At anchor off Nomuka'iki enjoying the snorkeling and island walks.

Just started our wandering through the Ha'apai. Anchored off Kelefesia Island last night. We saw more whales yesterday coming up from Tongatapu than in our past 10 yrs of sailing. Probably off to Nomuka tomorrow.

Arrived Tongatapu on 12 July. Anchored off Big Mama's and bidding Sharron a sad farewell today, 16 July.

We should sight land soon... Must be very flat. One motor out with bad clutch. Hope Customs can be flexable on our anchoring location. Full note to follow.

Motoring overnight, lumpy 1m seas, very light and shifty winds.

Have made our easting and will turn to the rhumb line of 36T and wait for the easterlies. All fine on board

Plan to leave this pm for Tongatapu. 2-3 days and about 280 miles. Light winds forecast probably some motoring.

settled in N Minerva reef. All is well

Seas calming will try for Minerva if possible before dark or lay off

slowed down due to sea state and squalls.All well onboard.

Dodging rain, celebrating Sharrons birthday

All is well. Loved watching the full moon rising!

Chilly but no dramas,sweet as!

Here we go again...Minerva bound!

Returning to Town Basin Marina this AM, AWOB

Beautiful sunrise. Should be in Marsden Cove Marina by mid afternoon. AWOB

Gentle clear night with beautiful stars. We have had to turn back to NZ due to rudder linkage trouble. ETA 36-48 hours Marsden Cove Marina or Opua depending on situation at the time.

Kenn Batt, could you please advise about return weather. We plan to motor at 5 knts or sail the rhum line with very reduced sail plan.

Gentle clear night with beautiful stars and sunrise. All is well.

In Marsden Cove Marina planning to depart for Tonga tomorrow. Please confirm receipt of this email by replying to this address.

testing comms

at anchor 178 31.157e

Just returned to Denarau after more great sailing around here including Beqa on north to the northern tip of Yasawa Island. Staying here for the summer and basing out of Denarau/Musket Cove. Celebrating an American Thanksgiving with friends in Australia (visa run) and then back to Mango Moon to host more family for Christmas. Hugs to all of you back in NZ or making your way down right now.

Beautiful day, calm wind and seas. Heading back to Denarau after a magnificent time with family in Savusavu, Rabi and Taveuni. No luck fishing but haven't given up yet-lines are out. More guests arriving soon so we will stay around Viti Levu et al for a month or so.

Enjoying some magnificent weather in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu after cruising bits of Vanua Levu, the Ringgolds, Matagi and more.

Sailing North to Vanua Levu tomorrow after a wonderful stay in the Yasawas and Mamanucas.

Dawn gave way to a glimpse of Fiji. Yippee! Lots of rainbows.

sailing under spinnaker at 9 knots on a course of 30-35 degrees.

Windy night gave way to a glorious morning!

sailing again, linkage stabilized, autopilot patched.

Tough 24 hrs with repairs pending. Very high winds and rough seas caused damage to steering linkage arm and both autopilot rams. One autopilot repaired for now. We will try to jury rig the steering linkage today. 



Later on GHRadio net. The weather will improve tomorrow so maybe a good idea to take a rest day. 27 42S and 174 20E at this time with 13W wind, 

punching through the low

humbled by mother nature! lumpy seas,

limited by slamming on hulls and bridgedeck

 Lots of pounding from wave state. May make it a 170nm day by 10AM, Autopilot issues and a few leaks but all under control.

Looking forward to Ricks update at noon NZ time.

24 hrs out, 200 mile day,increasing winds and sea state 

good spirits but would like the heat turned up.

just testing our emailing

Getting ready for our passage to Fiji-Yippee!

Sitting out the storm

It is a glorious morning with NZ on the horizon. Thank you all for seeing us through the last 8 days. ETA Opua Marina 12PM NZ time-whahoo! So glad to be here.