Remedy

Tue Oct 25 5:31 2016 NZDT
GPS: 36 50.440s 174 44.993e
Run: 275.8nm (499.2km)
Avg: 3.8knts
24hr: 92.1nm
Weather: Rain

Auckland Customs dock at 07.30 yesterday (Monday). Hardly had time to finish the last bacln & eggs before we were cleared in and on our way to berth at Westhaven by 08:45 - very efficient and friendly!


Sat Oct 22 5:40 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 32 57s 173 40e
Run: 90.4nm (163.6km)
Avg: 4.3knts
24hr: 102.8nm
Weather: SW12kn, 1019mb, 50%

fresh southerly has veered to SW


Fri Oct 21 8:33 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 31 52S 172 48E
Run: 74.1nm (134.1km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.9nm
Weather: Se10, 1019.5, 100%cc

thanks for the relay A-Train


Thu Oct 20 20:22 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.6
knts
GPS: 30 50s 172 28e
Run: 89.4nm (161.8km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 188.7nm
Weather: NW

Wow what a starry night, stars reflecting off glassy seas. Motor going hard out.

Sadly we are in the 'skip zone' for GHR and will not be receiving our daily dose of weather and cruiser updates we have enjoyed so much for the last 6 months - boo hoo!


Thu Oct 20 8:59 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.8
knts
GPS: 29 36S 172 01E
Run: 1.2nm (2.2km)
Weather: 1019, ene5, 20%cc

looking at weather in Auckland Monday night. They are talking about hot showers already


Thu Oct 20 7:25 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.7
knts
GPS: 29 35s 172 01e
Run: 80.6nm (145.9km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161nm
Weather: ENE5kn, 1019mb steady, 20%cloud, flat sea swell

motor sailing in light breeze with flat seas all well aboard


Wed Oct 19 19:24 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6+
knts
GPS: 28 25s 172 02e
Run: 90.1nm (163.1km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 200.3nm
Weather: NE13kn, 1019mb, 10% cloud cover. ETA AUCKLAND Mon Oct 24 (AGWWP)

Another great sailing day - long may it last.

All well aboard


Wed Oct 19 8:36 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 27 07S 171 55E
Run: 76.5nm (138.5km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 132.7nm
Weather: NE10, 1019, 30%, 1m swell

Tue Oct 18 18:46 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 26 02s 172 10e
Run: 79.1nm (143.2km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 187.3nm
Weather: E14kn, 1019mb, 60% cloud, 1Mswell

Sunshine for most of the day. Should be a good moon tonight.

Great sailin All well aboard


Tue Oct 18 8:37 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 25 02S 172 47E
Run: 6.1nm (11km)
Weather: ese18, 1018, 35%cc

good steady progress. All well


Tue Oct 18 6:06 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.8
knts
GPS: 24 57s 172 49e
Run: 78.3nm (141.7km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.4nm
Weather: ESE 18kn, 1018mb steady,85% cloud,swell settled a bit E

Conditions have eased, we might have been going thru a squash zone b/w a trough system and the high on previous report. Steady sailing All well aboard-got to see the full moon this morning


Mon Oct 17 18:36 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.6
knts
GPS: 23 56s 173 22e
Run: 81.8nm (148.1km)
Avg: 8.2knts
24hr: 197.5nm
Weather: E 24,gusts to 35,1017.5mb,up from 1016.5 a short while ago but down from 1020 at noon,98% cloud, patch blue ahead-centre of a depression?, confused seas to 3m

somebody turned up the rollercoaster all well aboard


Mon Oct 17 8:39 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 22 57S 174 05E
Run: 10.3nm (18.6km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 97.2nm
Weather: 100%cc, 15-25ESE, confused seas 2.5m from SW and ESE, 1018

not very comfortable


Mon Oct 17 6:07 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 22 50s 174 11e
Run: 59.3nm (107.3km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.4nm
Weather: ESE 20-24, 1018, 100% cloud

rollercoaster continues. All well aboard


Sun Oct 16 21:43 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.8
knts
GPS: 22 05s 174 38e
Run: 109.3nm (197.8km)
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 185.2nm
Weather: E20 (gusts have been to 26),1019mb, 100% cloud, swell to 2m

reefed down & rollicking along all well aboard


Sun Oct 16 7:33 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7.3
knts
GPS: 20 44s 175 31e
Run: 53.8nm (97.4km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 136.6nm
Weather: ESE12,1015.5mb steady, 100% o'cast

Close hauled in ESE12. Great to be sailing again.

Cava-I-Ra or Conway Reef 76 miles ahead close to our track. Fish?? All well aboard.

Woohoo - 30 mins since start of transmission - 1 nice mahimahi aboard


Sat Oct 15 22:06 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.6
knts
GPS: 20 06s 176 00e
Run: 80.4nm (145.5km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143.2nm
Weather: S 0.5kn, 1015mb, 100% hazy cloud

Motoring on glassy smooth ocean. Moon hidden by hazy cloud cover.

All well aboard


Sat Oct 15 8:37 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.3
knts
GPS: 19 04S 176 34E
Run: 60.6nm (109.7km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.3nm
Weather: ene10, 1014, 50%cc

Fri Oct 14 22:53 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.7
knts
GPS: 18 17s 176 59e
Run: 52.6nm (95.2km)
Avg: 3.3knts
24hr: 78.7nm
Weather: ENE 10-12kn, 1014.0mb steady, clear sky, no sig. swell

Cleared Navula Pass at 5.30 (FJT). Great sailing on smooth seas with a big moon.


Fri Oct 14 6:51 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 38s 177 24e
Weather: E 5kn, 1012mb rising slowly, 2% cloud

Saweni Bay


Thu Oct 13 6:44 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 38s 177 24e
Run: 1.1nm (2km)
Weather: ESE 2kn, 1012mb, 15%cloud

Saweni Bay, waiting for the weather window to start the voyage home


Wed Oct 12 8:34 2016 NZDT
GPS: 17 38S 177 23E
Run: 16.1nm (29.1km)
Weather: ene6, 1013, 100%cc

Have delayed departure until saturday


Tue Oct 11 6:40 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 46s 177 11e
Run: 23.6nm (42.7km)
Weather: ENE 4knots, 1006.5mb steady, 95% cloud cover. Wind peaked at 45knots at 15.45 yesterday, eased to 20 by 18.00

Musket Cove. Looking at clearing Lautoka Customs for passage to Auckland leaving later today.

ETA Auckland would be Oct 20 (I have not had a Sailmail connection with the Niue station for a couple of weeks now??)


Wed Oct 5 7:35 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 27s 177 03e
Run: 21.9nm (39.6km)
Weather: Calm, 1013mb, 20%cloud

Navadra - rolly! Looking for weather window for passage Vuda Pt to Auckland; after Independence Day in Fiji ie Tues 11th?


Mon Oct 3 7:16 2016 NZDT
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 10s 177 12e
Run: 46.1nm (83.4km)
Weather: ESE 6kn, 1012mb steady, 25% cloud

Southern end of Yasawa islands


Sat Sep 24 6:39 2016 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 50s 177 11e
Run: 39.4nm (71.3km)
Weather: ENE 5kn, 1013mb, 80% cloud cover (some of that may burn off as sun rises?)

Namotu island, out from Musket Cove - swell looks to be about 1m


Fri Sep 23 6:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 16s 177 07e
Weather: SSE 6 to 8 kn, 1012.5mb, 50% cloud cover

Northern end of Waya island in the Yasawa group.

Enjoyed a guided hike up a 400m peak yesterday, spectacular views on a fine calm day


Thu Sep 22 7:04 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 16s 177 07e
Weather: S

Yasawa, Northern bay on Waya island


Thu Sep 22 6:34 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 16s 177 07e
Run: 34.8nm (63km)
Weather: S

Tucked in to the bay at the northern end of Waya island


Sat Sep 10 6:51 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 46s 177 11e
Weather: SE 15-18, 1015mb, 80% cloud (early yesterday afternoon we had SE 30 easing to 22 around 15:00)

Musket Cove


Fri Sep 2 7:00 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 46s 177 11e
Run: 2.3nm (4.2km)
Weather: SE 10-16kn, 1015mb, 60% cloudcover

Musket Cove. Only 40 boats moored or at anchor; Regatta week starts 16 Sept


Thu Sep 1 7:00 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 48s 177 11e
Run: 36.1nm (65.3km)
Weather: SE 15kn, gusting 20 (stronger overnight), 1015mb, 20% cloud

Musket Cove. All well aboard.


Wed Aug 24 6:51 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 17s 177 06e
Run: 17.7nm (32km)
Weather: NE 3kn, 1014mb, 95% cloud

Waya Island at the southern end of the Yasawa group


Tue Aug 23 6:54 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 05s 177 16e
Run: 46.7nm (84.5km)
Weather: ESE 12kn,1014mb, 98% cloud

Somosomo Bay at the top of Naviti Island, Yasawas.

Saw a bunch of humpbacks the other evening. Great display, leaping out of the water to crash back down on their backs.


Mon Aug 15 6:57 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 45s 177 23e
Run: 13.8nm (25km)
Weather: SE 8kn, 1013mb, 98% cloud (some dark colour in the mix)

Anchored outside Denerau Marina.


Wed Aug 10 7:09 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 55s 177 16e
Run: 60.1nm (108.8km)
Avg: 2.6knts
24hr: 61.3nm
Weather: E 3kn, 1016mb, 100% high cloud

Momi Bay. Those fishing boats around the south end of Kadavu were something to contend with. Limited visibilty in drizzle or rain. They only turned on AIS and a small light when we were within a couple of miles and looking like a collision course. Promptly turned everything off when we changed course. Dodgy!


Tue Aug 9 7:37 2016 NZST
Speed:
6m
knts
GPS: 18 45.8S 177 03.3E
Run: 180.4nm (326.5km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 173nm
Weather: 100%cc, drizzle, 1m seas, 1013, 6-8NNE

Mon Aug 8 6:36 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 18 10s 179 44e
Run: 69.1nm (125.1km)
Weather: SE 10 - 15 kn, 1013mb, 100% o'cast with steady rain

Leaving Matuku this morning for 200 mile passage south of Kadavu to Navula Pass and head for Denerau. Particularly murky at the moment but should clear as we head west.


Sat Aug 6 7:12 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 10s 179 44e
Weather: NE 6kn, 1009.5mb, 80% cloud

Matuku


Sat Aug 6 7:00 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 10s 179 44e
Weather: NE 6kn

Matuku


Fri Aug 5 6:39 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 10s 179 44e
Weather: NE 6kn in the lee, 1013mb, 40% clouds-dark with showers to the north

For GHR:we are looking at a passage from Matuku (19d 10m S, 179d 44m E) through to Denarau. With the trough approaching and potential for westerlies (?) I'd appreciate some advice for planning a departure date. Leaving tomorrow, Saturday, or waiting for the system to pass through? The question is how long before that trough will pass through and the tradewind returns? Had a whale of a day yesterday, surfing with a couple of humpbacks. Greta got up close and personal in the dinghy about 75m behind the surf break.


Thu Aug 4 7:00 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 10s 179 44e
Run: 8.7nm (15.7km)
Weather: SE 5kn, 1915mb, 10% cloud, glassy in the lagoon

Matuku. Several awesome surf breaks around the island but unfortunately the swell is fading rapidly. Will have a shot this morning.


Wed Aug 3 7:06 2016 NZST
Speed:
1kn
knts
GPS: 19 17s 179 47e
Run: 117.6nm (212.9km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 117.6nm
Weather: ESE 14kn, 1014mb, 40%cloud, confused sea with 2 swells running thru

Hove-to waiting for sun to rise off Matuku.

Totoya lighthouse did not show as we went by this morning - could be out of action


Tue Aug 2 7:06 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 18 57s 178 27w
Weather: S light, 1012mb, 85% cloud

Leaving Yagasa this morning. ETA for Matuku mid-morning Weds


Mon Aug 1 6:54 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 18 57s 178 27w
Weather: Light winds but shielded in the anchorage, 1012mb, 100% overcast. Light rain yesterday 1530 to 1700

Looking for a weather window for the 110 mile overnight voyage west to Matuku, half way to Suva. Expecting some nice SSE tradewinds tomorrow


Sun Jul 31 17:30 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 18 57s 178 27w
Run: 14.9nm (27km)
Weather: Light winds from E, 1015.5mb, overcast

So we have broken the Fulaga spell. Anchored at the big island in the Yagasa cluster. Underneath a colony of nesting gannets. Trolled 3 lures along the the barrier reef and sure enough we had a triple hook-up. Mayhem! Nothing landed, the eye of one of the swivels was completely straightened out and the other 2 got off


Sat Jul 30 6:54 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ESE 12, 1026mb (! not sure I trust this!), 90% cloud-black to the north

Leaving Fulaga for Yagasa, a cluster of uninhabited islands 15 miles north


Fri Jul 29 6:30 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Run: 189.3nm (342.6km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192.5nm
Weather: E with a touch of S 8-10kn, 1015mb, 25% cloud

Fulaga, one last snorkel in the pass.


Thu Jul 28 6:54 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 34e
Run: 189.3nm (342.6km)
Avg: 3.9knts
24hr: 94.5nm
Weather: E about 5kn in a sheltered bay, 1016mb, 40% cloud, HUGE swell running outside the lagoon

Fulaga. We had a farewell party around the kava bowl last night in anticipation of leaving Fulaga this weekend. Special people in a special place.


Tue Jul 26 6:48 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ESE 12kn, 1016.5 steady, 15% cloud

Fulaga


Sun Jul 24 21:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E 10kn, 1016.5mb, starry night, 23C

Fulaga. Great night sky - starting with Venus & Mercury at sunset, Jupiter, Mars & Saturn.


Sat Jul 23 7:09 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E 10kn, 1016mb, 5% cloud

Fulaga


Fri Jul 22 6:27 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ESE 10-15 in the anchorage, 1015mb steady, 20%clouds

Fulaga. Fresh greens and pawpaw + petrol from the village. YAY! We're good for another month haha.


Thu Jul 21 6:57 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SE gusting 25kn, 1016mb steady, 30%cloud

Fulaga, tradewinds are back in force


Wed Jul 20 7:21 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ESE 13kn, 1017mb, 50%

Sthn Lau


Tue Jul 19 6:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SSE 5-8kn, 1016.6mb rising, 90% cloud

Fulaga, receiving lessons on weather via SSB radio. Great stuff.


Mon Jul 18 6:45 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SSE 5kn, 1016mb rising, 20%cloud

Fulaga on a calm day - wow


Sat Jul 16 6:21 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SE 5-8kn, 1018mb-steady, 90%cloud

Fulaga


Fri Jul 15 7:15 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SE 10kn, 1017mb rising, 75% cloud

Dumb question: So if the volatility of the weather in recent months is associated with the transition from El Nino to La Nina - when will La Nina settle in? What is the long term view for conditions in October when people start sailing back to NZ?


Thu Jul 14 6:39 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SSE to 15kn, 1015mb, 20% cloud

Awesome snorkeling with the outgoing tide in the pass yesterday. Over the course of 1 hour we were flushed out about 750m to end up on the outside of the outer reef among a school of massive snapper-like fish with big groper types hanging below the school. Amazing!


Wed Jul 13 6:48 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SSW 10-12kn, 1013mb steady, 40% cloud cover

Fulaga


Mon Jul 11 6:42 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SSW 6kn, 1012mb, 100% low cloud with showers. Front arrived @ 01:00 with steady rain for a while

Fulaga, still. Why move when you have found perfection.


Fri Jul 8 6:51 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: NE to ENE 6-8kn, 1016.5mb steady, 5% cloudcover

Southern Lau - a few showers yesterday; oil change day! Looking brilliant this morning.


Wed Jul 6 6:42 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SE to ESE 10-12kn, 1017.5mb steady, 10%cloudcover

Fulaga, we have tucked into an anchorage among some of the many mushroom islets in the lagoon to shelter from the tradewinds which have been reasonably strong the last few days. Our reported wind strength understates the wind strength outside. Great paddle boarding - found an awesome cave with stalactites like a cathedral organ.


Tue Jul 5 6:57 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ESE 10kn, 1017.0mb, 90% cloudcover

Fulaga


Mon Jul 4 10:00 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E up to 15kn, 1017.5mb, 99.9% cloudcover

All well onboard


Sat Jul 2 6:57 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E to ESE 10kn, 1015mb steady, overcast 100%

We have a sheltered anchorage so may not be reporting the true wind direction/strength


Fri Jul 1 16:42 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SSE to SE up to 20kn, 1013.5mb, o'cast and drizzle

A trough of low pressure appears to have hit us. Little change in the barometer but wind changed from an easing N, to calm for an hour, then promptly at 15.00 the wind goes whips up to 15-20knots from 180 degree opposite direction. We have relocated for more comfort and swinging room.


Fri Jul 1 6:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: NNE 5-8kn, 1013mb, 100%cloud

Fulaga, started a small varnishing project. An excuse to stay put just a little longer.


Thu Jun 30 6:46 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: NE to NNE 8-12 knots (stronger gusts overnight), 1015.5mb, 20%cloud

Fulaga, more snorkeling in the pass with exquisite corals and loads of colourful fish. Had to retreat from a couple of particularly nosy sharks.


Wed Jun 29 7:15 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E to ENE 8kn, 1017mb - rising, 20% cloudcover

Fulaga


Tue Jun 28 7:26 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SE 12kn, 1017mb, 25%cloudcover

Tracked down some petrol yesterday, cleaned out the bottom of a 44gal drum. Next delivery to the island is about 3 weeks away. A 6 hour mission - 3FJD/litre.

Grete spent the day making mats with women in the village.


Tue Jun 28 7:13 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SE 12kn, 1017mb, 25%cloudcover

Tracked down some petrol yesterday, cleaned out the bottom of a 44gal drum. Next delivery to the island is about 3 weeks away. A 6 hour mission - 3FJD/litre.

Grete spent the day making mats with women in the village.

07.10 Tues 28 06 2016


Mon Jun 27 6:51 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E (ESE at times), 6-8kn, 1015mb, steady, 15%+ cloudcover

Church and a day off - luxury


Sat Jun 25 6:58 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E to NE 10-15kn, 1015mb steady, 15% cloudcover, 23C!

Fulaga


Sat Jun 25 6:52 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E to NE 10-15kn, 1015mb steady, 15% cloudcover, 23C!

Fulaga


Thu Jun 23 5:55 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ENE 10-12kn, 1015mb, 10% cloud

Fulaga. Finished polishing all the stainless - yay!


Wed Jun 22 10:48 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: E 15-20kn, 1016.5mb, 25% clouds

Fulaga. Great paddle boarding yesterday; we were watching a school of big mullet and 4 turtles popped up at the same time. More turtles in other parts of the bay - a healthy population despite being on the menu for the locals.


Tue Jun 21 6:30 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SE to ESE to 18kn, 1015mb, 30% cloud, 22C

Fulaga; 3 catamarans left today so we are the only yacht in the lagoon for now


Mon Jun 20 6:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: SSE 16-20, gusts to 25, 1014mb, 40% cloud

Fulaga


Fri Jun 17 6:25 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ESE 5kn, 1014mb, 25% cloud

Fulaga


Thu Jun 16 5:27 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: ESE

Heading off for a pre-dawn bottom fish.


Wed Jun 15 6:24 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Weather: N to NNE up to 12 knots in the anchorage. No doubt hitting 15+ outside, 1011.5mb, 70% cloudcover with occ. showers

Anchored @ Sandspit, Fulaga. Got the paddle boards out yesterday arfternoon, awesome territory to explore.


Tue Jun 14 15:24 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09s 178 32w
Run: 2.5nm (4.5km)
Weather: NE 5-8, gusting 12kn (probably a solid 15kn the other side of island), 1013.5mb quite up and down, 100% cloudcover with light rain overnight

Anchored at the sandspit, Fulaga. Another 2 yachts came into the lagoon yesterday but we are enjoying splendid isolation. Snorkeled the pass for the lagoon yesterday. Great variety of fish, good corals - big fans, stag-horns and soft corals, lots of colour. Some big nosy reef sharks.


Tue Jun 14 7:44 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 08s 178 34w
Run: 2.2nm (4km)
Weather: NE15, 1014.5, 100%cc, rain

Even paradise has its share of weather!


Mon Jun 13 15:35 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 09.19s 178 32.4w
Weather: SE 8-10kn, 1012.5mb, 75% broken cloud

We are fortunate to be in THE perfect place with a bottle of the favourite champagne. Happy birthday Grete!


Mon Jun 13 15:23 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 09.19s 178 32.4w
Run: 2.2nm (4km)
Weather: SE 8-10kn, 1012.5mb, 75% broken cloud

We are fortunate to be in THE perfect place with a bottle of the favourite champagne. Happy birthday Grete.


Mon Jun 13 8:01 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 08s 178 34w
Run: 1.1nm (2km)
Weather: 10e, 1014, 40%cc

Fulanga with two other boats. Remedy were No2 for the season


Sat Jun 11 7:07 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 08s 178 35w
Run: 1.1nm (2km)
Weather: SSW 8-10kn, 1012mb, 80% cloudcover - broken to the south

Anchored Fulaga. This place is gorgeous, try zooming in on the yit satellite image. Rained all day yesterday - got rid of all the crusty salt topsides. A day for movies.


Fri Jun 10 7:35 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 08s 178 34w
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Weather: 10-12SW, 1010

Thu Jun 9 10:05 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 19 08.33s 178 34.59w
Run: 11.3nm (20.5km)
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 71.1nm
Weather: NE 20kn, 1014.5mb, 99.9% cloudcover with isolated showers with stronger wind

Safely anchored in the lagoon. Tough day at the office - challenging and we rose to the situation! All well aboard. Details to follow.


Thu Jun 9 6:16 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 19 00s 178 40w
Run: 123.7nm (223.9km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 119.1nm
Weather: NE 20-25kn, 1013.5mb, 80% cloudcover, 1m E swell with confused sea

dawn and we are 10 miles from the pass. boisterous conditions,we have been trying to slow Remedy down all night. Visibility not the best. Lookin forward to a good days sleep.


Wed Jun 8 5:21 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 14s 178 58w
Run: 66nm (119.5km)
Avg: 2.8knts
24hr: 68.1nm
Weather: NE10-15kn, 1014.5mb - slighty fall over the last 2hrs, plenty of stars.

Heading to Sthn Lau from VanuaBalavu at first light this morning. We should complete the 120 mile run before a forecast front comes thru.

Using the Adavaci Pass to exit the lagoon with waypoints from Domino. Farewell to the SeaMercy fleet for now. And farewell to Drew who is getting a ride to Savusavu with 'Interlude'.


Tue Jun 7 6:06 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 14s 179 58w
Run: 65.9nm (119.3km)
Weather: SE15-17kn, 1015mb, 85% cloudcover

Anchored VanuaBalavu with SeaMercy.

Looking for a window to head to Southern Lau. Maybe depart Weds morning for an overnighter to arrive in good daylight Thursday?


Sat Jun 4 6:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 14.2s 178 58.1w
Run: 5.3nm (9.6km)
Weather: E about 5kn, 1015mb, 15% cloudcover

Anchored MalakaBay with the SeaMercy fleet. Lots of action on that front, the ARC rally feet of about 28 boats is expected here middle of next week. We would like to get away from here about the same time for Sthn Lau taking advantage of a handy wind forecast with NE winds predicted. BUT the watermaker sprung a leak at the freshwater flush module and we will need to track down a new solenoid unit which might have to come from NZ/US. This might hold us here or require a visit to a main centre to take delivery. Emptied half a watertank into the bilge before we stemmed the flow - just a bit alarming. 'Cruising' - fixing your boat in exotic locations - HA!


Thu Jun 2 19:52 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 10.6s 179 01.1w
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: 1015.5mb @ 19.40 Thurs, clear skies all day with E up to 15kn. Tucked in now so no true wind to report.

Anchored @ 'Bay of Islands', inside Qilaqila Island at the top end of Vanua Balavu. Great spot, not a light to be seen. Big hookup today but no result. Took one of the Sovu Passages (romoured to offer surf) out of the lagoon to run lures all along the outside reef in 200m to 20m (whoops). Just the one hit. Sea Mercy briefing meeting tomor


Wed Jun 1 18:20 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 11.4s 178 54.8w
Run: 0.3nm (0.5km)
Weather: SE

Anchored off the village on Avea again. The super 'yacht' Nomadess came in this arvo and we helped get a hose pipe from their 500l/hr watermaker to a communal water tank on the shore. Lots of laughs with the locals.


Tue May 31 6:50 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 11.6s 178 54.9w
Run: 9.9nm (17.9km)
Weather: SE 5knots (lee of Avea), 1016mb steady, 15% cloudcover

Anchored off Avea Island. Only 12 out of 28 houses are still standing following Winston. Gardens were destroyed, the chief and a couple of men were digging for wild yams on the main island of VanuaBalavu when we arrived. Most of the men from the village are in Suva to apply for a grant of $7k to assist build new homes. We received a very warm welcome. Enjoyed a few bowls of fine kava last night. We are on standby for a superyacht that can make water @ a couple of thousand litres an hour, the idea is they will top-up the village tanks. Expected tomorrow, Weds.

All well aboard.


Sun May 29 21:12 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 16.9s 178 47.8w
Run: 7.8nm (14.1km)
Weather: SE 5-10, 1016.5mb rise has eased off, starry night

Another day doing needs assessment enquiries and aid distribution for Sea Mercy. Great to have serious interaction with the locals. These guys have been hammered; major need is replacement gutters for water supplies as the dry season sets in. A busy day by the time the reports are written and filed.

Tomorrow, Avea Island in the top part of the lagoon.


Sun May 29 9:56 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 22.3s 178 43.5w
Run: 18nm (32.6km)
Weather: SSE 3-5 gusting 10-14, 1015mb, 40%. Isolated shwrs but did not get to 90%cloudcover-50 to70%max

Visited Sasui Village to assess needs following cyclone Winston. All their gutters were torn off in the cyclone. So we have put an order into Sea Mercy for 300m gutters, clips, downpipes etc. Plus facia boards and timber; the library for the primary school and the kindergarten were blown away leaving nothing but a concrete slab. Now anchored under Munia Island, some good 12-15 knots blasts coming thru so no mozzies tonight!


Fri May 27 8:52 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 17.7s 178 59.15w
Run: 19.5nm (35.3km)
Weather: E 6kn, 1016.0 mb, gently rising on the graph, high cloud - 30%

Anchored up off Lomaloma village which is an administration centre for this part of the Lau group. Has a hospital, 8 nurses, docs & dentista, x-ray facililities so quite a big deal. Yesterday topped up with diesel (YAY!) and about a tonne of aid supplies much of it in cardboard cardboard cartons = the ultimate transport for cockroaches (boooo). I'm sure I recognize tins of beans and fruit from the cyclone collection appeal at work a couple of months back. Anyways are to distibute yhis load to 4 of the outlying islands buddied-up with a beautiful ketch out of Conneticut. Dirk & Gretchen travel with a mighty handsome black cat on board. Plenty of evidence of cyclone Winston devistation. NZ frigate Canterbury was based here 2 months helping reconstruction. Some of the roofless buildings tagged with you "luv you NZ" and "thanks for your quick response". Must get this away for GHR weather update. Great nights sleep - all well aboard.


Thu May 26 6:04 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 29s 178 46w
Run: 2.5nm (4.5km)
Weather: Calm conditions, smooth seas, 1015mb and steady, 20% cloudcover

Glassy conditions. We have ended up 9 miles from TongaPass to Vanua Balavu lagoon. Will soon start motor to clear the pass approx 8am. Customs/Immigration, diesel, fresh veg (maybe) - 15 days since we left NZ. O, and a solid nights sleep! All well aboard.


Wed May 25 18:23 2016 NZST
Speed:
1
knts
GPS: 17 30s 178 44w
Run: 42.9nm (77.6km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 83.1nm
Weather: SE 8, 1014.0mb

We arrived at the Tonga Pass about 2 hours too late to safely navigate 9 miles thru the lagoon to anchor. So we have 'hove-to', in the lee of Katafaga Island. Looks like an abandoned resort with no roofs on the buildings and no lights ashore.


Wed May 25 6:00 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.6
knts
GPS: 18 06s 178 54w
Run: 61.8nm (111.9km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 123.8nm
Weather: SE 7-8kn,1015.0mb steady, 1% cloudcover,

Motorsailing against the tide. Tide change expected @ 08.30


Tue May 24 18:01 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.7
knts
GPS: 18 59s 178 45w
Run: 57.1nm (103.4km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 117.5nm
Weather: SE 6-8 occ 10, 1014.5mb steady, smooth seas still got residual swell(s), 5% cloud on horizons

Still motoring, very light breeze from behind. 22C at 5.30 mmmmm nice.

Going thru some of the southern Lau islands/reefs as dusk approaches. A night of extreme vigilance in store. Hopefully we get anchor down before sun gets too low tomorw. Using truckloads of diesel which likely to impact on medium term options.


Tue May 24 6:21 2016 NZST
Speed:
4
knts
GPS: 19 48s 178 53w
Run: 64.1nm (116km)
Avg: 4.6knts
24hr: 109.8nm
Weather: SSE8,1014.5mb, steady,5%cloud, swell-various 1-4m

Motoring


Mon May 23 16:20 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 20 43s 179 02w
Run: 45.8nm (82.9km)
Avg: 4.1knts
24hr: 99.2nm
Weather: SSW >5kn , 1013mb, clear skies, 4m SW swell

Motoring in less than 5kn from behind. Getting a lift off 4 to 5 m SW swells. Not much wind expected for the next 12-24 hours. Lots of small skipkack tuna catching the afternoon sun but not our lures.


Mon May 23 5:15 2016 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 21 19s 179 20w
Run: 162.1nm (293.4km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 119.8nm
Weather: SSW 10-12, 1012, 80% cloudcover

cleared N Minerva Pass 07.30 Sun


Sat May 21 20:46 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 38s 178 56w
Run: 2.4nm (4.3km)
Weather: NW to WNW 12+knots, Barometer steady for the last couple of hours @ 1012, 95% cloudcover

We plan to leave Nth Minerva Sunday morning heading for Tonga Pass, the entrance to Vanua Balavu. Advice is to take the route west of the Lau Group. Forecast is predicting 20, maybe 25 knots of wind. We need it to make some ground north because diesel levels took a hiding on the way here to Minerva Reef.

Snorkeling the drop-off on the outside of the reef was amazing. Big fish, some had pointy noses and big grins. Lobster(S) - oo lala! 23 boats in the lagoon tonight. All well aboard.


Wed May 18 19:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 39s 178 54w
Run: 1nm (1.8km)
Weather: SE 10-12, 1015.5mb, 15% cloudcover

Anchored at North Minerva. Thru the pass at 7am after a couple of runs along the reef edge at dawn. We had a major hookup, one jump and it was off and 500metres of line later it was showing little sign of slowing down. Tension was very slowly applied and the line was tinkling under the strain. The new knots held ... but the 200lb wire leader gave up at the connection to the lure. Darn it! So the tally stands at 1 flying fish at 2gm and another flying fish at 3gms.

Walked the reef at low tide. Checked out a couple of keels from yachts that have previously perished on this reef in the middle of the ocean. Snorkled with reef fish and Drew just missed on a big painted crayfish. Sundowners - life is good.


Wed May 18 8:04 2016 NZST
GPS: 23 39.721S 178 54.59W
Run: 105.5nm (191km)
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 105.3nm

just arrived at N Minerva, About 6 boats there now and more expected.


Tue May 17 8:02 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 25 00s 179 43w
Run: 3.1nm (5.6km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 166.7nm
Weather: SSE13-15, 1016.5, 5% cloud cover

We haven't been getting updates away by email so thanks to Gulf Harbour Radio for updating our position on YIT. We are so close to Sth Minerva but not going to make it before dark. Saw small schools of BIG yellow fin tuna yesterday. One school had a big shark moving lazily around the boil up and another school had a sperm whale floating about. Swam in the pool - about 2000m deep,couldnt touch the bottom!


Tue May 17 7:35 2016 NZST
GPS: 25 02S 179 45W
Run: 158.5nm (286.9km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.1nm
Weather: 15SSE, 15%cc, 1016

will arrive S Minerva in dark so will heave to until dawn. Will consider N Minerva as South has been reported rolly


Mon May 16 7:31 2016 NZST
Speed:
5ms
knts
GPS: 26 57S 178 51E
Run: 105.1nm (190.2km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 114.8nm
Weather: 2-4 NE, 1016, 10%

Sun May 15 9:33 2016 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 28 28s 178 43e
Run: 124.5nm (225.3km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 115nm
Weather: ENE 8kn, 1018.5 steady, 50% cloudcover, 1m SW swell

Second day of trade winds, just a light 8knot ENE, and fantastic sailing. Yesterday was spent repairing a small tear in the mainsail. 4 broken needles later we finished the job with an embroidery needle. Like digging a tunnel out of jail with a teaspoon. We have lost power to the autopilot ('Wally') so hand steering. About 300 miles south of Minerva Reef (S) - another 48 hours maybe. All well aboard.


Sat May 14 7:34 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5m
knts
GPS: 30 04S 177 46E
Run: 1.5nm (2.7km)
Avg: 3.1knts
24hr: 73.6nm
Weather: ssw less than 5, 20%cc, 1m swell, 1020 steady

Sat May 14 7:05 2016 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 30 05s 177 45e
Run: 135.9nm (246km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138.8nm
Weather: SW

06.30 14/05/16 Motoring in calm conditions. Targeting a sea mount coming up to 180m from 2000m 120 miles south of Minerva Reef to trail the lures over sometime tomorrow. Today we will pull up for a while and have a swim in a 3000m deep swimming pool. Temperature is climbing. We are having issues getting emails to work thru Sailmail. The SSB does not pickup remote frequency selection from laptop since programming some new HF channels in the SSB.


Fri May 13 7:34 2016 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 31 48S 176 38E
Run: 153.5nm (277.8km)
Avg: 353.6knts
24hr: 8485.2nm
Weather: W6-10, 1019 rising, 100%cc, smooth seas

great signal and clear report. radio and boat going well!


Fri May 13 7:08 2016 NZST
GPS: 33 44S 175 20E
Run: 127.9nm (231.5km)
Avg: 3.1knts
24hr: 73.7nm

15W, 95% light cloud, 1013 rising, course 012m at 7kts


Wed May 11 13:30 2016 NZST
Speed:
5.6
knts
GPS: 35 17.021s 174 06.444e
Run: 2.8nm (5.1km)

Remedy has set sail from opua - blustering conditions with an approaching front. Showers. Excited and looking forward to some decent sailing. All well on board.


Mon Apr 25 8:58 2016 NZST
GPS: 35 18.8s 174 08.439e
Run: 102nm (184.6km)

on anchor off Opua


Thu Oct 23 8:02 2014 NZDT
GPS: 36 41S 174 49E
Run: 80.7nm (146.1km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154.7nm
Weather: calm & grey

Past Whangaparoa and the home of Gulf Harbour Radio; last corner in front of us. A HUGE THANK YOU to Patricia and David for the weather updates over the last 6 months and to Mike who runs the YIT website.

4,600 nautical miles and about 50kg of muesli since leaving NZ 6 months ago. Escorted by dolphins scorching phosphorescent trails through the sea early this morning.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew - signing out.


Wed Oct 22 19:31 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 35 31S 174 46E
Run: 90.5nm (163.8km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 176.3nm
Weather: E 10 knots. 1018.5mb. 70% cloud cover. Slight seas; 1m E swell.

Just south of Poor Knights as the sun goes down. On the home straight to AK, arriving Thursday morning. Cuba libras in sight.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Wed Oct 22 7:12 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 34 14S 174 27E
Run: 78.3nm (141.7km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 166.3nm
Weather: As at 07.00 NZST: 10 knots ENE. 1018.0mb. 15% cloud cover. Smooth seas; 0.5m E swell.

Sunny calm conditions-glorious. No sighting of land yet... later today. ETA for AK is Thursday.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Tue Oct 21 19:54 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.8 knots
knts
GPS: 33 07S 174 13E
Run: 72.2nm (130.7km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144.8nm
Weather: As at 19.40 NZST: 4 knots W. 1018.5mb. 60% cloud cover. Slight seas; 0.5m SW swell.

Motoring in calm conditions. Deck fitting for the starboard aft mast stay gave way this morning so very grateful for the calm conditions. ETA for AK is Thursday.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Tue Oct 21 7:56 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 knots
knts
GPS: 32 06S 173 56E
Run: 60.7nm (109.9km)
Avg: 5knts
24hr: 120.9nm
Weather: As at 07.30 NZST: 12 knots SW. 1019.5mb. 95% cloud cover. Slight seas; 0.5m SW swell.

Finally able to steer the rhumb line to clear Kawau Island (266 miles away) with a steady SW breeze. Current ETA for AK is Thursday.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Mon Oct 20 19:53 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 knots
knts
GPS: 31 25S 173 17E
Run: 78.7nm (142.4km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 139.9nm
Weather: As at 19.45 NZST: 10 to 15 knots SSW. 1017.5mb. 20% cloud cover. Slight seas; 1.m SW swell.

A SSW breeze started to fill in around 1300 hours today so we are closer to making our course for Auckland. Current ETA for AK is Thursday.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Mon Oct 20 6:23 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5 knots
knts
GPS: 30 34S 172 24E
Run: 52.8nm (95.6km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 125.5nm
Weather: As at 06.15 NZST: 16 knots S. 1018.0mb. 25% cloud cover. Slight to moderate seas; 1.m SW swell.

And sill being pushed eastwards. We will have to tack before we reach Chile! All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steo me and Drew


Sun Oct 19 20:17 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5 knots
knts
GPS: 30 11S 171 38E
Run: 68.4nm (123.8km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.7nm
Weather: As at 20.00 NZST: 14 knots SSE. 1018.5mb. 98% cloud cover. Moderate seas; 1.m SW swell.

Still being pushed eastwards. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Sun Oct 19 9:01 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 to 6 knots
knts
GPS: 29 52S 170 33E
Run: 79.4nm (143.7km)
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 135.3nm
Weather: As at 08.50 NZST: 14 knots SSE. 1019.0mb. 100% cloud cover. Low cloud with rain and drizzle. Moderate seas; 1.5m SW swell.

Course is being pushed eastwards. About 300 miles to North Cape, ETA for the cape Tues. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Sat Oct 18 18:56 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 to 6 knots
knts
GPS: 29 00S 169 41E
Run: 89.4nm (161.8km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 181.8nm
Weather: As at 18.45 NZST: 15 knots NNE and backing. 1018.0mb. 70% cloud cover, big black cloud bank to the SW. Slight to moderate seas; 2m swell from SW.

Glorious sailing day, battening down for the night. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Sat Oct 18 7:08 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5 to 6 knots
knts
GPS: 27 50S 169 03E
Run: 80.9nm (146.4km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 166.9nm
Weather: As at 19.15 NZST: 12 knots and rising from NNE to NE. 1019.0mb, rising. 75% cloud cover, a couple of black cells around. Slight to moderate seas; swell 1m. One 20 knot squall at 01.00 this morning.

An uneventful night. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Fri Oct 17 19:30 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 to 7 knots
knts
GPS: 26 45S 168 33E
Run: 84.9nm (153.7km)
Avg: 566knts
24hr: 13584nm
Weather: As at 19.15 NZST: 12 knots NE. 1019.0mb, steady. 95% cloud cover. Slight to moderate seas; swell to 1 to 2 m.

Turned out to be a nice days sailing with light winds all day enabling us to hold course on the rhumb line. Single reef in the main for the possibility of squalls overnight (last night we had 22 knots at 1am). Still no fish to be had. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Fri Oct 17 19:21 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 to 7 knots
knts
GPS: 25 36S 168 04E
Weather: As at 19.15 NZST: 12 knots NE. 1019.0mb, steady. 95% cloud cover. Slight to moderate seas; swell to 1 to 2 m.

Turned out to be a nice days sailing with light winds all day enabling us to hold course on the rhumb line. Single reef in the main for the possibility of squalls overnight (last night we had 22 knots at 1am). Still no fish to be had. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Fri Oct 17 7:27 2014 NZDT
Speed:
5.5knots
knts
GPS: 25 36S 168 04E
Run: 71.1nm (128.7km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 150.3nm
Weather: As at 07.20 NZST: 10 - 12 knots ENE. 1018.5mb, steady. 99% cloud cover, some dark cells to our north. Moderate seas; swell to 1.5m .

Motor sailing in shifty winds and lumpy seas. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Thu Oct 16 20:06 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 24 43S 167 29E
Run: 70.9nm (128.3km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 145nm
Weather: As at 20.00 NZST: 12 knots ENE. 1018.5mb, rising. 15% cloud cover. Slight to mod. seas; swell 0.5 to 1m .

A great days sailing, sun shining throughout. Not a fish to be seen. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Thu Oct 16 8:22 2014 NZDT
Speed:
4.5 knots
knts
GPS: 23 47S 167 01E
Run: 87.3nm (158km)
Avg: 7.2knts
24hr: 171.7nm
Weather: 8 - 10 knots E. 1018.0mb, rising. 20% cloud cover. Slight to moderate seas, swell

Breeze is easing, steady sailing. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Wed Oct 15 20:10 2014 NZDT
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 22 38S 166 27E
Run: 31.3nm (56.7km)
Avg: 2.5knts
24hr: 60.5nm
Weather: As at 20.00 NZST Weds 15/10: 12 - 15 knots E. 1016.5mb, rising. 5% cloud cover. Moderate seas, swell

Finally got away from Noumea at 14.00 today, Weds. Cleared the north pass through the reef at 16.30. Just had the sun go down and enjoying steady sailing pretty close to the rhumb line. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Wed Oct 15 7:45 2014 NZDT
GPS: 22 21S 166 50E
Weather: 8 - 10 knots E. 1016.5mb, steady. 1% cloud cover.

Clear Noumea Customs this morning for passage to Auckland, NZ. At this early stage our ETA is Tues/Weds 21/22 Oct. Brother Drew has joined the crew so we are 4 PoB.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve and Drew


Tue Oct 14 7:37 2014 NZDT
GPS: 22 21S 166 50E
Weather: 10 knots E. 1015.5mb, steady. 3% cloud cover.

Anchored off Noumea. Looking at Weds or Thurs to leave New Cal for NZ. Interested in any comments from David about the timing of the low predicted by Bob Mcdavitt to arrive in NZ around about Sun 19 /Mon 20 Oct?? All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve


Fri Oct 10 13:49 2014 NZDT
GPS: 22 21S 166 50E
Run: 52.1nm (94.3km)
Weather: 7 knots SSE. 1012.0mb, steady. 95% cloud cover, sun trying to break through. Misty shower cloud on the hills.

Anchored Ile Casy, Bay de Prony. Catching up on rest after a tedious day/night of motor sailing into light headwinds with lots of rain showers. Staying put for the day and hope for sunshine to break through.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve


Thu Oct 9 7:34 2014 NZDT
Speed:
4 knots
knts
GPS: 21 38S 166 35E
Run: 68nm (123.1km)
Avg: 2.9knts
24hr: 69.8nm
Weather: 5 - 7 knots ESE. 1011.0mb, steady. 100% cloud cover. with drizzle. Seas smooth to moderate with swell approx 0.5m, occasionally 1m

Motor sailing for Havannah Pass about 50 miles away. Fresh mahimahi caught in boisterous conditions yesterday afternoon. First fish in New Cal after a month of trying.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete and Steve


Wed Oct 8 8:12 2014 NZDT
GPS: 20 39S 166 32E
Run: 6.4nm (11.6km)
Weather: 5 knots NNE. 1013.0mb rising. 100% cloud cover. Steady rain.

Leaving Ouvea today bound for Bay de Prony. We will be sailing overnight to time our arrival for the incoming tide at Havannah Pass early Thursday morning. We will be in tandem with Kailani but they will be a lot faster than us. The rain eased early yesterday evening but is back this morning. We moved north yesterday to get more protection from the northerly swell and brisk NE breeze - just a few more coconut trees to hide behind. Looking for that weather window for the passage back to NZ, sometime after 15 Oct.

All well on board. Cheers, David, Grete and Steve


Tue Oct 7 8:08 2014 NZDT
GPS: 20 42S 166 27E
Weather: 15 - 17 knots E. 1014.0mb rising. 100% cloud cover. Steady rain.

Anchored at Ouvea. Steve has joined the team so now we are 3. Starting to look for a weather window for the passage back to NZ, sometime after 15 Oct.

All well on board. Cheers, David, Grete and Steve


Mon Oct 6 7:50 2014 NZDT
GPS: 20 42S 166 27E
Weather: 15 - 17 knots E. 1015.0mb rising. 100% cloud cover.

Anchored at Ouvea. All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Fri Oct 3 7:49 2014 NZDT
GPS: 20 42S 166 27E
Weather: 10 - 15 knots SE. 1015.5mb rising. 20% cloud cover.

Anchored at Ouvea. All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Thu Oct 2 8:15 2014 NZDT
GPS: 20 42S 166 27E
Weather: 15 knots SSE. 1014.5mb steady. 80% cloud cover.

Anchored at Ouvea. The "GT's" we saw snorkeling the other day was a reference to Giant Trevally. I'm not sure when a trevally becomes a GT, probably when it is longer than 50cm. These were about 1.2m long and really broad across.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Wed Oct 1 8:14 2014 NZDT
GPS: 20 42S 166 27E
Weather: 10 - 12 knots E. 1016.0mb steady. 95% cloud cover.

Anchored at Ouvea. Went snorkeling under the bridge between Ouvea and Mouli. Big school of trevally and the biggest GTs imaginable. Lots of turtles and other fish life. AWESOME! Planning to stay around Ouvea through the weekend.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Sat Sep 27 6:57 2014 NZST
GPS: 20 42S 166 27E
Run: 2.4nm (4.3km)

Lovely calm day at Ouvea.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Fri Sep 26 6:49 2014 NZST
GPS: 20 43S 166 25E
Weather: 8 knots SE. 1015.0mb steady. 20% cloud cover.

Anchored Ouvea. Nice that the wind has eased off. Hopefully the depression due late Sunday will not affect us too much.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Thu Sep 25 7:04 2014 NZST
GPS: 20 43S 166 25E
Weather: 15 knots ESE. 1017.5mb steady. 15% cloud cover, clear overhead.

Anchored off Paradis Resort, Mouli, Ouvea. Yesterday was peaceful with a multicultural gathering at the administrative centre for the island. We intend staying at Ouvea through the weekend if the weather permits.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Wed Sep 24 7:13 2014 NZST
GPS: 20 43S 166 25E
Weather: 20+ knots ESE to SE. 1018.5mb. 99% cloud cover. Rain overnight.

Anchored off Paradis Resort, Mouli, Ouvea. Public holiday today to mark the arrival of the French in NewCal. Extra gendarmes staying on the island! All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Mon Sep 22 7:11 2014 NZST
GPS: 20 43S 166 25E
Run: 55.8nm (101km)
Weather: 15 knots SE. 1018.0mb rising. 75% cloud cover.

Anchored @ Mouli, Ouvea.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Sat Sep 20 6:55 2014 NZST
Speed:
6 knots
knts
GPS: 21 31S 166 18E
Run: 100.7nm (182.3km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 101.5nm
Weather: 10-12 knots SSE. 1016.0mb rising. 80% cloud cover. Seas Moderate Swell 0.5M

Left Thio for Ouvea this morning.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Fri Sep 19 7:07 2014 NZST
GPS: 22 56S 166 40E
Run: 44.2nm (80km)
Weather: 5 knots ESE. 1015.5mb rising. 100% cloud cover. Some heavy rain drops.

Anchored Baie de Kouakoue. 43 miles yesterday in ESE breeze that hardly get over 10 knots all day. Heading up the mainland east coast today for Port Thio (supermarket). Hope to head across to Ouvea the following day.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Thu Sep 18 7:16 2014 NZST
GPS: 22 21S 166 57E
Run: 22.4nm (40.5km)
Weather: glassy. 1015.5mb rising. 95% cloud cover.

We had a lovely day anchored in Port Boise. The river was running strong after the rain and lots of osprey. Heading up the mainland east coast today.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Wed Sep 17 7:15 2014 NZST
GPS: 22 20S 166 36E
Weather: NE

Anchored in Port Boise, half way through Havannah Pass, at the South end of mainland New Caledonia. Heading up the mainland east coast over the next few days.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Mon Sep 15 16:53 2014 NZST
GPS: 22 20S 166 36E
Run: 18.4nm (33.3km)
Weather: ESE 12-15 knots. 1014.0mb steady. 100% cloud cover.

Heading for Baie Uie, inside the lagoon, at the South end of mainland New Caledonia. The plan is to make our way up the mainland east coast and then 'step' across to Ouvea. Peter & Linda joined us in Noumea. Loved the slice of France in Noumea, huge selection of wine and cheese - oooh la la! All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Wed Sep 10 6:57 2014 NZST
GPS: 22 23S 166 53E
Run: 644.4nm (1166.4km)
Avg: 26.9knts
24hr: 645.7nm

Anchored in Bay de Prony, New Caledonia. Arrived 21.00 last night after catching the last of the incoming tide through Havanahh Pass. Hit 11.3 knots over ground under motor with the help of the strong tidal stream. Spectacular sunset with clouds billowing up into the jet-max. Pretty much clear and calm now. Squally showers yesterday started to ease up about midday. Clearing Customs etc in Noumea later today.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Greta


Tue Sep 9 7:00 2014 NZST
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 18 30S 175 56E
Run: 389nm (704.1km)
Avg: 16.8knts
24hr: 402.9nm
Weather: 16 -18 knots NE. 1016.5mb. 100% cloud cover. Moderate seas with

55 miles off Havanahh Pass entrance. Gybing our way downwind. Hoping to make the pass before the tide changes to outgoing early evening. Alternative is heaving to off the entrance for the night. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Greta


Mon Sep 8 7:49 2014 NZST
GPS: 20 57S 170 33E
Run: 199.5nm (361.1km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 199.4nm
Weather: 1018, ese 18-20 40%

Arrival Tu/wed Havannah pass


Sun Sep 7 7:49 2014 NZST
Speed:
8 knots
knts
GPS: 19 43S 173 20E
Run: 189.5nm (343km)
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 182.2nm
Weather: 15 - 18 knots SE. 1016.5mb, rising. 100% cloud cover. Seas moderate to rough with 1.5M swell.

Scooting along with up to 9.5 knots SoG assisted by a favourable current. Steering 225M but CoG 230M. Heading for Havannah Pass to make our way to Noumea inside the lagoon - 380 miles to go to the Pass. Our reported position is as at 07.45 Sunday 7th.

Fresh mahimahi for dinner-caught motoring yesterday afternoon.

All well on board. Cheers, David & Grete


Sat Sep 6 6:51 2014 NZST
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 18 30S 175 56E
Run: 106.5nm (192.8km)
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 104.6nm
Weather: 10 knots E. 1014.0mb, rising. 10% cloud cover. Seas slight with swell

NNW wind early yesterday evening glassed off so that we motor sailed through to 3am. An Easterly with a touch of South in it has filled the sails again and speed varies between 5 & 6 knots. Lovely clear skies overhead. All well on board. ps Hooked a marlin 10 miles off the Malolo Barrier reef but after jumping about close to the boat and then peeling out 500M it spat the lure - phew! Cheers, David & Greta


Fri Sep 5 6:25 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 45S 177 21E
Run: 12.4nm (22.4km)
Weather: 3 knots ESE. 1014.0mb, rising. 2% cloud cover with haze on the horizon.

Heading up to Lautoka to clear Customs this morning bound for New Caledonia. Very light winds at this early stage of the day. Should be clear of Fiji barrier reef by nightfall- will keep you posted. 2 x PoB - all well.

Cheers, David & Greta


Mon Sep 1 7:01 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 50S 177 11E
Run: 4.6nm (8.3km)
Weather: 10-12 knots ENE. 1015.5mb, rising. 5% cloud cover.

Namotu Island, Wilkes Passage. We will head for Denarau today to provision for the passage to New Caledonia in the next weather window.

Cheers, David & Greta


Sat Aug 30 8:06 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 46S 177 11E
Run: 31.4nm (56.8km)

Musket Cove with 50 other cruisers. Light breeze and clear skies, lovely and warm.

Planning to leave Fiji for New Cal at the end of next week, preferably Thurs 4 Sept.

Cheers, David & Greta


Fri Aug 29 6:57 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 19S 177 07E
Run: 31.2nm (56.5km)
Weather: 1015.5mb, rising. 80% cloud cover.

Waya Island, southern Yasawas. Gusty winds swirling around in the bay at the southern end of Waya. Looking at heading south to Musket Cove today. Yesterday we had up to 20 knots from ENE through the passes between islands.

Planning to leave Fiji for New Cal at the end of next week, preferably Thurs 4 Sept.

Cheers, David & Greta


Wed Aug 27 7:02 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 56S 177 22E
Weather: SE 15. 1015.0mb, steady. 5% cloud cover.

Blue Lagoon beach in the middle of the Yasawa islands. Heading south to the manta ray pass today.

Cheers, David & Greta


Tue Aug 26 7:14 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 56S 177 22E
Run: 18.4nm (33.3km)
Weather: SE 15, with gusts. 1015.0mb, rising. 20% cloud cover - all to the north.

Blue Lagoon beach in the middle of the Yasawa islands. All well on board.

Cheers, David & Greta


Mon Aug 25 7:12 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 44S 177 33E
Weather: SE 15, with gusts. 1017.0mb, rising. 15% cloud cover.

Blue Lagoon beach with 10 other cruisers. Tragic to see the south end of Yasawa island up in flames as we sailed by yesterday. Many, many hectares burning out of control.


Sat Aug 23 7:59 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 44S 177 33E
Weather: ESE 10-15, gusting 20 knots. 1016.5mb, rising. 10% cloud cover.

Northern Yasawas. Gusty winds,blue skies and flat sea anchored in the lee of the island.

Heading south tomorrow, braced for strong winds in the passages between the Yasawa islands.


Fri Aug 22 6:50 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 44S 177 33E
Weather: SE

Anchored just south of Yasawaira at the top of the Yasawas. Enjoying the window of calm weather. All well on board.


Wed Aug 20 6:49 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 44S 177 33E
Run: 30.6nm (55.4km)
Weather: E

Anchored at Narawa Bay, just south of Yasawaira at the top of the Yasawas. Gorgeous! Cheers, David & Greta


Wed Aug 13 7:03 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 05S 177 16E
Run: 2.6nm (4.7km)
Weather: E

Anchored north Naviti Island, Yasawas. Clear skies. All well onboard


Tue Aug 12 12:52 2014 NZST
Speed:
6.5
knts
GPS: 17 07S 177 17E
Run: 28.3nm (51.2km)
Weather: ENE 11 knots. 1015.0mb, falling. Smooth seas (inside reef)20% cloud cover.

Naviti Is, heading from southern bay to Somosomo Bay. Snorkel with manta rays in the Tokatokaunu Pass on high tide this morning-AWESOME! all well. Love to all


Mon Aug 11 7:00 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 17 27s 177 02E
Run: 24.4nm (44.2km)
Weather: E

Anchored off Navadra Island, top of the Mamanuca group. Another beautiful, uninhabited spot. Swell entering the bay makes for a rolly anchorage and too much to make a landing on the beach in current conditions. Quite a heavy overcast sky which is a bother given the plan to head through coral infested waters to the Yasawas.

Loula & Sheran aboard for a week, all well. Love to all


Wed Aug 6 14:28 2014 NZST
GPS: 17 46.263S 177 11.192E
Run: 157.2nm (284.5km)

Here we are in Musket Cove along with every other sailor . This has to be the busiest anchorage yet, but interesting to see the place and David wants to surf the famous cloud break . Hopefully he won't be smashed to pieces on the reef if he misjudges his take off. I don't quite feel ready to sail Remedy solo! Didn't get to either Namena or Yandua due to weather so fast tracked it on to Lautoka. We leave Musket cove tomorrow for Vuda point and to pick up friends then it will be cruising the Yasawas. Enjoying the warmth and tropical fruit. Love to all.


Sat Jul 26 12:41 2014 NZST
GPS: 16 46.612S 179 19.728E
Run: 104nm (188.2km)

Back in port at Savsavu getting supplies ready for the next leg of our journey. This feels like a busy metropolis after the quiet places we have been. Have been lucky enough to time this visit with the yearly Savsavu carnival. Great performances and a real look into the local politics.We are sad to be leaving the Taveuni area and all the outer islands as it has been fabulous cruising and uncrowded anchorages.We are heading off on Monday to make our way to Nadi. We will stop at Namena Island and check out the marine reserve, hopefully get permission to land on Yandua Island to see the iguanas. All well on board.


Wed Jul 9 6:55 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 45s 179 06w
Run: 42.8nm (77.5km)
Weather: NNE

Anchored off Welagilala Island. Perfect coral atoll/lagoon. Limited protection from the swell at high tide. Chart shows one island but cyclone in 2010 blasted a hole through the middle so now there are two islands.

All well onboard. Love to all


Sat Jul 5 7:12 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 29s 179 41w
Run: 17.6nm (31.9km)
Weather: SE 10-15 knots. 1012.5mb, rising. Sea smooth to moderate. 50% cloud cover. Swell

Anchored off Yanuca Island in the Ringgolds. Wind in the anchorage off the school back eddies to come in from the north at less than 5 knots. Great snorkeling inside the crater on Cobia Island yesterday. Hopefully will snorkel the outer Budd Reef today. Head to Welagilala Island tomorrow - weather permitting.

All well onboard. Love to all


Thu Jul 3 7:09 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 40s 179 52w
Run: 15.6nm (28.2km)
Weather: SSw less than 5 knots. 1012.5mb, rising. Sea smooth. 15% cloud cover. Swell

Anchored off Matei Airport, north end of Taveuni Island. Picked up Finn who will cruise over the next week orso. Heading for Ringgold Islands (Budd Reef) and Welagilala Island - weather permitting. Calm hot days, the local gardeners are preying for rain. Not much of a sailing wind today.

All well onboard. Love to all


Wed Jun 25 6:55 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 27s 179 56w
Weather: SSE less than 10knots. 1015.0mb, steady. Sea smooth. 15% cloud cover. Swell

Anchored Albert Cove, northern tip of Rabi Island. Another lovely calm morning, sheltered bay.


Tue Jun 24 7:09 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 27s 179 56w
Run: 53.8nm (97.4km)
Weather: SE less than 10knots. 1014.5mb, rising. Sea smooth. 85% cloud cover. Swell

Anchored Albert Cove, northern tip of Rabi Island. Lovely calm morning, sheltered bay. 3 thatched huts used by the locals when they come up from the village down south to gather coconuts for copra and tend their grog crops. Otherwise empty and full of bird song, fish leaping about al night long. Awesome! All well onboard. love to all


Thu May 22 23:48 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 16 46.7s 179 19.8e
Run: 96.8nm (175.2km)
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 136.1nm
Weather: SE 12 knots. 1015.0, steady.

Picked up a mooring somewhere in Savusavu Bay at 21.49 NZST. Looking forward to waking up to find out where we got to. Moored outside MH supermarket and a gas station. Just what we need to stock up before heading off again. After stocking up on fresh fruit & veg at the Saturday market. Had a mega-bustoff on the trolling lure today - Paul sporting nylon burns to show for it, lucky not to lose a limb in the process. Lost another favourite lure-these fish play rough. Fun & games coming into a mooring in the dark, avoided driving into an island at the last minute. happy to be here. Love to all


Thu May 22 6:44 2014 NZST
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 18 07.3s 179 44.7e
Run: 144.4nm (261.4km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.5nm
Weather: SE 12 knots. 1014.0, rising. Sea slight to moderate. 15% cloud cover. Swell 0.5m

In sight of Gau and Nairai islands on our port side. Good sailing, beautiful sunrise. Panic averted on Grete's watch - ship to stbd turned out to be the moon!


Wed May 21 7:05 2014 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 20 12s 179 31e
Run: 160.6nm (290.7km)
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.6nm
Weather: S 11 to 15 knots. 1011.5mb, rising. Sea moderate. 20% cloud cover. Swell 1 to 2 with an awkward lump in it

Steady progress - 65 miles south of our first Fiji island - Matuku. all well onboard. love to all


Tue May 20 6:47 2014 NZST
Speed:
4.5
knts
GPS: 22 18s 179 25w
Run: 94nm (170.1km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 146.3nm
Weather: S 12 to 15 knots. 1009.5mb, rising. Sea moderate. 20% cloud cover. Swell 2.5m dropping.

making good progress. difficut to sleep in higglydpiggly seas. love y'all


Mon May 19 15:22 2014 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 23 34.9s 178 55.3w
Run: 26.8nm (48.5km)
Avg: 3.2knts
24hr: 76.6nm
Weather: SE 16 to 18 knots. 1008.0mb, steady. Sea moderate. 50% cloud cover. Swell 3m SE with another NE on top.

Departed Sth Minerva 11.00 NZST. Just gone past Nth Minerva. 28 yachts anchored-looks like Westhaven! Had a double strike-lost 1 lure and landed a 1.116m mahimahi. Took over an hour to process the fish, packed down in the fridge/freezer. Loads of flying fish, dare not put a lure out again. NZ airforce Orion came by this am doing a roll call of all the yachts. Downwind sailing making 5.5knots with 3m swell-rollypolly again. Missing a party on the reef this evg but keen to make use of the breeze. Love to all


Mon May 19 6:58 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 56s 179 06w
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: SSE 15 to 20 knots. 1009.0mb, rising. 100% cloud cover. Showers

Anchored South Minerva held in by massive swell left over from dirty weather system stationary upon us. System is slowly moving away but not the swell at this stage. Waiting on weather update before making plans. Cabin fever developing. Love to all


Sun May 18 6:45 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 56.07s 179 05.97w
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Weather: at 06.30NZST SE 25knots. 1010mb steady. 100% cloud.

Anchored sth minerva. Big blow and steady rain overnight, steady 25 knots this morning. Yesterday's forecast was for easing today which may allow us to punch out through the swell to make our way north. All well on board, lots oflove


Fri May 16 20:47 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 56.5s 179 05.57w
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)
Weather: at 08.30 NZST 16 May SE 14 to 20 knots. 1016.5mb, rising. 80% cloud cover. Anchored Minerva reef-no sea state.

Anchored south minerva. Blustery outside and stronger winds expected. Will stay a day or 2 before weather allows us to continue to Fiji. Todays snorkle trip had plenty of colourful fish but crays proved elusive. Grete had a couple of shark encounters but she was bigger than both of them. She did not see the big one that Paul did. Had sundowners with lovely couple and there 6 year old, Sophia. Great tips for Fiji. Returning across the lagoon in the dark with 750 miles from coastguard was pretty out there. Paul serenading on ukelele-awesome. Lots of love...


Fri May 16 7:37 2014 NZST
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 23 56.07s 179 05.97w
Run: 9nm (16.3km)
Weather: SE 5 knots. 1016.5mb, rising. Sea slight. 100% cloud cover.

Anchored South Minerva. Just 2 other yachts in the lagoon. Rollypolly coz high tide allows swell to get across the reef. Snorkle trip yesterday motivated by stories of crayfish galore. No crays but lots of colourful fish. Back to Remedy just ahead of a nasty squall up to 30 knots with lashing rain. Happy to hunker down and it blew hard thru the night. Plan another day here before North Minerva where there are a dozen yachts already and more expected today. Lots of love


Thu May 15 6:44 2014 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 23 57.8s 179 14.3w
Run: 290.7nm (526.2km)
Avg: 10.3knts
24hr: 248.1nm
Weather: SE (130M)6 to 8 knots. 1015.5mb, rising. Sea slight. 95% c;oud cover. Swell

The sun has just risen (06.23) as we approach the entrance for South Minerva in calm, cloudy conditions. Breakers on our starboard bow. Flying fish landing on the deck. Great sailing and looking forward to getting the anchor down for a bit of RnR. All well aboard - lots of love.


Wed May 14 2:37 2014 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 27 49.0s 178 53.15e
Weather: E (100M)5 to 9 knots. 1018.0mb, falling. Sea slight. High cloud 80%. Swell

Making about 5 knots on light breeze under high cloud/full moon. Caught a big mahimahi (1.1m) today so that's the end of fishing 'til we eat our way thru it. Great kokoda for lunch yesterday, everybody ate so much we did not bother with dinner. Made some water while charging batteries. Have not been able to hear much on the SSB radio-weak signal. Speed has dropped off and likely to have calm weather ahead so maybe motoring to make either Minerva reef b4 nightfall on Thurs.

All well, Drew's back improved. Love to all ...


Tue May 13 6:39 2014 NZST
Speed:
5
knts
GPS: 27 49.0s 178 53.15e
Run: 163.9nm (296.7km)
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.2nm
Weather: E 7 to 8 knots starting to fill in again. 1021.0mb, steady. Seas smooth to slight. Cloud 10% - on the horizon. Swell


Glorious night sailing. Clear skies, close to full moon and lots of stars. Flat seas and steady light winds. 3 yachts ahead converging on Minerva. Heading for North Minerva. Yesterdays highlight was landing a mahimahi, losing another and then hooking up a BIG marlin. Too much drag tension, too BIG, and too much HAVOC. Lost the lure but well worth it.
Drew's back/sciatic giving him grief but otherwise all well on board. Love to all

Mon May 12 6:50 2014 NZST
Speed:
6
knts
GPS: 29 52.3s 177 32.0e
Run: 81.2nm (147km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 141.6nm
Weather: at 06.30NZST SE 12knots . 1022mb rising. sea slight. 0.5m swell. 20% cloud.

Single reef in mainsail and genoa. Trucking along nicely on track for Minerva. One light (yacht?) seen 06:00, freighter heading south 2 miles to port. Finished last of NZ snapper & small fresh tuna for dinner last night. All well onboard. Love to all.


Sun May 11 17:04 2014 NZST
Speed:
5.5
knts
GPS: 30 54.6s 176 53.7e
Run: 171.5nm (310.4km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.8nm
Weather: at 17:00NZST SSW 18knots. 1020.0mb

Downwind sailing with double reefed mainsail only. Taking it easy -all well onboard (Thanks to Mike for advice on email format) David


Sat May 10 15:38 2014 NZST
GPS: 33 08.68S 175 37.45E
Run: 172.2nm (311.7km)

position at 15.33 NZT 10/05/14 SW 20knots gusting 28kn. 1010.5 mb Average speed 6.5knots On track for Minerva with 'Aradonna' and one other yacht in sight. All well onboard Love to all Grete David Drew Paul


Wed May 7 16:04 2014 NZST
GPS: 35 18.82S 174 08.42E

Still in Opua weather keeps changing on us. Funny that who would have thought. hoping to go tomorrow otherwise there may be a mutiny on board.


Tue May 6 16:24 2014 NZST
GPS: 35 18.82S 174 08.42E

In opua waiting for the weather.


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