Kindred Spirit

Sat Sep 29 12:51 2018 NZST
Speed:
4 kts
knts
Weather: wind 8-12 kts nne; 1/2 meter swell,inside Great Barrier Reef ; 3/10 cloud; baro 1021.5

Landfall at Seabreak Spit, Hervey Bay, Australia about 0400. We are sailing under double reefed working genoa only to slowly approach the coast, 35 miles away. Our fancy Yanmar original equipment v-belt has lost its abiliby to hold tension after only 200 hrs service and has to be replaced. Discovered during a routine engine rook check about 0500. We have been motoring for two days, so the engine has to cool a bit before it is safe to work on. We have as a result lost our favorable tide, important here for going up the river to the Bundaberg Marina, as the tidal range is about 2 meters at the moment and ebb tidal currents in the river can be strong enough that we do not want to try to go up river on the ebb. Next flood tide starts about 5:00 this afternoon. The marina is about 10 miles from the river entrance. So,we are taking our time. No worries. All is well on board. Thanks for checking on us!


Fri Sep 28 9:45 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.2 kts under power
knts
Weather: wind 5-10 kts E true, 2-5 kts across the deck from aft; 1 meter swell E,and 2 meter long period S; 3/10 cloud, trade wind powder puffs; baro 1021.5

In the center of the high, most likely. May be under power to Australia. Will know more when the weather forecast comes as an email as I send this report. WE are just north of the Fraser Seamount. There, the sea floor rises from 13,000 feet to 1,200 feet in less than 6 miles. The sea is a bit agitated, even with little wind. We are more than 25 miles north of the sea mount and still likely are feeling its effect. Last 24 hrs we covered about 155 nm, for a total run of 619 nm in four days since leaving Noumea. WE have 180 nm to go. WE should have landfall in less than 24 hrs. All is well on board.


Thu Sep 27 8:51 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.2 kts motoring
knts
Weather: wind 8 kts true e; 1-2 meter swell,sse; 1/10 cloud; baro 1020

Wind shifted east and dropped to less than 10 kts overnight. wind is basically dead aft, less than 3 kts apparent. All is well on board. 346 nm to go. 353 nm made good first three days.


Wed Sep 26 8:03 2018 NZST
Speed:
8.1 kts
knts
Weather: wind 18-20 kts SSE; 2-3 meter swell; 5/10 cloud; baro 1018

First two days' run 300 nm. 499 miles to go. After a quiet night, wind and swell are back up. All is well on board. Thanks for checking on us.


Tue Sep 25 6:30 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.1 kts
knts
Weather: wind 16-22 kts SSE; 2 meter swell; 7/10 cloud; baro 1018

left Noumea 0730 Monday local time. run first 22 hrs 141 nm. fast but bouncy with swell basically abeam. steaks for dinner last night,yea Gloria! All is well on board. Thanks for checking on us.


Sat Jun 23 7:30 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.9 kts
knts
GPS: 22 31.17S 167 37.90E
Run: 141.9nm (256.8km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139nm
Weather: wind 14 kts; easy sea, in lee of Isle of Pines; 3/10 cloud; baro 1020

Landfall at Isle of Pines, New Caledonia, in pre dawn. Anchor expected down early this afternoon. Our last day and have been gorgeous, reminding us of why we love the sea and sailing. Weary, looking forward to a very long sleep. All is well on board. I have discovered I submitted our positions during this passage in an incorrect format, and that the positions submitted have not been included in our postings. Will try to correct when we have Internet. Apologies to you who have been checking up on us.


Fri Jun 22 7:00 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.4 kts
knts
GPS: 23 52S 169 19E
Run: 148.4nm (268.6km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.9nm
Weather: wind 10-20 kts wsw/sw; 1 meter swell,long period; 3/10 cloud; baro 1019

Home stretch. About 140 nm from Isle of Pines. Expect sheltered waters tomorrow this time, and an anchorage or marina tomorrow night. All is well on board.


Thu Jun 21 6:45 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.9 kts
knts
GPS: 25 30S 170 51E
Run: 125.2nm (226.6km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 127.3nm
Weather: wind 18-24 kts w; 2 meter swell, plus wind chop; 3/10 cld; baro 1016

Close hauled, lumpy ride on bumpy sea. One reef in main to keep ride tolerable. Actually heading in the general direction of New Cal, for the first time in five days. about 275 nm to go. All is well on board.


Wed Jun 20 7:09 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.2 kts
knts
GPS: 27 09S 171 41E
Run: 47.7nm (86.3km)
Weather: wind 5-10 kts w; lumpy leftover seas, but settling ;?? cloud; baro 1015

Under way motorsailing at 0200. All is well on board, some damage and lost items from boarding seas while hove to. Sailing gear is fine, motor is fine. 375nm from Isle of Pines. Will shape course to 318mag as wind permits today.


Tue Jun 19 7:06 2018 NZST
Speed:
3.4 kts
knts
GPS: 27 27S 170 59E
Run: 32.1nm (58.1km)
Weather: wind 30-35 kts wnw; large sea; 10/10 cloud; baro 1016

hove to as front passes over. All well.


Mon Jun 18 6:09 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.9 kts
knts
GPS: 27 45S 170 35E
Run: 94.2nm (170.5km)
Avg: 3.8knts
24hr: 91.2nm
Weather: wind 16-20 kts nnw-n; nasty,lumpy,disorganized short period seas. can't see skys, too bouncy to go on deck. baro 1018

close hauled into nasty seas, getting bounced around. Wind in high teens, seas more than would be expected. Not large, but short period, confused. We have had these conditions off and on for the past two days. No seamounts shown nearby on charts,other than Kings Ridge, which is a ways behind us now. We plan to heave to later this morning to wait out the front forecast to pass this afternoon/evening. We are east of where we want to be, and so are getting westing the hard way. We expect it will make our final 380 nm into New Caledonia more pleasant. All is well on board.


Sun Jun 17 5:21 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.4 kts
knts
GPS: 27 53S 172 07E
Run: 145.9nm (264.1km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 148.7nm
Weather: wind 5-8 kts nw; no swell to speak of; 3/10 cloud; baro 1020

All is well on board. Continuing to motor. Expect to sail west starting tomorrow, and to sit out front due Tue hove to, just hanging out. May change with changing forecasts, that's the plan of the moment. Fuel adequate. Getting warmer, very nice. No rush.


Sat Jun 16 5:48 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.5-5.9 kts
knts
GPS: 29 50.41S 173 01.19E
Run: 126.8nm (229.5km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.3nm
Weather: wind 10 kts nnw; choppy seas, a little disorganized; 3/10 cloud; baro 1021

Lovely day yesterday with quiet seas. Sunrise yesterday was spectacular. Chop is recent, possibly due to local bottom topography. We look forward to it passing. Motoring. A sailing breeze is forecast for Monday, motorboat weather until then. It is a little less cold each day. It was actually warm and comfortable without a jacket yesterday, just cool overnight tonight, compared with downright cold the first night out. All is well on board.


Fri Jun 15 10:27 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.6-5.8 kts
knts
GPS: 31 29S 173 58E
Run: 167.8nm (303.7km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 162.1nm
Weather: wind 8 kts nnw; 1 meter lazy swell, long period; no wind wave to speak of; 3/10 cloud; baro 1023

Under power. High cloud. Beautiful day. Usual first day on passage issues dealt with. Easy now. Getting less cold, will soon be warm. All is well on board.


Thu Jun 14 9:36 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.5 kts motorsailing, stemming currest
knts
GPS: 33 54S 174 15E
Run: 115.4nm (208.9km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 153.9nm
Weather: wind 10 kts wsw/sw; 1 meter swell,long period; 3/10 cloud; baro 1021

Sailed all night, just turned motor on at 0915. Heading for New Cal. All is well on board.


Wed Jun 13 15:36 2018 NZST
Speed:
5.9 kts
knts
GPS: 35 33S 174 34E
Run: 18nm (32.6km)
Weather: wind 5-10 kts wnw; 1 meter swell,long period; 3/10 cloud; baro 1014

left Marsden this morning. Mostly motor sailing. Heading for New Cal. All is well on board.


Mon Nov 7 17:05 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 43.7S 174 20.0E
Run: 90.1nm (163.1km)
Avg: 25.7knts
24hr: 617.5nm

Our position at Riverside Drive Marina


Mon Nov 7 13:35 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 38.36646S 175 56.10352E
Run: 105.6nm (191.1km)

Arrived Whangarei Friday morning, 4/11. Nice uneventful overnight sail from Opua, about 85 miles. We are berthed at Riverside Drive Marina.


Tue Nov 1 14:40 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 9.19968s 174 9.43404e
Run: 1223.8nm (2215.1km)
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 108.9nm

Arrived Opua Sunday evening. Last bit not so good but they are now here and will continue south to Whangarei later in the week.


Sun Oct 30 21:30 2016 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
Weather: quiet, but not so out in the ocean here. Was 20-24 kts on the nose, no matter which direction we were traveling, as we motored into Opua with the very last of our fuel.

grateful to have this passage done. No injuries, no damage, but very unpleasant. Last two days very difficult weather. Spent all night last night clawing 13 miles of southing. Not much fun. But, that's sailing, eh?


Sun Oct 30 9:24 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.5-7.0 kts
knts
Weather: south/southwest 16-27 kts; 1 meter short, choppy seas; baro 1022

beating very slowly and with great difficulty down the east coast of NA, headed for Opua, 29 nm south and an eternity away. all is well on board, tired, disgusted.


Fri Oct 28 4:48 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.7-6.3 kts SOG
knts
Weather: wind

all is well on board. Motor sailing, as we have been since Tuesday. Ran into strong adverse current at 30S;173.15E. Current axis basically n/s. Slowed us down 1.5-2.0 kts. Stayed in current 5 hrs hoping it would peter out. then, ran east perpendicular to axis to 173,40E and effect much diminished. Back on course of 165 mag now. Heads up to yachts heading for that 29S;173E waypoint. WE continue to expect Whangarei arrival Sunday. Time less certain now. If no wind, we may decide to clear in at Opua to assure we have sufficient fuel. Day's run of 137 nm reflects the effect of the current. We have about 325 nm to go as of 0330 Friday, our time.


Thu Oct 27 5:57 2016 NZDT
Speed:
motorsailing 6.0 kts
knts
Weather: light wind, long period swell, cloud 5/10, getting cooler at night, baro 1019.

all is well on board. estimate arrival Whangarei Sunday morning. 428 nm to go. we continue well fed, well rested, and in good spirits. day's run to 1700 yesterday 126 nm, due to chasing wind for 3 hours during the morning, prompted by a fresh westerly, as forecast. wind then went south westerly instead of north westerly as was expected, began petering out, and finally settled at south east, having us sailing close hauled headed north of east in 10 kts apparent. gave up and went back on the motor. it did rain, though, giving us a much needed rinsing off. swells from Tasman were long period, and well behaved, no worries.


Wed Oct 26 4:27 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.0-6.5 kts motor sailing
knts
Weather: wind variable nw to e,

all is well on board. beginning to feel some swell, but not much. dark night, can't see much, but boat is moving a bit more occasionally. still a two handed typing morning, though. seas have been virtually calm with a < 1 meter swell for the past day. we expect to arrive Whangarei late Sat afternoon or evening, or Opua earlier if visability or weather not good. We have about 560 nm to Marsden Cove, Whangarei. we are eating well, are well rested, spirits are good. Fuel remaining does not seem to be an issue. run through 1700 yesterday 159 nm, best of passage.


Tue Oct 25 6:18 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7 kts
knts
Weather: little wind; seas virtually calm, long period swell

all is well on board. Motorsailing since 1800 yesterday. We had a grand sail yesterday in 15-18 kts apparent and almost flat seas. We hardened up and enjoyed the ride. Very comfortable past day and a half. Expect to arrive NZ Sunday sometime, perhaps mid day. We plan to clear in at Whangarei, but will go to Opua if weather or something else requires. Daily runs consistent between 140-145 nm/day. We seem to have found a favorable current of between .5 and 1 kt. Don't know anything about it, happy to have it. We are headed for a waypoint about 30 nm east and very slightly south of North Cape. Grib files show 2.5+ mtr swells reaching us from Tasman sometime tomorrow. Any Gulf Harbor comments on period would be appreciated.


Mon Oct 24 5:45 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.5-6.5 kts
knts
Weather: wind 15-20 kts east by south; seas-too dark to see, but have built in last few hours and are a bit confused

all is well on board. Got big lift from backing wind about 1000 utc, but wind remains 15-24kts. Haven't found center of hi yet..we are pinching a little to avoid going further west.


Sun Oct 23 3:57 2016 NZDT
Weather: 18-20 kts sse; sea 1.5 meter, cloud cover 5/10, baro 1015

all is well on board. Looking forward to wind shift.


Sat Oct 22 6:15 2016 NZDT
Weather: overnight, 18-30 kts sse, dropping at 1700utc to 16-24; seas 2-3 mtrs, short period, bumpy ride; cloud 5/10; barometer 1015

all well on board. double reefed, sailing at 60 deg to apparent wind


Fri Oct 21 8:54 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.86460S 177 23.17408E

Clearing out of Fiji at Vuda this morning.


Wed Oct 19 9:06 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.87S 177 23.19E
Run: 433.9nm (785.4km)

Getting ready to leave Fiji for NZ. Expect Friday departure, subject to weather.


Thu Aug 25 14:26 2016 NZST
GPS: 18 48.76307S 176 6.65039W
Run: 433.9nm (785.4km)

Launched yesterday after major repair of cyclone damage sustained during TC Winston. All is well now.


Fri Oct 16 8:29 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.8558s 177 23.1824e
Run: 203.1nm (367.6km)
Avg: 2.8knts
24hr: 67.1nm

arrived and settling in. probably wondering why they came to this weather!


Wed Oct 14 20:28 2015 NZDT
Speed:
none
knts
Weather: no rain all day, despite threatening skies. Wind fairly light in marina. Cloud cover at 1845 10/10. Barometer, same time, 1010.

Went through Navula Passage at sunrise Wednesday, after heaving to in the lee of Viti Levu for a couple hours to await daylight. Spent most of the day waiting for and dealing with friendly Customs sorts, (total costs now $492 Fiji), and getting situated in a very full marina. Just now, 1845 NZDT, able to report status. Had very bad Tuesday night, with wind steady 30 gusting 40++, and 3-5+ meter confused seas regularly breaking down onto the boat as we quartered or went across the waves. Our fully enclosed center cockpit was regularly inundated. Down to reefed mizzen and quadruple reefed working genoa, still doing 8 kts on a 39 foot waterline, almost hull speed. Boat stood up well to gusts, no real problem there. We have significant clean up and repair work to do as a result of water damage from last night's waves, which found their way into places they really should not have been. On balance, a really uncomfortable, at times bordering on dangerous passage, due to sea conditions for the second half of the trip, after 3 1/2 days of motoring at the start. This was exacerbated by a steering failure in 3-4 meter breaking seas at sunset on day 4, which required an emergency heaving to so the boat was not left broadside to the breaking waves while the problem was investigated. The boat had to be left hove to for 1 1/2 days, even though the steering problem was diagnosed and repaired within a couple hours of heaving to. Overnight, sea conditions became so severe that the next day any deck work was unacceptably dangerous, precluding raising the quickly doused and hence messy sails and resuming our passage and requiring that we bear motion so violent that the only comfortable (and safe) place was in bed, until conditions settled enough after the second day and night to allow us to continue on our way. However, it all has already begun to fade to memory, and we hope to retain the positive parts of the passage and let the rest slip into the past, with lessons learned. This is the last of our reports on our passage from New Zealand to Fiji. I have not been successful in raising Taupo Marine Radio the past two days, and would appreciate GHR informing them we have arrived safely.


Tue Oct 13 7:53 2015 NZDT
Speed:
8+ kts
knts
GPS: 20 37.1S 177 16.9E
Run: 196.9nm (356.4km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 202.4nm
Weather: wind 18-25 gusting 30-35 se, seas 2+ meters, no swell, cloud cover 5/10, barometer 1018

all is well on board. very fast, bouncy night, expect more of same until in fiji tomorrow. 165nm to go.


Mon Oct 12 8:32 2015 NZDT
Speed:
7-8
knts
GPS: 23 27.2S 176 58.9E
Run: 148.5nm (268.8km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 177.4nm
Weather: 4-20SE, was sw overnight during squalls

all Ok on board


Sun Oct 11 12:27 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 - 7.0 kts sog
knts
GPS: 25 29.19S 176 12.97E
Run: 32.4nm (58.6km)
Weather: wind 12-20 se apparent (16-25 true), waves sse 2-2.5 meters widely spaced swell with noticeable wind waves on top lively but generally orderly, cloud cover 2/10, barometer 1022

got under way about 9:30 Sunday morning. all systems seem ok.


Sat Oct 10 20:09 2015 NZDT
Speed:
1.5
knts
GPS: 25 57.02S 176 08.34E
Run: 11.1nm (20.1km)

Hove to but at least moving in the right direction. This report from Maritme Radio


Sat Oct 10 7:57 2015 NZDT
Speed:
1.2kts
knts
GPS: 26 06.6S 176 07.7E
Run: 96.5nm (174.7km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 95.2nm
Weather: 20-30 kts sse; seas 3-4 meters, beginning to spread out; cloud cover 5/10, from south, barometer 1022

hove to, riding well. steering failure last evening, hove to for repair. problem found, solved, we think, but will not know until under way. some deck work necessary from hurried sail dousing and heaving to,seas too rough at moment to attempt. we are not in danger. no assistance is required. need winds and seas to settle before we can safely raise main and make sure works. probably will remain hove to today, based on yesterday's spot saildocs forecast. will know more after spot forecast this morning. all is well, if not especially comfortable. no worries.


Fri Oct 9 7:37 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6kts
knts
GPS: 27 27.9S 175 45.2E
Run: 166.5nm (301.4km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.3nm
Weather: wind 8-12kts sse; sea confused with miscellaneous small chops on top of se swell, 1.5 meter, cloud 6/10, heavy aft, barometer 1023.

wind shift about 0530, waiting for wind to fill and settle down in a direction. Once wind fills, we can shut off the faithful engine. May have to sail a bit east of route to keep wind on one side of tansom. all is well on board.


Thu Oct 8 8:01 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.8 kts sog
knts
GPS: 29 51.7S 175 28.2E
Run: 171.9nm (311.1km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 171.2nm
Weather: wind

motoring still, no wind in sight. conditions comfortable, all is well on board. have been in favorable for about 12 hrs, moving right along. socks off yesterday, hooray. beef wellington dinner great, thank you Gloria.


Wed Oct 7 7:55 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 kts
knts
GPS: 32 19.8s 175 07.1e
Run: 142.5nm (257.9km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.9nm
Weather: wind

still motoring in quiet conditions. all is well aboard. mainsail up as stabilizer. warm in cockpit yesterday, less cold last night, comfortable below.


Tue Oct 6 11:47 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6 kts sog
knts
GPS: 34 22.6s 174 49.4e
Run: 103nm (186.4km)
Weather: wind

left Marsden Cove in first wind lull of the day, about 1830. now motoring in light winds from aft. had a good first night after choppy exit seas. all is well on board.


Sun Oct 4 15:59 2015 NZDT
Speed:
docked at Marsden Cove
knts
GPS: 35 50.25s 174 28.01e
Weather: series of fronts going by, we will see the tail end of them Sunday night, then a huge high pressure area beginning Tuesday, we hope. Beautiful day, wind picking up at 1600, should shift to northwest tonight, back to southwest tomorrow morning early.

decided to let forecast intense cold front go by overnight Sunday, and depart Monday after the excitement is over. Probably will leave sometime after noon


Sat Oct 3 9:24 2015 NZDT
Speed:
docked at Marsden Cove
knts
GPS: 35 50.25s 174 28.01e
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: series of fronts going by, we will see the tail end of them, then a huge high pressure area beginning Tuesday, we hope wind variable with fronts 50% cloud cover

setting yit email on sailmail, checking it out with this report


Sat Oct 3 8:47 2015 NZDT
GPS: 35 50.3S 174 28.0E

preparing to depart NZ, finally, tomorrow, 4 Oct, for Fiji


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