Marsden Cove. Working through the boat jobs.

Arrived at Marsden Cove. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

Motor-sailing. Winds backed to N overnight but have veered to the ENE this am. 150m to go. ETA Marsden Cove Tomorrow (Friday) daybreak. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

Beautiful morning. Motor-sailing. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

Motor-sailing. Beautiful morning. Clear skies. Last night we had a mango coloured half moon. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

177 miles in 24 hours. 620 miles to go to Marsden. Sea conditions have improved some overnight. Still lots of wind. AWOB.

185 miles in past 24 hours. About 800 miles to go to Marsden Cove, as the crow flies, though we will likely have to continue SSW for another day waiting for the winds to back. Focus yesterday was to miss Ceva-I-Ra (Conway Reef). It took some close-hauled sailing to pass east of it but we managed to leave a 4 to 5 mile margin. We had a strong current, set drift of 2 knots, pushing us west toward it. Supposed to be a great place to fish but it was dark and certainly too rough. Hard enough in these seas just to move around the boat to get to do simple tasks. Sometimes my foot was airborne when I thought it would find a step. Fortunately, Whistler is well designed with plenty of handholds. Though the seas are not quite as angry this morning, they are still confused and we take one over the coach roof now and then. Nice to have Monty?s tasty passage meals in the fridge. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

We made it out the Navula pass yesterday around 9am, had a helping current. Winds picked up through the day to 25 knots and seas were rough, 2.5m, and confused. Winds dropped overnight to 15-20. Before dawn, a squall arrived, and the winds picked up. Seas are worse this morning. Glad we have seasick pills. Hope these conditions subside a bit soon. AWOB. Tracker: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

Sailing to Marsden Cove, NZ. Rough and windy yesterday afternoon and evening, similar to this am. Winds dropped to 15-20 knots overnight but picked up again before daybreak with a squall. Some higher gusts to 30 knots. Sea state a bit worse this am. Saw some dolphins yesterday. Taking seasick pills, so far so good. AWOB. https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

Sailing to Marsden Cove. Yesterday made it out the pass fine with a helping current. Fairly rough with 2.5 to 3m waves and 20-25 knot winds yesterday through the afternoon and evening. It calmed down to 15-20knots overnight but picked up again before daybreak. Squall just east of us. Sea state worsened this am. All is well on board. Tracker link: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler

Just left Port Denarau for Marsden Cove. For tracker:

https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/Whistler.  />

or go to svwhistler.com and click on See Whistler in the Map. 

Heading to Port Denarau to get ready to depart for NZ this week.

Nananu-I-Cake: Good kiting conditions. Hoping we see a good window open up to NZ soon.

Back at Nananu-I-Cake, waiting for a window to NZ.

Port Denarau. May head out to Musket Cove later.

For our video on Kiting in Wallis, see link below.
https://vimeo.com/366683100

Just left Nananu-I-Thake for Port Denarau. Hard to leave. Lucked out with the winds for kiting (kited 25 of 30 days). We both made good progress with our kiting.  Had another good session yesterday, both kiting at the same time with no others around. Working our way around to get ready for the next passage window, should it materialize. Hoping pumice has finally moved on. Lots still around in the past few days. 

Nananu-I-Thake: Waiting here till we see a possible passage window to NZ. More kiting weather in the forecast. Yesterday, winds were light but we both got in some kiting.

Nananu-I-Thake. Another chore day yesterday. Hoping winds pick up enough to kite this afternoon. Waiting here for a weather window to NZ. 

Nananu-I-Thake: Mostly clear today with some towering cumulous clouds to the NE. Yesterday was calm, a good chore day.

Nananu-I-Thake:: Rain overnight and a light shower this am. Monty got out kiting for a short early morning session yesterday, his 21st day in a row.

Nananu-I-Thake. For a video on the pumice arriving in our anchorage from Tongan eruption, go to https://vimeo.com/364565518.

Nananu-I-Thake: We went on a downwinder with Warren from Safari Lodge. Streams of pumice floating around the area. It was weird kiting through it yesterday. Avoiding the big chunks was like skiing through trees (glades). One guy delaminated his board when he hit a large chunk. Winds picked up to 20 Knots+ yesterday afternoon.

Nananu-I-Thake: Winds picked up through the day yesterday. Got out for some good kite sessions. Winds looking a bit light this morning.

Nananu-I-Thake: Lighter winds yesterday but both of us got our kiting. Looks like more wind today. AWOB.

Nananu-I-Thake: Clearer skies with a little cirrus. Calmer this am. Good kiting conditions yesterday.

Nananu-I-Thake: Windy (20-25 Kt) and gusty yesterday. Calmed down some this morning but we are somewhat protected in the anchorage. Hopefully a better kiting day ahead.

Chilly morning in Nananu-I-Thake. Winds were 20-25 knots yesterday, gusted up to 35 knots. Too inconsistent and choppy for good kiting.

Nananu-I-Thake: Light showers overnight. Nice rainbow this am. Wind picks up in the afternoons here. Enjoying good kiting conditions.

Nananu-I-Thake: Excellent kiting conditions. Blog on Wallis holiday celebrations available at: https://www.svwhistler.com/wallis-territory-day-celebrations/

Nananu-I-Thake. Windy!

Back at Nananu-I-Thake. Kiting weather in the forecast.  Blog on our Wallis Island Tour: https://www.svwhistler.com/wallis-island-tour/

Moored in Port Denarau. High overcast.

Had a good day of kiting with Citrus Tart yesterday. Kited 8 of 10 days. Just left Nananu-I-Cake for Port Denarau.

Had a good day of kiting yesterday. One more day of kiting here and then we will head to Port Denarau. Recent blogs up on Wallis: https://www.svwhistler.com/arrival-at-wallis/
https://www.svwhistler.com/spotted-eagle-rays-in-wallis/

Winds switched from west to SE yesterday in a flash. Monty got out on the 14 for a short session. Chilly overnight with the southerly winds. Going to Rakiraki with Citrus Tart today for some fresh veg. Should get out for some more kiting today. A few more days here.

A trough has just hit us, with winds swinging around from north to west and up to 45 knots. Heavy rain. Anchor watch is on and lots of chain out. Daylight now which is good. Citrus Tart is anchored here with us.

Anchored at Nananu-I-Thake, kiting last few days. Hope to eek out one more day and then think about heading for some good shelter from the low heading toward Fiji.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Thake. Squalls rolling through.

sailing to Makogai. Taking Save-A-Tack pass across Namena. AWOB.

Windy this morning, even here in the Nakema Creek, which is usually quite sheltered. Glad to be on a mooring and not out bashing in the open seas. Getting ready to leave for Nananu-I-Thake, but will wait till tomorrow when the winds are supposed to drop a bit. This week's market finds: Pineapple and passionfruit. Wallis had neither. Met up with Curly and bought a few more lures. Hope to start moving south tomorrow so we can be settled by Thursday evening, as winds may pick up again on Friday.

Moored in Savusavu. Arrived Friday late evening. Checked in Saturday morning, very efficient but expensive OT. Picked up some passion fruit (one of our favourites) at the market and bought cheap internet data, $25FJD (~$13USD) for 30GB. By comparison, in Wallis, 3GB plus a SIM card was $100USD. Gotta love Fiji Digicel! Met some familiar faces at the Coprashed. Dinner on board, rain, wind and cooler weather had us dining inside our cabin for first time since Tonga. The drop in temperature is requiring an adjustment to our wardrobe. 

Motor-sailed yesterday. Maxing speed to beat strong southerly winds expected Saturday. As we turned west last night, winds were from behind so we had to drop the main and motor. Beautiful clear night and day, with only a brief sprinkle. A splendid mahi-mahi decided to join us on board for breakfast! AWOB.

Motored in light winds since departing Wallis. Some showers. Amazing towering cumulonimbus clouds! Felt the drop in temperature overnight, down to 26. Ahhhh! Had to put on a long sleeve shirt for last night?s watch. Haven?t done that since leaving Tonga! Had a favourable current (+1Kt) yesterday afternoon and overnight but it was against us for awhile this am. It is favourable again but not quite as strong. Covered 120 miles since leaving yesterday afternoon. Winds have been variable this morning but have picked up so we raised a genoa and now are motor-sailing. Beautiful day now. Fishing line is out! Needless to say, AWOB.

Motoring in light winds since departing Wallis. Frequent showers. Feel the drop in temperature already. Ahhhh! Had a favourable current overnight but it has now switched, and is slowing us down. Covered 100 miles since leaving yesterday afternoon. Winds just picking up to 10-13 knots, but may just be from this squall. If it persists we will raise a sail. All is well on board.

Moored off Nukuhifala, near the reef and our kitesurfing island. Wonderful calm night with the stars out in force. Leaving for Fiji today.  More coming in blogs to follow. 

Same anchorage in Wallis.

Blog on Foa Island, Tonga, posted at

https://www.svwhistler.com/foa-island-haapai-group/

Been getting some nice kiting weather for the past week. We have been enjoying kiting in the area to the east of our anchorage. It is a wet rough 20 minute dinghy ride to get there, but it is worthwhile. We launch from the sandy spit off little islet next to the barrier reef called Nukuhione. We are the only kiters there. Large area to kite both north and south of the islet. We can stand up in much of it at low to mid-tide. Even works at high tide. Monty is working on his jumps, toeside turns and jump transitions. I am working on my transitions and riding.

The air temperature is about 30-35 degrees during the day and the water often feels warmer than the air! Air quality and water clarity are as you would expect of an isolated island group with a small population and no industry.

No one lives on the islet but small groups of locals arrive daily in skiffs for gatherings and swimming. They rarely interact with us other than a smile and a "Bonjour".

Had a local movie crew ask permission to do a scene on Whistler. They had been trying for weeks to shoot this scene on a boat and it finally worked out. It was funny, they were shooting with an iPhone and a GoPro. They said it was part of a dream sequence so the quality was not important. Monty was asked to push the actor off the bow, so I guess his hands will be in the movie!

We are looking at the weather forecast and it looks like several more days of good kiting weather with the occasional shower. It would be a good time for a passage to Fiji too. The skipper wants to stay another week. We are eating well, baguettes, croissants, french brie, excellent ham, papayas, pamplemousse, starfruit, etc, so it is hard to leave Wallis!

Been able to get in some kiting sessions over the past several days.  On Monday, we had a fun reunion with Mahina Tiare III (www.mahina.com).  We had taken an expedition with John and Amanda from Tahiti to the Cook Islands in 2014. We got together for a visit and tour of Whistler and dinner on MT. They left for Savuavu, Fiji, yesterday as a trough rolled through.  Intense squally conditions with heavy rain and 30 knot winds. Their students will be getting some heavy weather sailing experience. We feel sorry for them hand-steering. Whistler collected more rain than she could use yesterday. Tanks are full! Hopeful to get in some kiting today, between squalls.

Monty got in a short kite session near an outer islet called Nukuhione. Just beautiful area for kiting but a 20 minute wet dinghy ride to get there with the waves. We saw a squall approaching and had left our hatches open, so we packed up and headed back to close the boat up. Turned out the squall missed the boat, but you can't take the chance here. Winds died with the squall anyway. Had some lightning over the mainland and a couple brief showers overnight. Sunny and windy this morning. Be a rough ride out to that kite spot. Will go and try again today.

A few light showers yesterday but none overnight. Sunny this morning. Went ashore to buy some steaks and pork chops yesterday morning but the SEM supermarket had not unpacked their meat from the supply ship as yet. It was too late to find croissants but we managed to find a higher quality baguette, but at 3 times the regular baguette price. Only one left on the shelf! We found local lettuce there for the first time. It disappeared quickly. Another trip in to town will be needed before it gets too rough in the dinghy with the winds picking up. Oh, the challenges of the cruising life!

Still at same anchorage. Had a beautiful day yesterday. NO RAIN! Went for a snorkel in Devil's Hole but didn't see any more spotted eagle rays. We erected the sunshade for the first time this season and sat on the trampoline in the shade with a light breeze flowing through. It was a nice change!

Anchored off Fugalei Island, a mile from Mata-Utu. Attended the festivities celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the agreement between Wallis and Futuna and France. Very colourful. Blog to follow soon.

We managed to make it to the little produce market early yesterday. Got some nice fruit, Strawberry papaya and pamplemousse! Heavy rain with numerous squalls much of the day. Never collected so much rainwater. Big supply ship just arrived. Windy but not raining now. Kiting conditions this am. Monty will be giving it a go. Sent from Margy?s iPad

Had tons of rain and wind with numerous squalls yesterday and tonight. Two French yachts have arrived. Monty got out for a short kitesurfing session between heavy squalls. Try again today.

Relocated to the anchorage closer to Mata-Utu off Fungalei and Luaniva. Did another snorkel in Devil's Hole but the viz was not good. Had a visit with Mark and crew, Jill, on Excel last evening. Heavy rain and wind overnight. Filling all our containers. More squalls on the horizon (east and south) this morning. Will filter and add to your water tanks today. Big celebrations on the weekend with the Miss Wallis contest and the anniversary of Wallis and Futuna joining France.

Anchored in Baie de Gahi. Got some showers yesterday. Can see more to the east now, but not raining here. Going for a walk to buy some croissants. We plan to move back to the anchorage off Tekaviki, Luaniva and Fugalei Islands today.

Anchored in Baie de Gahi, pronounced Nahi. It is pretty well protected but wind is still making it in here. We finally have wind for kiting but we are getting some heavy downpours. Not ideal. Forecast looks the same for several days, wind and rain. Hopefully we get some nice breaks.

Moved to anchorage off Ile Faioa. Been beautiful weather here, though warm and humid. A squall blew through last night. Photos of the other anchorage are attached. Snorkelling in Devil's Hole, not far from that anchorage, we saw a couple eagle rays. Yesterday we snorkelled along a wall and saw another pair of spotted eagle rays and a turtle.

Anchored off Fugalei Island. This anchorage looks very promising for kiting but could get rough in strong trades. Supply ship not here yet. Had numerous sun but showers yesterday and some powerful squalls last evening. Filled the buckets with rain water in no time. Very calm but appears to be clouding over this am. Hearing good reports on snorkelling from other yachts. Plan to check them out today. Waiting for a sunny day to rent a car, but not sure when that might happen! Sent from Margy?s iPad

Anchored off the eastern islands called Luaniva, Fugalei and a tiny motu called Tekaviki which appears to be a cemetary. We are kept busy opening and closing hatches when squalls pass over us. Water is 30 degrees so we will have to go snorkelling on the reef. Enjoying some French products like French cheese, pate, baguettes, fresh NZ beef and pork. Some foods are very expensive but not much worse than our home town. We plan to rent a car and tour the island when we have a nice day, but we might have to wait a while as showers frequently roll through. 

Anchored off Mata-Utu in Wallis. Had a few squalls through here yesterday. Will move to a more protected anchorage today. Supply ship coming in so we have to move away from the wharf anyway. Two NZ yachts here with us now.

Anchored off Mata-Utu in Wallis. Did our checkin with customs and les gendarmes. Hitch-hiked to get money from the only bank here and bought a few items, very expensive here. Nice here but warm and a bit of a bump off the wharf. Will move to another anchorage today. Imagine from NZ is the only other yacht here.

10NM to the entrance of Wallis Islands. Timing arrival at daybreak. All is well on board.

Nicer broad reaching conditions today with steady winds and calmer seas. Sailing with genoa now. Sun and some cumulus but no squalls today so far. Time to lather on some sun screen. 100 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th. One fishing line is in the water. All is well on board.

All is well on board. Saw whales leaving Vava?u. Motored in light variable winds overnight. Occasional squalls and showers. Winds picked up and have been steady in the 25-30Kt range for the last 2 hours. Sailing with just a little bit of Genoa out. Sun is trying to break through. Too rough to fish just now. Lots of white caps. 250 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th.

All is well on board. Saw whales leaving Vava?u. Motored in light variable winds overnight. Occasional squalls and showers. Sailing with just a little bit of Genoa out. 250 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th.

Sailed for a few hours but wind died. Motored in light winds from behind. Not pushing it as we don?t want to arrive in Wallis in the dark. 260NM to go. We were about to raise a foresail but saw squalls approaching. Gusting to 25-30Kt now. Waiting to get the trough so we can start sailing again. All is well on board.

All is well on board. Saw whales leaving Vava?u. Motored in light variable winds overnight. Occasional squalls and showers. Sailing with just a little bit of Genoa out. 250 miles to Wallis. Planning arrive Monday am, July 15th.

Heavy rain overnight in Neiafu.

Took local couple (Canadians) out for a sail and a little fishing on the weekend. We had never caught a fish in Vavau so we didn't have much hope. We were motoring back and hooked a sailfish! Kind of appropriate our guests run a Fish & Chips business on the old floating Ark Gallery here in the harbour. They were keen to keep the fish, so with a big team effort we did manage to land the poor old beast Over 9ft from tip to tail! About 40kg of meat! Lots of excitement for us all!

New blog: https://www.svwhistler.com/uonukuhahaki-uonukuhihifo/

Gusty conditions overnight and this morning. Ferry arrived. Waiting for a good sailing window to go to Wallis.

Moored at Neiafu. Occasional squalls.

Light breeze in Neiafu.

Celebrating Canada Day today! Calm in the Neiafu Harbour. Occasional showers.


Blog on Telekitonga available at:

https://www.svwhistler.com/telekitonga-island/

Moored in Neiafu. Winds picking up, gusty and a few squally. Blog on Kelefesia available at:
https://www.svwhistler.com/kelefesia-island/

Moored in Neiafu. Harbour emptied out yesterday with the ICA Rally boats on their way.

Moored in Neiafu. Lots of familiar faces in town. ICA Rally boats gradually leaving for Vanua Balavu.

Anchored at Foa. Checking out and heading to Vava’u tomorrow. Counted 17 ICA boats in Port Maurelle this morning. See photo.

Anchored at Foa. Getting in some kiting.

Anchored at Foa. Winds picking up. Kiting should finally start today.

Attaching photo of the World ARC rally boats in Neiafu. They are scheduled to leave tomorrow. On top of them, the 35 ICA Rally is all converging there, many are already there now. Good luck finding a place to drop the pick! This is a major reason why we are staying in the Ha’apais, besides, it is nice here! Saw a leopard shark again while snorkelling in the channel yesterday.

Anchored off Foa. Another trough appears to be just south of us.

With all this raining weather, I had time to post a blog on our passage to Tonga. https://www.svwhistler.com/passage-moments/

Anchored at Foa Island, near Matafonua Lodge. Another trough over us, and doing another swing around. See photo. Have had lots of lightning in the area, nothing close fortunately. Showers off and on. Rain with gust over 28 knots from WSW.  Again, this wind strength and direction was NOT FORECASTED.  On a leeshore like almost everyone else in the Ha'apais, but we were fortunate to be anchored here alone and have sufficient swing room. For our blog on South Minerva, please go to https://www.svwhistler.com/south-minerva-reef/.

Anchored by Haapai Beach Resort. Calm morning. Photos show the forecast and a screenshot of our anchor watch using Vesper Watchmate AIS. The swing around the anchor yesterday afternoon happened in about 90 minutes! Winds picked up to 30Kt+. Glad we had lots of swing room!

Anchored off Ha'apai Beach Resort. A little drizzle now and then. Rain expected later. Had a nice lunch at Mariners Cafe yesterday with crew from a couple other yachts.

Anchored off Foa Island, (Matafonua Lodge). Been enjoying last few days here. Did some paddle-boarding, snorkelling and had a few lunches at the lodge. Great to be back. Darren and Nina are very welcoming. Today looks like a kiting day. May have to move to a more protected anchorage for the low that is approaching tonight. Photo of sunset on Saturday evening.

Anchored off Ha'apai Beach Resort near Pangai. Plan to head up to Foa Island today.

Anchored off Uonukuhahake. May head up to Pangai today.

Moved up to near the northern end of Uonukuhahake.

Anchored off Uonukuhihifo. AWOB.

Glad we motored here yesterday in good light. Anchored off Uonukuhahaki and Uonukuhihifo. Calm and overcast. 3 other boats in this anchorage but tons of room. Much less rolly here with the SSW swell but a SW wind (10Kt) came up in the middle of the night so we swung around the anchor. Great to have no bommies on the bottom to worry about during that rotation. Check out svwhistler.com for NZ blog additions.

Glad we motored here yesterday in good light. Anchored off Uonukuhahaki and Uonukuhihifo. Calm and overcast. 3 other boats in this anchorage but tons of room. Much less rolly here with the SSW swell but a SW wind (10Kt) came up in the middle of the night so we swung around the anchor. Great to have no bommies on the bottom to worry about during that rotation.

Leaving Telekitonga for Uonukuhihifo. About 40 miles. Clear calm weather, a good day for this passage.

Anchored at Telekitonga Island. Walked around the deserted island, mostly sand beach with some volcanic rock. No real signs of civilization other than stuff washed up on shore. By ourselves here. Waves crashing around our little anchorage.

Anchored at Kelefesia Island with 4 other yachts. Caught our first mahi-mahi on the way here. Had a snorkel yesterday around the anchorage. Lots of bommies and nice reef. Great to listen to the waves crashing on the reef. Beautiful clear day here. Some local fishermen arrived this morning and are out on kayaks. Will check out the island this morning. Not sure how long we will stay. Depends if conditions remain calm.

Underway motoring, heading for Kelefesia. Hoping there is room in the anchorage. Nice red sky this am. Sent from my iPad

Anchored at big Mama's. 12 boats (5 catamarans) anchored here. International affair with boats from Germany, Denmark, Amsterdam, Finland, Norway, US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Some puddle jumpers have started to arrived from Niue. Plan to head north tomorrow. It looks like we will be motoring!

Anchored off Big Mama’s at Pangaimotu Island. Looking to move north later this week when (northeast) winds die down.

Anchored at Big Mama’s. Squall to the north. Nice to have some calmer conditions.

10 days Anchored off Big Mam’s now. Bad weather broke yesterday afternoon so we went ashore with some other yachties for a beer at Big Mama’s. They are now serving fish & chips and hamburgers at lunch and construction of their deck is progressing, no doubt targeting completion prior to the ICA rally’s arrival. 

Heavy rain all night, continuing this morning. A half dozen boats arrived and cleared in yesterday, kept the port control and customs busy till after hours! Sent from my iPad

Anchored off Big Mama?s. Waiting to get a clearer picture of the weather and path of the tropical depression northwest of Fiji before we head north to the Haapais.

Cleared in yesterday morning in 2 hours! Used the little Customs Dock. Port authority had to get a couple fishing boats to move for us but all went smoothly. Anchored off Pangimotu. Very quiet here, only us anchored. Big Mamas is still busy rebuilding after cyclone in early 2018. They are short staff and construction workers and not serving meals for another couple weeks. Will take their ferry into town today and get some supplies. Not sure when we can go north to the Ha?apai as the forecast appears to have some 30 knot easterly winds and rain starting Sunday night. May stay here till it improves.

Not the most pleasant night at sea. Spent the first half of the night dodging wide-ranging squalls. Winds backed to NNE, died and then picked up, gradually veering to E. Motor sailing but will try to sail again soon. May be a tacking day. Sea state very bouncy.

Leaving S. Minerva this morning. Had an explore on the reef yesterday morning. Monty found several crays, bagged 3 between two and four lbs. All is well here.

Winds dropped over the last 24 hours. Went to the reef yesterday to check out a large object that washed up onto the reef. It was a red buoy, and would have had a light at the top. It would likely stand 6m tall when floating. The only marking on it wasP6. It is over 10m long from end to end. We are wondering where it came from, South America? We are glad it is on the reef and not out at sea! On a high high tide, it could float off again. Planning to leave South Minerva tomorrow (Tuesday) for Tongatapu.

Short excursion to the reef yesterday at low tide. Bagged a couple crays. All is well here. Plan to depart for Tongatapu, probably on Monday.

very windy here. 24 knots for a time yesterday. Rough at anchor at high tide. Had a go at a snorkel with Pilgrim and Midnight Sun next to the lagoon at S. Minerva yesterday. Beautiful reef with lots of sea life. Still waiting for the winds to ease and go more South. Wishful thinking...may have to use the iron sails to get to Tonga. Looking at leaving on a Sunday or Monday.

S. Minerva. Got to the reef yesterday. Interesting. Watching for the wind direction to move more south for a sail to Tonga.

Had a great sleep at anchor at S. Minerva. Glad for the shower to wash the salt off the deck. Not exactly exploring reef weather at the moment.

Anchored in South Minerva. All is well on board. A couple boats here with us. A bit to breezy to go exploring. Looking forward to a good rest tonight!

Anchored in South Minerva. All is well on board. Breezy!

All is well on board. A few more squalls over night. 20 miles to S. Minerva. Plan to stop there.

All is well on board. Had to sail through some vigorous squalls yesterday with gusts over 30 knots and heavy rain. None over night thankfully. A few suspect clouds on the horizon this morning. Had a nice sail overnight with more consistent winds on the beam in the 17-22 range. They are backing off now as is the seas state. 180 miles in 24 hours. 200 miles to go to S. Minerva. Might feel like taking my down jacket and toque off today. What a Canadian wimp!

All is well on board. Had to sail through some vigorous squalls yesterday with gusts over 30 knots and heavy rain. None over night thankfully. A few suspect clouds on the horizon this morning. Had a nice sail overnight with more consistent winds on the beam in the 17-22 range. They are backing off now as is the seas state. 180 miles in 24 hours. 200 miles to go to S. Minerva. Might feel like taking my down jacket and toque off today. What a Canadian wimp!

All is well on board.

All is well on board. Gradually warming up. Winds just starting to get some east in them.

All is well. 160NM in 24 hrs. Seas were over 3m early this am but have dropped down. Winds also easing. Please advise if this format is not working for the yit site updates. Thanks!

All is well. Seas were over 3m early this am but have dropped down. Winds also easing. Please advise if this format is not working for the yit site updates. Thanks!

Leaving for Minerva Reefs today.

At Bay of Islands Marina

Whistler is in Gulf Harbour.

Docked in the Bay of Islands Marina. Glad to have this passage behind us. We had been concerned we would not find a window before our Fiji visitor visas expired. Our 8th and fastest trip to/from Fiji, 6 days and 2 hours, averaging 7.4nm/hr over 1080NM. Like a good Canadian-built boat should, Whistler easily met the challenge of the boisterous conditions for the first 3 days. It was a sporty ride and then a beautiful sail for a couple days before the winds died and currents slowed us down. Dolphins and nice weather greeted us to the Bay of Islands! Now we turn our attention to cleaning, polishing, mounds of laundry and boat maintenance. The fun never stops!

About 40nm to go to Opua. Current and headwinds slowed us down. Motoring sailing. ETA Tuesday late afternoon. 157nm in last 24 hr. All is well on board.

Less than 200nm to go to Opua. ETA Tuesday. All is well on board. Excellent sailing. 185m in last 24 hr.

Less than 200nm to go to Opua. ETA Tuesday. All is well on board. Excellent sailing. 185m in last 24 hr.

En route for Opua. Winds were steady 17-22kt overnight. Declined a bit this morning. 193nm in last 24 hours. Clearing skies with clouds to NE. Shook out one reef in the mainsail this morning, one reef remaining, full Genoa, nice sailing. Good to see the sun. Less than 350m to go.

En route for Opua. 182 nm in last 24 hours. Cleared off overnight but cumulus clouds taking over. Squall potential. Winds dropped to 18-22 overnight but increasing again this morning. 186 miles in 24 hours. Two blankets and a sleeping bag on the bed, numerous layers with down jacket at night. I finally broke down and put on socks and shoes! Barefoot no more on this passage!

En route for Opua. 182 nm in last 24 hours. Conditions fairly consistent over the last 24 hours. Lots of cloud and threatening squalls but the moon was trying to shine through the clouds for a time and we were treated to some stars briefly last night. Gusts up to 27kt and lulls to 17kt. Cooling down, adding layers of clothing, needing blankets in bed.

Left Port Denarau yesterday around noon for Opua. A parade of boats with us. A record 28 boats checked out from Port Denarau and Vuda Pt. yesterday. Boat performing well in these rather boisterous conditions. Seas rough after leaving the past with some waves crashing over the coachroof and 30 knot gusts. Wind direction pleasantly surprised us, 70 to 75 degrees True.

Port Denarau. Planning to check out today with close to a dozen boats,. Many checking out at Vuda today too. We will have to be vigilant on the radar and AIS on this passage with so many boats leaving at the same time! Next stop, Opua.

Heading back to Port Denarau from Musket Cove. Assessing weather window to NZ this week.

Musket Cove. Heading back to Port Denarau today.

Port Denarau: Raining. Hoping to get an engine part replaced in the next day or two. Looking to take the next weather window to NZ.

Port Deanarau. Amazing lightning storm overnight and again this morning. Heavy rain at times.

Nice morning. Just left Nananu-I-Cake, headed for Port Denarau.

Grey and gusty in the anchorage, in the lee of this ENE wind. Kiting today is questionable as the winds are supposed to die out and rain is coming in a few hours. Already had a sprinkle. Heading to Port Denarau tomorrow and will be looking for a weather window to NZ.

Winds very gusty and shifting more E now. Some squalls.

Been very windy and squally here at Nananu-I-Cake. Showers have eased but not the wind.

Nananu-I-Cake. Wind and rain through the night and this morning.

Back at Nananu-I-Cake with Roxanne, Heatwave and Viva. Got in a bit of motorsailing on the west side but hit headwinds of 15- 20 knots along the top of Viti Levu on the way here yesterday. Whistler is covered in salt again. Definitely kiting conditions here today,

Musket Cove. Wind picked enough to kite yesterday.

Musket Cove. Windy yesterday for kiting.

Musket Cove.

Musket Cove. Monty got kiting at the sandbank yesterday. I should have taken my gear. Winds got up to 22 kt SSE during the day. Jim, our guest, got invited out surfing at Cloudbreak in the morning and later took a skiff with a friend to Namotu for a kite-surf. They even got invited to rig on Namotu private beach! Also invited for a Fijian Curry

at a home on the top of the hill overlooking the marina. Starting out calmer this am.

Light rain off and on at Port Denarau.

Moored at Port Denarau. Checked out Namotu and Cloudbreak anchorages briefly over the weekend. Back in port to get a few maintenance things done, provision and await arrival of our friend from Whistler.

Anchored again in Musket Cove. Gave up our mooring to a yacht whose windlass wasn’t working. Finale last night at Dick’s Place. Nice evening.

Now on a mooring at Musket Cove, (Thanks to Chara). Light rain here. Be a quick Round Malolo Race today. Whistler will not be entering. Not looking forward to a wet dinghy ride to shore for the Awards Night party. Hopefully it will be nicer later.

Musket Cove. Showers yesterday morning and afternoon. Regatta kicked off last night. A bit breezy but no rain, thankfully. Lots of familiar faces.

Port Denarau, heading to Musket Cove this afternoon.

Nananu-I-Cake.

Nananu-I-Cake.

Nananu-I-Cake. Occasion little squalls finally hitting this dry area but mostly great kiting weather.

Nananu-I-Cake. Yesterday was another good kiting day. Kite Point was pretty busy.

Nananu-I-Cake. First sprinkle and rainbow in 7 weeks here yesterday. Good kiting conditions.

Anchored at Nananu-I-Thake.

Anchored back at Nananu-I-Thake. Calm and clear. The anchorage is glassy, paddle boarding conditions.

Anchored off Port Denarau. Heading back to Nananu-I-Thake. Smokey around here!

Musket Cove. Lucky, wind came up the last two afternoons for kiting.

Moored at Musket Cove.

Port Denarau. Cool and cloudy this morning.

Port Denarau. Here for a few days.

Our last day here. Off to Port Denarau tomorrow. Got in some a brief kiting session yesterday but it was gusty and the wind direction was changeable. Hoping for one more session this afternoon.

Nananu-I-Thake.

We are hoping to eek out another few kiting days before we leave Nananu-I-Thake for Port Denarau on the weekend. Sunsets red from the grass fires burning on the mainland. The ash on the boat is a real drag. Great star-gazing last night with a moonless sky. I have resorted to wearing long sleeves, long pants and Monty even put on a hoodie last evening. Winds were calm first thing but are picking now! Our idea of paddle boarding has been abandoned. :-)

Nananu-I-Thake. Got out with Warren at Safari Lodge for a kiting downwinder yesterday.

Whistler moved yesterday, just a half mile away, for a better view of the sunset! Took a while to pull the anchor. Too cloudy for a good sunset last night and Internet is slower. So we might move back to the old spot nearer kite point. Lots of ash on the boat some mornings due to grass fires the mainland. Chilly nights. No kiting the last few days. Good weather for cleaning and boat projects. Could use a rain to wash the boat!

Monty cleaned the props and scrubbed the bridal and 10-15m of the chain that was covered in soft growth. A big job. Not many barnacles on the hull, thankfully. Also did a snorkel yesterday and saw a large octopus, some clams and oysters and a wide array of corals. Viz not great though as it was still a bit windy. Windy for kiting again today.

Nananu-I-Thake. Didnt want to leave while Patricia and David (Gulf Harbour Radio) were away! Another kiting session at Kite Point and downwinder yesterday. All good here! Hazy conditions giving us glorious sunsets!

40 days and 40 nights at Nananu-I-Thake, but who is counting! Great day yesterday with Warren taking us for a downwinder and then serving us a nice lunch at Safari Lodge. For me, the downwinder was like skiing Peak to Creek (Whistler Mountain) with 15cm of fresh powder. Wind could have been a bit stronger, but there wasnt much chop which was nice. Looks like we can eek out another few days of kiting here before the wind shuts off. Be a challenge to lift our anchor! Setting sun is red, haze caused by the volcano eruption in Vanuatu, we are told.

All is well at Nananu-I-Thake. Cool overnight, even had to throw a blanket on the bed! Lots of wind for kiting today.

Weather has been very good, with little rain. Recently had a few calm days. On Warren’s recommendation, we snorkelled by the sand spit (kite spot) which had lots of healthy soft and hard corals and schools of fish. Surprisingly good and so convenient to the anchorage! Another no wind day activity. Did a market run to Rakiraki yesterday. Good selection of fruits and veggies. When we got back, Warren (Safari Lodge) took us out to the reef for a downwinder. Monty kited for an hour but the winds were a bit too light for me. Winds are expected to pick up today for a few days. Boats come and go, as they transit east or west. Some going east frequently wait a few days or a week for trade winds to ease enough for that passage. So Whistler has not been alone here. Have had a few socials with friends on familiar boats and made some new acquaintances too!

Anchor well dug in here at Nananu-I-Thake. Been good kiting conditions. Calm and sunny this morning.

Happy Canada Day! Anchored in the lee of Nananu-I-Thake. Anchorage was busy two nights ago with boats stopping off on their way to the west coast. Monty got out kiting on the 7m (our smallest kite) yesterday. Were invited to a social on one of the World Arc boats (with a Cdn connection) that is hoping off the rally and heading to NZ this year. Very windy, but will try to fly our big Canadian flag today.

Hoodie temperatures this morning. Still at Nananu-I-Thake. MK got in her first kite lesson this season. MC got out for 2 sessions. Steadier winds yesterday. Hopefully another lesson today,.

At Nananu-I-Thake. Line of cloud to the north. Winds have arrived. Stronger winds overnight. Kiters are happy!

At Nananu-I-Thake. Winds rose enough to kite late yesterday. Light winds this morning again.

At Nananu-I-Thake. Got windy yesterday, so Monty got out for a kite with the Fusios.

Anchored off Nananu-I-Thake. Waiting for wind so we can kite. Maybe tomorrow?

Anchored off Makogai.

Anchored off Namena.. High cirrus cloud thickening. Some interesting finds snorkelling yesterday like a few large live conch. Probably heading to Makongai today.

In Savusavu. Heading to Namena today. Cooler temps now.

At Cousteau anchorage in Savusavu Bay. Heading to town to reprovision.

Anchored off the sand cay at Duff Reef. Monty got kiting yesterday. Cool spot. Likely head off somewhere today as it is pretty rolly in the anchorage.

Still in Vanua Balavu. Looking to move to a kiting spot sometime today.

Anchored in Ship Cove in Bay of Islands. At least 20 boats here in the Bay of Islands now. At sunset, some cruisers joined their dinghies together for a social in a wee cove and watched hundreds of fruit bats take off from their roost for their nightly patrol. The sky was filled with “flying foxes”.

Ship Cove in Bay of Islands. More World Arc boats arrived yesterday in the Bay.

Anchored in Ship Cove in the Bay of Islands. 30 World ARC just checked in at Lomaloma, Vanua Balavu, so we are seeing lots of boats anchoring around the bay. Seems to be room so far. World Arc’s next rendezvous is July 4 or 5th in Musket Cove.

Anchored in Ship Cove with 2 other boats in the Bay of Islands, Vanua Balavu. A few more boats anchored around the Bay. Warm and humid last night, lots of dew this morning.

Squalls now to north and east. They appear to be moving away ahead of us. Just waiting for good light to enter Vanua Balavu. Had 15-22 kt winds that backed around through the day and night. Uncomfortable short period southerly swell. Calmed down through the night. Planning to anchor in Bay of Islands tonight.

In Savusavu. Plans to move, just not sure where yet.

Trough passed over us around 9pm. Had a torrential rain storm with lightning and high winds (30 kt). Whistler circled the mooring a few times as the winds shifted direction. Filled all our water buckets in minutes. Heavy rain and high winds lasted for several hours. Just light rain now.

Savusavu. Nice morning.

Back in Savusavu. Very humid last night. Had some lightning and showers in the evening.

Lovely day here at Cousteau. Yesterday we completed our Advanced Open Water Dive course with Cousteau. Did a night dive to finish. Amazing critter life active in the dark. Came to the surface and the stars were out in full force. Fantastic experience.

The sky is clear above us and to the north but the trough with a distinct line of with thick clouds blankets the southern third of the sky. Hope it keeps moving SE.

We are still off Cousteau. Winds were more NE overnight and now back to E. Not a nice day. More rain in forecast.