Automated update - Terestial

Seized alternator, shredded fan belt, no wind, on the nose, too much wind, tired boys, still making headway headed home!! Xx

Departed Bundaberg, Australia Thurs 5 Dec 19 - 05h00

COMMENTS: Business as usual. Water pump belt changes every 24 hours as the heat shrink wears out. Otherwise all systems OK.

Ships clocks changed to NZDST

Yacht: UDDERLIFE

Call Sign: ZMS8653

DATE / TIME: Friday 13/12/19. 17h00.hrs. GMT+13

POSITION: 34 22S 171 05E

COG: 66M

SOG: 9.0K

WIND: 15K. NW

SWELL: 1 m

CLOUD BARO: 1014 100 percent cloud cover

ETA: 15 Dec 19 Auckland

POBs: 3 : Wallace Baker, Martin Zink, Rex Sturmey

Udders coming home for summer.... boys into day 2 good wind & nice seas!

Tues 3 Sept

Stonehaven bay to Bait Reef. 20nm ETD 10.20 ETA 13.25

Bait is nearest of Great Barrier Reef with unique “Stepping Stones” 18 flat topped round coral pinnacles with vertical sides lined in a row. Each 15-25 meters which stop a Meter from the surface. They are covered in coral & fans, with lots of fish. Sadly the cyclone has put paid to a lot of the flat coral reef, but thankfully there is evidence of new growth. Well worth a visit in calm conditions.

Incredible day again water like a bath tub, turtles around boat. Deceived as so flat calm, made our bay through the wrong end on the “Steppingstone bommies” . We negotiated our way in a zig zag through the Crystal clear reef to pick up a mooring buoy, just as well sun in right direction as no room for error! Once on the mooring it was almost eerie has calm. Beaut day of paddleboard if, snorkeling and dingy exploring. Then over to Breeze for a yummie BBQ.

Next morning & I tied a couple of lines together so we could sit in the dingy with our breakfast of Muesli & tea out over the top of reef & gaze at the coral , yes, what a great idea!! Fed our resident ‘Trev’ the very large & fast GT - giant travellers and he was soon joined by an equally large, beautifully coloured Hump- head Maori Wrasse, major competition between the 2 for a little bit of bread we gave them......

I think the pictures taken by our friends on Breeze Dave Wyatt tell the whole story very well. Thanks again they are fantastic!

Mon 2Sept 19

Depart CID Hbr for Stonehaven Bay

Sun we had huge walk to the top of Whitsunday Peek, access from CID, it took 2 hours up. Well worth the effort when you see the view from the top. Simply spectacular 434 meter climb. Returned to the boat and enjoyed first well deserved beers the week!

Our friends from Hamilton Race week came out from Airlie on their Yacht Supertramp , it was like UBer Water delivery’s as they brought us a whole load of fresh fruit n veggies 🌽 🍅 fabulous. Had lovely drink & catch up with them for evening.

Hamilton Isl to CID Harbour Island anchorage. ETD 10.30. ETA 11.30. Mon 26 Aug

Final load of washing and departed Hamilton Island for CID harbour anchorage in the Whitsundays. Ahhhhhh time to relax.Turtles and looking for the dugongs.

Stayed whole week in beautiful CID to recuperate from both have caught flu type colds. Ugh 🤧🤒😱

Scawfell Island to Hamilton Island 50nm ETD 0440 ETA 1200 (CE4). Frid 16 Aug

Weather ESE 10-15k

Early departure to get to Hamilton Island ready for Race week & to hopefully find some crew, otherwise Wal & I are gonna be working very hard!! Nice sailing around the islands of Brampton, Shaw, Linderman and Pentecost. Just beautiful. Saw more whales cruising around again. Once into Hamilton Island & after a small disagreement about the difference between ‘Charlie C’ and ‘Golf G’...... we found our berth. You can definitely feel the Race week excitement building, with a big Center stage set up at the end of our jetty, flags flying everywhere umbrellard tables and chairs and lots of yachties milling around. We headed over the the very impressive Hamilton Island Yacht club, all owned by the Oakley Family, and registered getting our usual bag of goodies, boat stickers, racing instructions and a big ‘Slab’ of beer - Wooo hoo let the games begin!!

Middle Percy ISL to Scawfell Island 67nm ETD 0540 ETA 1500 Thurs 15 Aug


Weather ESE 15-20 ESE 10-15

Best sail of last couple of days nice consistent 15 ESE. We headed to next Island Scawfell & Breeze headed West to Mackay to leave the boat for Hamilton Race week. We rounded the top corner of Scawfell to see 2 whales cruising around the bay. Another fab spot where we were able to pick up one of the 5 available mooring buoys so makes for a good nights sleep and easy departure in morning.

Island Head Creek to Percy Middle Island 47nm ETD 0630 ETA 1300 Tues 13 Aug


Weather SE10-15. Then SSW 15-25

Beautiful but cold start to the day with 16deg! Great motor sail from Island Head Creek out past various islands, water aqua blue. Started to make ‘Coconut’ the Udder Cow as our mascot to leave at the Percy Yacht club. Using an old coconut covered with part of the Cow onesie made some ears, eyes and tail. Sourcing the rest ie horns, legs nose etc from the beach. Arrived at the West side of the island and saw the great setup under the palm trees of the Percy Island Yacht club, otherwise know as the Percy Hilton, just fantastic. Full of old Sailing boat relics, sails, life rings, shoes, hats n shirts, & drift wood with boat names. Like a mini museum your drawn in to look at all the boat boards & we found a couple we knew - DownUnder Rally, Florence and Joliefou - even a Shenanagans!!. Sundowner snacks & drinks ensued after meeting other Boaties wondering around, then back to Team Breeze for dinner - yum!!


Next day saw us all heading for a marathon walk to check out the Treehouse & Homestead at the top of the island. Run by a sweet enthusiastic ageing lady and her dog Diamond. Bit of a hippie type environment where they are self sufficient with goats, chickens and lots of plant gardens. A few Botanical types were staying to help with planting and tree trimming. Lovely welcome with delicious yellow star fruit, freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade fruit cake.


We eventually arrived backed too the boat in time for sundowners & a spot of new TV series The Fall. Phew.....


Great day 😎⛵️🏝

Great Keppel to Island Head creek. 55nm ETD 0600 ETA 1500 Mon 12 Aug

Weather NW-SW 10-15/20 WSW15-20 Evening

Early start, not much wind and cold to begin,

18 deg, day warmed up and was beautiful. 22. Saw more whales and dolphins. Originally plan was to stop at Port Clinton but decided to continue North to Island head creek. Arrived in 1500 to find a shallow entrance but deep enough either side of sandbar where tide runs in & out. Neat spot, a fascinating & eerie thought that Crocs can wander into these estuaries. Great stop over place as very sheltered. Will probably stop here again on return. Can hear The laughing Kookaburra - the native tree Kingfisher birds in background. They sound like monkeys!

Cape Capricorn to Great Keppel Island 28nm ETD 0615. ETA 1030. Sat 6 Aug (photos soon)


Weather WSW 10-15, WNW then SW20- 25


Early start to head off to Gt Keppel Island. Good sail, bit of a chilli start. Arrived at a lovely Northern Bay at 10h30 found our Friends from Silver Light in bay. They immediately came over & to welcome us in then off ashore after a catch up to explore a little sailors shack on the beach with fire pit, BBQ, chairs table, water catchment & all little thoughtful things. A great long walk along the whole bay of beach followed, even found 2 peacocks in the bushes. Dinner & lots of banta aboard Udders with Breeze also. Fun night. Next day exploring and then another fun evening ashore with a fire at the sailors shack. Ukes & Daves Guitar made for a good sing along. Bit wet getting back to boat with a swell filling the dingys......

Lady Musgrave for Cape Capricorn. 70nm ETD 0700 ETA 1700 (Lack of internet so photos later catching up chart)


A little tussle with a bommie trying to untangle our anchor this morning, but eventually drove boat around it and finally got free. Great day Sailing in SSE wind 10 -15k. Arrived at Cape Capricorn- and anchored in 3 meters under the Lighthouse, originally built in 1875 on Northern tip of Curtis island being close to the Tropic of Capricorn. Beautiful scenery!

Departed Platypus Bay for Bundaberg 46nm @ 8am approx eta 15h00 saw more whales & a morning turtle. Arrived at marina in Bundy to a warm welcome by Brett the Manager again. Got the bikes out and rode round to Burnet Head supermarkets to stock up.

Tues 6 Aug Left Bundy to Lady Musgrove 56nm ETD 0600 ETA for afternoon cocktails at 14.30!. Great sail across to the island reef. With a good sail in SE wind then a bit of motor sailing. Arrived at very narrow, man made scary looking entrance which is very deceiving as you can see other yachts anchored just on the other side of the reef. Entrance was marked by Port n Starboard marks and is well used by day trippers on the Musgrave Experience Boat which seems to arrive once a day. There is even a small campsite at the far end amongst the trees, & needs to be booked in advance so not many people.


We headed ashore for a walk round this “Coral Cay” island then rendezvoused with Breeze for a lovely sunset. Had a day aboard hiding out from rain storm that lasted the whole next day. Drinks aboard Udders so we had Best deal not going anywhere!


Thurs 8 clear sky and lovely day so borrowed a glass bottom Kayak for some great dry snorkeling! During Nov -Jan Green & Loggerhead Turtles come into lay eggs. So may check out on return trip.

3 /4 Aug 19 Kingfisher round Moon Point to Platypus Bay 30nm absolutely gorgeous spot, unlike any others quite beautiful, untouched at the back of Frazer Island. Whales all around the horizon. Dolphins and turtles also!! So lovely here we decide to stay put another night and did a dingy ride to the creek opening where we had a walk around. Unbeknown to us we were being watched, whilst removing some old rope, string and fishing line tangled up on branches on the beach a dingo appeared! Looked quite healthy and cuddly I might add. What smart looking animals. Managed to get some great shots he was quite keen to check out our dingy! Some,4WD’s on big trip down the beach also stopped to say Hi.

Joined Breeze team Kate, Dave & son Hugo from Hobart on beach for sundowners with Tigre Glen and Gypsie Alex. Plan to head to Buddy tomorrow.2

Garrys to Kingfisher Resort


Departed Garry’s at more sensible time of 9am to navigate through the Sheridan Straights on the max high as very shallow - 0.9 in places but we made it easy with our 2.4 draft!! Lots of place to explore around here when we come back again. Dropped anchor for an hour to jump in Dingy and explore 2 ship wrecks up in the mangroves at Sth White Cliffs, the Palmer and Ceratodus. Great fun excursion up the river & close up view. See video! We arrived at Kingfisher and went ashore to fill up with outboard fuel and have a little walk around. Back to the boat for sundowners and dinner. Great day.

Departed Double Bay 0645  to Wide Bay Bar entrance 8 nm  arriving at 0800 we then carefully picked our way through the “Mad Mile” to the safe passage past Inskip point where the car ferry’s ship 4wD vehicles to and from Fraser Island to Pelican reef.  We continued on for 18nm up through to the Sandy Straights and on to return to Garry’s Anchorage a favourite from last trip, for the night.  We had stopped in here on the way down in October18.  On arrival a quick bush walk then retreated back to the boat as looked like sandflies were arriving.  Total of 26NM to Garry’s Anchorage.

Mooloolaba too Double Island point was 50 NM. Left at 7ish lovely sail. Not going to make the Wide Bay Bar so dropped anchor in Double Island. Lots of Whales today with breeches, tail flaps etc

Wow amazing trip from Gold Coat to Mooloolaba, whales, whales & more Fabulous! Lovely place. Now ust departed at 7am in a chilli 16 deg brrrr sunny sky so will warm up soon! Had a nice couple of days and fab Massages! Caught up with Cran & Ann last night for dinner aboard UL. Always great to see them. On way to Double Island Bay and going to get over the notorious Wide Bay Bar either later today in dark or we will have to wait it out at Double bay until the morning High Tide to go up the inside through the Sandy Starights. Check out the picture- hence we are wary to go over in dark.....!

So here we go again, nice welcome back on Udders😘, we have left Hope Harbour Marina to a gorgeous anchorage spot at Currigee, South Stradbroke. For great first night sundowners.🥂 Lovely and warm at 24 deg. We are to depart the Gold Coast Seaway on Sunday at 3am to sail the 85nm north round Morton Island and on to Mooloolaba eta 16h00 for a couple of nights. Yayyyy let the fun begin again!

TASMANIA - EDEN - BATEMANS BAY & CANBERRA

Had a great sail from Tasmania and the Mighty Bass turned out to be prity calm making an enjoyable 2 nights 3 days at sea. We arrived into The port of Eden on the SE corner of AUS on 24 Feb. Eden a neat little town sadly was the first big onshore whaling Station in Twofold Bay, where the Orka/Killer Whale Old Tom would help the whalers by towing the boat to where other whales were bailed up by other Orka. Sad but amazing story at the museum, so worth the trip.

Next stop 11 Hour trip to Batemans Bay. Where we decided to leave Udders on a mooring by Snapper Island and hired a car with Lettin Go & Blue Summit to go to Canberra to explore for the day & night. Canberra War Museum was well worth the visit. Very interesting and they had a ceremony at closing that we were able to see. The Art Gallery, & Parliaments House. Fun Lunch spot at Grease Monkey- well done Hannah.

Had a wonderful time in Wineglass bay, as pritty as they say white sandy beach, Aqua Blue water..... went for a walk to top to the hill to Summit lookout. About a 3hr round trip with a long walk along the beach. We had drinks on Udders and Gonyonder team joined us also! It’s now 9.30am and we are preparing for the big Crossing on the Might Bass Straight to head straight to Eden. We expect about 48hours 2 nights at sea and we should be there. Forecast is for SE then SW so should be. Reasonable run, but wind getting up to 30k sometime Saturday.... next post .... back in Mainland Australia!!

Mickeys South Bruny Island to Safety Cove Port Arthur started out parallel with Christchurch, travelled 57 NM windy sail downwind, 25 - 35k with big gusts upto 40k managed a 12.5k shove down a wave woo hoo , nice to be in this lovely bay, suns. Out wine in hand! Big day again tomorrow🤔⛵️

What a fantastic place little/big Tasmania is. Weather has been just gorgeous and sunny. We sailed out of Hobart down the Derwent River passing 3 visiting cruise ships including the New Queen Elizabeth. We headed out to join Letting Go & Blue Summit our cruising buddies to head back up the coast to Eden in Aus over Bass Straight. Had great fun at the Bruny Island Beer & Cheese factory a 5 min stroll from our anchorage in the Great Bay.... met a few locals... including a rather large but friendly seal. Then today we went to the Southern most point for a 3 hour rounds trip walk upto the lighthouse. Beaut day again fabulous views even dodged a Poisonous Black Tiger Snake - must have been over a meter long! We had wine and cheese to celebrate at the top........ as you would!! Now heading into Tinpot Bay for the night before rounding the bottom early tomorrow morning. Now for cocktails aboard Blue Summit....🍷🎶⛵️

Just leaving Prince of Wales Marina - Hobart, with Letting Go & Blue Summit.

So here we are in Hobart, Tasmania!! What a great place. The Wooden Boat Festival seemed to be a huge success with loads of boats, tall ships, skiffs and kayaks..... all wood! Fun time and the weather was beautiful and warm. We visited the Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens for a picnic, and found out just how bad the fires were here with the destruction of so many plants & animals. Very sad indeed. Drove the 2 hour trip to Port Arthur Historical Prison. Well worth the visit with a boat ride out to some of the penal islands and then a walking tour. Also decided to get really cold and drove up to the summit of Mt Wellington, which on average is 10 Deg cooler than town. It was a chilly morning anyway and by the time we got out the car it was 5Deg and blowing a gale...Brrrrrrr had to stop for a hot chocolate in little cafe half way down. Great time with other boats friends here. We are are preparing to set off, and going down the coast a little to visit Bruny Island and the Cheese & Wine Factory..... Upto Wine Glass Bay, then back up to check out the Bass Straight...ugh.....Pictures of that in next few days....

After having a great Xmas aboard Endorphin, watching the start of the Sydney Hobart Race, visiting friends who live around various pats of Sydney for dinners & BBQs. Riding our little fold up bikes - just about everywhere - even over the Sydney Harbour Brisge a couple of times. We have been very busy exploring. We then had a very entertaining NYE under the Sydney harbour bridge, with various friends aboard. The afternoon evening started with a rain and wind storm, thunder & lightening, then cleared up for the first fireworks at 9pm then the grand finale, very impressive indeed. After saying goodbye to everyone we headed off out of Syd harbour and back up the coast towards Pittwater & Broken Bay, & then continues on for a further 2 hours up the Hawkesbury River to the Marina Akuna. Just beautiful. Its a huge National Park and very narrow. We sailed right up to the end, tacking every couple of minutes. The cicadas & crickets were louder than the boat engine. Beautiful spot where we have left the boat whilst we head back to NZ for a couple of weeks.

Yahooooooo we are here - SYDNEY...... We left Newcastle this morning at 5am with the intention of stopping in Pittwater for a night or 2, but as we nearer the entrance we decided to continue on as conditions were so good and a Southerly change was due the next day. So here we are, on a mooring in Little Manly with our back about 20 meters from a cliff face! Great spot we jumped off the back for a Sydney Swim then tucked into some celebratory bubbles, just as the first of about 6 different thunder & lightning storms hit us, one with some large hail stones. We were ok, but unfortunately our friends on another yacht didn’t fare too well & the golf ball size hail ripped up their canvas Bimini and dodger. All calm again now, tomorrow we will head off exploring.

Sorry for being a bit quiet - so much to do!!!

Once again a lot has been happening since leaving Brisbane & Goldcoast’ we joined lovely friends Irene & Lionel from Kiapa who now own The Boat House in Yamba a lovely guest house - in a quiet little seaside town. Today we are sailing to Coffs Harbour, before we slowly make progress towards Sydney. Arrived at Coffs entrance with increasing winds and waves - into harbour area then rounded corner to get to marina to find a dredger working on entrance so we cut the corner - straight into the mud!!!! A quick full steam reversal got us out and we got back in the Chanel ( behind the dredge)) now settled and wind steady at 28k now!

A lot has happened since last update....... we now in AUSTRALIA MATE! Fantastic week in Bundaberg with lots of fun, celebrations, crab races, fancy dress and lots of learning about the Aus coast, John & Leanne Hembrow of the DOWNUNDER RALLY organised and huge week. Excellent way to arrive here, would definitely not do it any other way. THANK YOU.

we are now departing Bundy and heading out down through the Sandy Straights to Kingfisher Resort on Frazer island. our eta is 15h00. great calms seas conditions just perfect. we travelling in Convoy with Karl & Julie on SY Blue Eyes and Geoff & Miriam on Enough.

They made it to Bundy...

Mon 5/Nov 02:19 GMT

24 45.622 S 152 23.284 E

Course: 234° true, 0.0 kts.

Hopefully arrive Bundaberg 0700 Mon. Round the top of Fraser midnight tonight. Has been quite a strong cross current this afternoon heading towards Fraser steering 20 deg above our course so as to lay our Bundy 1 waypoint. Great afternoon sailing and looking forward to a Appleton’s rum when we reach Bundy.

Eating fish & enjoying! Fish on the plate & in the freezer.... eta Monday early morning. Wally

Went sailing for the day after a shave, had a BLT sandwich for lunch, went fishing over a 45 meter knoll hooked three yellowfin one long line release one short line release and one in the fridge, then a shower and then carried on sailing for the rest of the day. How was your day at the office? 398 nm to go to Bundy.

DISTANCE TO BUNDABERG MARINA: 562nm

COMMENTS: Temp Dropped to 20 and down to 19 overnight jackets and longs on now burrrrr.A bit of a shock after a month of 25/30 in New Cal.

Caught a good Barracuda a hour ago but trace broke at the boat so off he went with my new deep dive lure stuck in his mouth. Very sad for the fish other wise all good.

Departed Noumea, New Caledonia for Bundaberg, Australia at 10am with Wally, Graeme, & Weston. Eta in 5 days. 733 nm to go.

All well aboard, great Sail No fish.

From Yate we headed out into 20k, caught 2 skippies and made for Baie de Prony and grabbed a mourning in front of Mousse?s place at Iliot Casey. Finally the sun has returned and with it a little bit of warmth......Fond memories of Mousse greeting us on the jetty, a little sad to see his monument. We walked ourselves round, unguided and reminisced of our previous guided visit showing us crab catching, beach digging, how to swing off an old palm frond, and napping..... That night we had shark feeding under the boat in the blue light as we gave them the tuna off cuts... quite fascinating to watch them.

Next day up and off to Anse Majic where we walked up to the Signal lighthouse. Great walk and view. Sun is out and it?s again warm and lovely. Back to the boat a nice surprise to see Olly and Annebell kayaking around Udders, so drinks aboard to hear all about Team Kena?s antics in Africa and London. So this morning up at 5 to set sail for Kuta, in the Isle Of Pines , beaut day, and Wally?s Birthday celebrations began with banner in the galley and presents. We decided to leave the bubbly till later...

departed Baie de Yate at 10h35 bashing into it on the nose, Air 21deg and water 22.2deg. Took a dingy ride up the river to the dam, and walked up to little shop for freshly baked bread - still warm & some supplies before we round the Havannah Pass. Same lady in shop as last year. Poured down on way back to boat, ugh should have stayed in Fiji!!! Hope to in Prony by 5 - relaxed & sipping a cocktail.....

Thanks for watching.....

departed Baie de Yate at 10h35 bashing into it on the nose, Air 21deg and water 22.2deg. Took a dingy ride up the river to the dam, and walked up to little shop for freshly baked bread - still warm & some supplies before we round the Havannah Pass. Same lady in shop as last year. Poured down on way back to boat, ugh should have stayed in Fiji!!! Hope to in Prony by 5 - relaxed & sipping a cocktail.....

Thanks for watching.....

departed Baie de Yate at 10h35 bashing into it on the nose, Air 21deg and water 22.2deg. Took a dingy ride up the river to the dam, and walked up to little shop for freshly baked bread - still warm & some supplies before we round the Havannah Pass. Same lady in shop as last year. Poured down on way back to boat, ugh should have stayed in Fiji!!! Hope to in Prony by 5 - relaxed & sipping a cocktail.....

Thanks for watching.....

departed Baie de Yate at 10h35 bashing into it on the nose, Air 21deg and water 22.2deg. Took a dingy ride up the river to the dam, and walked up to little shop for freshly baked bread - still warm & some supplies before we round the Havannah Pass. Same lady in shop as last year. Poured down on way back to boat, ugh should have stayed in Fiji!!! Hope to in Prony by 5 - relaxed & sipping a cocktail.....

Thanks for watching.....

We arrived into Anse Toupeti, in the Baie Bouquet through Toupeti Passé, and dropped the anchor at 2pm. We sailed with 2 reefs in the main and a half furled heady. Rough trip, glad to arrive. Big wash down required as we took a few waves aboard, some flooding the cockpit like hoses via the sheets under the dodger. We then headed to Shamal for well deserved champers and Campari type cocktail, very nice. Silverlight, Ian & Sheryl joined us also. We are now heading to Baie de Yate at Southern end for the night before we round into Havannah Pass Tomorrow.

Sadly still cloudy and a bit chilly. Not hot and balmy as we have become accustomed air 20.4 and water 22.2deg.

Departing Lifou in Loyalties and bound for Main island Grand Terre.... going to try for the Passé Toupeti, with the plan of anchoring in Bay de Bouquet. In convoy with Shamal and silver Light. Departed at 5am unfortunately may be a rough crossing as rough sea expected with 25k later.. bring on 10 hours till we are there!!

We are all very happy to have arrived into the beautiful Loyalty Islands, into Lifou. 3 days and 20hours. We dropped anchor in about 10m of Clear aqua blue water, surrounded by white sand beaches, cleaned boat and jumped over for a well needed swim! It was a fast night beam reaching in 20-25k, still a bit of a rolly swell so we had to be attentive of the helm. Managed to use up most of our fresh food with a slap up arrival meal of pan fried Waloo and some bubbly to celebrate. We meet with Customs & Bio security in morning then we are free to play!! Woooohooo. There are other Boatiez in the bay whom we met last year, so be good to catch up & meet new. We are going into Lifou village tomorrow night as the villages are putting on a welcome feast for us. Let the fun begin.......again!!

Busy night quite rough n rolly from 10pm 25k rough confused sea. Not conducive for sleep. All felt a little rough. 2 reefs in main and also 4 wraps on little headsail. Only calmed out a little at about sunrise. Passed Anatom in Vanuatu about 10am. Better now, just put 1 reef back in main. No fish! Ticking along well about to finish smoked fish pie! Looking forward to arriving tomorrow for a good rest.

Fantastic week and Musket Cove Regatta with friends Steve, Tina and Julie aboard. Won a few prizes for best dressed and a couple of races positions....

Now in Denerau with friend Sharon & Brent preparing for departure today for Lifou in Loyalties, New Caledonia.

Next update we should be on our way...

Sadly packed up to leave Manta Ray pass to get back to Musket Cove in preparation for friends, Julie, Steve & Tania arriving for Regatta Week.

Left manta Ray pass 10.30 had 25-30 k wind - we wound out way thru the reef system having a good fast Sail heading for Musket Cove. Stopped off for a quick swim before getting amongst the yachts moored up and almost got run over by the boat. We jumped in swam towards the bow only to find the current was really strong one way & the wind was blowing the boat so hard the other way. Quite scary as we could hardly swim away from boat to get away from it swinging over us........ ummmm lesson learnt, don’t swim close to boat in big wind .....

Back to Manta Ray pass for another go and yayyyyyy saw the Manta Rays, amazing doing back flips & Rolls right under us. Saw sharks a ball of fish with 3 large GT’s in the middle. Great day

Back to Blue lagoon for 2 nights. Caught up with Catbirdsuite & headed out for some snorkeling with local Jack our guide to see giant clams, sharks, turtles & eagle Rays.

Back to Beautiful Cikia Reef and to our stunning little anchorage between the reefs, and below a flat cliff face. Anchored again in less then 5meters of water. Went for paddle to the beach, having sundowners and a local young guy comes along the beach with his spear & fins off to go night snorkeling around the reef. We said if you find a crayfish come to the boat. We watched him running up and down the beach edge for a while trying to catch Trevelli using little fish he flicked out the water as bait.....once it was dark we saw his light around the reef for a while, then about 2 hours later, just as we heard him and a friend at the back of the boat, with a floating bin - they had a couple of crabs!! So asked them aboard, gave them towels, hot soup and toast and they played us some local ukulele songs. Such lovely boys, so friendly, happy & well mannered. It was a real treat to meet these 2 guys. Very happy to pay their price for the crays and give them a couple of hats for their kids. They jumped back in the water towing their catch and we watched their torches disappear around the reef. What a privilege today was.

Arrived at Yasawa-I-Rara right at top of Yasawa island, Went ashore as soon as we arrived to give some Kava in a Sevusevu offering only to find festivities in full swing for a village fund raiser to build their new church. We were welcomed into the multi coloured sun shelter where they had various teams all donating. We were given a plate of food - taro, Goat Curry, clam meat, fish and various other things on the plate. Quite a fun afternoon, with singing, laughter and lots of Kava. Met 2 local guys who wanted to take us - or rather us to take them fishing. We agreed on a 6.30 am Departure.

6.15am arrived and so did 3 guys Sam, Nex, & Joe and young Josh age 9 Sams son. Fun filled day of fishing Fiji style. We covered a lot of ground about 30nm,These guys amazing fishermen, within half an our of leaving we had our first Waloo on board! By 8.30 we had 12 fish!! Kept them fed with boat made oat, banana & coconut cookies, and by 12 we had 15 fish total with a large barracuda. couple of Waloo, Spanish Mackerel, skipjack tuna. Very entertaining, most fish caught on their little hand line trailing out the back. Poor young Josh was so excited when he jumped aboard, he couldn’t sit still, and after sitting in every seat down below, he suddenly appeared looking a bit green and slept the rest of the day. Bit of Uke playing, and good singing. Very fun day. We kept one small fish for dinner and they took all the rest back to their village, They will be very happy with their lot!

Into Vetua -Yasawas

Negotiated the reefs in to the top end of the Yasawa islands, now anchored in 5 meters between the reefs and a cliff face, incredible

Anchored at Nacula island, in gorgeous Malikiti Bay, windy nite,

Arrived at Blue lagoon,

26 Aug Sun

Big walk today, started from little resort area up over the top of the plantation area. Saw all their coconut, paw paw, & pineapple plantations. Walked along a narrow bush track along the ridge. Eventually arriving at a couple of local huts the found Lo’s Tea room and donut place - painted up in a lime green. Great spot and her donuts and lemon tea were great. From there we trekked along the edge of the mangrove to a clearing that took us up through the mangroves out to other side of the island , and back to the Blue lagoon beach where the small cruise boats tie up to the coconut trees on the beach.

We bumped into Tim Drongel with a lovely 65 odd foot power cat - Lola beaut looking boat. He was into ukes and played in a band so invited us over for drinks and bit of uke jammin. Nice folk and nice night

Manta ray pass to Magutu pt. Somosomo bay Naviti smoked fish on beach & met the locals

Arrived into Mantaray pass , beautiful spot, jumped over the side to check out for the mantas at high tide, sadly no luck, so settled for a great snorkel over some reefs near the shore. Schools of small fish with the odd reef shark. Headed to little backpacker type accomodation in beaut spot for a beer. Nice

23 Aug Beautiful day here in Manta Pass, got up at 4am to do some fish spotting with the blue light on at back of boat. Was visited by a large Moray Eel which was quite unexpected, with a large number of squid!

Depart Musket for Yasawas, motored past the famous Castaway Island, where Tom Hanks & his Coconut friend Wilson got stranded, we didnt stop as quite a few people there and a bit rolly, so went on and spent first night at bottom end of Waya,

A bit of mucking around this morning, filling up with fuel & sorting our marina then we are off, farewell to Vuda - great spot, now headed back to Musket before the Yasawas.

Picked up mooring 13 at Musket, excellent position backing out almost directly over reef. Went into Musket Resort for evening to watch Rugby NZ vs AUS. Good game. Spent next day busy catching up with Go West Rally John , then took off for exploratory walk up over hill and to the little gallery shop. Great views & some stunning houses, then back to hotel for a drink & icecream! Relaxed sort of time... Had farewell drinks for Adi & Steve as they heading back to NZ & Lanie & Wok as heading to NOU.

Back into Glorious Fiji after a week long visit back home to NZ. 7-14th. Rest day then we hired a car and went exploring to Suva. Stopped into the Royal Suva Yacht club for a beer but found it to be rather run down, and lacking a lot of TLC, do we moved on and checked into the most beautiful Grand Pacific Hotel, the iconic Luxury of The Grand Old Lady. IIt was a pleasure.... Thx Wal, special indeed. We took off out to a local Indian in Suva for dinner, as recommended by another guest. Good fun and yummie Goat Curry!

Next day explored the markets of Suva and loaded the car up with food, then continued our circumnavigation of the island around the top. Took about ½ a day to drive back, good road and nice scenery.

Up anchor and off to Vuda Marina to prepare for our trip back to NZ. Great Arrival with band playing and lots of singing, great spot here. So headed straight round for a beer!

Into Musket Cove for night on Anchor with Lanie & Warwick.

Finally left Lautoka, we headed out for a swim n snorkel at the outta reef from Musket, and who should we see - Laine & Wok - Fusio... Spent afternoon there before heading in to anchor at Musket.

Beautiful motor towards Lautoka town. Anchored up at Bekana Island Resort Opposit Lautoka Port..... nice for a day, but definitely not 4....... boat covered in ash everyday due to fires and also port pollution from huge smoke stack - sugar cane factory i think!

So we sat here for 4 days waiting for Dodos mates Raj tofix our Genset...... clever guys these locals..

So decided to use the resort facilities, swim in pool & use outside shower...... only when I was shampooed up did I realise I was sharpening the shower with not 1 but 3 large Jumping toads .......eeekkkkk, stayed calm enough to take photos rinse shampoo and grab my towel to get out... apparently their spray is nasty poisonous, rash inducing stuff.... ugh outta here... Of course the group of locals that watched me run out with half a towel, & came to my rescue, thought it was very funny.....

Caught up with Varekai to again collect water.... this time the raft up included some sundowners.....

We had a lovely couple of days in Savusavu on the marina but decided to depart in a convoy with Team Varekai- great idea but wasn’t so sure about the 3am departure...... ugh.. worth it in the end to get the amazing Nasonisoni Passage in daylight.

We then continued on across to the top corner of the main land Viti Levu and arrived through the Nananu Passage about 3pm to anchor up at a gorgeous little spot called Volivoli Point Resort had sundowner Mojitos with Chris & Linda from Amici & Varekai and then stayed for an excellent dinner - wow superb food. In the Resorts very decadent restaurant for island style. Volivoli Point\

Unfortunately just before we arrived we had a little Genset issue - it spat the dummy, threw water into the engine room then sparked ......... kaput I think it’s known as. So we backed up to Amici to get water, because of course it happened just when we were flat out of water....

Left Paradise point & headed across the bay to Fawn Harbour where we joined Team Shamal aboard their boat for a very decadent dinner! On the way we found 2 whales playing around, slowly cruising across. We managed to stay with them for about 40mins. So graceful and calm....beautiful. Tried to get in the water with them but they passed us before we could slow down enough....

Enjoyed the catch up with Rita & Marcel, met owners of house in bay who also had a little house on way upto the salt lake. Nearly went there, but was advised a little risky as boat will drag on strong outgoing current.

Left Fawn Harbour to a windy send off and quite a swell getting out of the channel, all paid off when we rounded Cousteau on way to Savusavu we caught a fantastic 1.5m Wahoo . Yayyyyy Freezer full, locals happy and a few other boatie friends filled up!! Great nite catching up with teams - Seafrothers, Varekai, Caprice and a couple of others aboard for drinks & wahoo bites!!

So it been a while since an update on our antics - or lack of.......

We left the lovely islands up from Taveuni, and left Somosomo spent a night at Paradise Point Resort at bottom end. Beautiful position and nice resort, The owners very friendly & welcoming offering us the use of all facilities. We enjoyed sundowners - Pizza & Beer, they happened to have 2 very friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs and 2 tiny little puppies of just 2 months old wandering around, last 2 surviving from a litter of 7 - all died of probable starvation issues as they were soooo thin, even the parent dog so thin. Broke my heart a little, being that I have my Lovely Ridgy Zimba at home in NZ, it was tragic to see a beautiful resort, but little idea how to look after or feed their dogs......the mother had stopped producing milk after just 4 weeks - Lacking nutrition. Very sad for me...... Anyway moving on now... Its still beautiful out here!!

Over here at Somosomo to collect a few fresh supplies on Taveuni great little supermarket, we had fun with kids taking us to church with their big guitars as they wanted to show off their performances!

Had a snorkel out to the anchor and around the boat for quite a while in 10 x 12 meters, came back to boat couple of hours later sat & watched a huge shark cruising around in the shallows.......gulp, locals said he was a regular Bull in the area...... 😱. We spotted him on and off for most of the afternoon. Anyway, of course we didn’t worry - as everyone says, he would be more scared of us..........! Ha. Yeh right....

Very beautiful but sad morning this morning ..... said goodbye to Jillian & Glen, Malakite and also Brent. They taxied back to Savusavu Airport to fly back to Nadi. So much fun have them aboard, they will all be missed.....

In stunning little bay called Cobia Island in the Yanuka Group. Willy the chiefs son and exception host took us on a little tour up the hill along with Team Blue Summit and Team Letting Go scrambled up with us. View from top was great, Cran even got some drone footage!

We have just been round to Willy’s Village and the school, where there is an over protective dog that bit - quite badly on the leg, Kate from Blue Summit... We did our Sevusevu then Willy showed us his Airbnb house on the beach..... I’m will try to add it to my listing may give him exposure... ha ha. We then headed to school, all the girls in Pink Uniforms and the boys white shirts and khaki shorts... they look too cute.

Prity neat guy so gave him loads of stuff, including an Aqua Pouch for his phone, he loved that. The one thing he needs is another reel for his fishing rod. We had a small spare but a bit too small for his rod... so anyone heading his way...... Willy needs a reel! His long boat is the Yellow one and his house is the yellow one on the beach!!

Now heading into Albert Cove on Rabi. Tooo hot & beautiful out here....... better go for a swim........

Arrived into this most beautiful secluded bay, Jillian & I went off for a long explore around the reef and mangroves on the paddle boards. Watched hundreds of bats suddenly on the move & then finally hanging in upside down in the trees, amazing sounds - almost like baboons! Lots of swimming, cards & fun, Woke up this morning again absolutely still with not a breath of wind. Off to an outta reef now to explore.

Relaxed........... now after a 24 hour boat bug nailed all the crew - we wondered if we should put our quarantine flag back up!!

All happy again now and swimming off the last effects of Fiji Savusavu belly.....

We are currently anchored off Cousteau resort and enjoying....we initially left Savusavu heading for Tavenui area but after about 45 mins of bashing into the waves we decided to can an uncomfortable 5 hours for an idillic sleep and lovely bay - hence Cousteau.

Tomorrow we will head back out, maybe head to Kioa Island and then perhaps Rabi..

All good aboard and enjoying having Team Malakite - Glen & Jillian, & Mooches Brent aboard.....

We arrived at Savusavu at 7.30am this morning and had cleared in by midday. Celia was standing on the shore waving madly and very happy to Wally and crew. Pizza and beer for lunch with a quick trip to immigration and the market and more beers aboard at 5.00pm. Celia is busy in the galley cooking yellow fin tuna for dinner. Wally is sleeping in the saloon. All is well aboard the good ship ?UDDER LIFE?.

We arrived at Savusavu at 7.30am this morning and had cleared in by midday. Celia was standing on the shore waving madly and very happy to Wally and crew. Pizza and beer for lunch with a quick trip to immigration and the market and more beers aboard at 5.00pm. Celia is busy in the galley cooking yellow fin tuna for dinner. Wally is sleeping in the saloon. All is well aboard the good ship ?UDDER LIFE?.

121 nm to Savusavu, last night we sailed between Totoya and Matuku were we visited last year, we are currently 6nm away from Moala.

Last night we lost the auto pilot for 3 hours until we turned the whole Garmin system off for a minute and back on again and it came back to life, thank goodness.

Left North Minerva Reef at 2.30pm yesterday afternoon, saw a whale just inside the reef it was also there when we came in yesterday, soon after clearing the entrance we had a triple strike, lost the one on Anton?s rod, Glen and Wally landed the Yellow Fin Tuna on the bungy and Brent landed the Yellow Fin Tuna on his rod which we released, one was also caught on Celias Colgate lure yea ha..... We have yellow fin in the fridge for Celia when we arrive in Savusavu but sadly no crayfish.

275nm to Savusavu, trying to sail slowly so we arrive at Sunrise on Tuesday morning.

Chef Wally is cooking up a storm in the galley, bacon, eggs, hash browns and bake beans for breakfast.

Yesterday we moved from South Minerva to North Minerva Reef. We are calculating about 60 to 65 hours to Savusavu for an early morning arrival on the Tuesday hence the 2pm departure from here. To meet up with Celia when she flies in. Looks light 15 to 25 ESE to E so should be good reaching conditionsef after 3 nights in South Minerva.

Crew are all happy, Captain Wally is planning to go crayfish hunting on the Reef after breakfast, we were successful at South Minerva Reef pulling 2 large crayfish out from under a rock. Off to eat breakfast.

Hi C Legs Safety tucked up in Minerva 15 kts steady had a swim 🏊‍♂️ as soon as we anchored up then bacon 🥓 and eggs 🥚 for breakfast. Later in the day went ashore for a walk at low tide and I took the guys to The Rock were i got a cray from last year and this time spotted 2 so got them both and now they have been eaten for dinner tonight with boiled potatoes and lettuce salad. The water is a little chilly but still good for swimming and snorkeling. Brent and Anton saw a 2 meter shark while snorkeling so were excited about that. Can you believe picking up crayfish in ankle deep water. Quite a experience for Anton hope he appreciates it. Got the blue light on but no fish around it at the moment.

The mermaids welcomed us into to South Minerva Reef this morning and are coming back for sundowners at 5.00pm. Anton is in the galley cooking bacon and eggs. On arrival there was the compulsory swim to greet the mermaids for all onboard. It is great to stop after after 4 nights at sea, we are anchored listening to the surf roll in on the reef, going exploring after breakfast.

We are searching for fish and mermaids!! We have 2 lines out this morning, hope to land the big one and are expecting the mermaids to be waiting when we arrive in South Minerva Reef tomorrow morning. We have told Anton all about the mermaids at South Minerva and he can?t wait to get there. Yesterday we sang happy birthday to Anton and even had a birthday cake complete with candles to celebrate his birthday. We are all eating well on board and will have to stay at the Minerva?s a couple of weeks if we are going to eat all the food on board, before arriving in Fiji.

250 NM to Sth Minerva.......

Great day like a nice summer day at home Water temp 20c got the lure out.

BIG question. Brent can’t find the 🎂Very quite here been motor sailing all day had the rod out but alas no fish.

The fish are not interested in our lure. Birthday celebrations aboard today, happy 17th birthday Anton.

Anton enjoyed his cake finally found it!!

We have the birthday decorations up this morning, thanks to Wally and Brent, today is Anton?s birthday, school boy to sailor all in a year! We haven?t had a line in the water yet, waiting for the water temperature to reach 20 deg, currently 19.5 degrees. Birthday boy is still in bed.

The wind was up and down like a yo-yo last night had between 2 and 20 knots on my watch. The captain has just served breakfast, better go and eat it.

Great Sailing with the code zero, all well on board, 499nm to South Minerva Reef, it?s starting to warm up already!!

Boys having good boy time...... Code Zero up and a nice sail, with “a Great Day at Sea”.... doing quite well as averaging 8 knots!

Making good progress, wasn?t as cold on board last night as expected, 694nm to South Minerva Reef

DISTANCE TO MINERVA. 793 nm. Slung the hook 13.15 hr this arvo. No wind , flat sea just passing Little Barrier now to port. Crew getting settled in for the night. Great moon very pretty. Big thanks to all who helped get us under way now waiting to do some sailing. Looking forward to getting a line in the water for Mahi-mahi.

UDDERLIFE IS OFF!! The boys aboard, Wally, Glen (Malakite), Brent (Mooch) & Anton (Pier 21) have finally cast off - next stop Minerva Reef then Savusavu, Fiji Island in the sun. Celia leaving it to the boys & taking the more leisurely pace of a Boeing 747 in a couple of days........Beaut sunny & cold with couple of heavy rain squalls, but a great day to leave! Left the berth at 13h00 Thurs 28 June.

all crew aboard about to push off

Sadly still at Westhaven but preparing for the off mid June!! Ye har bring it on ......x

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,