Arrived in Phuket, Thailand yesterday where we'll spend Xmas and the next month or so cruising (some of) the countless islands in the surrounding waters. It's been a pretty relaxing last month also, cruising up the coast of Malaysia and around Langkawi. Thanks to all that have commented or otherwise followed the updates so far... Merry Christmas and love to to all! Paul Sue and Mili X

Arrived in Malaysia (a few hours ago) after a fun day (genuinely!) traversing the Singapore Strait... As expected, LOTS of big shipping, although most have AIS system, so their speed and direction etc. can be easily seen on laptop chart and we could adjust ours to avoid..Kind of like 'PlayStation with consequences'!... lots to keep an eye on when you add the rubbish in the water, as the last thing we wanted was a rope or plastic round the prop. Still felt like crossing a motorway with a zimmer frame, threading the gaps between tankers in both directions, but was actually nowhere near as bad as feared. Added fun with torrential downpour in river approach lending bugger-all visibility, but all sweet now.. Mili walked and beers with neighbours... Will do offical stuff tomorrow and in the meantime, time to enjoy a curry and a maybe even a little more beer....

Nongsa Point Marina... Last stop in wonderful Indonesia! :-( Will hang here and complete exit. formalities tomorrow and head across the Strait to Malaysia the day after. Good timing as the Bintang has just run out! It's been a bit of a whirlwind trip as we were a bit late to catch the best of the SE trades.... Far too quick to see all this diverse country has to offer ... Hopefully we'll return one day to get more time in the places we've been for too short a time and those we haven't been to at all (Raja Ampat, Anambas, Kalamantan etc. etc!). Aside from the scenery and food, the lovely people we have met have made this place special.

Just arrived at the Equator, after a long haul of 240nm. It completes the first 6,943nm of the trip from Nelson (4,445nm as the crow flys!). Conditions from Belitung have been mostly fairly benign, bar a lumpy sea and headwind for first 50nm and a few short-lived nighttime squalls to 30kn. A fair bit of rubbish in the water at times though, including logs swept out to sea. Something we didn't see accounted for the 2nd (speed) log paddle wheel mortally injured through Indonesia! The crew were a little disappointed to find no line painted on the sea nor any signs here to mark this auspicious spot. We have just completed traditional offerings to King Neptune. I hope he's bloody grateful for the decent whisky...One for the boat and one for our absent crew Brett and Sam that set us on this voyage. ... Skipper's proposal to get Mili to become possibly the first dog to paddle board across the Equator has been vetoed by First Mate. Ah well, she's a 'special' dog anyway! We're going to anchor at one of the nearby islands and hang out for the rest of today, before heading up towards Singapore.

Arrived in Belitung mid arvo after 3 day passage from Bawean. Only been ashore once so far but it may be paradise found?! ... Will confirm with more exploration tomorrow but so far stunning rock islet scenery, clean silica sand, clear water, lots of coral and super-friendly locals.

Bday girl Mili has given the seal of approval!

Passage largely uneventful... Up to 25 kn briefly but mostly 5kn with the motor droning.. The pyrotechnics each night were however certainly memorable, with the lightning adding to the fishing fleets we have to pass through and around...May be over cautious but when it was striking within a couple of miles we switch off and disconnect the chart plotter, radar, autohelm etc and thus have to hand steer by compass... So old school haha.. Anyway, the crew are looking forward to some relaxation!

Just arrived in Bawean after trip across Java Sea from Bali.... Fun 2nd night playing dodgems with various ships, fishing boats, nets and FADs...Ships easy to avoid with AIS and the smaller boats are mostly lit in some form or fashion. The bamboo FADs weren't, but can still get picked up on radar with a bit of tuning. Adding to the techno party was the frequent lightning from nearby nighttime squalls... But managed to dodge all this too. Such fun! Going to rest up here for a night or two to explore the island, before trucking on to Belitung, another 3 days north.

Starting to head N after an all too brief time in Bali... Met some lovely people both in Lombok and here in Lovina. Shld be a short overnight motorsail hop to the Kangean Is.

  Arrived safely off Pulau Medang after an overnight passage of around 130nm. Possibly coincidental, but another awesome dog beach!  Was a bit sad to leave the Komodo National Park with its rugged hills and awesome beaches and reefs. Our last anchorage at Pulau Kembala was, I think, the best yet.  The passage was fairly easy, albeit against the usual 1-2kn easterly current in this neck of the woods. We had the interest of passing in the shadow of a couple of volcanos (Sangean and Tembala). The first of those was still letting off some steam. When the latter last blew big time - in 1815 - it was the largest eruption in recent history, 10 times the size of the Krakatoa and apparently resulted in global climate change for several years!  We also had the fun of dodging through a couple of fishing fleets of perhaps 40 small boats in total overnight and seeing a large humpback breech pretty close-by this morning.

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Arrived in a nice quiet spot, sheltered from SW'ily. It's a short dinghy ride from Lubuan Bajo, a port that seems to have a fast-developing tourism sector based on diving and proximity to the Komodo Islands. Just in time for booze restock too, phew! The last week has seen some nice cruising along the N Flores coast, with stops at Batu Boga, Najar Ujong, Riung and Damo Bays (in 17 Islands National Park), Lingeh Bay and Gili Bodo. Tomorrow (or maybe the next day?!) we'll head for Rinca Island, where apparently the chances of seeing Komodo au naturelle are even better than on Komodo itself. Mili will have to stay aboard, lest she becomes lunch... but she has been pretty spoilt with shore excursions this past week!

Sadly we had to leave the small but perfectly formed Kroko Atol all too soon. Mili really dug it there... both figuratively and literally! After hosting a few snap-happy local tourists who had taken a boat to the Atol and wanted the millionaires yacht shots (unfortunately only our boat was available) and liberating what turned out to be a very lucky cray, we set off towards here at Maumare (where we are now anchored off a dive resort)... Actually, we weren't initially planning to be here today...

After a fairly quick 50nm beam reach day sail from Kroko to N Harding Bay, sadly the idyllic looking beach there (think deserted, white sand, coconut palms, jungle, monkeys etc), turned out to have rubbish holding and a strong onshore wind! After starting to drag towards the reef we decided at dusk that sleep was unlikely and retreat was the best option. Thus carried on with a further 50nm night passage to here... going slow as we wanted to arrive in light.

Anyway, a bit sad to miss N Harding, but the black sand beach here has already passed the Mili sniff test and Mum and Dad can now sleep soundly before exploring town later!

  Hanging out at Kroko atol after an early start to catch a Nbound tide. (The atol is a bit smaller than anticipated, but plenty big enough for a picnic later and just enjoyed a swim and dog walk there).

The short trip up here through the Selat Boleng was quite spectacular, passing under the (extinct??) volcanos on surrounding islands. Saw a big whale, heading in the opposite direction.

Yesterday we relaxed at the S end of Lembala Island in Suba Bay, after a pretty easy overnight 100nm passage from Kupang. To say Mili enjoyed the beach there is an understatement! Kupang, where we completed entry formalities, replenished diesel etc, was where Cptn Bligh ended up after his mammoth post-mutiny journey in a small boat, all the way from Tonga.

Arrival there was also a bit of a rush for us.... Heaps of people and energy, albeit also with a lot of (apparant) poverty and rubbish. We got an awesome if 'unofficial' agent to assist with all the paperwork and visits across town to the various offices required. Great fun on the back of his scooter amongst the fairly chaotic traffic, although I'm glad I'm not modelling it! Also enjoyed first Indo meal with him at restaurant on way back from securing local SIM cards. People were very friendly - as well as Napa the agent, I also got to chat (through broken English, Bahasa and hand gestures) with a few local kids, stall keepers, fishermen and boatmen, including one lovely old guy who invited me aboard his wee freight carrier. Let's just say I feel a lot more secure on Windchase!

Safely arrived in Kupang, Indonesia. Will have to complete formalities tomorrow as its Sunday but shall take a quick run ashore later to see the lay of the land. Its predominately Christian in this part of Timor, but can hear the Muslim call to prayer loud and clear from the anchorage, so a mosque can't be far away! Already feels a bit more exotic than Oz! (PS Of course we now have the most decent wind of the trip, when we've stopped lol!) PPS Total passage was 483.4nm, Av 4.75kn... Probably our slowest yet! PPPS Pete, I will call as soon as I have scored a local SIM!

Another quiet 24hrs....Little wind again and what there is is from around where we're heading! Passed one local boat in the middle of nowhere, a big oil rig, more dolphins... and a lot of perspiration..... as its still damned hot! Noon-noon (Darwin time) was a lowly 101.7nm for a total of 362nm so far and DTF c119nm.

Beautiful glassy seas with a long low swell and little wind continue.. As does the drone of the motor! It is, however, lovely weather... if you don't mind not sailing! Have actually slowed down a little more, deliberately, so we will eventually close the shore of Timor at daylight (to avoid hitting potential unlit Fads) but also to hit the tides right for the final strait up to Kupang with arrival around Sunday lunchtime. Shld have left 12hrs earlier in the evening and we could have shaved 24hrs off the passage, darn it! wever, lovely weather... if you don't mind not sailing! Have actually slowed down a little more, deliberately so we will eventually close the shore of Timor at daylight (to avoid hitting potential unlit Fads) but also to hit the tides right for the final strait up to Kupang with arrival around Sunday lunchtime. Shld have left 12hrs earlier in the evening and we could have shaved 24 on hrs off the passage, darn it! All's well aboard. PS Noon-noon run 115nm, Total so far 261nm, DTF c. 220nm.

Abt 145nm out from Darwin (Noon-noon run a lowly 112nm as motorsailing with very little wind and still strongish tides against at times). Distracted from attending to a few mechanical maintenance issues by frequent schools of jumping tuna (one of which jumped onto Sue's hook, so Mili pleased)... Currently rod withdrawn due to pod of jumping dolphins also in pursuit of dinner! This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

We are safely in Darwin after a 'quick' (15hr) trip across the Van Diemen Gulf (playing the tides)... The final 97nm in a 1,272nm journey from Cairns and 4,865nm (9,000km) all told from Nelson via the islands. (Av speed 5.24... not that I'm a stats geek or anything!).

Mili will be pleased to get off, as it must have been frustrating seeing land for the last few nights and not being able (or rather allowed!) off for a walk sans dinghy.

At Smith Point, Dad did in fact head to shore, via paddle board, and a world record return trip will sadly go unrecorded in the annals of athletic statistics.... I'd headed off hunting for tobacco, as the guide suggested a small store may be located there near a ranger station. Interesting museum too. Sadly no shop, but there were several large photos and newspaper articles, showing a mammoth saltie making short work of a large sea turtle on a beach. I casually enquired of the ranger whether the photos were taken nearby... "Oh yes, down on the beach by the point" (where I'd just landed). "In fact there's a couple of females of similar size (3-4m) there right now in the corner (where I'd left paddle board), being courted by a big male as its the season." hmmmm. Deciding to forgo search for potentially harmful products, or crocodiles, as well as my planned wetland walk, needless to say, the paddle board and I made a VERY rapid return to anchored yacht! We are actually still anchored at Darwin tonight, as we are not allowed to enter a marina here until we have undergone some sort of (free) 'decontamination' process for potential marine pests tomorrow. Not sure why only Darwin has this requirement... given we have been cleared into Australian waters for over a month, it seems a bit late?! .. Of course we are confident our bottom is most hygienic, but happy to receive inspection and certification to that effect ;-) Mind you a shower for the crew will also still be most welcome!

Safely on W side of Cape Coker in Somerville Bay after a cruisy night to conclude the 47hr/250nm passage. Sadly Mili has the frustration of seeing another 5km long pristine beach that we can't actually get to, sans dinghy, but fortunately we have a nice cooling breeze to all relax in here. 3 days out from Darwin.. 2 fairly short days and one long one (will leave the next update until arrival, on Weds eve, weather permitting).

Well given lack of means at mo to (safely!) get ashore, we didn't linger too long (16hrs) at Marchinbar... Which was a shame as it was one of the most beautiful anchorages we've visited. Still, onward and forward.

First 24hrs of this leg has seen us progress slightly more than halfway across the Arafura under winds anywhere between 8-30kn overnight.. This equated to lots of playing with sails and speeds anywhere between 3.5-7.5kn! Still, at least when going slowly the fish are biting... Sue got another nice 3-4kg tuna, which Mili was very wary of when still flapping, but enjoyed greatly when filleted. She's such a princess at times! (meaning Mili, of course ;-) (24hr run=128nm)

Another good day. Got buzzed by a Border Control aircraft nearing land which was, well, a bit of a buzz! Arrived safely at a nice anchorage off Marchinbar Island. Crew all well and in good spirits....Shortly to include a dram or two! Mili is perhaps likely to be less happy in the morning, when I explain that the first mate has decreed that due to loss of dinghy and remaining Croc potential, there will be no shore visit using the paddle board :-(...Oh, and we have another 2.5 day passage to next stop, across the Arafura Sea...and maybe 7 days in total to Darwin, given a couple of additional stops after that.

(Total passage from Seisia 351nm, Av 5.57kn)

All well aboard! On track for late evening arrival at Cape Wessel... Glorious sunshine and pretty calm seas, though wind has been very light since yday evening, it is fortunately picking up a little now. (Noon-noon 124 (131 with current), Total down 302nm, DTF approx 48nm.)

Making good progress, although found rather more wind and sea that forecast (sound familiar?! ;-). Nice now though! Sadly a victim of the sea last night was our near-new tender, which we were lazily towing, given the lovely benign conditions we started in. It didn't however take kindly to being surged in the 3m breakers which pooped us a couple of times and all we are left with are the two tow lines and 3 D rings! Oh well, live and learn and, as they say worse things happen at sea! :-( PS come 172nm so far since 6.30am yday, with 141.8nm as noon-noon (about 12nm tide and current assistance in total though!)

Set off at 6.30... 26m down, around 320 to go across the gulf, to reach a stopover at Cape Wessel (Marchinbar Islands)... Currently turned NW to try and get into a bit stronger wind coming through the Strait, as its pretty light... But glorious sailing. All well aboard!

Made it to Seisia yday and enjoyed shore run. V beautiful around here and the sky was lit up last night, first by a glorious sunset and then by huge fire in distance ashore. (apparently the latter is common, as used by locals to clear a scrub for agriculture... And make it easier to spot snakes!) Just hangin' here again today, both for a brief rest and because winds are v light! We can resupply with a bit of diesel and, I hope, beer here, although latter may be a long shot given local alcohol restrictions :-(.... Forecast looking good for crossing Gulf west tomorrow (Tues), although may be a bit light Weds... Onward and westward! PS still no cell phone reception for us since Cooktown, hence occasional YIT updates by sat only, sorry!

Tonight we're at a nice anchorage at Escape River. Well, it's good holding, v calm, and the scenery (red bauxite rocks, mangroves and the whitest silica dunes beyond) is lovely.... At least to me! However, one of the ladies aboard is not quite as keen as the other for a shore run, and prob fair enough, as it does kinda seem like Croc country. Somewhat disappointed we haven't actually spotted any yet... but that may be coz they are absent, scarce, or just cunning blighters eh?! Oh well, as we are now only about 22nm south of Cape York (the 'Top End'), tomorrow should see us round that, have a quick stop for obligatory photos and make a short leg south-west to a small settlement called Sesia, where a definite shore run and potential doggy treat resupply should make us all even happier!

Just arrived at Portland Road, after a sweet downhill run from Morris Island. We'd spent 36hrs there to wait out a bit of a blow, but all good as could walk Mili around the island - and it's one palm tree, as well as some extensive surrounding drying sand banks... Extra bonus was that no crocs were sighted! For the historically-inclined, we passed close by Restoration Island just south of here, where Captain Bligh (he of the Bounty) and a few of his loyal crew landed briefly, after their amazing cross-ocean trip following the mutiny, in the small boat they were so generously set away in. This was a fairly brief stop before he too headed away north, eventually landing near Kupang, Indonesia (where we are also headed, but via Darwin). He however did it after 47 odd days in his open boat, equipped with not much more that a sextant and pocket watch. No GPS, chicken tikka masala and One Fifty Lashes beer for him, oh no. It doesn't seem like we do it that tough these days eh?!

After leaving Cooktown, we had a couple of half days sailing, stopping at Two Isles and the lovely Lizard Island, in Watson Bay. Poor Mrs Watson, who lived in a cottage here, had a bit of a hard time when her husband was away seeking Beche De Mere (sea slugs). She and her servant were attacked by the locals and escaped the island in a tub used to boil the slugs. They eventually stranded on a reef, but met more strife from locals thereabouts, luckily floating free in the tub to end up on an island about 40nm away from Lizard. A happy ending eh? Sadly not... They died there from thirst.

Anyway, historic notes over, we're now trying to make up a little bit of time, with a 24hr run to Fyffe Island. Sun shining still and wind in our favour.

Spending a night in Cooktown to give Mili a run ashore after 3 days. Also the bonus for Mum and Dad of additional booze supplies! As you'll guess, the town has strong associations with the explorer... As does the whole coast from Cairns so far. Yesterday we passed Weary Bay, so called because his crew were, well, weary, after towing their ship to safety with row boats after an unfortunate and unanticipated discovery of a reef by said ship. If Cook and crew had not survived this incident, his discoveries (and claim of New Holland for Blighty) would have been lost...

And Australia would likely have remained under the controlling influence of France. Food is still pretty good here though, to be fair.

Heading North from Cairns at last! (Meant to stay a week but it's been just over 2, waiting for a new (spare) main sail from NZ to arrive. Still, it has given us the chance to play tourist, settle Mili aboard (while taking her for Lots of walks, while we can!) and how in to the usual boat maintenance stuff. We were planning to day sail all the way up the GBR to Cape York, but will now try to make up a bit of time with a few longer legs. Weather looking fab (28C) albeit wind a bit light and NE instead of usual 15-20SE today!

Well, Windchase made it to Cairns! So did Sue and I, which is a bonus? Our welcome to Australia through the GBF was rather unexpected and a bit rude however.... Blowing up to 40kn this morning and surfing down some good swell ... Fortunately that does not reflect the very nice aussies we've met on travels so far and a great welcome just now at the marina here... where we'll be based for the next week-10 days... Picking up Mili Friday yay! (PS For the stats geeks reading, Day 10 was 140.4nm noon-noon.

Total log was 1,331.3nm or 2,467km in 9 days, 22hrs 40mins (Av 5.58kn) - though actual dist over 'ground' recorded by GPS was 1,285.8nm or 2, 382km (Av 5.39kn), diff being current and/or need for a log recalibration!)

Another good days run, although we have slowed down a bit (deliberately!) in last 6 hrs to avoid getting there during overtime hrs tomorrow morning! One brief squall last night but otherwise peachy...

(Noon run day 9 = 141.2nm, Total sailed so far 1,207nm, DTF now approx. 117nm.

'Champagne' sailing, albeit sadly, w/o any champagne, :-(..... 15kn beam reaching in (relatively) flat seas and glorious sunshine. About to clear the outlying reefs and turn slightly south for the final run in towards the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and landfall at Cairns... Although this is still around 250nm away, it should be only around 44hrs or so, based on present forecasts.

(Noon run day 8 = 142.2nm, Total sailed so far 1,065nm, DTF now approx. 249nm. This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

Seas abated and wind playing ball, so great sailing over last 12 hrs...Currently the speed and music are cranked up! ...14-21kn at 120AWA with double head sails and full main... (Noon run day 7 = 137.9nm, Total sailed so far 923.3nm, DTF now approx. 389nm. If anyone is wondering (mother?!) why the total (distance sailed plus DTF) keeps changing slightly, it is because we frequently can't sail in straight line. Distance sailed (through the water) is also slightly different to the actual geographic distance covered (over earth's surface) , as currents play a part, as well as slight inaccuracies with the log that reads distance through water) Eithet will be longer than a bee line from Santo- Cairns, approx 1250nm, because as well as having to sail to suit winds and seas, we also aim to avoid hitting hard things, before intended point of arrival! ;-)

All good, but of course we'd now prefer a few more knots of wind (or at least either more E, or more Sth in it!) ... Sea heaps lower and longer period, but still causing a bit of a roll at times. Now baking in glorious sunshine, after a few heavy but very brief rain squalls overnight... It was our (or I'd better clarify, the boat's) first wash down for 6 weeks! (Noon run day 6 = 128.5nm, Total sailed so far 789nm, DTF approx. 508nm. For anyone else bothered, I forgot to report day 5 run was 136.0!)

All well here... Strongish winds and higher-than-forecast seas (4-4.5m) overnight, but now calming down a lot, and currently as per 2.5m forecast.. Direction changing too, to better suit direct westward route to passage through GBR in 3 days or so... Over halfway, yay! ... 659nm down, around 636 to go!

Forgot to mention... Day 4 noon run was 129.6nm.

Going well but progress a little slowed down (deliberately!) this am, as the overnight wind was a lot stronger (30kn) than forecast and overnight the beam seas (90deg to our heading, Grrrr!) rose to over 3m and started breaking... it was like a washing machine aboard!.... so reduced sail and are now running off slowly at an angle to N at mo and are very comfortable . Only 36hrs or so to wait improvement, we may even turn and heave to tonight, as don't want to arrive b4 Monday.

Going well here but could do with a bit more wind! ... Had a bit of a slow night, as we also had to gain northing to cross a strong contrary current, so while we sailed a fair way, the distance over ground actually covered westwards was a lot less! Still, we are now into a much more positive (westbound!) current, which we will, hopefully, be able to remain in for the rest of the way... Yay! Plus, it's another blazing hot and clear day! Last night was v calm... While no moon at mo, that allowed the night sky to be even clearer... Saw lots of shooting stars. We'd hooked a small tuna at dusk, but that was later significantly outnumbered by the 19 (formerly) flying fish who were unlucky enough to hit the sails and land on the deck overnight. Most last night were v small however and in total unlikely to make a whitebait pattie... so sadly, they died in vain :-( Noon run=126.8 (but only 96 gained westwards lol!) This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

All well aboard... Beautiful sailing, calmer seas. Noon run 138nm, so going well (esp. as have kept main reefed since Sat eve!)... 268 down and less than 1,000 to go lol. Don't want to go tooooo fast... Both for comfort and (mainly!)... we'd end up arriving on a weekend.... which can apparently double the (already high!) cost of clearing in.

PS Sue has her rod out... No bites as yet.

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All well aboard! First days noon run 126.7nm, so v happy with that as we're being v 'conservative' with sail plan! Bit of a washing machine with wind waves from side, but small stuff (at mo!). Glorious sunshine!

Underway for a big hop to Cairns... Sadly we don't ha E the Chuckle Brothers, Brett and Sam with us for support on this leg, but forecast is good and (hopefully!) the weather shall stay broadly as forecast... Shld take 10-14 days.

Arrived safely in Luganville (Santo) after yet another cruisey downwind run, calm anchorage in front of Beachfront resort.... Off to resolve beer drought!

After a great 3 days in Port Stanley, Malekula, we are now off to Santo... Would have loved to have stopped for longer on this island, but visa expiry and a certain dog means time's a pressing!

Currently in Port Sandwich on Malekuka.. Spear fishing attempts curtailed by (reported only!) sharks in bay, so lower risk option will be to head off to explore Murder River among the mangroves instead hehe! Sadly looks like planned visits to Pentecost and Maewo may have to deferred due to ash fallout from Ambae :-(

Spending a couple of nights at Lamen Bay on Epi.... Fab coral and heaps of turtles but, as yet, we've yet to sight let alone get to swim with the resident dugong... Maybe I do need a proper shower after all?

Well, we came a little further north than where we'd thought we'd head to when we set off... But it was just SUCH good sailing weather, we couldn't resist! An even quieter anchorage here, tho' will miss the awesome company we've enjoyed down sawf ...Still, looking forward to both land and reef exploration in AM!

Heading North towards Emae, after spending a lovely 2 day's nights in the very quiet Esema Bay on Efate

Arrived Port Villa 3.30pm after a cruisey passage with following wind and sea from Eromango.

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On N side of Eromango, ready for a (very!) early morning departure for the 80nm passage to the capital, Port Vila on Efate. Had a great morning before sailing here, being shown around Dillon's Bay village by a local, David, who's in the (long) process of building his Yacht Club and Guesthouse. The village is home to 700 people, half of the otherwise very sparsely populated 50km x 20km Island. Lovely guy and very lovely village, along the banks of the very, very lovely Williams River. The original Mr Williams was, unfortunately, the first missionary to arrive after the very bad treatment of locals by traders. For his enterprise, he was immediately killed and then placed on a rock (albeit it appeared in a jolly nice spot!), on which he was measured... before being cooked and eaten.

We can confirm that the locals are substantially more friendly to visitors these days.... and I'd def recommend a visit! This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.

At Dillons Bay, Eromango... Just arrived after easy 55nm run... But as it got dark, so can't tell you a lot about it yet! No other boats around :-) This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.

Bye bye Tanna, its been nice meeting you! (The finger is just to point out Yasur Volcano ;-)

In Lenakel anchorage on Tanna Island after an upwind passage from Loyalty Islands... Will head round to Port Resolution later today, hopefully to see Yasur Volcano close up. Bit of a hiccup as Lenakel is meant to be a Port of Entry for Vanuatu, but apparently the immigration officer will not be back for a month! Oh well! Anchorage a little rolly, but (at least from our experience last night), not nearly as bad as reputation would have it!

In We marina after a super easy night sail over from Grande Terre... Must be the clearest marina water here anywhere... Angel fish under the keel easily seen! Sadly can only stop 1 night :-( This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

After a good few weeks cruising the Lagoon, we bid goodbye to our trusty crew Brett and Sam 10 days ago and are now abt to head off this morning to Loyalty Islands (last stop in New Caledonia).... then on to Tanna in Vanuatu around Weds/Thurs. This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

Anchored at Ilot Ua, yet another white sand beach. Off for a snorkel after fish lunch. Life's tough.

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Just heading off for a 7-8 day cruise round the Southern Lagoon and Isles des Pins.

Anchored at Noumea... Arrived after marina office and customs closed for evening, so we'll just chill here with a beer or two and Sam's fish curry, which is wafting up from the galley now. Very calm night, I think we'll sleep very well!

..... All good, light winds but finally from somewhere other than N!... So shld be a good run in.. 50nm to the New Caledonia reef pass (67 to Noumea).... Shld be croissants for 2moro's brekkie (at least for me as others aren't allowed off boat until customs etc are cleared, and that apparently can take half a day! Oh what a shame, never mind hehe!)

A slightly better day today, 117nm....Still slow-going, with light winds and contrary currents....Wandering a bit to avoid the latter!... But another beautiful sunset and we are north of 25S...So a think that qualifies as in the tropics? Yay! ... DTF is 120nm... So def won't be there for morning tide, but... Whatever! PS for those who ha E left comments, we can only actually read and respond to these when on the Internet.... Ie make landfall. So please don't think us rude in not responding straight away! .. We do appreciate them however, so keep 'em coming thankyou!

A slightly better day today, 117nm....Still slow-going, with light winds and contrary currents....Wandering a bit to avoid the latter!... But another beautiful sunset and we are north of 25S...So a think that qualifies as in the tropics? Yay! ... DTF is 120nm... So def won't be there for morning tide, but... Whatever! PS for those who ha E left comments, we can only actually read and respond to these when on the Internet.... Ie make landfall. So please don't think us rude in not responding straight away! .. We do appreciate them however, so keep 'em coming thankyou!

Another slowish day, not helped by 2 hrs swapping batteries after charge prob. Up and running again and made it across to nb current at last! Yay! Hoping to make a slack tide reef entry early Monday and make Noumea b4 immigration shuts for the day, at 11.30am!

Another slowish day, not helped by 2 hrs swapping batteries after charge prob. Up and running again and made it across to nb current at last!

Another slowish day, not helped by 2 hrs swapping batteries after charge prob. Up and running again and made it across to nb current at last!

Another slowish day, not helped by 2 hrs swapping batteries after charge prob. Up and running again and made it across to nb current at last!

Another slowish day, not helped by 2 hrs swapping batteries after charge prob. Up and running again and made it across to nb current at last!

Frustrating day, with wind straight from destination! Oh well, we're still getting there, albeit fairly slowly! (110nm 24hr run). Very light sea and lovely and warm however! This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

And their away... Next stop (hopefully!) is Noumea, New Caledonia. Forecast is a big high, so shld be a less eventful passage.... Time to break out Risk after enjoying an amazing sunset! This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

Arrived at Norfolk Island a couple of hours ago yay! Haven't figured out Internet or phone access yet - might be a day or two as tomorrow is a public holiday.

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7-9hrs from Norfolk. Winds very light, except for occasional rainy squall.

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Getting closer to Norfolk... 100nm or so to go...

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Abt a day away from Norfolk Island stopover... Quiet night - wind getting a little lighter but so is sea & hope that av of 140 or so miles/day so far can be sustained! All well aboard! This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

Lovely night, 17-23kn S-SW, mellow seas. All good aboard. Heading for a few days at Norfolk as crew keen on ticking their breaks.

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Well on the way.. Shld clear Cape Reigate in a couple of hours. Won't bother waving as its 110nm away! Great progress due to higher-than-forecast winds... 50-60kn last night as opposed to the nice 30 expected! Boat was awesome. Crew in good spirits, drying out in sunshine, and much calmer winds and following seas! This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.

WSW 150nm run for day! A bit frisky at times but sea and wind are both in right direction, so great progress. May even clear Cape Reinga by 2moro eve.

Quite a slowish night but really cranking now.. Still after a little more sea room. Smiles on the dials.

This was a superceded update that probably didn't appear, as Freddie Fatfingers here typed Wimdchase in the header first time!

Quite a slowish night but really cranking now.. Still after a little more sea room. Smiles on the dials.

And we're off!! Just getting things sorted but sails are up and ready to rock... With maybe a little rolling thrown in!

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