We are back!!! 😩

Just passed Sail Rock, beautiful sail heading to Kawau. What a welcome home with these fabulous conditions!

Absolutely gorgeous morning, have to pinch myself - we are back in our own playground and it's beautiful! We are now on our way out heading for Tutakaka for the night then on to Kawau.

So we are back in Opua, arrived on to the quarantine berth at 23h20 on 25th October. Fantastic trip and beautiful final sail down from N Cape. So after a few celebrations with rums we final got to bed at 01h30 to wake at 7h00 and eat all the contraband food before MAF arrived!! Huge breakfast followed by loss of 2 x lovely Vanuatu roasts

.:(. . Amazing to be here with the sunshine and warm 20deg. Great social last nite & we now plan to clip our way down the coast on Sat stopping in Whangarei then kawau for nite the into Westhaven Z pier on Monday! ETA to be confirmed for bubbles & various other drinks on arrival...........join us if your free!!! Xx

We have had a good trip so far, Sea a bit rougher now we are nearing NZ. We had a big rain squall that hit us yesterday & we went from nice 20k sailing & in control to 40k with too much sail & out of control within a matter if seconds, with the chaos that followed for all of 5 mins whilst we reefed down our main & brought in the heady, the spinnaker pole unhooked itself, tangled in the sheets then eventually just as I harnessed on to go up front & get it, it jettisoned itself into the sea. Wal wanted to use it as a man overboard drill, & turn around to retrieve it but the rest of us mutinied against the idea so we watched it float off in the distance! We are now about 200nm from rounding Cape Reinga, which we will probably do around 5am Wed morning, it's then another 70nm to round Cape Brett & get into Opua, by Thurs midday ish. All good although quite a lot more clothes on! Gone are the days of harness only.......!!

10.15 am Friday 20 October -

Finally we have pushed off from Port Moselle Marina and the fuel jetty and we are on our way! Next stop - Opua, NZ!!!

Had our last meal in Noumea - said our farewells during the jetty drinks and now ready for big push off to NZ in the morning! Looking to do the trip in 6 days ...... ... here's hoping! Opua next stop x

Port Vila, Efate That's all for now...?????

Arrive Port Vila harbour on Efate island from Erromango. Great sail

Continuing on to Port Narvin on Erromango island

Anatom island to Port Resolution on Tanna Island. About to climb the Mt Yassur Volcano. Only place in the world I'm sure where there are no safety nets!!!

Anelghowhat to Anawamet, North on Anatom island

Musket Cove to Anelghowhat, Anatom, Vanuatu Arrived 13/8/17

Fabulous time since returning from a week back in NZ. Good to be back on the boat in the hot sun again. Denarau was an experience and fun. Had a wonderful catch up with lovely friends from Fiji Chetna Tappoo and family, had great experiences around Nadi and Latoka and shopping in the new Centre, wonderful to have them join us on the boat for a couple of hours too! Now in Musket Cove and have just returned from our farewell Fiji dinner, sad to be leaving Fiji so soon but exciting for new adventure and after 4 days sail we will be in Vanuatu!! Woooooo hoooo.

Another overnite stop off and fun catch-up with some of the others on the beach, then a yummmie dinner of scotch fillet aboard Manutaki- thx J n J!!! Now heading off to Bequ through the northern Astrolabe reefs. Saw some amazing whale breeches yesterday so hoping for more of the same - albeit not too close, they are huge!!!! So we say bye to Kandavu, we're not able to spend so long here but fun anyway. Now looking forward to getting the gals aboard on Thursday- Julie & Val , wooop woooop...

another gorgeous little anchorage - we are now exploring. New ground with John M and 2 other boats. Exciting -arrival through the reefs. My new position is standing up on the rail in the bow reef spotting to get in!! Auto helm packed up gain so we are now hand steering........

Here we are in Susui , in the Vanua Balavu reef system- not much here apart from 84 locals that live on these islands - amazing as miles from anywhere!! The villagers put on an amazing feast for us - complete with a pig on the table, crabs in their shells, lobster, fish in coconut, root plant fruit dancing and of course Kava drinking!! Such lovely friendly people.....

New bay - stunning - step off back onto gorgeous Reef. Quick go with the ponie scuba bottle as such great conditions, then Sundowners for 4 zeeezs then onto Lola for dinner & Justin's birthday. Fun nite.

Anchored in most amazing bay in the Bay of islands group at Vanua Balavu, Bavatu Harbour. Even has a yacht club here that is sadly in need of repair due to cyclone Winston. Went for a good walk up to the local village, which is like a plateau on top that was also completely destroyed by the same cyclone. I asked the local lady in 'The Sometime Store' how they survived and she look me and showed the large tree and roots system up against the cliff that her family and many villages hid in from 9 at night until midday the next day in 200knot winds - approx 360klm - quite unbelievable how that were able to stay there and watch there homes, sheds, palm trees and plantations all just blow away. Nothing was spared! The cows also went bush and most survived. We then stoped at the grave of Kenneth James Allardyce from Aberdeen who died up there in April 1937. We are not sure of his claim to fame, Wally thinks he probably rooted himself silly and claimed to be king?! Rest of day we went for a big paddleboard around the edge, great way to see all the reefs and explore, we even had a turtle paddle up next to us. The evening ended up on Riada with Sea Forth joining in with a good guitar session - thanks Steve and a couple of Gins! Off to LomoLomo today & then the Feast on Friday.

finished 18 dingy raft up for sundowners Amongst these amazing lagoons, Italian feast on another boat - back for a late shower on aft deck then a nap...... both well needing some sleep!! Fabulous times!!!

Tues 20 June Left Va'vau Port Maurelle at 07h30 arrived into Daliconi Village Lau group port in Vanua Balavu at 11h30 Thurs 22. So we have now arrived after a big 3 days sail with virtually no sleep for me. Was quite a good passage but the wind was 25k plus with 3/4 meter following sea swell and a coupLe of gybes put paid to be sleeping so exhausted now.

Huge reef system coming into the small village in Lau where we are anchored so we had to slow the boat down with no sails at all. So local customs have been aboard and cleared us to get off in the morning. sleep sleep sleep, glass of wine, sleep now zzzzzzzzz

Tues 21 June Left Va'vau Port Maurelle at 7.30am - next stop Fiji in 3 days!! Goodbye Tonga, it's been lovely. Fun farewell nite at Mangos Bar in Neiafu. Now heading Towards Vanua Balavu our eta Thursday morning all being well. Looking forward to exploring the N Lau group of islands they look beautiful. We have 1 reef in main, little bit of heady and averaging 6.5k. We have 47 hours to go and 294nm left. Cruising nicely at the moment. Both well

Thu 15/Jun 22:57 GMT

18 42.445 S  173 59.164 W

Leaving Kenutu back through the Zig Zag Passage

Thu 15/Jun 21:57 GMT

18 42.429 S  173 56.818 W

Headed out from Neiafu Harbour to Kenutu Island the Eastern most side of the Va'vau and through the dodgiest 'Z' passage of reefs!   Just as well we had Ovatel satellite maps......  hard to see the reef standing on the bow.  Here is a picture of our route!!

We had a fun walk up to see the Tongan makeshift Whale spotting tree hut - bit precarious, waves bashing in underneath, and then to end of the island, we all ended up basically bush bashing as the track had disappeared- or more likely we were nowhere near it!!  Back down on the beach time for a snorkel then sundowners with everyone before settling in for a well earnt Scotch fillet!! Yummm

Tue 13/Jun 23:57 GMT


18 41.999 S  173 55.763 W


Course: 


2.6 kts, 

Tue 13/Jun 22:57 GMT

18 43.231 S  173 58.186 W

Course: 

4.3 kts, 

Now here in Neiafu Harbour, Va'vau, arrived after a 10 hour sail from Ha'apai's had a good sail wind averaging 20-25k on aft quarter, made for a reasonable sail until I caught a big wave n gust and managed a bit of a round up..... oops... we decided after that to put a little 'tuck' in the main sail. Made for slightly easier helming. Left at 7.30am and arrived into Va'vau islands about 5.30pm. Beautiful scene sailing in, not unlike arriving into the Barrier islands. Fjord like with deep water and green palm tree islands with cliffs. Quite stunning and very different from Ha'apai were all Islands are quite flat with beaches and reefs. We had a good walk around the town and markets, topped up supplies, & watched the game last nite Highlanders vs Lions at the Mango bar with a few others. Today is another lovely day and as I sit in the cockpit in my bikini sipping my morning coffee, and about to enjoy a freshly made fruit smoothie (thx for Bullet TnR) I wonder a little what everyone else is doing!!!!!!

We heading out to a beaut island Reef called Kenutu shortly for a bit of swimming snorkelling etc and a beach BBQ later with the others. Have a great day where every you are - as we are"!

Have fun

Xx

Tue 13/Jun 19:57 GMT

18 39.658 S 173 58.961 W

Course: 0.0 kts,

Just arrived in to Va'vau Islands and anchored up for the nite here at Port Maurelle before heading into Neiafu to clear customs and go to markets.

After a couple of great days around the Ha'apai we now have our first Monsoon type rain storm!  Here at Ha'apai beach resort we are getting blown around a little!

Sun 11/Jun 01:58 GMT


19 43.120 S 174 17.000 W


Course: 0.0 kts,

Heading back to Pangai to drop the boys off sadly

Wed 7/Jun 21:36 GMT

19 51.726 S 174 25.702 W

Course: 6.3 kts,

Beautiful deserted island for bonfire & BBQ! Reef sharks swimming around shore, coconuts everywhere, even had large bats flying overhead! Great spot!!

Left Ha'ano Islands for a little fish and now have a skippy for ceviche ! Now anchored in Uoleva island. Very pleasant - may have to celebrate another great day with a Malabo & Orange!! Yummmie Tue 6/Jun 01:36

Had the most amazing snorkel this morning off Matafonua Resort on Foa island and watched a large Leopard shark cruise around underneath us. Quite distinctive markings prove its name! We then had a play around bay on paddleboard. We have are now anchored off Ha'ano island near 'Mushroom Reef. Quite beautiful! Just finished another snorkel and sing song on Ukes - gotta keep practicing! Sun going down - time for a wine to toast another gorgeous day!!! ....


Sun 4/Jun 03:36 GMT


19 40.340 S 174 17.366 W


Course: 0.0 kts,

Departing Matafonua for Ha'ano Island


-19.42718 -174.17201

Brent's birthday!! Woohooo fun day to be had, Brent & I went for a cycle into Village to sort out departure fees etc and enjoyed a nice big fruity smoothly at Polish Marinas Cafe, then stopped in at Pangai resort to say Hi, had yummie pizza and a couple of beers before cycling the 4ks back again. After a being chased by another dog, time for a causeway swim and back to Darren & Nina Lodge for an exceptionally yummie BBQ buffet and fantastic slide /video show of Darren's underwater photography with Whales etc - just amazing! Bit of a boozie one followed with boys drinking coconut cocktails - of course out of the coconut. Ha ha fun evening.

Update from us all - having a fabulous dinner (Fresh Tuna) & social - at Matafonua- just fantastic with the Michelin Chef out especially from France!! Woooohoooooo

So we have on board at Party Central, Team:-


UdderLife


Riada


Lola

All excited we are drinking, eating and swimming far tooooo Much!!!! 😁 🍹

Thu 1/Jun 05:43 GMT


19 43.138 S 174 17.008 W


Course: 0.0 kts,

Coming into the Wharf to clear customs!! Ye har

Tue 30/May 22:43 GMT

19 47.984 S 174 23.351 W

Course: 6.2 kts,

Getting closer!!

Tue 30/May 19:43 GMT


19 35.215 S 174 38.042 W


Course: 3.8 kts,

Wooohooo getting closer - sailing past 2 Volcanos- one is dormant called TOFUA which is where the 2 Mad scientists that have been entertaining me here in Pangai got stuck for 6 days longer than they wanted with no food or water! They were dropped off out there to collect rock samples and the boat didn't return... they survived for 5 days drinking & eating just coconuts.....! The other volcano KOA is a perfect Cone shaped volcano and from the photos the guys took close up is really impressive. 😊 🌋   


So the boys should be in the bay with a couple of others waiting for customs clearance by midday. Riada is sitting here already waiting. Yipeee will be fun fun fun tonight! 😘

Click on to Hybrid map which is google earth and zoom in to see Volcanos - back track to see Noth Minerva too!


Tue 30/May 17:43 GMT 06.43 local time here!!


19 41.389 S 174 45.847 W


Course: 5.7 kts,

Boys have just taken off Code ZERO to slow down a bit otherwise will arrive into tricky areas in the dark. They hopw to be here about midday - yaayyyyyy!

Their having great sail. Few boats here already,

Taranui 111, Providence, Riada in the Bay. - all getting very exciting xxx

Tue 30/May 08:43 GMT

20 17.672 S 175 15.947 W

Course: 8.5 kts,

Sorry delay in getting info updated , I'm here happy in the Ha'apai's and the boys on UdderLife and happy and by the sounds of it having too much fun and Crayfish!! They stopped at South Minerva and are now at N. Minerva. If you check out

http://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/UdderLife

And then zoom in with Satellite option you can see the crazy reef really clearly, it's totally amazing and I wish I could see it!! They leaving today to Tonga and should be with me in the Islands by Wed - yayyyyyy!!

23 37.063 S 178 55.099 W

Course: 0.0 kts, 20° true.

25 56.973 S 179 25.310 W

Course: 6.7 kts, 10° true.

COMMENTS: ALL HAPPY & WELL.Mixed bag of weather today Great day for sailing and looking forward to Sth Minerva tomorrow Wally David & Brent

Latest position at 20h45 Tuesday

POSITION: S30.53/E178.09 at 17h00

COG: 005m. SOG: 035

HEADING: 005 deg. DISTANCE: 438 NM to Minerva

WIND: 12/15

COMMENTS: ALL HAPPY & WELL. 440 NM To South Minerva macaroni cheese for dinner pretty clear sky's another great sun set.

A lazy day on board catching up on sleep coming into a big sunset still waiting for it to warm up 14deg today water 19.5.

23h45 on 22 May

FInally left Opua at 11.30am Sunday 21st May and heading to Minerva Reef!! Wally, David & Brent aboard..... Unfortunately due to dog bite issues - I will be winging my way to the sun.........🌞✈️🏖🍹😘🚧and joining Udderlife in a week !! Crew are well and settling in well to the voyage averaging 7.5k. Position at 22h00. 😎

Still in Opua Marina awaiting Cyclone Ella to pass. Beautiful day, Kerikeri Farmers market in morning then fun with Johns Uke ladies and watched some of the Country Music festivities in Paihia even saw some line dancin!!!! =F0=9F=98=8E=0A=0ANew window for departure - Friday (my birthday)or Saturday. So here's hoping!!=0A=0AA little bike ride on the fold up is in order to day - some of the Cycle trail....=0A=0AThat's all for now...=F0=9F=98=8E=E2=9B=B5=EF=B8=8F=F0=9F=8D=B9=F0=9F=8E=B8=0A

Opua Marina - waiting for Cyclone Donna to pass.

Motored into Opua Marina - all tied up & all good =0A

Rounded the Brett, bit of a swell, blue sky's - great now passing Poroporo Island to Startbd.

Arrived - Tutukaka!!!

Got our first Skipjack Tuna aboard, Zimba asleep, yummy late breaky, all good =0A

Arrived into Kawau Island for the nite with Team Fusio - beautiful evening, no wind, stars everywhere!

Yahoooo finally we are off to Opua in Bay of Islands.. Just passed Rangitoto 15.20 and its a beautiful afternoon. 8 - 9 knots of wind on the nose not much good for sailing so motors on, Wally, the Zimba dog and I are settling in, just lovely watching Auckland disappear in to the background ...... yehhh see ya later Akl!! :)

Sat at Westhaven Marina in Auckland....... nearly ready for the off, Wed 26 April off to the Bay of Islands and all good with the weather then we join in with the Island Crusing Ass and off to Tonga!! Phew cant wait!