Our position at Riverside Drive Marina

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Clearing out of Fiji at Vuda this morning.

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

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