We anchored at Urquharts Bay last night so we could ride the rising current up the river to Whangarei this morning. It's great to be back at Riverside Drive Marina, our home away from home.

We are gradually making our way to Whangarei and are now anchored at Tutukaka. Unlike other recent anchorages, this one has good internet access: a blessing and a curse. I guess I'll have to get some work done rather than go hiking!

We had SW 35 two days ago, and NW 35 is forecast for tonight. In between gales we had a great time at Urupukapuka Island, with a great hike under sunny skies. We took the opportunity early this morning to scoot around Cape Brett and are now tucked into Whangamumu Harbour for the next few days.

We anchored briefly at Paihia for provisions and are now in Parorenui Bay. A Parade of Gales is forecast for the next several days, so we may shuttle between this anchorage

We left the protection and expense of the nice marina and headed out to Moturua Island. The small bay next to us is best situated for the strong incoming northerlies but it was full when we arrived, so we are hunkered down in Hahangarua Bay for the next few days.

We were tied to the Customs dock in Opua by 1000, almost but not quite 7 full days after we weighed anchor in Vanuatu. We enjoyed greeting people we've gotten to know in our several stops here, and are now looking forward to a good night's sleep! It was a fast trip but a wet one, so we'll spend a few days getting the boat and its contents dried & aired ouy, then head to anchorages in the Bay of Islands.

Wind and waves calmed considerably throughout the night. By morning we were sailing very slowly and slightly off course, but we aren't in a hurry and chose to simply enjoy a beautiful morning on the ocean. What a sweet sail! The engine went on after lunch, when the breeze dropped below 5k; we'll still make it to Opua by midday tomorrow. We've already been welcomed to NZ waters by 2 whales near the boat, and a green flash at sunset!

Morning had clouds and light rain, but by this noon report we had gray skies behind us and blue ahead. Surely we are going in the right direction!

And on the fifth day, we were resurrected: sky appeared and waves abated. We raised full sails, we are dry, and we are enjoying the ride!

So far this passage has been unappealing but efficient. Dousing waves, cloud cover and rain are balanced by being able to sail the rhumb line to NZ.

Much of last night saw winds in the 30's and rain. We eased off our course a bit to minimize bashing, and went from 2nd to 3rd reef at 0400. We went back to 2nd reef at midday, but will lower to 3rd again this evening since indications are we have another squally night ahead.

Conditions overnight were rowdy; we were relieved when the wind and waves backed a bit so the ride isn't quite as rough. Some excitement this morning: with a loud shattering sound followed by wild flogging of the foresail, the aft starboard winch broke! Looks like Art may get his wish for an electric winch this year after all...

Bound for Opua! We would have departed this morning regardless, since wind patterns for the overall passage looked favorable

We had a very good sail from Vila, and arrived at Aneityum just as the strong winds started to kick up. After a few last-minute chores like stowing the dinghy for a long-distance passage and pre-cooking some meals, we'll be ready for the Big Leap to NZ. Departure could be anywhere between a day and a week from now, depending on incoming weather.

We crammed a lot of tasks into a shortened time frame in Port Vila so we could take advantage of reasonable conditions to sail to Aneityum, >180 miles to windward. So far we've had excellent sailing!

On a mooring in Port Vila, getting ready for the passage to NZ. Depending on longer term forecasts, we're hoping to sail to Aneityum in a couple of days, then head to NZ from there.

Anchored in Mele Bay, gathering energy after our overnight sail from Epi. We'll move to a mooring in Port Vila harbor early tomorrow morning to start prepping for the upcoming passage back to NZ.

We'd planned to stay in Vanuatu for 6 weeks, but the early start to the cyclone season caused us to decide to depart earlier. We are now working our way back to Port Vila, with a pleasant stop at Lamen Bay on Epi Island.

(Our SSB was temporarily out of commission so this report is 2 days old.) When the wind and rain finally eased, we moved 5 miles north to Munvet Point. Aside from an uncomfortable WSW swell, the anchorage was wonderful: interesting beaches & caves, and outstanding snorkeling.

We had an excellent downwind sail overnight to Metenovor Bay on the southwest side of Malekula Island (also known, appropriately, as Southwest Bay). It's a large bay with many villages, and we are the only cruising boat anchored here. We plan to spend the next several days visiting places ashore while waiting out this spell of rainy wind/windy rain.

Conditions are stronger outside the harbor (winds 18-20k and seas 1.5m) but Sema Bay, inside Havannah Harbor, is calm

Anchored at Hideaway, just an hour outside of Port Vila. We'll watch the beach restaurant's Friday night fire show (from the boat; the dinghy is stowed for travel), then move around to Havannah Harbor tomorrow.

We arrived in Port Vila on Saturday but neglected to post anything

After a marvelous stay at Port Resolution, we had a spirited downwind run to Dillon Bay on Erromango Island. Open water conditions are feisty but the anchorage is relatively calm.

Made landfall at Port Resolution on Tanna at 1430 local time. It was an outstanding passage and we look forward to a few days of activities here, including a hike and a trip to the active volcano.

A perfect sailing day! We're glad Camden is getting a day of passage-making at its best. Okay, so no fish on the line yet...but everything else is ideal.

We had several hours of winds over 20k and seas up to 3m, so Camden's first night on an ocean passage was pretty boisterous! He's doing great and we're all enjoying the voyage.

An invigorating start to our passage to Vanuatu with Camden!

Moved back to Denarau, where we'll spend the next few days preparing for our son's arrival. We're excited about his visit, and about him coming with us on our passage to Vanuatu in about a week!

Playing hide and seek with the wind! Had a great sail back to the mainland, where we're riding out the northerlies at the north end of Nadi Bay. Tomorrow we'll move around to Saweni Bay, hopefully before the strong southerlies arrive.

We were headed for Manta Ray Pass but the predicted easterlies were bending south into that anchorage, so we diverted to Cuvu Bay on the south end of Naviti Island. We'll do some projects here for a couple of days, and with a bit of luck we might still be able to dinghy over to the pass for a swim.

With calmer conditions the Musket Cove anchorage felt better, and the shore facilities were attractive. However, with some strong winds predicted in a couple of days, we decided to move on. The Navadra anchorage is deep and rolly, but has gorgeous beaches and sunset views; a good stop!

It took us 3 seasons in Fiji to finally make it to Musket Cove! We're not sure why this place is so popular; the anchorage is windy, deep, close to reefs, and very crowded. We'll check out a bit of the shore scene tomorrow, but plan to move on soon.

Robinson Crusoe Island did indeed have a marvelous Dance & Fire Show! Now we're anchored in Saweni Bay, our home base for the next several days: we'll pick up the replacement stanchions shipped from the USA to Fiji, then put the boat back to pre-ferry collision condition. En route we stopped at Denarau and had a lovely evening with Gordon of S/V Ms Murphy and his friend Sue. It was fun to connect person to person, rather than boat to boat as we did on that fateful night in Suva!

Had a wonderful sail to Likuri Island, a.k.a. Robinson Crusoe Island. Many people have told us they have the best fire show anywhere, so we'll celebrate our 44th anniversary tomorrow night in flames!

Finally escaped Suva City! Happily anchored at Yanuca in Beqa Lagoon; we're the only ones here and hope it will warm up enough for a swim tomorrow.

We would love to have stayed at Namara indefinitely, but unfortunately business drew us back to Suva. We'll be here at least a week, for dentist visit(s) and trying (still) to get reimbursed for the ferry collision damage.

No overnight sail this time; just 3 nm to Namara. A beautiful sandy beach and snorkeling right off the boat beckon

We arrived at Draveuni in the Astrolabe Reef after another overnight sail, hoping to snorkel for a few days here. Some forecasts say it will be too windy for comfortable swimming, others say it will be okay. We're voting for okay.

An overnight sail brought us to Herald Bay on Gau. Sevusevu in the village of Saiweke was interesting; the elderly chief was listening to BBC news on his radio (no internet here) when we arrived. He is astute and up to date with current world events

Anchored in Paradise

We came to the south end of Rabi Island to look for manta rays. Didn't find mantas, but did find a lovely anchorage: Katherine Bay is safe, secluded, and very pretty.

Had a delightful sail to Albert Cove on Rabi Island. There are 7 other boats here; the first time in 4 weeks we haven't been by ourselves in an anchorage. Back to civilization? (Probably not; one of the boats is Midnight Sun...)

An overnight passage brought us to Qelelevu Lagoon, well off the beaten path. An exposed and rolly anchorage, but stunningly beautiful!

Anchored back at Vatudamu Point; had a nice dinghy trip up the Wainikoro River this afternoon. The next couple of days are likely to be rainy so we'll stay put. When that system passes, we plan to head east.

Given the stable weather pattern, we decided it was safe to anchor overnight out at the Great Sea Reef. Afternoon winds created waves too choppy for swimming, but morning snorkeling was fantastic!

Labasa was rowdy and fun! Now we're anchored at Vatudamu Point, very near a pass in the Great Sea Reef. If predictions hold, it will be calm enough to snorkel out there in the next couple of days.

Took advantage of calmer conditions and traveled upwind to Malau. It's basically just an open roadstead, but is the closest anchorage to Labasa. We look forward to taking a bus into town in the next few days, for both sights and fresh produce.

Anchored at Kia, outermost island in the Great Sea Reef. It's still a bit windy to be away from the protection of Vanua Levu, but prediction is for slightly calmer weather for a couple days so we figured it was now or never. The bottom is not ideal, sand and rock, but the scenery is gorgeous and the village of Daku extremely friendly.

Anchored at Kia, outermost island in the Great Sea Reef. It's still a bit windy to be away from the protection of Vanua Levu, but prediction is for slightly calmer weather for a couple days so we figured it was now or never. The bottom is not ideal, sand and rock, but the scenery is gorgeous and the village of Daku extremely friendly.

We had 20-30k winds for a couple of days, with a brief respite today before even stronger winds arrive over the weekend. We took the opportunity for a change of scenery and moved 5 miles up the coast to Nukubati. Gave our sevusevu in the village of Naqumu and played some music for them; a nice outing, since it's likely we'll be "boat-bound" for a while!

The enhanced winds predicted for the next several days looked a bit less strong to the east of us, so we moved a ways up the coast to Vunisinu Bay. It's a smaller version of Bua Bay (though still fairly large): surrounded by mangroves, shallow with a mud bottom, no villages.

Anchored in Naurore Bay, near the village of Naviqiri. We gave our sevusevu at the village this afternoon and are looking forward to a very placid night. Tomorrow we'll walk to the school, about 30 minutes away, to play some music for them.

We have reached the north coast of Vanua Levu, one of our primary destinations this season. It's fun to explore new places, especially ones off the beaten path! Koroinasolo Inlet is pretty but a chute for today's winds; fortunately it's shallow with a mud bottom, good holding. The next safe anchorage was too far to reach in good light today, so we'll move on tomorrow morning.

Anchored in large Bua Bay, expecting a windy night so we're glad we're in shallow water on a mud bottom. We plan to start heading around the north coast of Vanua Levu tomorrow morning.

Our stay in Savusavu was short and sweet; it's very easy to get errands done there. We didn't get to snorkel at Namena Reef when we passed through a few days ago and conditions were ideal today, so we made a return visit. Namena hasn't recovered from Cyclone Winston

We needed to stop in Savusavu for internet access, so we can follow up on ordering replacement parts. Close inspection of the rudder has revealed no damage, so we are hopeful that all we need to replace are the stanchions (w/their sockets), a furling lead block (already replaced), and some paint on the keel. As collisions go, that sure was a lucky one! It will be nice to spend a couple of days in Savusavu catching up with friends.

Namena Reef wasn't in the plans, but it was on the way so we decided to stop and check it out. Art caught a 4' wahoo this morning, so we'll feast for a while and have plenty to share with friends in Savusavu!

Our repairs from Princess Civa's collision could not be done in Suva and weather permitted an exit to the east, so we departed; sure were glad to leave Suva Harbor! We enjoyed a brief stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Levuka (Ovalau I.), and are now anchored at the north end of Makogai I.

We were one of the 5 vessels impacted

Anchored outside the Royal Suva Yacht Club at 0930; they facilitate all customs clearance formalities. Will go into town tomorrow to pick up the Fiji cruising permit & pay fees, and will move on to other islands as soon as weather permits.

A large squall in the night brought plenty of rain and wind; other than that, we've had constant motoring. Hoped-for breezes this afternoon did not materialize, but we're surrounded by beautiful blue and expect to arrive in Suva tomorrow morning, so all's well.

After driving all night, we were able to set sail in a light breeze this morning and are revelling in it! The band Great Big Sea's lyrics: "I've sailed the world over

Departed for Fiji this morning. This is the first time we've ever chosen to start a passage with no wind, but we've been in Minerva 1 1/2 weeks and there was no forecast for good sailing winds in sight, so we fired up the engines are are driving. Thank goodness for the new autopilot Art installed in Opua!

We were hoping to depart for Fiji today, but departed for the other side of the reef instead. 9 boats are tucked up on the ENE edge of the lagoon in preparation for this weekend's winds; we'll head out when this system passes.

Anchored in North Minerva Reef with 5 other boats. Wind & waves will increase, but we'd rather ride them out here than battle the nasties at sea between here and Fiji. Plus friends Dave & Wendy from Elysium just pulled in nearby; the Minerva Reef Yacht Club will be in full swing.

We are very close to North Minerva and expect to drop anchor in the early afternoon. It's been a great run from Opua! The reef anchorage will be a bit rough for a few days, but it will be nice to be off watch.

Had a boisterous overnight sail, clear sky and no squalls. Wind died for a bit in the morning so we motorsailed, and now are downwind with the full main up. A swell forecast indicated waves over 4M at South Minerva this weekend, so we will bypass that option and hope to reach North Minerva in good light tomorrow.

Reduced sail last evening in time to skirmish with an occasional nighttime squall. The edge of the large low pressure system crossing NZ is starting to catch up to us, so we are keeping 2nd reef + inner foresail, expecting winds & seas to build.

Another excellent passage day! One squall last night, but conditions today have been ideal.

Departed yesterday from Opua, bound for Minerva Reef. Best first-day wind and sea conditions we've ever had for a passage! We're pinching now so when the strong NW winds arrive, we'll have room to ease off. Position reports are from the noon sight.

Enjoying some of our favorite Bay of Islands anchorages while waiting for a weather window to sail north.

Anchored outside Bay of Islands Marina at Opua for final departure preparations.

We've been in various anchorages within Port Fitzroy, enjoying some nice walks for a few days then hunkering down during the NE gale. Hoping to head back across Hauraki Gulf tomorrow and arrive in Opua on Wednesday.

After lengthy diversions

Back at Riverside Drive Marina in Whangarei, our home away from home. Thanks to the Coast Guard folks for their assistance into Marsden 2 days ago, to Dave Berg for recommending that we become NZ Coast Guard members, and to Art for being able to repair transmissions!

Made an overnight run from Opua to Whangarei, but Hatea River Bridge closings and a transmission issue caused us to stop at Marsden Cove.

Moved to the Bay of Islands Marina so we could get some shore chores done. Post-passage fatigue when writing the last post made me neglect to mention that overall our passage from New Cal was very good, and we are happy to be back in NZ!

Cleared Customs in Opua and are now anchored across from the Bay of Islands Marina. We'll stay in this area for a few days to rest and renew acquaintances, then make our way down the coast to Whangarei.

An uneventful day; with conditions improving, we are making steady progress toward Opua and expect to make landfall tomorrow. It's been gray for 5 days

This morning's adventures included a large wave tossing a cascade down the companionway at the precise moment I had the hatch open to tether myself in; jury-rigging a fix for a broken reefing line; and finding clever solutions for the malfunctioning head. Just another day at sea! A good one, actually: making our two short-term goals of not arriving below 32S before the strongest part of the front passes ahead of us, and keeping the boat from bashing too much. We set sail yesterday afternoon, once the winds turned more northerly, and are making reasonable progress along the rhumb line to Opua.

We made great progress overnight but it looked like we were going to get within a couple degrees of NZ at the same time that area was getting the worst of the front, so we decided to heave to. Second Wind is glad to no longer be a submarine, and her crew is catching up on needed rest.

We're part of the New Cal group that's "parked" along the edge of the squash zone, hoping to avoid getting into the worst of the winds and squalls ahead. Wallowing in large seas has its moments; too bad we didn't get a video of Art chasing a hard boiled egg around the salon floor! (At least it was hard boiled.) Definitely looking forward to this system passing so we can get moving again.

We're part of the New Cal group that's "parked" along the edge of the squash zone, hoping to avoid getting into the worst of the winds and squalls ahead. Wallowing in large seas has its moments; too bad we didn't get a video of Art chasing a hard boiled egg around the salon floor! (At least it was hard boiled.) Definitely looking forward to this system passing so we can get moving again.

Motorsailing overnight brought us to the winds we wanted and we had a great morning run

Southeast wind and waves increased and this morning's gribs showed more favorable winds to the east, so we tacked. A bit of a diversion for now, but we're hoping to resume our course before too long. We've passed through different microsystems, with varying wind speeds and cloud cover, relatively close to each other.

We encountered the light NE at 24 50S and fired up the engine a short while later. Still making good headway and all is well on board. (1600 status update: since the noon report, skies have cleared a great deal, we have light southeasterlies and are sailing at 4k on a course of 170T.)

Bound for New Zealand! Having the best start to any passage ever: light upwind with sunny skies and no large waves to bash into. Who wouldn't want to cross oceans like this?

Had a lovely sail to the Isle of Pines! We're sharing the Kuto Bay anchorage with 12 other sailboats and one of the biggest cruise ships we've ever seen. Planning to enjoy the island while we're waiting for a weather window to depart for NZ.

Anchored at Baie Ire on Ile Ouen, en route to Ile des Pins.

Enjoyed a river walk in the upper reaches of Prony Bay yesterday before heading back to Noumea today. We were lucky to find a spot to anchor at Port Moselle; apparently two rallies are gathering here at the same time, so it's very crowded.

We stayed within Bay of Prony but moved to Ilot Casy in order to rendezvous with Paul & Chris of S/V Georgia. Had great hikes through dense scrub vegetation yesterday and a pine forest today.

A 24-hour passage brought us back to Grande Terre, where we are at a mooring at Anse Majic in Prony Bay. Tomorrow we plan to hike to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the South Lagoon.

After some delightful snorkeling along the cliffs at Jokin, we sailed to the west side of Lifou Island and are now anchored near Drueulu.

We beat our way from Ouvea to Lifou all day today; we're now anchored near the cliffs in Jokin Bay.

Back at "mainland" Ouvea, in anticipation of predicted strong southeasterlies. This time we're anchored near Lekiny, still with miles of sand and hardly any people.

We took advantage of the unusually calm weather to anchor at an islet on the far northern reef. Swam near large fish and large turtles, and enjoyed the solitude.

A boisterous overnight sail brought us to Ouvea, northernmost of New Cal's Loyalty Islands. The anchorage could not be more peaceful or beautiful: miles of white sand beach, no wind, and no crowds. I think we found Paradise...

Anchored at Ilot Nou, a well-protected basin just outside of Havannah Pass.

Enjoyed a lovely walk around Ilot Ua this morning, then moved on to Ilot Mato. We're a bit more exposed to wind here, but wave protection from the reefs is excellent.

Anchored at Ilot Ua, where we enjoyed snorkeling along a coral dropoff.

On a mooring at Ilot Amedee, near the graceful lighthouse. An ideal location! Water clarity is superb; turtles, remoras and reef sharks are clearly visible around the boat, and snorkeling is outstanding.

On a mooring at Ilot Maitre, our first stop on a month of exploring New Caledonia anchorages. Quite a few boats here-including jet skis and small ferries

Checked in to New Caledonia Customs at 1530 on Friday. We'll stay in Noumea for some R&R and provisioning for a few days, then will head out to explore anchorages.

Pinched & pounded yesterday and rolling more today than desired, but we're making good time and all is well on board. We expect to pass through the Loyalty Islands late this afternoon and hope make the entrance to Havannah Pass by slack tide tomorrow morning.

Departed Port Vila this morning, bound for Noumea.

Oops! Last report should have put us at 17 degrees south, not 16. (Done - GHRadio)

We put up with stronger headwinds moving into Mele Bay this morning so we could hang around Esema Bay yesterday for a jam session with an additional uke and a guy on washboard bass (large plastic tub, thin rope & a stick)

Still in Havannah Harbor; moved around a small point to anchor in Esema Bay for a slight change of scenery. Attending to some maintenance tasks, which feels good.

An overnight sail brought us back to Matapu Bay in Havannah Harbor (Efate Island) exactly 2 months after we stopped here on our way north

Arrived at Lamen Bay on Epi Island this morning. Last time we were here it was just a quick stopover; this time we plan to stay a few days to swim with the local dugong and turtles.

Anchored in the inner basin at Uliveo Island (Maskelyne Island group) yesterday afternoon. Had a delightful day playing in their primary and secondary schools, being treated to kava at the local kava bar, and having lobster from a nearby reef. Tomorrow we plan to visit their giant clam sanctuary.

Anchored at Awei Island, in the Maskelyne Island group on the SE corner of Malekula.

A couple of long tacks upwind brought us to Banam Bay yesterday. Crab Bay was murky but the water here is inviting; we'll snorkel here, as well as see the village's highly regarded custom dancing. We plan to stay at least through their Independence Day celebrations on July 30.

A boisterous sail from Ambrym Island to Malekula Island, where we are anchored at Crab Bay. We were hoping to swim with turtles here, but it's awfully blustery! At least Art caught a lovely mahimahi on the way in, so we'll feast tonight.

Had an overnight trek to the volcano with Good as Gold, Chara and JAMS

Had a great sail to Ambrym, then motored to Ranon anchorage once we were in the lee of the island. We're here for a cultural festival and will be in this area for at least a few days.

Close hauled all day but finally made it to Port Stanley on Malekula Island. Looking forward to a good night's rest, then heading to Ambrym early tomorrow morning.

Were headed to Luganville but diverted to Palikulo Bay when we learned S/V State of Mind was there. Many thanks to Brenda & Rod for Art's birthday feast! (Celebrated with them last year in Neaifu; wonder where we'll all be next year?)

Were headed to Luganville but diverted to Palikula Bay when we learned S/V State of Mind was there. Many thanks to Brenda & Rod for Art's birthday feast! (Celebrated with them last year in Neaifu; wonder where we'll all be next year?)

Anchored in Peterson Bay on Santo. The anchorage is deep & feels exposed, but with better light & some dinghy exploration in advance, we may be able to head through a shallow pass into a more protected location tomorrow. A dinghy river trip is on the agenda for this area.

Left the Banks Islands and arrived at Espiritu Santo after an overnight upwind passage. Anchored at Champagne Beach in Hog Harbor, where the sand is as soft as sifted flour!

Anchored at Waterfall Bay, Vanua Lava. Relatively calm in the anchorage given the conditions offshore. Heard incredible "water music" on Gaua, now looking forward to

An overnight sail brought us to Losalava Bay on Gaua Island, in the Banks group. Windy but secure here, and very remote.

Anchored at Asanvari Bay on Maewo Island. A lovely anchorage, though so far quite wet!

Waterfall Bay was aptly named and very enjoyable. This morning we motored 15nm north on glassy seas to Loltong.

After a magnificent experience watching the land diving, we headed north and are anchored at Waterfall Bay.

An overnight sail brought us to Homo Bay on Pentecost Island. We will play music in the village tomorrow and watch the land diving in nearby Wali on Saturday.

Another gorgeous sail, this time to Epi Island; we are anchored in Lamen Bay.

Had a gorgeous sail to Emae Island, where we are anchored in Sulua Bay.

Anchored in Matapu Bay, in Havannah Harbor on Efate Island. Lovely and calm, with the whole place to ourselves.

On a mooring in Port Vila. Nice to be back! Will be here a few days taking care of business, then head north.

Had a great time in the villages around Port Resolution; now en route to Port Vila.

Now at Tanna Island, enjoying the steam vents and wonderful people. Have traded for pamplemousse, bananas & lemons; lots of green things on board again!

Made landfall at Aneityum exactly 8 days after departure; anchored in Anelghowhat Bay. Had a bit of everything en route, & overall the passage was excellent. It's great to be at a warm island again!

Slow but pleasant sailing today. If we were faster or could sail the rhumb line we'd arrive in the dark tonight, so we're enjoying the lovely ride and looking forward to landfall tomorrow.

First glorious sailing day of this passage, a lively upwind romp. Made us remember it's not all about the destination!

Messy day as a trough passes. Strong squalls, motorsailing upwind, not much progress made. With such a great run so far and boats to the east of us getting clobbered, no whining allowed on this boat.

Half way there, at least as the albatross flies! Still making great time under reduced canvas with hearty winds & seas on starboard aft quarter. Decided not to cook the flying fish on deck for breakfast.

On second reef & inner foresail, will reduce to 3rd reef soon with wind & seas building. At least it warmed up enough to take off our coats & gloves!

Position from noon today. Propagation is poor so having trouble sending and receiving info, including current gribs; trying to situate ourselves reasonably well for upcoming weather.

Rough start leaving NZ yesterday but calmer now and making good progress

Waiting in Opua for a weather window to head to Vanuatu

Arrived safely in Opua, at Bay of Islands Marina

With limited mobility we have to arrive in Opua by daylight; sailing slowly to arrive tomorrow morning

Lost >20 miles while hove to, but rest was necessary; now we're clawing our way back towards North Cape

Hove to in a strong gale

Kept drifting north until wind returned; now in a race to round North Cape before the worst of the front arrives

No engine, and now no wind; wallowing in the waves, floating away from NZ!

Transmission failed this morning! Hoping fervently for favorable winds until landfall in a few days

Tacking into strong winds & rough seas

Finally some terrific wind!

Motorsailing

Made some easting overnight but still upwind toward Norfolk (at least we're no longer headed toward Australia!)

Making easting is still tough; Norfolk looks like a probable option

Tough upwind slog, having to tack. On the bright side, caught our biggest mahimahi ever!

On passage to New Zealand, with a possible stop at Norfolk Island. A better start than last year's passage, though it's the endgame that counts!

At Port Moselle, Noumea

Nearing landfall

Motorsailing in light winds

On passage from Port Vila to New Caledonia

At a mooring buoy in Port Vila

On passage to Port Vila. Leaving Tanna, volcano views were awesome!