Tangaroa

Sat Dec 26 9:46 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 13.24s 175 19.38e
Run: 4.3nm (7.8km)

Back at Bowling Alley Bay, in the beautiful sunshine, watching the dolphins play. Amber kayaked with the pod and had dolphins jumping over her bow. Dusty and Anthony swam with them and saw a mum and baby under water. I went spearfishing for the first time and caught a Porae for our dinner :)


Thu Dec 24 9:46 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 15.052s 175 23.455e
Run: 4.3nm (7.8km)

At Whangaparapara for Christmas. We had a delicious meal at the Lodge for Christmas eve and then had a rainy and windy Christmas day on Tangaroa.


Wed Dec 23 9:46 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 13.24s 175 19.38e
Run: 1.5nm (2.7km)

Dolphins played around the boat, followed us into Bowling Alley Bay and played in there for about 2 hours. They caught a massive snapper and threw it to our friend's boat, so we ate 'dolphin caught snapper' for dinner! I swam with the dolphins for about half an hour, they came so close to me, it was amazing!


Fri Dec 18 15:10 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 11.969s 175 19.736e
Run: 5nm (9.1km)

Smokehouse bay ... hot baths, rope swinging and eating freshly smoked butter fish and green and blue lipped mussels :)


Wed Dec 16 15:10 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 15.052s 175 23.455e
Run: 42.3nm (76.6km)

Back at Barrier. Awesome hike through the forest and a relaxing soak in the hot river.


Sat Dec 12 9:24 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 37.417s 174 47.260e
Run: 44.5nm (80.5km)

At Gulf Harbour marina for a few days, ready to pick up a guest from Oz. Caught a 1m long King fish trawling on the way here ... yum!


Thu Dec 10 9:24 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 10.435s 175 21.549e
Run: 2.4nm (4.3km)

At Port Fitzroy for a few days. Just got back from an overnight hike along part of the Aotea track. Awesome hut at the top (Heale hut).


Tue Dec 1 22:10 2015 NZDT
GPS: 36 11.977s 175 19.777e
Run: 65.1nm (117.8km)
Avg: 2.7knts
24hr: 65.1nm

Smokehouse Bay, Barrier Island. Idyllic setting for anchoring, surrounded by densely forested slopes and rocky islands. Enjoying the wood heated, well water fed outdoor bath.


Mon Nov 30 22:10 2015 NZDT
GPS: 35 43.427s 174 19.52e
Run: 13.8nm (25km)

Fantastic, but hectic, time at Town Basin, Whangerei. Spent some time with old friends from when we were here 7 months ago and met some new cruising families, sharing some wonderful times with them; meals, sleepovers and movie nights. Hard to leave, but there's more of NZ we want to see and we'll be back soon.


Wed Nov 25 8:14 2015 NZDT
GPS: 35 37.054s 174 31.98e
Run: 28.7nm (51.9km)

Anchored in the nice peaceful Tutukaka harbour last night. Now on our way to Marsden Cove to catch up with friends and sleep off the boat for the first time since April!!


Mon Nov 23 21:54 2015 NZDT
GPS: 35 15s 174 17.8e
Run: 10.8nm (19.5km)

Heading from the Bay of Islands to Whangerei. Anchored in the beautiful bay Whangamoomoo. Perfectly calm and flat around Cape Brett, very different to when we were last there!!


Thu Nov 12 16:11 2015 NZDT
Speed:
0kts
knts
GPS: 35 18.856s 174 07.316e
Run: 119.3nm (215.9km)
Avg: 3.7knts
24hr: 88.5nm

Threw on the mooring lines @ 0100hrs this morning. Sleeping off the crossing snug in Opua marina in New Zealand.


Wed Nov 11 7:50 2015 NZDT
Speed:
5.5kts
knts
GPS: 33 49.600s 173 03.500e
Run: 152.6nm (276.2km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 152.4nm
Weather: SW 5 - 10kts, 50% cc, bar. 1009

Motor sailing at 5.5kts.


Tue Nov 10 7:48 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.0kts
knts
GPS: 32 06.600s 171 24.200e
Run: 153nm (276.9km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 150.4nm
Weather: NW 15kts, 80% cc, bar. 1009

Sailing at 6kts, Spinnaker all day yesterday.


Mon Nov 9 7:23 2015 NZDT
Speed:
3.0kts
knts
GPS: 30 25.600s 169 43.200e
Run: 97.7nm (176.8km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 96.3nm
Weather: N 5kts, 10% cc, bar. 1011

Slow sailing at 3kts, hoping for a little more wind today.


Sun Nov 8 7:02 2015 NZDT
Speed:
6.0kts
knts
GPS: 29 17.400s 168 45.100e
Run: 303.4nm (549.2km)
Avg: 13knts
24hr: 312.7nm
Weather: N 5kts, 80% cc, bar. 1014

motorsailing, Raised Norfolk up off the horizon before the sun set last night.


Sat Nov 7 7:45 2015 NZDT
GPS: 24 58.767s 167 49.240e
Weather: wind 90deg 5kts waves 0.5m

Motor sailing inn light winds on a bearing of 160. There is a story of the Mahimahi that got away..


Fri Nov 6 8:03 2015 NZDT
GPS: 24 58.767s 167 49.240e
Run: 162.3nm (293.8km)
Avg: 4.7knts
24hr: 113.2nm

Beautifully calm day yesterday, waves picked up overnight so not quite so smooth now. Wind 10-15knots S/SE. COG 185deg, SOG 7kt, distance to destination 700nm.


Wed Nov 4 21:39 2015 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.444s 167 26.507e

Last day in the Pacific Islands (for a while at least!), heading to NZ tomorrow morning. Had a lovely day playing in the turquoise water and the silky soft, white sand. Enjoyed our last night, with the sun setting over the perfectly calm ocean, dolphins, turtles and whales swimming all around us while we had drinks with friends we made on our very first night in Tonga Tapu.


Wed Nov 4 21:16 2015 NZDT
GPS: 22 39.444s 167 26.507e
Run: 44.7nm (80.9km)

Last day in the Pacific Islands (for a while at least!), heading to NZ tomorrow morning. Had a lovely day playing in the turquoise water and the silky soft, white sand. Enjoyed our last night, with the sun setting over the perfectly calm ocean, dolphins, turtles and whales swimming all around us while we had drinks with friends we made on our very first night in Tonga Tapu.


Sun Oct 25 21:49 2015 NZDT
GPS: 22 18.170s 166 51.396e
Run: 3.8nm (6.9km)

Gentle sail up the bay de Prony to Hot Springs!


Sat Oct 24 12:07 2015 NZDT
GPS: 22 21.387s 166 50.549e
Run: 10.6nm (19.2km)

Picked up a mooring buoy off an old abandoned resort near Casy island in bay de Prony, spectacular little sheltered spot. Early morning yoga at the end of the old pier, clear blue sky with glassy still turquoise water in front with long straight pier, sandy palm fringed beach and rain forest arcing around behind, felt like I was part of a travel agent's brochure. This part of cruising makes the discomfort of smashing through big seas worth it.


Thu Oct 22 19:05 2015 NZDT
GPS: 22 27.80330S 166 43.47211E
Run: 94.5nm (171km)

Alongside the pontoon in Noumea. Restocking with some yummy, but expensive, provisions before checking out some less urbanised areas. The cheese, olives and pasties are very welcome after so many months without.


Tue Oct 20 19:38 2015 NZDT
GPS: 21 35.330s 167 51.449e
Run: 13.6nm (24.6km)

Finally a break in the weather to allow us to sail to Noumea. Had a great few days relaxing in Baie du Nord, Mare Island. The snorkeling was amazing with close encounters with turtles, eagle rays and so many species of reef fish. Sailed this morning and anchored for the day at the beautiful, Plage de Pede, also on Mare Island. Lovely beach surrounded by rocks and caves. Tonight we are continuing the sail to Noumea. Girls will sleep through the entire sail and wake up there! We will check in to New Caledonia tomorrow and be allowed to pull our Q-flag down and set foot on land ... almost a week since we've touched land!


Fri Oct 16 15:50 2015 NZDT
GPS: 21 23.736s 167 53.658e
Run: 163.4nm (295.8km)
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 138nm

Forecast underestimated conditions a bit, hit by some messy seas on this last crossing, 35 to 45nm/h winds with around 5m seas. Big wave tore one anchor hatch door off, broke 1 stanchion and broke hatch above heads. Water below Tangaroa was up to 6000m deep! Exciting stuff, kids slept through it all. Gently rocking at anchor in Baie Du Nord in the Loyalty Islands now. Onward to Noumea, New Caledonia after a bit of maintenance and a days rest.


Thu Oct 15 11:25 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 23.830s 169 14.544e

Leaving Vanuatu for Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia. Wind was too strong to sail to port Resolution so anchored off a nice black sand beach in a really rolly anchorage, soot builds up on deck each morning. Visited the active Volcano yesterday which was very exciting.


Wed Oct 14 11:06 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 23.830s 169 14.544e
Run: 9.6nm (17.4km)

Wind to strong to sail around to port Resolution so anchored off a nice Black sand beach in a realy rolly anchorage in the lee of Tanna, soot builds up on deck each morning. Visited the active Volcano yesterday which was very exciting. Plan to sail towards the Loyalties and New Caledonia in a day or two.


Sat Oct 10 8:16 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 32.037s 169 15.936e
Run: 118.5nm (214.5km)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 179.6nm

Arrived at Lenakel Bay, Tanner Islanmd, Vanuatu at 6.45am. It's really rolly, waves breaking and rocks all around ... we have to be at this anchorage until we clear customs and then hopefully our chosen anchorage near the volcano will be better :)


Fri Oct 9 16:26 2015 NZDT
GPS: 18 54.322s 170 57.343e
Run: 209.4nm (379km)
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 200.4nm

25 knot southeasterly winds, swell still bigger than we would like. Looking forward to having some calmer seas when we get into the lee of island at around 3am and arriving early tomorrow morning.


Thu Oct 8 15:21 2015 NZDT
GPS: 18 19.500s 174 05.621e
Run: 220.9nm (399.8km)

Left Vudu pt, Fiji at 1300h Weds 7th Oct. Had a good run, just short of 200nm in 24hrs. 3m swell, not very comfortable.


Sat Oct 3 10:18 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 40.845s 177 23.159e
Run: 14.6nm (26.4km)

At Vuda Pt marina where our friends depart for Australia and where we will prepare for departing Fiji for New Caledonia. We have picked up our new crew member who plans to be with us until New Zealand (early November).


Fri Oct 2 10:18 2015 NZDT
GPS: 17 46.34s 177 11.2e
Run: 108.6nm (196.6km)

Overnight passage from Kandavu Island to Musket Cove in the Mamanuka group. We had nine aboard for this passage, all crew managed really well with pretty rough swell.


Mon Sep 28 21:58 2015 NZDT
GPS: 19 2.902s 178 9.23e
Run: 23.1nm (41.8km)

Visiting Vunisea town for a few days. There's some small shops and a tiny market here. Caught a massive (approx 20kg) mahi mahi on the way in. Got a taxi to some waterfalls and are feeling very refreshed after a good soak in fresh water.


Fri Sep 25 20:58 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 53.244s 178 27.857e
Run: 7.2nm (13km)

Anchored at Nabouwalu village, another very friendly village. All nine of us were invited to a delicious lunch in one of the houses. We walked across the island to another village, where all the kids go to boarding school each week and got a boat ride back with a few of the local villagers.


Thu Sep 24 13:32 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 47.214s 178 29.718e
Run: 8.1nm (14.7km)

Nine now aboard Tangaroa. Anchored at Namara Island, after presenting Yangona root to the chief at Draviuni. It pured with rain as we walked around the village! Namara is very pretty with a beautiful beach.


Thu Sep 24 8:13 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 54.117s 178 31.199e
Run: 191.2nm (346.1km)

Left paradise, aka Felaga lagoon in southern Lao, had a great overnight sail to get to Ono island in the Kandavu group, 190nm in 25hrs, Average speed of 7.6nm/h. Meet up with friends from our home town. Looking forward to some diving but weather forecast looks grim for next 4 days..


Sun Sep 13 9:17 2015 NZST
GPS: 19 08.960s 178 33.950w
Run: 164.4nm (297.6km)
Avg: 3.7knts
24hr: 87.7nm

Anchored in the most stunning location that we have been so far, Felaga lagoon.


Fri Sep 11 12:17 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 59.533s 179 14.476e

Motor sailed from Suva to Gau, smashed through the waves all day. All felt fine on board, just a little reluctant to move so lots of audio books and movies! Caught 2 big mahi mahi at the same time, luckily the second one got away because one fish is more than enough for us! Spend 2 night at Gau, it's a beautiful green, mountainous island.


Fri Sep 11 12:17 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 59.533s 179 14.476e

Motor sailed from Suva to Gau, smashed through the waves all day. All felt fine on board, just a little reluctant to move so lots of audio books and movies! Caught 2 big mahi mahi at the same time, luckily the second one got away because one fish is more than enough for us! Spend 2 night at Gau, it's a beautiful green, mountainous island.


Fri Sep 11 12:17 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 59.533s 179 14.476e
Run: 86.5nm (156.6km)

Motor sailed from Suva to Gau, smashed through the waves all day. All felt fine on board, just a little reluctant to move so lots of audio books and movies! Caught 2 big mahi mahi at the same time, luckily the second one got away because one fish is more than enough for us! Spend 2 night at Gau, it's a beautiful green, mountainous island.


Mon Sep 7 11:50 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 22.596s 177 59.277e
Run: 51.3nm (92.9km)

Motor sailed from Likuri to Yanuka Island. We are aiming for the Southern Lau island group if the weather allows.


Fri Sep 4 19:42 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 03.155s 177 17.072e
Run: 21.4nm (38.7km)

Finally moved from Denarau. Anthony was struck down with man flu for about a week so we were there for a lot longer than we expected. A pod of dolphins swam past our boat today, all girls were on deck and thought it was really awesome :)


Sat Aug 29 14:44 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 45.536s 177 23.146e
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)

Anchored just outside Denarau marina. Relaxing for a couple of days before heading back east.


Wed Aug 26 14:44 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 40.856s 177 23.183e
Run: 37.5nm (67.9km)
Avg: 11.5knts
24hr: 275.5nm

At Vuda Marina for a few days. All sad to say goodbye to the Brouwers family. We all had such a great time aboard Tangaroa with them.


Wed Aug 26 11:28 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 10.372s 177 11.331e
Run: 19.8nm (35.8km)

Back at Manta ray pass, having fun swimming off the boat. Girls made their own pizzas. Heading back towards the mainland to drop the Brouwers off tomorrow .. boo hoo :( We've all had a great time together and Tangaroa has accommodated 10 people very comfortably.


Mon Aug 24 11:28 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 56.622s 177 22.068e
Run: 12.6nm (22.8km)

We're at Nanuya-Sewa, the place where the movie Blue Lagoon was filmed, so of course had to watch it. There were lots of giggles from the 6 girls aged 13 and under. Snorkelled with heaps of fish, eating out of our hand.


Sat Aug 22 11:28 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 5.8428s 177 15.8727e
Run: 7.2nm (13km)

Anchored at Vunaywa Bay, Naviti for a couple of days. Visited Somosomo village, did Sevu Sevu with the lady chief. Bought some bananas from their plantation & carried them back to the boat in a basket that was woven from palm fronds while we watched. Lots of local children on welcomed us to the village from the beach.


Fri Aug 21 12:04 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 10.3727s 177 11.3317e
Run: 10.4nm (18.8km)

Anchored off the beautiful Drawaqa Island. We all snorkeled above a manta ray this morning so we have 6 very happy girls on board and 4 happy adults! The coral here is beautiful and very diverse.


Tue Aug 18 13:49 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 19.5s 177 7.812e
Run: 29.8nm (53.9km)

Last night's anchorage by the village was quite rolly so we've moved across the bay.


Tue Aug 18 13:49 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 18.609s 177 7.389e
Run: 1.1nm (2km)

At Waya Island for a couple of days. Did the traditional Sevu Sevu with the chief and enjoyed meeting the community of the island.


Mon Aug 17 13:49 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 40.88s 177 23.14e
Run: 14.6nm (26.4km)

At Vuda Point Marina in the pouring rain! Stocked up on fresh produce from the huge market at Lautoka. We're all very happy to have the Brouwers family on board with us form the UK:)


Fri Aug 14 17:44 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 46.3394s 177 11.1808e
Run: 16.3nm (29.5km)

In Musket Cove for a few days, living it up at the resort ... well, not really, we've been doing laundry, boat cleaning and boat maintenance! Family friends arrive tomorrow, so we'll be doing plenty of relaxing with them.


Thu Aug 13 17:44 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 38.6285s 177 23.5918e
Run: 84.6nm (153.1km)
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 95.8nm

Stopped at Saweni beach for the night. Caught a bus into Lautoka, Fiji's second largest city, to provision.


Wed Aug 12 20:32 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 19.4605s 178 13.1186e
Run: 49.1nm (88.9km)

Anchored off Nananu'i'cake, near to Ellington Wharf, where we are picking up some friends from the UK on Sunday. Caught a skipjack tuna on the way and ate yummy sashimi for lunch and tuna steaks for dinner :)


Wed Aug 12 20:32 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 34.2739s 178 40.4845e
Run: 34.6nm (62.6km)

Anchored at Naingaui Island for the night to break up the journey to Ellington Wharf.


Fri Aug 7 9:55 2015 NZST
GPS: 17 26.473s 178 57.176e
Run: 48.9nm (88.5km)

Anchored at Makongai for a few days. Visited the chief on the island to do our first Sivu Sivu ceremony, a Fijian tradition.


Fri Jul 31 8:07 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 48.63s 179 17.29e
Run: 3.7nm (6.7km)

After 13 days moored in town we were very happy to move out a little and anchor for a few days where we could swim again. Very keen to move, have to wait for the wind to calm and bit and the rough sea to settle.


Sat Jul 18 8:59 2015 NZST
GPS: 16 46.686s 179 19.978e
Run: 137.5nm (248.9km)
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 127.2nm

We've arrived in Savu Savu, Fiji. Reefed the sails last night again to slow us down for arrival after sunrise. Great passage. Just waiting for customs to clear us in.


Fri Jul 17 7:02 2015 NZST
Speed:
7.6
knts
GPS: 17 28.490s 178 42.996w
Run: 127.8nm (231.3km)
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.7nm
Weather: Light winds (10knot easterly), small easterly swell (1m).

Yay, can see land. Reefed the sails last night to slow us down and ensure we came up to the Lao group after sunrise. All going well, nice calm seas.


Thu Jul 16 12:51 2015 NZST
Speed:
7.5
knts
GPS: 17 49.612s 176 48.723w
Run: 193.8nm (350.8km)
Avg: 6.7knts
24hr: 160.7nm

Passage going really well, conditions good and all feeling fine aboard.


Wed Jul 15 7:54 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 39.419s 173 59.483w
Run: 499nm (903.2km)
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 83.9nm

Just clearing through customs in Neiafu. Hope to set off for Fiji around 11am.


Thu Jul 9 9:06 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 7.513s 178 25.201e
Run: 503.2nm (910.8km)
Avg: 12.5knts
24hr: 300.5nm

Into Suva for a couple of nights for fuel and fresh produce before heading further east towards the Lau island group.


Tue Jul 7 16:55 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 42.015s 173 55.770w
Run: 7.9nm (14.3km)

At the beautiful eastern Vava'u island group for a couple of days, surrounded by turquoise water and big waves crashing as they meet the outer reef.


Sun Jul 5 16:55 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 44.401s 174 02.540w
Run: 3.3nm (6km)

Spent the morning listening and watching whales, anchored off Katafanga for the day.


Sat Jul 4 16:55 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 43.140s 174 05.229w
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)

Went to Lape Island for a cultural tour and a Tongan feast.


Sun Jun 28 17:20 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 45.236s 174 00.782w
Run: 3.5nm (6.3km)

Anchored for the day at Taunga. Walked from one island to another across a sand bar (from Taunga to Ngau), picked coconuts and played on the beach.


Tue Jun 23 13:03 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 42.562s 173 59.266w
Run: 2.8nm (5.1km)

Anchored in a nice sheltered bay north of Tapana island. Speared a 4kg Blue fin Trevalley off Afo island with my speargun.


Sun Jun 21 13:20 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 41.991s 174 01.794ww
Run: 6.4nm (11.6km)

At Port Maurelle for a few nights


Thu Jun 18 10:35 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 43.4s 174 6.05w
Run: 2.9nm (5.2km)
Weather: SE wind 20-30 knots

Good protected anchorage. Girls all saw a turtle swim passed the boat yesterday, so pretty happy! They haven't seen one whilst snorkeling yet.


Thu Jun 18 10:35 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 41.99s 174 7.633w
Run: 2.4nm (4.3km)

Moved to a more sheltered area in Hunga lagoon (anchored from 11th to 16th June). There were 11 boats anchored here on the Saturday night ... crazy!


Wed Jun 10 13:09 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 41.9s 174 08.18w
Run: 9.9nm (17.9km)

Anthony has fixed the engine, yay! Now we've moved away from the main town in Vava'u and are anchored in a beautiful lagoon.


Tue Jun 2 19:39 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 39.419s 173 59.483w
Run: 8.9nm (16.1km)

At anchor in Neiafu. Very pleasant weather for a forced sail up through the Vavau island group. Tomorrow begins the great engine gearbox dismantling whilst the girls go fossicking for shells.


Mon Jun 1 18:41 2015 NZST
GPS: 18 44.46s 174 05.70w
Run: 101.4nm (183.5km)
Avg: 9.1knts
24hr: 217.9nm
Weather: Wind picked up at 15.30 to 10 to 15 from sw

Anchored in the lee of Ovaka island off the pier. Coupling between engine and gearbox is in pieces so slow day sailing managed to sail in to anchorage just before the sun set. Plan to sail up to Neiafu in the morning. Really enjoy the weather round up on gulf harbour radio, thanks for putting it out guys.


Mon Jun 1 7:31 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 19 59.34s 174 54.68w
Run: 65.9nm (119.3km)
Weather: 80% cloud cover, minimal swell

Left Big Mamas, Tongatapu 0845 Sunday. Heading to Neiafu, Vava'u. All going well until about 6pm tonight when we decided to motor for a while to cover a bit of distance and there was a loud rattle and then the engine refused to start. Anthony thinks it's an issue with the starter motor and managed to fix it enough to start in an emergency.He'll look at it again in daylight, but at this stage it looks like we'll have to come into Neiafu under sail. Position at 2100


Mon Jun 1 7:31 2015 NZST
Speed:
2.8
knts
GPS: 19 10.87s 174 22.35w
Run: 143.9nm (260.5km)
Weather: Light winds, small easterly swell.

Got engine running a bit last night after starter motor failed yesterday, winds dropped to nothing so luckily Anthony got the engine to start again. More rattles on engine this morning so now we're creeping along at 3 nm/h. YIT, we're listening to radio, only have a SSB receiver so can't join in the conversation!


Mon Jun 1 7:31 2015 NZST
Speed:
6.0
knts
GPS: 19 59.34s 174 54.68w
Weather: 80% cloud cover, minimal swell

Left Big Mamas, Tongatapu 0845 Sunday. Heading to Neiafu, Vava'u. All going well until about 6pm tonight when we decided to motor for a while to cover a bit of distance and there was a loud rattle and then the engine refused to start. Anthony thinks it's an issue with the starter motor and managed to fix it enough to start in an emergency.He'll look at it again in daylight, but at this stage it looks like we'll have to come into Neiafu under sail. Position at 2100


Sun May 24 12:55 2015 NZST
GPS: 21 07.603s 175 09.711w
Run: 338.1nm (612km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 123.9nm

Arrived in Nuku'alofa, 14:00h Saturday 23rd. Anchoring at Big Mama's fora few days to recover before the next 160nm journey up to Vava'u.


Thu May 21 19:24 2015 NZST
GPS: 25 21s 177 51w
Run: 233.2nm (422.1km)
Avg: 10.9knts
24hr: 261.5nm

Slight breeze from the east, sea was mirror like. We have less than 280NM to go, expect to arrive mid Saturday. We've burned around 250lt of diesel so far this journey and looks like the engine will be running for a large part of the remaining days. Update at 11.00 on thursday 21st.


Wed May 20 22:00 2015 NZST
GPS: 27 35.7s 179 20.2e
Run: 141.2nm (255.6km)
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 124.1nm

All going well. Everyone feeling a bit better and a beautiful nights sailing, engine back on now. Update 10.00 am, 20th May.


Tue May 19 18:41 2015 NZST
GPS: 29 38.2s 179 16.8e
Run: 172.7nm (312.6km)
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144.6nm

Day 3 of crossing. We had the spinnaka up this morning for about an hour, possibly too light. The good sailing is a thing of yesterday, it's chug on from here for a couple of days by the look of things. Update 11.00am, Mat 19th.


Mon May 18 14:01 2015 NZST
GPS: 31 39.000s 177 33.550e
Run: 167.8nm (303.7km)
Avg: 8.2knts
24hr: 196nm

Another 150mile run. No fish, no other boats, have seen some wandering albatros though which is pretty cool. I got rained on on my watch. Update at 10.35 on the 18th.


Sun May 17 17:28 2015 NZST
GPS: 33 38.900s 175 55.340e
Run: 172.4nm (312km)
Avg: 3.6knts
24hr: 85.4nm

We have made our forecast 150nm in the last 24hrs, just. All is well, no one sea sick so far although the ride is quite lumpy. Update 11.10am on the 17th.


Fri May 15 17:00 2015 NZST
GPS: 35 50.245S 174 28.117E
Run: 11.9nm (21.5km)

All ready for custom clearnace tomorrow, then on to Tonga.


Wed May 13 23:01 2015 NZST
GPS: 35 43s 174 19e

Currently in Whangarei town basin, Planning to clear out of Marsden on Saturday.


Tangaroa - Our Blog website and facebook details

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