he knows the reef, dive sites and has many stories to tell!!! he

is a bit of a legend!!!


Mon Jun 17 0:00 2013 NZST
GPS: 17 16.4188s 179 21.542e
Run: 29.2nm (52.9km)

left makogai early this morning and made our way up to koro. we had never

been here before. this is a lovely anchorage with moorings to pick up and

the payment for this is to go into the resort for a cold fiji bitter.

this was easy to do and the surroundings are gorgeous. will have to come

back here next year. we only stopped here overnight on our way up to

viani bay.


Tue Jun 11 0:00 2013 NZST
GPS: 17 26s 178 57e
Run: 48.5nm (87.8km)

here we are in makogai with the game keeper and big clams. this is a

department of fisheries run clam hatchery. makogai is also the former

lepper colony for the pacific. there are many ruins but now covered by

creepers and vines. an island steeped in history and is very interesting.


Sat Jun 8 17:36 2013 NZST
GPS: 16 48.57s 179 17.21e

arrived in savu savu 26 may after stops at north and south

minerva reefs. good passage and a lot of

motoring as very little wind. glad to be

in savu savu and, once again, enjoying the people, restaurants and, of

course,

the fiji bitters. will leave here next

day or so to begin cruising and diving.


Just in Time - Levuka, Ovalau

We left Wakaya and came across to Levuka  "known as the place where time stands still" - on the island of Ovalau. We had a great trip over -“ no wind and a very gentle swell. Levuka was the first capital of Fiji and is still very colonial. The shops, signs, buildings and surrounds are still as they were 50 years ago. The people are all so friendly and as we walked down the street they greet us with "œBula" and a big smile. We had a walk around town and every clock we saw in town didn'™t Read more...

give the correct time - I think this proves that '˜time does stand still' (especially here in Levuka)!!!!

Supermarket in Levuka
Main St, Levuka
Old Kodak sign in main st

Just in Time - Wakaya

We have been in a gorgeous anchorage at Wakaya Island, which we hadn'™t been to before. Unfortunately we couldn'™t get off and have a walk along the white sandy beach as it is a privately owned island and there are signs up everywhere "œPrivate Island. Strictly no landing". It is owned by a Canadian entrepreneur by the name of David Gilmour. We had a few dives there and it is a well known area for manta ray sightings, although we didn'™t see any, the dives were still really impressive and Read more...

the water clarity was amazing. We saw all the usual tropical fish with a few we hadn'™t seen before and a shark or two. Adds to the excitement!!!!

Wakaya sandy beach
Feather fan
Soft coral

Just in Time - Namena Marine Reserve

Anchored at Namena marine reserve. Awesome diving here. Stayed here last year for three days and did lots of diving and the weather has allowed us to do the same again this year. There are so many dive sites and all wonderful diving - Tetons, Fantasy, The Mushsrooms, Rainbow, The Chimneys...... Lots of fish, large and small, soft corals, fan corals, christmas tree worms........ Great for photography, both macro and normal. Also a red footed booby bird colony. Lovely, cute fluffy chicks and birds Read more...

flying over the boat all day and follow us in the dinghy. Here with Sea Bride and Vixen 7, so good company, good scenery and great diving.

Just in Time - Makogai

We are anchored in one of our favourite spots at the moment -“ Makogai. We always find lots to do here and time passes by too quickly. We went in to see Kamali and do our usual sevu sevu. He always remembers the boat and makes us welcome. We were sitting out the back last night having dinner and we could hear the kids laughing, squealing and playing onshore. They sound so happy. We always comment kids laughter, and tears, sound the same in any language. No computer games, play station or TV's here!!! Read more...

Yesterday we did a few cleaning chores on the boat in the morning when it was still reasonably cool, and then after lunch we hauled out the dive gear and went for a '˜shake down' dive. As usual there was plenty to see, lion fish, a huge puffer fish, Spanish mackerel and lots of colourful tropical fish.  We also have a friendly turtle that pops his head above the water near the stern of the boat every now and then. Just idyllic.

We have Sea Bride anchored alongside and we are enjoying their company.  

Christmas Tree worm.
Wharf and village at Makogai.
Soft coral.

Just in Time - Savusavu

We made it!!! So wonderful to be back here again. It feels like 'home' for us. We were welcomed by all our friends here. Just a great feeling. Lovely and warm.

Savusavu town.
Copra Shed Marina
Savusavu Bay from lookout.

Just in Time - Heading to Savu Savu

<p>Anchored just off Voli Voli Resort tonight. Left Vuda marina this morning after spending a night on a berth there. Certainly a different way of berthing than we are used to. Caught up with Paul and Jo (Yinka), Ian and Doreen (Seabride) and Bill &amp; Hazel (Liberation). Our plan is to head north to Savu Savu and then work our way South gradually with lots of diving along the way. Hoping to be in Savu Savu when Distracted arrive!!!</p>

Just in Time - Musket Cove

We have thrown the mooring lines in Denerau and came out to Musket Cove today. It is too easy to spend money in Denerau with the good food and bars at our doorstep. We had a good sail over and dropped anchor just outside the mooring area. Tomorrow we will go explore all the new alterations to the Island Bar and surrounds. Our plans are to chill here for a few days and then may start moving slowly north to Savu Savu. We have no plans in concrete so it is just "see how we feel in the morning" scenario. Read more...

Monday afternoon saw us catch the bus up to Lautoka and visit our friendly dentist. I had chipped a tooth at Christmas time and he has now done the preparation work for the crown, which will be here in about 10 days. Good to get that visit over at the beginning of the season. The water temperature at the moment is still 29 degrees but the wind brings down the air temperature, so it is a bit cool after having a swim.</p>

Just in Time - Nagle Cove

Moved around to the cove as weather good and met up with friends who are also divers. The cray hunt is on!!!

Just in Time - Kaiarara Bay and Mt Hobson

Anchored in bay ready to do Mt Hobson trek. We set off nice and early and took the South Fork Track over streams, swing bridges and kauri dam remains to reach DOC hut for a lunch break before making the final climb to the summit.   Talk about the 'Stairway to Heaven'.  We climbed flight after flight of stairs to climb above the tree tops to reach the summit.  Stunning view out to Mokohinau Islands, Hen & Chicks, Coromandel and we could even see Rangitoto.  After a rest and photo shoot Read more...

it was down more stairs, which were steeper, more stairs, across swing bridges, upper kauri dam remains and boardwalks to meet up with the lower kauri dam track which led us back to Bush Beach and the dinghy (which felt like a limousine to me).  What a day!!  Anybody doing this walk certainly need to choose a fine, clear day, take lots to drink, eat and a camera.

Around a bluff
The top
View from the top

Just in Time - Kawau & surrounds

Anchored in Harris Bay, Kawau. Scallop dive out by the Beehive Island. Plentiful and easy to find. Silty bottom though. Back into Harris Bay and now waiting for weather to head out to the Barrier.

Scallops we got when diving off Beehive Island.

Just in Time - Whangamumu Harbour

Always a favourite to come back to. This harbour is sheltered in any blow except easterlies. There is old whaling station ruins to wander around and a few walking tracks around the foreshore and up the hill toward the road back to Rawhiti. Great anchorage to chill out or do as much as you want.  

Just in Time - Whangaroa Harbour

Lovely sheltered bay, beautiful scenery, rocks, cliffs, bush and lots of birdsong. Good fishing and bush walks to do.

Just in Time - Great Barrier

We arrived at the Barrier on 27/12/13 and had a great trip over, although there was no wind!!!! Glassy calm and the sun shone gloriously. Alas, on arrival the weather turned to custard! The wind came in from the NE with heavy rain and has now changed to W, cloudy and just glimpses of sun through the clouds. Hope the weather improves in 2014!!!

Just in Time - Voli Voli

We anchored off the Voli Voli resort again, just as we have done previous years. it was time to launch the dinghy and head into the bar for a beer or two. As usual we were welcomed by the owners, the Darling family, and enjoyed catching up with all their goings on over the last year. A great resort, great facilities and very welcoming to cruisers. we even watched the All Blacks thrash the Aussies in the Bledisloe Cup game!!!! We managed to get out for two dives, the Breath Taker and Dream Maker. Read more...

Again we were not disappointed with the dives. lots of fish, soft corals, swim throughs and giant fans. The wind is always a bit of a problem here and makes it awkward for diving and anchoring 'Just in Time' out at the reef. we have been lucky this year having Robert onboard, who doesn't dive, be our boatman and watch.

Just in Time - Naigani

Anchored in a lovely horseshoe bay with clear water, white sand beach and swaying palm trees. There had been a wedding here recently as the arch was still standing with the woven foliage and hibiscus flowers. Tried to get Jock to renew our vows, but, no way was he going to participate!!!! Had barbeque dinner ashore with spanish mackerel Robert had caught on the way with Paul and Jo on 'Yinka'. A lovely evening until the mossies came around. Gorgeous sunset. No diving here as the next day wind Read more...

increased and decided to move onto Voli Voli.

Just in Time - Off to Namena

1/8/2013 said our farewells to all our old and new friends in savu savu for the last time this year and headed to namena. this is a well known diving haven and marine reserve and we have been trying to get there every year and it is critical the weather is right for this anchorage. our chance came and we arrived here wednesday lunch time along with steve and suzy (hiraeth) and paul and jo (yinka). the weather has been perfect since arriving. there has been absolutely no wind and glassy calm seas. Read more...

the diving is absolutely drop dead gorgeous and amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as this is a marine reserve there is a $30/diver charge, but we have certainly got more than our $30 worth. i am beside myself!!! the corals are beautiful, fish by the thousands, sharks, moray eels, lion fish, cleaner wrasse, coral trout.....................there are so many dive spots from the chimneys, grand central, kansas city, the mushrooms but my favourite is called the tetons. this is a real wow factor dive. we have already dived this twice!!! we start at eight in the morning and usually do three dives a day. a dive compressor is a must and ours has certainly paid for itself over the last few years.

Diving on the Tetons in Namena Reserve

Just in Time - Namuka-I-Lau

11/7/2013 namuka-i-lau we have now left fulaga and are now gradually, and i say gradually, making our way back to savu savu. our first big trip out of fulaga was 20 miles up to namuka-i-lau. trolled two lures all the way but no fish!! this is a very pretty anchorage with a nice sandy bay to anchor in. only enough room here for four boats, maybe five at the most. walked across to the village to do sevu sevu.
the walk was a good hour each way and the track quite overgrown.
good school Read more...

which is australian aid funded.

Just in Time - Fulaga, Southern Lau

22/6/2013 southern lau anchored in fulaga in the southern lau along with 22 other boats!!!! this is certainly a lovely and very safe anchorage. white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and clear blue water.
a well supplied boat is essential as there is no local store or market to visit. trading is certainly different here. we 'trade' 1,2,3 (or however many) cigarettes for crab, lobster, bananas etc. they also love magazines, playing cards, makeup, nail polish, scarves, medical supplies (band Read more...

aids, etc) had a few good dives here with excellent clarity.
the trip to the dive sites, which are on the outside of the reef, have to be carefully planned and thought about. it is important to go out the pass on the incoming tide, dive and then head back inside the reef. it is vital not to get the tide too low as there is a lot of water rushing out a small pass and the pressure waves get rather big!! a rather scary looking entrance. water a bit cooler and this is the first time jock has had to wear a wet suit in fiji!!!!

Early morning in Fulaga
Crayfish delivered by locals and washed down with a icy cold Fiji Gold

Just in Time - Back in Savu Savu

22/7/2013 back in savu savu to restock with food, veges, beer, diesel and the most important of all, to repair our autopilot!!! this decided to pack up on our trip up from namuku-i-lau. at least the rough part of the trip was over and handsteering was done in the relatively calmer seas. a rather hair raising trip up with 40 knot winds, thunder and lightning and 3-4m swells.

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