SCOOTS

Thu Nov 28 10:41 2019 NZDT
GPS: 35 19S 174 07E
Run: 21.3nm (38.6km)
Weather: Warm and partly cloudy

With SCOOTS tucked into a slip in the Bay of Islands Marina, Eric and I enjoyed the opportunity to sleep all night, though Eric woke up for a little while during his usual watch time, and I dreamed about sailing on passage all night. This morning, we've begun the process of cleaning up and settling in - doing some laundry, washing all the dried salt from SCOOTS (no we didn't have those tequila shots with hull salt), topping up our NZ phone all figuring highly - and taking care of some things we'd been planning to do, once arriving in New Zealand.


To begin these tasks, Roger from North Sails has already been by to measure SCOOTS for a new Code 0 sail (after being repaired by Roger a couple of years ago, and providing propulsion for the two years that he predicted it had left in it, the original Code 0 blew out spectacularly on our way to Fiji last June, and is now really, really done.)


We're both still swaying a bit - funny, we never noticed how much the land moved before - reacquainting our leg muscles with that thing called "walking," enjoying the sounds of gulls and tuis, happy to be back in the country that most feels like home to us.


Wed Nov 27 21:39 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.4kn motorsailing with full main and staysail.
knts
GPS: 35 01S 174 12E
Run: 22.8nm (41.3km)
Weather: Sunny and cool. Wind 7kn NNE. Seas

Making great time toward Opua in lovely conditions. Blue skies with no clouds except for a Long White Cloud over NZ.


Wed Nov 27 21:39 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0.0
knts
GPS: 35 19S 174 02E
Run: 233.3nm (422.3km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174.4nm
Weather: A beautiful starry night.

We arrived at Opua today at 3:15pm...9 days, 3 hours after leaving Fiji. We motorsailed for our last night, cruising along over smooth seas at 8-9 knots, making great time. Our friends, Annie & Liam on the boat, Gone With the Wind, who had arrived from Fiji last week, pulled up their anchor at Urupukapuka Island to come sail into the marina with us. We cleared in with Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity within a half hour, and then moved to our slip in the marina. Annie & Liam were there to catch our lines and welcome us back to NZ. After celebratory drinks and a good dinner at the Opua Yacht Club, we're ready for bed. Ah, the luxury of being able to sleep more than 3 hours at a stretch!


Tue Nov 26 13:33 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.7kn motorsailing with full main and staysail.
knts
GPS: 31 57S 173 44E
Run: 141.6nm (256.3km)
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 147.1nm
Weather: Sunny and cool. Wind 2.9kn NE. Seas

In the home stretch! The wind and seas have calmed, and we are able to head straight for the entrance of the Bay of Islands, where we hope to arrive tomorrow afternoon or evening (my fingers are getting cramped from being crossed for so long). We enjoyed having several chocolate-colored shearwaters fly over our wake for a few hours, looking for tidbits (I may have thrown them some pieces of chicken), and an albatross made an appearance. So I have seen my albatross for the passage. We had an early Thanksgiving dinner last night of roast chicken, peas and carrots, and a cranberry sauce I made from cooking dried cranberries (you try finding fresh cranberries, or even cranberry sauce, in Fiji!) with orange juice, sugar, and spices. We were even able to enjoy it at the cockpit table - our first meal not holding our plates or bowls in our laps! I posted to our Sailblog today.


Mon Nov 25 14:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
5.5kn motorsailing with full main and staysail. On a starboard tack, hard on the wind, with Yanmar the Magnificent helping us to make our course.
knts
GPS: 30 24S 172 10E
Run: 108.5nm (196.4km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 100.7nm
Weather: Cloudy and cool. Wind 8kn SSW. Seas

Fewer than 300 miles to Opua, hoping to get there in under three days. We're still tacking back toward NZ, making pretty good progress. As of today, the seas and wind have diminished enough for the motor to help. Our current plan is to take this tack as far as we can, and then, when the wind diminishes even more tomorrow, try to make a beeline for Opua. We'll see how it goes. By the way, we crossed paths with Taliesen a little while ago. They were less than a mile from us, also tacking toward NZ. But they don't have a motor to help. We were the first boat they'd seen since leaving Tonga two weeks ago. Two weeks! And they still aren't in NZ! Kinda puts those two extra days we added on to our usual weeklong passage into perspective....


Sun Nov 24 12:36 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.1kn motorsailing with full main and staysail. Just returned to a port tack and turned on Yanmar the Magnificent to help SCOOTS head more S.
knts
GPS: 29 00S 172 59E
Run: 113nm (204.5km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 117.1nm
Weather: Sunny and cool. Wind 12kn S. Seas 2.5m @ 8sec from the S, 2.5m longer period from the E. 1.5m wind waves from the S. 1015mb.

We reached our farthest point west 28 12S/171-12E midday yesterday, where we tacked (now on a stbd tack) and began heading what we hoped would be SE. What we were able to make, with the wind and sea conditions, was ESE, emphasis on the E. The forecasts predicted that the Low would move west during the day, creating another squash zone, and then slowly rebound to the east. Indeed that happened: we entered the squash zone in the afternoon, when the wind picked up to a steady 20 knots, and the seas rose to about 2.5m. Not particularly comfortable, but nothing excessive. We saw a couple of gusts to 23 knots, but nothing higher. The wind began to ease overnight to the 12-14 knots it is now. We're done running from the big Low, and riding through squash zones. Now our goal is to reach NZ - which is basically due S of us - with two more days of S wind to contend with. The weather has been absolutely spectacular on this entire passage so far: blue skies and starry nights. I'm still hoping to see that albatross.


Sat Nov 23 13:27 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.3 kn motorsailing but preparing to sail as the wind is rising. Staysail and full main at the moment.
knts
GPS: 28 18S 171 18E
Run: 149.2nm (270.1km)
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.8nm
Weather: Sunny and noticeably cooler. Wind 13kn SSW! Seas 1.5-2m SSE. 1018mb.

We've just tacked, and started heading back toward New Zealand. Now we get to live on the other slant for awhile. We're hoping to arrive in Opua on Tuesday 26 Nov (this is probably overly optimistic) or Wednesday 27 Nov. We're still enjoying sunny weather during the day and clear skies at night. I saw a tropicbird when we were farther north and am still hoping to see an albatross.


Fri Nov 22 13:33 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.5 kn on staysail and reefed main
knts
GPS: 26 28S 172 35E
Run: 162.2nm (293.6km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.8nm
Weather: Sunny and slightly less warm. Wind 16-21kn SSE. Seas 2-2.5m. 1018mb.

As of yesterday, we've entered the squash zone portion of our trip. The wind and seas have risen, but SCOOTS is set up nicely with her staysail and reefed main (double reefed last night), and our ride is actually pretty comfortable. This is good, because it looks like we'll have another day of it. As you can see from our position, by going far enough west to keep out of the worst of the Low, we've also passed NZ. The forecast has the wind turning to due south for two or three days, beginning Saturday, so we're making as much progress to the south as we can now, while the wind is SSE. Our plan is to tack and begin heading SE, when the wind turns south. AWOB.


Thu Nov 21 14:21 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.6kn
knts
GPS: 24 37S 174 11E
Run: 197.3nm (357.1km)
Avg: 8.2knts
24hr: 197.3nm
Weather: Sunny and warm. Wind 16kn SSE. Seas 1.5m building. 1014mb.

Today we begin what looks to be the windy/wavey middle portion of our passage. We've enjoyed three days of absolutely superb sailing so far. We're still heading more west than we'd like, with the wind having so much south in it, and a big Low that we want to avoid that will be bulging in from the east over the next few days. Hopefully, we'll be able to turn toward NZ before we get to Norfolk Island! All well on board.


Wed Nov 20 14:21 2019 NZDT
Speed:
7.4kn
knts
GPS: 22 09S 175 45E
Run: 161.2nm (291.8km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154.4nm
Weather: Sunny and warm. Wind 12kn SE. Seas

We're enjoying another day of lovely South Pacific sailing weather. We've been keeping SCOOTS on a tight reach for the past two days to get as far south as we can, before eventually heading more to the west. It's actually been quite a pleasant ride. We're monitoring ECMWF and GFS models, keeping a close eye on the Low and squash zone forming to the east of us, as well as on the squash zone that's setting up in front of us, doing our best to minimize the effects of both. AWOB


Tue Nov 19 13:18 2019 NZDT
Speed:
6.4kn motorsailing
knts
GPS: 20 02S 176 48E
Run: 160.8nm (291km)
Weather: Sunny and warm. 5kn SE wind. Long-period SE swell

Getting our sea legs after our first night at sea. Leaving Navula Pass we had plenty of wind 15-20kn and choppy 1m seas, but these calmed down to 12kn and <1m seas for a pleasant night. This morning we awoke to nearly-flat seas and no wind. There is plenty of wind in our future. Miles gone 146. Miles to Opua 912. A small private jet just circled us three times before flying away toward Fiji.


Sat Nov 16 10:06 2019 NZDT
Speed:
0kn
knts
GPS: 17 46.36S 177 22.99E
Weather: A beautiful warm sunny day

Still enjoying Denarau. We're now looking at a Monday departure for Opua.


Wed Nov 13 6:00 2019 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.36S 177 22.99E
Run: 141.2nm (255.6km)
Weather: Partly cloudy

Enjoying our time at Denarau while we await good weather for sailing to NZ.


Mon Jun 24 6:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
4.5-5.5kn
knts
GPS: 16 58S 179 21E
Run: 204.5nm (370.1km)
Avg: 11.7knts
24hr: 281.3nm
Weather: 60% cloud, wind

All well on board. Watching the sun rise over the southern coast of Vanua Levu with a parade of several other boats who have also planned their arrival for daylight. The Savusavu Customs officials will be busy today! Less than 10 miles to the entrance to Savusavu Bay. We can smell the earthy fragrance of the island.


Sun Jun 23 12:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
6.1kn motorsailing
knts
GPS: 19 53.0S 179 52.5E
Run: 113.9nm (206.2km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 114.4nm
Weather: 10% cloud, wind 10kn ENE, baro 1015, air temp 83F, water temp 79F, seas < 1m

All well on board. This morning is sunny and warm, as SCOOTS just passed between Totoya and Matuku Islands and is about to pass to the west of Moala Island. After our first night, which was bumpy, the sailing has been great! Last night was spectacular sailing...about 12-16 knots just forward of the beam, and not much wave action. No convective activity at all on this trip! We started the motor a little while ago, to keep us arriving at Savusavu tomorrow morning. The crew is stoked.


Sat Jun 22 12:51 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5kn
knts
GPS: 21 19.87S 179 17.05W
Run: 160.9nm (291.2km)
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 72nm
Weather: 40% cloud, wind 15kn ENE, baro 1014, air temp 79F, water temp 77F

All well on board. Not a particularly comfortable night, though the weather was spectacular. On a close reach into 15 knots with waves on the beam plus others from different directions, just to add texture. SCOOTS was going too fast with one reef in...we want to arrive at Savusavu in daylight...so we just put the second reef in. All the handholds on board are getting a good workout...moving around is like playing on monkey bars. We pumped the water from port tank to starboard to add some weight to the starboard side to lessen the heel angle.


Thu Jun 20 7:12 2019 NZST
Speed:
0.0kn anchored
knts
GPS: 23 37.88S 178 53.67W
Weather: 60%, wind 15kn SE, baro 1017, air temp 73F,

All well on board. There are now 9 boats anchored in N Minerva: SCOOTS, Rewa, Gone With the Wind, Persuasion, Muscat, Cetacea, Avalon, Aka, Where II. After a lovely, sunny day yesterday with calm wind, the wind has picked up this morning and there are squally on the horizon.


Wed Jun 19 7:18 2019 NZST
Speed:
0.0kn anchored
knts
GPS: 23 37.90S 178 53.67W
Run: 31.6nm (57.2km)
Weather: 30%, wind 7kn SE, baro 1017, air temp 73F,

All well on board. We arrived at the entrance to N Minerva Reef at 4pm local time and had the anchor down about 20 minutes later. Gone With the Wind and AKA were already here. Persuasion arrived after dark and anchored without incident. We expect a parade of boats coming through the pass today.


Tue Jun 18 12:45 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.2kn motorsailing
knts
GPS: 23 58.05S 179 14.02W
Run: 53.4nm (96.7km)
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 189.9nm
Weather: 30% cloud but none above us, wind 5kn SE, baro 1018, water temp 73F, air temp 74F, seas

All well on board. Only 25 miles to the pass at N Minerva! Looks like we will be there this afternoon. Beautiful blue sky and sparkly, almost-calm water. Not great for sailing, but with the motor on, we can enjoy it. We can see the breakers on S Minerva, about 2 miles away. This morning just before dawn, after sleeping peacefully for 12 hours perched on top of our chartplotter under the dodger, oblivious to (or unruffled by) our comings and goings throughout the night, the little welcome swallow woke up, stretched, preened a bit, and looked around. She and I quietly watched the sun rise up above the horizon. When the sky had lightened, I offered her some water in a small bottle cap, but she wasn't interested. A moment later, she took flight, flew in a small circle, and returned to perch on a lifeline. Then, a few minutes later, she took off, heading SW, in the general direction of NZ...700 miles away.


Tue Jun 18 6:00 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.5kn motorsailing
knts
GPS: 24 40.31S 179 34.89W
Run: 144.3nm (261.2km)
Avg: 9knts
24hr: 215.1nm
Weather: 70% cloud, wind 8-12kn SSW-SE, baro 1018, water temp 73F, air temp 71F, seas

All well on board. Still motorsailing to reach N Minerva before sunset today. At sunset last night, hundreds of miles from land, a welcome swallow flew into our cockpit and perched on our chartplotter, under the hard dodger, where it's been sleeping, head tucked under its wing, for the past 12 hours. Not sure what will happen at sunrise, but we have food and water ready, just in case.


Mon Jun 17 13:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
7kn motoring
knts
GPS: 26 32.11S 179 22.51E
Run: 181.5nm (328.5km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174.2nm
Weather: 30% cloud mostly friendly cumulus tho some rain in the distance, wind 7kn SSW, baro 1018, water temp 73F, air temp 74F, seas

All well on board. Have been motoring for most of the past 24 hours after the wind left us. We either have to slow down to reach N Minerva at dawn on Weds, or speed up to get there before sunset on Tuesday. We're not good at slowing down, hence the motoring. The sun is out, the weather is warm, the sea is lovely, and some dolphins came by today to wish Eric a happy Father's Day. Life is good.


Sun Jun 16 12:54 2019 NZST
Speed:
6kn motoring
knts
GPS: 28 51.62S 177 59.74E
Run: 194.2nm (351.5km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192.6nm
Weather: 100% cloud cover, wind 9kn SSW (DFDW), baro 1018, water temp 70F, air temp 71F

All well on board. Motoring in light wind from behind us. We enjoyed a lovely sail last night, with just the right amount of wind from a good direction. Now, it's begun backing and will come at us from the SE sometime in the next 24 hours. We'll tack then, which will give all the things that shifted to the starboard side of the boat a couple of days ago the opportunity to move to the port side.


Sat Jun 15 12:42 2019 NZST
Speed:
8.8kn
knts
GPS: 31 27.12S 176 44.36E
Run: 179.1nm (324.2km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 179.1nm
Weather: 40% cloud cover, wind 16kn WSW, bar 1014 (up from 1007 yesterday), water temp 68F

All well on board. Quite a bit of SW wind all last night, 20-25kn, with some periods of 25-30kn. All as expected. But only 2m seas, which was nice. Had the main down and our jib and staysail out when the sun set, so we went with that setup overnight. Still managed to maintain 7-9 knots, and hit 11kn once while surfing down a wave - a new record for us.

Earlier, before the wind came up, we'd been flying our Code 0 - the apparent wind was well within the workable limits for the sail - when a gust came and Bam! the Code 0 exploded. The clew pulled out, the remaining part of the sail that was still attached to the furler flapped in the wind, and shreds of sailcloth fluttered down to the ocean. It was a sad sight. Admittedly, our Code 0 was old and on its way out, but we didn't expect it to go out with a bang! We were able to furl in what remained of the sail and pack it away in its cover, though this required some acrobatics, and quite a bit of effort on both our parts. Aided, of course, by the incessantly rolling deck. Harnesses were a must! This morning the wind, which had been West, now seems to be backing through WSW on its way back to SW. The main and jib are up, we're on a port tack now, instead of rolling downwind. It's sunny, and we had a nice breakfast, so we're happy. An albatross did a flyby, too, which always thrills me. Damn, they're big birds!


Fri Jun 14 12:42 2019 NZST
Speed:
7.7kn
knts
GPS: 33 52.44S 175 38.58E
Run: 151.2nm (273.7km)
Avg: 3.1knts
24hr: 74nm
Weather: 60% cloud cover, increasing, seems warmer than precious passages

All well on board. Getting our sealegs back after six months in port.


Wed Jun 12 11:39 2019 NZST
Speed:
0knts
knts
GPS: 35 50.30S 174 28.13E
Run: 11.2nm (20.3km)
Weather: overcast, light rain, no wind

Looking forward to a Thursday departure to points north. Fiji for sure, maybe N. Minerva, too.


Tue May 14 12:48 2019 NZST
Speed:
0 kn
knts
GPS: 35 43.45s 174 19.58e
Run: 10.9nm (19.7km)
Weather: coolish, overcast, calm

Still enjoying the Town Basin Marina in Whangarei.


Wed Dec 5 9:07 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0.0 kn
knts
GPS: 35 50s 174 28e
Run: 36.5nm (66.1km)

SCOOTS has arrived at Marsden Cove Marina as of 7 pm Dec 4! After a very interesting weather day. We'll clear with Customs tomorrow morning then move upriver to Town Basin Marina. Wow it's weird to be on a stationary boat...


Wed Dec 5 9:07 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.6 kn
knts
GPS: 35 19s 174 36e
Run: 209.9nm (379.9km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143.4nm
Weather: bar 1007, 20% cloud, wind 19 kn NW, seas

Noon readings from Dec 4.


Mon Dec 3 22:00 2018 NZDT
Speed:
8.4 kn
knts
GPS: 32 17s 174 46e
Run: 172.5nm (312.2km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 152.2nm
Weather: bar 1009, 70% cloud, wind 21 kn WNW, seas 2m swell (some higher) from W + steep wind chop, air temp 74F, sea temp 69F

Noon readings. Scooting along at 8-9 knots on a beam reach in lots of W wind. Waves frequently washing our deck, occasionally our cockpit. Discovered some hatches that weren't tightly shut. It wouldn't be a trip to NZ if we didn't have some saltwater in the cabin. :/ Hoping that the promised NW wind will fill in soon which should make life more comfortable. We changed our destination to Marsden Cove Marina. Still looking to arrive afternoon 4 Dec. SCOOTS can smell the barn....


Sun Dec 2 18:48 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.8 kn
knts
GPS: 29 58s 175 51e
Run: 207.1nm (374.9km)
Avg: 10.1knts
24hr: 241.3nm
Weather: bar 1007.8, 30% cloud, wind 16 kn WNW, seas 1.5m swell W, air temp 78F, sea temp 70F

Sailing again! Dave on s/v Rewa is still sailing along nearby; it's nice to have a friend to chat with on the VHF out here. We're considering changing our destination to Marsden Cove instead of Opua, to take advantage of the favorable winds at arrival time. All well on board.


Sat Dec 1 22:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7kn motoring
knts
GPS: 27 02s 175 09e
Run: 234.3nm (424.1km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 143.8nm
Weather: bar 1009, 80% cloud, wind light from NW, seas flat with a slight NW swell, air temp 77F, sea temp 72F

Since our last update, we've transited a front thrown up by the big Low in the Tasman. It gave us the wind we had been lacking for the past two days, sustained N winds of 18-22 knots for most of the night with just a little rain. This moved us along nicely with our two headsails. The seas were only about 1.5 m, but they made for rolly conditions. This morning, as we sailed through the last of the front, we had quite a bit of rain, and a couple of gusts over 30 knots, but that's about it. Now, on the other side of the front, we have almost no wind and we're motoring again. Hoping now for the predicted West winds...


Fri Nov 30 7:06 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.2kn motoring
knts
GPS: 23 40s 175 35e
Run: 162.3nm (293.8km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 161.6nm
Weather: bar 1015, 20% cloud, wind light and variable, seas flat with a slight SW swell, air temp 77F, sea temp 77F

Another beautiful sunny day and starry night. We're wearing pants and long sleeves on our night watches now. We must truly be tropical people...I was surprised to find that the temperature is 77 degrees! I thought it was colder.


Thu Nov 29 7:00 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5.1kn motoring
knts
GPS: 21 24s 176 15e
Run: 150.8nm (272.9km)
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154.3nm
Weather: bar 1014, 10% cloud, wind 11kn SSW, seas 1m SW, air temp 79F, sea temp 79F

Beautiful weather! Wind has backed around and is now on the nose. Expect to motor into it most of the day. Still looking at a Dec 4 arrival in Opua.


Wed Nov 28 7:33 2018 NZDT
Speed:
5.5kn
knts
GPS: 19 15s 176 39e
Run: 113.2nm (204.9km)
Weather: bar 1013, 20% cloud, wind 12kn NW, seas < 1m, air temp 84F, sea temp 82F

Left Denarau yesterday, on our way to Opua. Lovely sailing conditions.


Fri Nov 9 6:51 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0.0kn
knts
GPS: 17 46s 177 23e
Weather: bar 1012, 10% cloud, wind 10kn SE, air temp 23 C

Still waiting at Denarau Marina for a weather window we like.


Wed Nov 7 7:00 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0.0kn
knts
GPS: 17 46s 177 23e
Run: 63nm (114km)
Weather: bar 1012, 30% cloud, wind 7kn SE, air temp 23 C

Waiting at Denarau Marina for a Thursday departure to Opua. Today is the Diwali holiday.


Sat Oct 6 0:00 2018 NZDT
GPS: 17 19.40S 178 13.11E
Run: 39.6nm (71.7km)
Weather: sunny, wind 15 kn from ESE/SE

A lovely day to sail across the Bligh Water! We're now anchored off the beach of Nananu-i-Cake Island, on the north shore of Viti Levu


Fri Oct 5 0:00 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 52.02S 178 34.79E
Run: 50.2nm (90.9km)
Weather: light and variable, the 20-25 knots from the SW, then light and variable again

Anchored in peaceful Bua Bay after a day of changeable weather: light and variable leaving Savusavu, 20-25 knots as we entered Nasonisoni Pass, continuing and adding 1.5m seas to bash into after we exited the pass, then returning to light and variable late afternoon


Wed Oct 3 8:07 2018 NZDT
GPS: 16 47S 179 20E
Run: 38.9nm (70.4km)
Weather: cloudy, rainy

We've been enjoying Savusavu for the past week so far. We'll be moving to Denarau by Oct. 10.


Sat Sep 15 7:43 2018 NZST
GPS: 16 56S 179 54E
Run: 99.1nm (179.4km)
Weather: cloudy with rain, light ese winds here, though it is probably windy away from the lee of the island

We've been slowly exploring the islands of the Koro Sea...Leleuvia, Ovalau, Makogai, Koro, and now Taveuni. We are very comfortably moored at the super-yacht-friendly Paradise Taveuni Resort.


Tue Aug 21 7:42 2018 NZST
Speed:
0 kn
knts
GPS: 17 49s 178 43e
Weather: bar 1015, 30% cloud cover, wind calm, air temp 25C, sea temp 25C

Anchored at Leleuvia Island in the Koro Sea


Tue Aug 21 7:30 2018 NZST
Speed:
0 kn
knts
GPS: 17 49s 178 43e
Run: 28.6nm (51.8km)
Weather: bar 1015, 30% cloud cover, wind calm, air temp 25C, sea temp 25C

Anchored at Leleuvia Island in the Koro Sea


Mon Jul 2 16:48 2018 NZST
GPS: 18 07s 178 25e
Run: 68.1nm (123.3km)

Arrived in Suva Harbour 30 June @ 1400. Outside the reef, seas were 3 meters and wind 25-30 knots E/SE. Motor not working, so sailed in and anchored under sail. Inside the harbour, flat seas and 15-20 knots. :) All very well on board.


Sat Jun 30 6:30 2018 NZST
Speed:
8.2kn
knts
GPS: 19 03s 178 45e
Run: 178.6nm (323.3km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 177.1nm
Weather: bar 1020, 80% cloud with squalls, wind 21kn SE, seas 2m swell S & 2m SE, air temp 75F, sea temp 77F

Diverting to Suva due to weather. Arriving today.


Fri Jun 29 6:18 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.8kn
knts
GPS: 21 38s 178 41e
Run: 180.8nm (327.2km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 180.4nm
Weather: bar 1020, 60% cloud, wind 18kn SE, seas 2m swell S & 1m SE, air temp 71F, sea temp 73F

All well. Sensing the barn.


Thu Jun 28 6:15 2018 NZST
Speed:
7.0kn
knts
GPS: 23 45s 177 01e
Run: 161.9nm (293km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.6nm
Weather: bar 1021, 50% cloud, wind 16kn SE, seas 3m swell S & 1m SE, air temp 71F, sea temp 73F

Happily on a beam reach


Wed Jun 27 6:30 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.4kn
knts
GPS: 25 58s 176 11e
Run: 175.2nm (317.1km)
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174.5nm
Weather: bar 1022, 30% cloud, wind 17kn SSW, seas 3m swell S, air temp 69F, sea temp 73F

All well on board.


Tue Jun 26 6:24 2018 NZST
Speed:
6.4
knts
GPS: 28 25s 175 27e
Run: 204.2nm (369.6km)
Avg: 8.7knts
24hr: 209.9nm
Weather: bar 1020, 20% cloud, wind 15kn SSW, seas 1m swell SW, air temp 68F, sea temp 70F

Enjoying a serene downwind sail.


Mon Jun 25 7:03 2018 NZST
Speed:
8.0
knts
GPS: 31 15s 174 29e
Run: 281.6nm (509.7km)
Weather: bar 1018, 40% cloud, wind 20kn WNW, seas 1m choppy wind waves from WNW

Having a rollicking ride. All well.


Tue Nov 28 8:33 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0.0
knts
GPS: 35 18.82s 174 07.30e
Run: 11.3nm (20.5km)
Avg: 43.3knts
24hr: 1039.7nm
Weather: 100% cloud, no wind to speak of

All Well. SCOOTS is tucked into a slip in Opua after a wet and windy 6 day passage. Now the cleanup begins.


Tue Nov 28 8:17 2017 NZDT
GPS: 35 9.19968s 174 9.43404e
Run: 1205.8nm (2182.5km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 170.3nm

arrived yesterday afternoon


Tue Nov 21 6:24 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0.0
knts
GPS: 18 07.38s 178 25.34e
Weather: 100% cloud, rain, very little wind from SW-SE

All Well, leaving Suva for Opua this morning. It rained all night, hope it stops before we go.


Mon Nov 20 6:42 2017 NZDT
Speed:
0.0
knts
GPS: 18 07.38s 178 25.34e
Run: 107.2nm (194km)
Weather: wind 4 kts from the north overcast with some occasional short rain showers

all Well, leaving Suva today for Opua


Sat Aug 12 7:16 2017 NZST
GPS: 16 56.57s 177 21.97e
Run: 19.7nm (35.7km)
Weather: wind SE at 10 clear skies, Baro 1017

Anchored at Blue Lagoon


Wed Aug 9 20:09 2017 NZST
GPS: 17 10.28S 177 11.26E
Run: 262.5nm (475.1km)
Weather: 8knts ESE, 100%clouds, 1018 baro

anchored at the Manta Ray Island Resort


Wed Jun 7 8:02 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.1ms
knts
GPS: 20 45S 178 32E
Run: 259.4nm (469.5km)
Avg: 2.7knts
24hr: 64.8nm
Weather: 20SE, 2m se swell, 40%cc

185 to Vuda. All well


Sat Jun 3 8:00 2017 NZST
GPS: 23 39.721S 178 54.59W
Run: 203.6nm (368.5km)
Avg: 4.3knts
24hr: 102.4nm

anchored N Minerva last night


Thu Jun 1 8:15 2017 NZST
Speed:
2.6
knts
GPS: 25 43S 178 46E
Run: 116.7nm (211.2km)
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 117.4nm
Weather: SW5, .5mNE swell, 80%cc,

177nm to N Minerva


Wed May 31 8:24 2017 NZST
Speed:
6.7m
knts
GPS: 27 12S 177 52E
Run: 629.5nm (1139.4km)
Avg: 3.1knts
24hr: 73.5nm
Weather: 1022, 4E, less than 1m swell NE,

276 to Minerva


Mon May 22 18:56 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 50.21619S, 174 28.11352E

Still in Marsden Cove Marina with a bunch of other cruisers, waiting to head north. We've all decided to stay put for a few more days, to let the latest weather pass by. The fun today included a few of us motoring over to the fuel dock and filling up during the flat calm weather, and going on a long walk in the afternoon.


Sat May 20 21:10 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 50.21619S 174 28.11352E
Run: 11.2nm (20.3km)

In Marsden Cove, still waiting for the elusive weather window, to set sail for Fiji.


Wed May 10 6:45 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 43.41500S 174 19.53238E

Waiting in Whangarei for good weather along with everyone else.


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