We, being Glen, Jillian and Ben left Orakei Marina on Thursday 23rd April at 1700hrs heading to Opua in the Bay of Islands. We motor sailed until around midnight and then were able to turn the engines of and enjoy the peace with only the wind in our sails. Ben kept watch until midnight then Glen took over. Glen heard unusual splashing sounds on his watch and shone the torch into the water and found a pod of dolphins playing alongside us. They didn’t care for the torch beam and soon left us. The wind was picking up by now with 25 knots showing on the wind gauge. Glen saw 12 knots of speed while surfing of a wave. Both Glen and Malakite were enjoying their sail. Glen thinks it is the best 3-4 hours of sailing he has ever done. His smile was pretty big. Jillian, not so enthusiastic about the trip!!! We rounded Percy Island (the hole in the rock) about 0830hrs and headed to our berth in Opua Marina. We will be based here awaiting the departure to Tonga. The date to leave is 2nd May, but this of course if weather dependant.