Sharpe Focus

Mon Oct 21 17:12 2019 NZDT
GPS: 34 43.960s 173 43.644e
Run: 390.1nm (706.1km)
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 202.2nm

Sunny sky, a pod of orcas and the obligatory dolphins have welcomed us to NZ. After a thankfully uneventful but otherwise boring (=good) passage from New Caledonia requiring too much motorsailing we have a boisterous reach for our last afternoon at sea. SF is leaping along at an av of over 9kts with full main and staysail Going to need socks tonight! First time in a while


Sat Oct 19 18:54 2019 NZDT
GPS: 30 06.059s 169 54.181e
Run: 268.1nm (485.3km)
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 191.8nm

Motoring directly into a 3kt wind since 1300 but on course for North Cape. 372nm to Opua ETA late Monday evening or early Tuesday morning We have sunshine back after a period of grey clouds, drizzle and variable winds this morning that had us wishing we could turn around and sail back to New Caledonia All ok though


Fri Oct 18 9:21 2019 NZDT
GPS: 26 54.805s 167 23.246e
Run: 890.9nm (1612.5km)

At the end of a pleasant day sailing SF on the wind in around 11 to 13kts the wind had lifted us over 60 degrees allowing us to leave Norfolk I to starboard and lay a course for North Cape with sheets eased. The wind has now dropped to below 9 kts and continues to lift so we are currently motorsailing - and going well


Sat Sep 14 10:06 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 49.607s 177 17.459e

Arrived in New Caledonia All good Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone


Tue Sep 10 14:54 2019 NZST
GPS: 17 49.607s 177 17.459e
Run: 227.8nm (412.3km)

Leaving Fiji for Noumea, New Caledonia ETA Havanna early Saturday at present. Noumea on Sunday Sent from my iPhone


Wed Jun 19 11:16 2019 NZST
No position sent.

We arrived on Tuesday in Fiji at Vuda Marina. We have diverted here because 40 miles from entering South Minerva Reef, our anticipated pitstop on the way to Tonga, the sail drive propulsion unit refused to engage. The engine is fine it just wont go into gear. At that location we were equidistant from Fiji or Tonga. The facilities for repair and the weather both dictated we change course and sail to Fiji. All is well although it was a long slow trip as light winds from aft. To make matters more annoying the connection socket for the Optimizer came loose inside the satphone meaning comms were reduced to sms and calls through the satphone

Email should be restored today with local sim card


Wed Jun 12 18:54 2019 NZST
Run: 8522.5nm (15425.7km)
Avg: 5475.8knts
24hr: 131419.6nm

Wind has just begun to show signs that it will fill in from the wnw. Although this morning we enjoyed a great sail for a few hours it has been overall a really slow trip. We are all comfy and caught up on sleep Looking forward to anchoring at Minerva Reef.


Wed Jun 12 0:51 2019 NZST
GPS: 30 57.505s 177 56.717e
Run: 119.4nm (216.1km)
Avg: 4.1knts
24hr: 97.6nm

All well.

Yesterday just before dark the autopilot stopped. It wasn?t overloaded, hadn?t given any trouble etc So we read the manuals and hand steered all night. It was actually rather nice although we are tired now. This morning we got an email from Tony C with some ideas of where the problem might be. Sharpie and Bruce did boat yoga with a multimeter and 2 original cable joins that looked suss and I drove. We now have a working autopilot again and will make up lost rest.

It?s a slow trip so far with light wind and headwinds after the fast ride out of Waitemata Hbr.


Mon Jun 10 19:30 2019 NZST
GPS: 32 40.900s 177 48.482e
Run: 166.6nm (301.5km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 157.1nm

All well.

The wind died overnight so motorsailing today. Wind all over the place and we?re on the wind! This was not in the brochure. Hope to get easterlies soon


Sun Jun 9 18:03 2019 NZST
GPS: 34 36.466s 176 03.928e
Run: 3.3nm (6km)
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 116.2nm

All well. Departed Westhaven at 1600 yesterday afternoon into 30kt winds and up to 47kts in gusty conditions. The front went through as forecast and now motoring since 1500 as TWS 2.6kts and a calm sea. Thanks Dinah for dinner tonight, a delicious lamb stew


Sat Jun 8 16:41 2019 NZST
GPS: 36 49S 174 49E
Run: 118.8nm (215km)
Weather: Windy gusting to 37kts TWD 213

Leaving Auckland at 1630

Wind forecast to drop significantly this evening

As it moderates we need to try and hang on to the SW winds as long as we can.


Sat Nov 24 15:38 2018 NZDT
GPS: 35 11.153S 174 08.790E
Run: 779.9nm (1411.6km)
Avg: 28.7knts
24hr: 688.4nm
Weather: Calm and overcast

Entering Bay of Islands. A good trip if too much motoring as wind from aft the beam was not as strong as forecast. Look forward to clearing in at Opua


Fri Nov 23 12:27 2018 NZDT
Speed:
8.6
knts
GPS: 32 03.229s 172 49.338s
Run: 939nm (1699.6km)
Avg: 41.4knts
24hr: 992.8nm
Weather: overcast small disorganised seas TWD 283 TWS 13.4 kts Baro 1012

Looking forward to arrival in Opua tomorrow. Good trip and all well


Thu Nov 22 13:45 2018 NZDT
Speed:
10kts
knts
GPS: 29 30.028s 171 37.853e
Run: 210.4nm (380.8km)
Avg: 8.1knts
24hr: 193.8nm
Weather: TWD 268mag TWS 18 to 24kts. Sea state building but swell remains 1 to 1.5 m overcast

trucking along now with AWA 107. All ok


Wed Nov 21 11:42 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.2
knts
GPS: 26 39.910s 170 22.530e
Run: 16.4nm (29.7km)
Avg: 8.2knts
24hr: 196.8nm
Weather: TWS 8 from 286 degrees mag, calm

on passage from New Caledonia to Opua New Zealand. Two on board all ok


Wed Nov 21 9:42 2018 NZDT
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 26 25.754s 170 21.202e
Run: 100.1nm (181.2km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168nm
Weather: TWS 8kts expected to build to 15kts later. Sea calm swell less than 1m. Overcast with occasional showers

All well but starting to get noticeably cooler


Tue Nov 20 19:24 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 25 03.681s 169 49.509e
Run: 285.9nm (517.5km)
Avg: 10.1knts
24hr: 243.3nm
Weather: TWS 8 from 187 degrees, sunny and long 1m swells

It?s been pleasant sailing so far even if wind and current are both n the nose. Only achieved 157 nm in first 24 hours though. Now motor sailing, probably till Wed morning when new westerly wind expected. Two on board all ok


Tue Nov 20 19:24 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 25 03.681s 169 49.509e
Weather: TWS 8 from 187 degrees, sunny and long 1m swells

It?s been pleasant sailing so far even if wind and current are both n the nose. Only achieved 157 nm in first 24 hours though. Now motor sailing, probably till Wed morning when new westerly wind expected. Two on board all ok


Tue Nov 20 19:24 2018 NZDT
Speed:
6.8
knts
GPS: 25 03.681s 169 49.509e
Weather: TWS 8 from 187 degrees, sunny and long 1m swells

It?s been pleasant sailing so far even if wind and current are both n the nose. Only achieved 157 nm in first 24 hours though. Now motor sailing, probably till Wed morning when new westerly wind expected. Two on board all ok


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.598s 166 26.142e

test email


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.598s 166 26.142e

test email


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.598s 166 26.142e

test email


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.598s 166 26.142e

test email


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.598s 166 26.142e

test email


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.598s 166 26.142e
Run: 90.1nm (163.1km)

test email


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
8.1
knts
GPS: 22 57.188s 167 40.441e
Run: 90.1nm (163.1km)
Weather: TWS16 from 155 degrees, overcast sky and small but lumpy seas

on passage from New Caledonia to Opua New Zealand. Two on board all ok


Mon Nov 19 15:12 2018 NZDT
Speed:
0
knts
GPS: 22 19.598s 166 26.142e
Run: 68.2nm (123.4km)
Avg: 12.3knts
24hr: 295.2nm

test email


Mon Nov 19 9:39 2018 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.560S 167 26.446E
Run: 41.8nm (75.7km)
Weather: Light westerly

We will be sailing from Kuto Bay, Ile des Pins, NC today at 1200 local time

ETA Opua, Bay of Islands, NZ early Sunday morning 24/11

Sad to go but forecast looks pretty good


Thu Sep 20 0:00 2018 NZST
GPS: 22 33.132S 166 47.781E
Run: 761.7nm (1378.7km)
Weather: Stunning

Chilled


Mon Sep 17 8:23 2018 NZST

Been in New Caledonia for a while now. Weather is beginning to warm up- it was very cool after Fiji! Expect to stay until the end of October/early November


Fri Aug 31 12:34 2018 NZST
GPS: 17 46.352s 177 22.892e
Run: 1327.7nm (2403.1km)

Leaving Port Denarau to sail a ross to New Caledonia this arvo. Will try and post on way but not sure yet if email is ok again.

ETA Noumea Tuesday


Tue Jul 3 8:33 2018 NZST
GPS: 36 50.465s 174 44.754e
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)

Cleared customs. Leaving soon. Soon be warm


Tue Jun 26 6:53 2018 NZST
GPS: 36 50.795s 174 43.674e
Run: 1.1nm (2km)

Having spent 5 weeks out of the water at Hobsonville Marina we are back floating at Westhaven Marina. Planned maintenance grew and, as we found some further damage from hitting a bombie last year that needed to be fixed we went the whole way and did next years maintenance as well!

Sailing up to Opua on the weekend and hopefully north to Fiji soon after


Sun May 6 20:14 2018 NZST
GPS: 36 50.463s 174 44.752e
Run: 73.3nm (132.7km)

Back on the boat in Westhaven Marina Auckland. Should be ready to sail north to Fiji in about 4 weeks. Will clear in at Port Denarau


Fri Nov 24 7:56 2017 NZDT
GPS: 35 46.826S 174 45.464E
Run: 1007.8nm (1824.1km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.2nm
Weather: Calm and cool

Arrived safely to the Land of the long white cloud Hello NZ


Sat Nov 18 7:15 2017 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.516s 167 26.408e
Run: 10661.3nm (19297km)
Avg: 303.2knts
24hr: 7277.1nm
Weather: Calm. Southerly. Cool

Leaving 0600 today


Thu Nov 16 20:05 2017 NZDT
Run: 10656.4nm (19288.1km)
Avg: 307.5knts
24hr: 7381.2nm
Weather: Light SE

Anchored in Isle of Pines


Tue Nov 14 18:56 2017 NZDT
GPS: 22 16.959s 166 35.569e
Run: 12.8nm (23.2km)

On the way to the Isle of Pines which will be the starting point for our voyage home

Anchored tonight behind Ile Bailey. Peaceful and deserted


Sat Oct 28 7:51 2017 NZDT
GPS: 22 19.951S 166 24..420E
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)

Planning started for return passage to New Zealand. Looking for a weather window to depart around November 3rd. We will clear in at Opua.


Fri Oct 20 17:47 2017 NZDT
GPS: 22 18.241s 166 26.665e
Run: 757.3nm (1370.7km)
Avg: 26.3knts
24hr: 630.1nm

Today I rode the kiteboard a record 200 metres. Whoopee!

Sharpie rode his much further and n both directions, so we are starting to make real progress


Thu Oct 19 12:56 2017 NZDT
GPS: 17 44.06039S 177 2.96906E
Run: 0.7nm (1.3km)

Happily moored at Iilot Maitre in New Caledonia.

Plan to return to NZ in early November


Wed Aug 9 15:01 2017 NZST
GPS: 17 43.855S 177 03.609E
Run: 0.4nm (0.7km)
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131.9nm
Weather: Calm

On 630 nm passage to Havannah Passage New Caledonia


Wed Aug 9 14:57 2017 NZST
GPS: 17 43.604S 177 03.875E
Run: 194.9nm (352.8km)
Weather: Calm

Sailing from Fiji to New Caledonia


Sun Jun 11 13:13 2017 NZST
GPS: 16 56.042S 179 54.009E
Run: 5.5nm (10km)
Avg: 22.1knts
24hr: 531.5nm

Sun Jun 11 12:58 2017 NZST
GPS: 16 56.042S 179 59.009E
Run: 470.5nm (851.6km)

Moored off Paradise Resort, Taveuni


Wed May 10 19:25 2017 NZST
GPS: 23 39.721S 178 54.59W
Run: 881.2nm (1595km)
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.6nm

reported by RCC to be in North Minerva


Fri May 5 14:42 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 01.801S 174 26.730E
Run: 25.5nm (46.2km)
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 176.7nm

10kts from s is making it slow sailing to the north. So doing 7kts using engine to boost speed


Fri May 5 11:15 2017 NZST
GPS: 35 16.200S 174 06.182E
Run: 89.7nm (162.4km)

Leaving Bay of Islands in New Zealand for Savusavu in Fiji

1200nm passage

Expect to arrive at Waitui Marina between 13th and 14th May 2017


Mon Nov 14 19:50 2016 NZDT
GPS: 35 18.765s 174 7.243e
Run: 128.2nm (232km)

Bit late, sorry everyone but just to let you know we arrived safely in Opua NZ mid morning on Sat 12/11. Will be here until it stops blowing.


Fri Nov 11 19:00 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 33 49.520s 172 46.532e
Run: 77.2nm (139.7km)
Avg: 9.2knts
24hr: 221.9nm
Weather: 17 to 22kts NW 2.0m swell. Full cloud cover and some rain. Lumpy sea making things lively. Should round North Cape between 10pm and midnight then a further 70 nm to the Bay of Islands and Opua.

On passage Noumea, New Caledonia to Opua, New Zealand. ETA Saturday 12 November


Fri Nov 11 10:39 2016 NZDT
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 33 02.597s 171 49.186e
Run: 149nm (269.7km)
Avg: 7.8knts
24hr: 187.2nm
Weather: 17 to 20kts NNW 1.0m swell. Full cloud cover. A3 put to bed. Have been broad reaching for last 18 hours with full main and staysail. Sad to leave New Cal and blue seas but starting to look forward to reaching NZ

On passage Noumea, New Caledonia to Opua, New Zealand. ETA Saturday 12 November


Thu Nov 10 15:33 2016 NZDT
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 31 39.807s 169 51.542e
Run: 150.7nm (272.8km)
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 163.7nm
Weather: 9.3 knts NNW 1.0m swell. Sunny. Finally able to set the big A sail

On passage Noumea, New Caledonia to Opua, New Zealand. ETA Saturday 12 November. Current 1kt from 100 degrees M


Wed Nov 9 17:27 2016 NZDT
Speed:
5.7
knts
GPS: 29 43.398s 168 42.046e
Run: 121.9nm (220.6km)
Avg: 2.9knts
24hr: 70.6nm
Weather: 4.3 knts SSE 1.0m swell. Sunny

On passage Noumea, New Caledonia to Opua, New Zealand. ETA Saturday 12 November. Current 1kt from 180 degrees M


Tue Nov 8 0:00 2016 NZDT
GPS: 28 04.58S 167 58.75E
Run: 375.9nm (680.4km)
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 155nm

latest position as of 18:41 on the 8th


Sat Nov 5 13:46 2016 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.584s 167 26.421e
Run: 69.1nm (125.1km)

Leaving Sunday 06/11/16 at 0700 from Kuto Bay, Ille des Pins, for Opua, New Zealand

ETA Opua is Saturday 12/11/16

Will send daily pos report via Satphone +881631591941 and boat email sharpefocus@onsatmail.com


Mon Sep 26 9:06 2016 NZDT
GPS: 20 41.382s 164 14.631e
Run: 77.9nm (141km)
Weather: 4kts at 287 expected to go west and freshen to 10/15 kts later

Leaving Koumac for Noumea.


Sat Sep 24 8:01 2016 NZST
GPS: 19 42.835s 163 38.545e
Run: 94.4nm (170.9km)
Weather: Weather in French on VHF ch 65

Very isolated in the far north of New Caledonia. Also anchored at uninhabited Ile Balabio. Good fishing in passes between submerged coral reefs. Electronic charts accurate so far and Nav marks in place.


Wed Sep 21 14:59 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 32.270s 164 48.169e
Run: 108nm (195.5km)

New Cal coastline between Touho and Puebo is stunning with La Poule rock formation at Hieghene and the Tao water cascades the highlights. Touho was a great overnight anchorage. The local shop in the bay sold everything from baguettes, bras and eggs to petrol cans! Next door is the Marche open on Wed and Sat mornings


Mon Sep 19 16:07 2016 NZST
GPS: 20 42.437s 166 27.731e
Run: 802.7nm (1452.9km)

Ouvea anchorage off Paradis Resort, Mouli Is. in 4.6m white sand


Sun Aug 7 12:14 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 19.49964S 178 13.13307E
Run: 0.4nm (0.7km)

Thu Aug 4 8:50 2016 NZST
GPS: 17 19.27657S 178 13.39314E

Anchored


Sharpe Focus - Off to Tonga

After a long wait for weather we are clearing out from Auckland on Sat 8/6. Bound for Minerva and then Vavau.

Sharpe Focus - Vanuatu to Lifou and Ouvea Loyalty Islands

As we waited for a new hydraulic ram for the auto pilot in Vanuatu we realised that we were not going to achieve all our cruising objectives there this year. So we joined the ICA Rally for their leg to Lifou in the Loyalty Islands. This destination has also been on our list and it was a great decision. We have lucked a big high pressure system and calm conditions that are making Ouvea a dream anchorage. Now we leave for Touho on the Grande Terre and to explore the northern lagoon while this weather Read more...

holds

Congratulations my friends. Another successful crossing. Enjoy your ambience, the food, friends, etc. and especially the warm weather. Typical grey winter in Perth right now.

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