Safely docked at SYC! Was mostly really good sailing broad reach for the last bit, apart from a sudden little rain squall with some lightning that had us dropping all sail for a short while.

Crossed the bar at the worst possible tidal state, spring low tide with water still ripping out of the channel. Not too bad though thanks to a very small swell at the moment.

We did infeed need to motorsailing a bit again around midday today but this afternoon thevwind increased and have been sailing really nicely on a broad reach with favorable current now. Just 43 miles to go, we should be entering the seaway around 2am tomorrow. The full moon rising through the smoky sky has been stunning and should make the night time arrival super easy. Don?t know the tide situation but not expecting any issues crossing the bar as the swell seems very small.

There were some tears this afternoon as Lyn threw over some of our remaining food that we think we won?t be able to bring in. Last year we had to pay $150 for bio waste disposal, hoping to avoid that this time.

A beautiful night thanks mostly to the almost full moon, including rise and set, enhanced by the Australian east coast fire smoke.

On the down side we had bad current and light wind for most of the night as we pass through the bottom of the big counter clockwise current eddy. The wind backed enough that we are now on starboard gybe, most of the night spent motorsailing with full main and no jib. The sea conditions have been relatively boisterous compared with before, probably caused by the current against wind. Still not at all bad though.

This morning the bad current has eased and a nice 12 knots ESE has built so happily the motor is off for now and making nice progress with full sails. Based on this mornings wind forecast we may need to use the motor again sometime today, but hopefully more favorable current later setting us a little more southward will keep that to a minimum.

This should be our last day at sea before Southport arrival eta early hours of tomorrow morning.

It?s been a beautiful day, but not for sailing. We?ve been motor sailing on stbd gybe the whole day (mostly motoring, the sails haven?t been helping much. Around sunset the breeze picked up for a while to about 10 knots and we sailed for a while doing about 6 knots at a very square angle, only possible because the sea was almost totally flat. As darkness fell the motor went back on as the wind went lighter. We saw two big sharks today on separate occasions. The one had a black, fairly narrow and sharp dorsal, maybe a hammerhead. The other was a lighter grey colour and very big, possibly a great white.

As forecast the wind got very light and the motor started just before midnight. We motor sailed for a few hours but by this morning there?s not much wind pressure to play with and we are motoring with 1 reef mainsail for a bit of stability.

We always expected a long period of motoring on this weather window and are resigned to motoring for at least another 24 hours. On the plus side it?s really comfortable and easy going with small seas and beautiful weather as expected in a high pressure area. It?s always easy to sleep with the white noise of the motor so we will catch up on sleep, shower, relax and enjoy being out here in the big calm blue.

Not long after the previous update the wind faded a bit and all reefs were shaken out. Made a bit more north by poling out the jib and we had some excellent sailing with good wind but this afternoon the wind faded more and the current has become less favorable. So pole came down and we?ve been heading more south on a wind angle to keep moving and just hanging in there with okay speeds. Probably should have got the gennaker up but a bit too lazy. Anyway later tonight it looks like we definitely will need the motor as the wind gets really light and up the chuff.

It was a really peaceful night with the small seas, favourable current and moderate SE breeze giving us easy miles. We both had good sleep whilst off watch and good dozing whilst on. Beautiful 3/4 moon bathing the ocean in gentle light through thin cloud cover.

The wind and waves increased a to about 18 knots around first light and we had another brief autopilot spin-out broach ?rudder not responding?. Was able to get the wheel on before we passed head to wind and recovered to course with no major panic. This prompted a sail reduction to 1 reef and 1/4 furled jib which has hardly slowed us as we rip along at 8s and 9s thanks to the good current.

Strategy for the current and wind for the rest of the trip is tricky. There?s a big counter clockwise eddy centered about 100 miles north of the rhumb line to Gold Coast, which we will get to in about a days time. To get good current to the north of it we would need to be heading for Bundaberg for a day, too much extra distance. We could also get good current to the south of it by heading south of Gold Coast course, but this would be a less comfortable wind angle for the day. Also our final approach to GC is forecast to have stronger NW winds, so a more northern position is desirable when this happens for a more comfortable wind angle. Probably we will try a course a little more north of the rhumb line and more or less through the center of the eddy, minimizing bad current and leaving us well placed for final approach. It may all depend on where the wind wants us to go today.

Reaching in moderate winds and small seas continues. The wind has been varying between about 10 to 15 knots which makes for really comfortable reaching at TWA of about 100. We had unfavorable current for a while today but seems good again now as expected looking at the BOM temp and current chart screenshot. We should have really good current for at least the next day or so.

The forecast shows these winds just about hanging around until tomorrow evening when it looks like we will need to motor for a while. Trying to make a little bit Northing do we can sail a bit tighter wind angles later as the wind fades and comes more out of the east.

We had a strong hit on our one hand line but unfortunately the line broke and we?ve lost the lure, one of our favorite rapaelas. We?ve also had the ?Bite Me? lure out which Lyn made during a lure making clinic with our friends Will and Margaux from Kittiwake. This afternoon it had a big hit, but not hooked.

It was a perfect night of sailing on nice reaching angle of about 100 TWA and wind around 13 knots apart from one scary incident. As Lyn was waking me up at 4am for my watch the autopilot lost it and started beeping, which happens sometimes and is no problem, but this time it was saying ?rudder failure?! The boat tacked into a hove to position on stbd tack. We put on the wheel, started the motor and hand steered back onto port tack, steering was okay but then it seemed to fail and we tacked back onto stbd. I think this was just me being disoriented and steering badly, but we thought there was something broken in the steering. After checking linkages and that rudders we?re still on ? all seemed okay and we have now resumed business as usual, with some relief! We have already seen three ships, including one that altered course for us to avoid collision. This is remarkable only because we hardly ever see ships on our crossings except close to Australia.

Considering that the forecast was expecting us to be motoring all day until midnight it?s been a great day of sailing. The wind leaving New Cal was much stronger than expected, getting up to about 18 knots from the south and sailing a bit north of course with 1 reef. I think this was a sea breeze effect because there were large cumulonimbus clouds over the land with clear sky to seaward. As we got further from the coast the wind got a bit lighter and more SE direction and we?ve come up a bit. It?s been a bit up and down but in the benign sea state we?ve been able to just about keep trucking along at around 6 knots average with frequent tweaking of sails and course. Hoping the forecast remains wrong and we keep this wind through the night.

Departing New Cal for Southport after a nice last surf. Moderate Southerly breeze filling in, fetching along nicely with full sails.

A few miles from Noumea! Sails came down after entering the passage and we?ve been motoring with light wind from behind. It?s been a long night of navigating through the lagoon so we are both sleep deprived but really happy after a glamour passage.

Looking forward to catching up with our friends here. Go bokke!!

Just a few miles from Sarcelle passage, which we?ve decided to make our entry point due to wind angle and to avoid contrary tidal current later at Woodin canal.

It?s been a perfect day weather wise. Sunny skies and tiny seas, just like we like it. The wind was a bit light midday and we motor-sailed for about 3 hours but filled in after that and sailing nicely since.

We are going to trust instruments, the charting here and our previous tracks and make our way directly to Noumea in the dark, south of Ouen island. Should arrive pre-dawn,

A good night of moderate wind and small seas as we continued to make good progress reaching along.

At 0-dark 30 I noticed the vang was broken (boom gets held down still by the boom brake) but fortunately it was easily fixed with replacement of a broken shackle.

Again at dawn this morning there is mostly blue sky, but I fear the cloud will set in later as it has for the past couple days. With no accumulated solar charging yesterday we had to run the motor for about an hour every 4 hours last night, frustrating to have to do this when there is good wind.

This morning the wind is about 12 knots and forecast to be around this and less for the rest of the passage. At the moment the strength and angle is just good enough to sail close to course at reasonable speed (about 6 knots). We may need to motorsail a fair bit if we want to make checkin at Noumea tomorrow morning before immigration closes at 11:30. At the moment we are doing well on that goal with just 115 nm to go to Havannah passage . Last day at sea!

Unfortunately the sun remains elusive, only making very brief and occasional appearances through the day. There was just enough with brightness through the clouds that the solar managed to hold even on the power demands but now we are having to run the engine for a while to charge batteries. Might as well make a few extra miles at the same time ?. Ironically now that darkness has fallen the cloud seems to have dissipated and there?s a starry sky above.

I shouldn?t complain though because we did have another beautiful sailing day. The wind got a little bit lighter around midday and we are now with full main and jib, at a mellow broad reaching angle. Seas are small and helping us along, easy sailing.

Regrettably we are going to have to miss out on the amazing fishing over the Gemini sea mound because we will be there tonight. Nothing happening in the deep water as we?ve dragged two lures in vain for the last 3 days.

We enjoyed a restful night of easy broad reaching in about 18 knots SE breeze. 2nd reef in main and slightly furled jib was enough for Jolifou to surge along nicely, surfing the waves. The seas are smaller this morning which is a trend we hope continues as the forecast sees less trades behind us.

The weather is looking more promising this morning with a fair bit of blue sky, hoping for more sun for the solar charging so we don?t need to run the motor for that.

Another good day of sailing, reaching along in SE wind ranging between 15 and 25 knots.

The sun made an appearance in the early afternoon but then was lost again in patches of light rain. They aren?t really rain squalls because they don?t change the wind very much, which is a saving grace.

Making great progress in lumpy but comfortable enough conditions. Lyn and I both well rested and happy to be at sea.

Our first day was a lot better sailing than expected with us picking up good SE breeze shortly after Cloudbreak pass. The forecast area of light wind in a trough close to Fiji thankfully never transpired. Neither did a little bubble of low pressure that was supposed to pop up close to our track last night, so going really good so far. It has been overcast but with no rain, a thin layer of low cloud with very occasional blue patches showing through. The full moon rising and shining through one such patch was spectacular.

We?ve been reaching at a nice angle in SE winds varying between about 17 to 23 knots. Seas have varied quite a bit, a little confused but quite small, getting bumped around a bit but quite comfortable. We?ve ended up with a sail configuration of 2nd reef and jib changing size on the wind strength from 50% to 100%. Seems really easy to get high numbers, we probably have some current in our favour.

Lyn?s pre-prepared lamb stew was sooo delicious last night! We?ve both had some good sleep, may this continue.

Cleared out of Denarau and on our way to New Caledonia.

Entering Cloudbreak pass, it feels like coming home. As a surfer how good is it for your arrival point to be one of the best surf breaks in the world! On our way to clear at Denerau where we will meet my sister Jacqui and niece Bronte who are joining us for a week.

We should be out at Musket on Saturday, looking so forward to catching up with all of our local and migratory friends here

Land ahoy! After the rough start to the night it became easier although little rain squalls messed around with the wind a bit. Jolifou took it all in her stride but average speed suffered as we don?t do frequent reef changes at night, the staysail isn?t furling and too hard to get up and down.

Which reminds me of an incident not mentioned in previous post. When we hoisted the staysail earlier in the day the skipper/foredeck hand managed to run the sheet the wrong side of the lifelines and also the bottom soft shackle snared on the inner forestay adjustment. Whilst loosening the snag the sheet came loose completely without a knot. I?ve realized It?s not a good idea to try to catch such a sheet in your hands, and even if you do it?s probably already gotten knotted. Anyway the hand escaped major injury and after dropping sail, gathering sheet and re-running it we were all good. Lessons learned! Just over 20 miles to go to Navula passage, this morning the conditions are beautiful as we reach along with staysail and 1 reef, surfing the waves.

Bula Fiji!

It?s been quite a day of rough sailing, particularly this late afternoon as wind and waves built, a final test for the Jolifou which she is passing with flying colours so far. (Touch wood) Handling the conditions well with staysail and 3rd reef mainsail. A couple of little half-broaches (those little rudders) but autopilot has recovered well each time. And yes, the compressor locker will need another clean ? We?ve had a bit of bad current against us which is a shame as speed through the water has been excellent but progress not as good as hoped.

As I write this now the worst of the conditions seem to have passed which is also the prediction of the weather models. Just over 100 miles to go.

190 miles to go! Great sailing last night as the wind gradually built in strength and sails were reduced accordingly. Good speeds which are making tomorrow morning arrival very likely.

At the moment we are seeing a lot of plus 8 on the sog as we power along with quarter furled jib and 2nd reef mainsail. Seas at increasing as one would expect, hoping they stay reasonable, I really don?t want to have to clean the compressor locker again! Should be our last day and night at sea and it?s going to be quite a rough one! We will start using some of that easting later as the wind and waves build.

A day of a bit lighter wind but mostly good sailing. This afternoon the speed was not quite enough and the motor went on. The seas were calm enough that there were no splashing waves which allowed us to empty and dry out the dive compressor locker which had been a little flooded when the cockpit was swamped by a wave a few days ago. Quite a big task, the main one being to rinse compressor with fresh water and dry it as best possible out here. Need to give it a run when we arrive and then a good spraying of Inox.

The wind increased after dinner and now sailing again quite nicely, tight reaching in about 12 knots.

It?s a stunning night out here with not much cloud and the sea painted in light from the half moon.

Correction to previous.

All going well we are hoping to make Navula passage by mid morning Thursday.

A beautiful night with slow and steady progress sailing in lighter winds of about 10 to 12 knots. From the early hours of the morning we were quite hard on the wind as it backed to a more easterly direction.

Almost exactly as the sun showed its first beautiful morning beams up through the clouds a sweet new breeze line filled in, veering to the south, and we are now flying along in similar conditions to yesterday. The current seems to have become more favourable too.

We are grabbing a little extra easting whenever we can as forecast for final approach is fresh with a fair bit of east in it.

All going well we are hoping to make Navula passage by mid morning tomorrow.

This morning the squally conditions gave way to a stunning day of sailing in quite steady breeze and slight seas. What a pleasure as we roared along in 15 knots just aft of the beam, with only occasional trimming required.

Our excellent shore crew (Keith) has arranged all the spares we need and we will await delivery by our own personal courier service ( Jacqui and Bronte). Isn?t Family wonderful, thank you! The good conditions remain tonight as I write this although it is showing signs of decreasing strength as predicted. We are both well and happy, starting to get a little bit excited about getting there now. ?

Don?t you just hate rain squalls! The stronger wind they bring means you?ve got to have less sail up, then in the lull they leave behind them you wallow with floppy sails.

Last night we resigned ourselves to just using the motor in the lulls until the wind returned. Many cycles of sail, motor-sail, plus adjusting the sails often. One hardly has time to read ones book ? We?ve been spoiled for most of this trip by really steady winds so the contrast is quite stark. On the plus side it?s getting much warmer now which maybe means you get more squalls in the more tropical conditions? Anyway making good progress, we just have to work for it a bit harder than expected.

Some great sailing today in 16 knots just aft of the beam. Spoilt a bit by rain squalls this afternoon and evening which are playing havoc with the wind. They do however often come with stunning rainbows :) Our issue for the day is the freezer stopped working. Quite a serious issue as it?s packed full of meat for the whole season! I think the controller is fried (controllers!!) and don?t have a spare. Fortunately we have a backup option of a portable freezer which should hopefully save most of the meat. (It?s a bit smaller)

Last night was a mixed bag. Most of the night was excellent sailing in about 18 knots, with strength up and down a lot on the clouds, not rain squalls fortunately. At about 2 in the morning (Fiji time now) the wind headed and died a lot. We decided to motor-sail for a while and give batteries a bit of a charge. A loud squealing sound as the motor started runnng was a huge concern, but it seems to have gone away now.

Staysail came down. After about 2 hours the wind was better angle and strength and we are now sailing quite fast with full working sails in 10 to 15 knots.

Forecast looks like we will be sailing like this for the next few days, so barring any problems we might make some good miles.

Shook out a reef this morning and we?ve been sailing really nicely all day in about 18 to 22 knots at 100 TWA. Good speeds in relatively calm sea conditions.

Our good friend Martin Payne has been helping with advice on a new solar controller, looks like we will change from Morningstar to Victron as cheaper and maybe better. Hopefully Keith and Martn will be able to get one on Monday for my sister Jacqui to bring over to Fiji with her. In the meantime I dug out the old Xantrex controller and installed that and it?s working! Nowhere near as efficient as the newer mppt controllers but at least we are holding even on the power balance during the day and not needng the generator so much.

This evening we celebrated with a delicious boerewors meal and glass of red wine, watching the quarter moon setting.

An easy night with nothing much happening. Wind is up and down between about 15 and 22. We will probably be shaking out some reefs today although we are making pretty good speeds with staysail and 3rd reef and very comfortable. The seas are increasingly calmer so might start to put the hammer down a bit.

As I write this we are sailing past Norfolk and Phillip islands, about 15 miles away but we can see them clearly.

The grib files are looking good for the rest of the trip. It?s pretty cool how we are following closely behind the edge of the high as it pushes north eastward. I think the smaller wave fetch of this phenomenon will mean good sea conditions, also lighter wind behind us.

The wind and waves were calmer today but the wind still has plenty of bite in it, especially during the cloud front squalls. Between squalls we would think about shaking out a reef or two, then the next squall arrives and you are happy you didn?t. Nevertheless we?ve been making okay speed.

Around midday we realized that the solar charging wasn?t working, it looks like that wave yesterday may have gotten water to the controller. Took it out and had a look, signs of water ingress but nothing obvious that can be fixed by the Ike?s of me. Lyn?s Dad Keith and my sister Jacqui are on the case to try to get a new one that Jacqui can bring over to Fiji with her next Thursday.

On a happier note it?s been great to chat with Will from Kittiwake 2 by Iridium text. Him and Margaux are on their way from Minerva to Fiji and it looks like we may have a similar eta.

We had quite a restful night with Jolifou plodding along slowly with staysail only, adverse current and slightly decreased wind strength. Happy to take it slow as it will mean the high winds and waves will end sooner because we aren?t chasing the edge of the high as it pushes east against the low.

Happy birthday Merle! Hope you have a wonderful day, sorry we aren?t there to celebrate with you. It?s a happy day for us too as the wind and seas have calmed a bit, which should be a continuing trend for the next few days. Sailing comfortably with 3rd reef and staysail at 95 twa and about 22 knots of breeze.

The albatross (David) and Petrel (Guy?), along with some mutton birds? have been following us for a few days now, when we get some internet I will be interested in researching what their movements tend to be, because they seem quite happy to tag along for hundreds of miles. I think the boat gives them a focal point and probably also quite happy with the 90 degree wind angle.

The strong wind and increasing waves continued through the day with Jolifou coping well with staysail only. Then late this afternoon a large wave broke into the cockpit from the side, swamping and filling the cockpit with a large amount of water down the companionway. It was a mess down below! During the cleanup the skipper lost his lunch whilst Lyn did an amazing job of sponging out the bilges and cleaning down below.

The wave also bent one of the stanchions quite badly.

Big lesson learned to have the washboards in. All good since then, no more major waves. We are looking forward to the wind and waves hopefully fading a little overnight.

A surprisingly comfortable night considering the wild ride Jolifou was taking us on. The autopilot is handling the conditions great so far, not losing it once. This wind angle of about 90 true is nice and safe, the only thing that can happen if a big wave or gust hits us is the boat heels over and rounds up a bit into the wind, said flap a bit then return to course.

However this morning at first light we felt the wind strong enough for staysail only, so the main is now down and we are still making okay speed, albeit giving up a little more east at a slightly broader wind angle. Nice and comfortable and safe feeling.

We are both feeling very happy this morning, I think we now believe we?ve seen the worst wind. Nevertheless we might as well get used to tight reaching as there?s a lot more to come between us and Fiji.

Beautiful albatrosses have been with us for the past few days, we associate with my deceased dad, David who loved flying. It?s mesmerizing watching them glide upwind using the wind and waves, so beautiful!

The wind has arrived, with a vengeance! Seems a bit stronger than the forecasts at the moment as we blast reach with staysail and 3rd reef. The waves haven?t gotten too big and we?re sailing quite comfortably considering the wind strength which I estimate to be about 25 knots gusting 30 (we don?t have wind instruments).

Maximum wind strength and waves is supposed to be tomorrow morning, hoping we can still be sailing well then. Next step down in sails is no main and just staysail but I?m concerned we will be knocked about too much without the power.

Continued motor sailing for most of the night, making good speed in favourable current. Early this morning the wind picked up to about 15 knots and we?ve been sailing quite hard on the wind for a few hours. 2nd reef main and slightly furled jib. Comfortably plodding along.

Still trying to head east but will come away a bit and head in the direction of Norfolk as the wind builds later in the day.

Motor sailing the whole day in light wind. Just not quite enough for us to sail at a decent speed. Weather and sea state has been excellent, super mellow and all going well apart from the diesel dollars burned.

Latest ECMWF grib file shows improvement with more south direction in the coming days than earlier forecast, hope that happens.

Unfavorable current for most of the day seems to have changed to favourable a few hours ago.

Mostly motor sailing last night except for about 4 hours where we sailed quite nicely in 10 knots tight reaching. Very little wind this morning, it should pick up a bit later today and then get quite rough Wednesday night and Thursday.

All well onboard, getting plenty of sleep.

A relaxing day of motoring in little wind and lumpy but comfortable seas. Could be more of the same tonight before the wind hopefully fills in tomorrow.

We are staying south and making as much east as we can to try to mitigate the expected rough tight reaching coming in the next few days. From the gribs it looks like if we stay further south we can hopefully avoid the strongest trades and have a little better direction with a touch more south in it.

As per forecast, the wind gradually faded and backed during the evening until it was motor time at 11:30 aest. Sea conditions have improved a bit, confused lumps caused by different swell meeting but not very big so Jolifou is handling it very well.

Skipper got told off for going on deck without life jacket (and AIS MOB device) to sort out mainsail caught in lazy jacks :( Apart from that a mellow night with plenty of sleep. We are loving our new down jackets which turn bitter cold into toasty warmth :)

A very good first day. Had to Motor a bit early to get away from the coast before we got good wind. Since this afternoon it?s been really good about 17 knots SW and roaring along at 8s and 9s. Working south of east as good wind angle and contingency for it turning more SE later. Latest models are encouraging for the rest of the trip.

Sea conditions are better than expected with the anticipated easterly swell not causing too much roughness.

Testing Yit update with GO. About to leave Newcastle headed for Fiji.

Arrived Barrenjoey headland. Looking forward to catching up with family and friends.

We motored all night in almost no wind with just a flat 3 reef mainsail to calm the roll. Beautiful grey smooth ocean and a barely distinguishable horizon in the moonlight. Mesmerising phosphorescent patterns from the bow and stern wake. Initially we had some current against us but it?s turned to a little favorable as we close the coast more. Our frustration at seeing speeds in the 6?s is only an indication of how amazing our SOG has been for most of the trip.

This morning the forecast south easterly has strengthened enough for the motor to be turned off and we are now sailing beautifully in about 12 knots just forward of the beam and a nice organized sea.

ETA Barrenjoey headland about 9am.

This morning the good sailing continued but around midday the wind went a bit light and up the rear so we did some motor sailing. Motor has been on and off a bit this afternoon/evening as we use the remnants of the northerly breeze.

It?s been an amazing carpet ride on the east coast super highway, favourable current up to 4 knots at times. We continued heading due south as we passed seal rocks (20 miles out) to stay in the stream as long as possible. All good things come to an end tho, and a couple hours ago we decided it was time to turn right and head for Pittwater. The BOM current forecast images have been amazingly accurate and, as expected, shortly after turning onto a more Westerly course we crossed a distinct current line, into less blue water and the assistance ended. Oh well.

We finally caught a fish! Just a little skipjack but at least we broke the drought. The sugar scoop (and Lyn) was covered in blood by the time it finally succumbed to Lyns iki stick and stopped twitching.

All going well we should arrive Pittwater around mid morning.

Last night the wind gradually came around to the NE then NNE and we poled out the jib around sunset. A brief period of lighter wind from behind necessitated motor sailing for a couple of hours, but the wind came back and we?ve been grooving along with wind and waves from behind.

Early this morning the wind had gone far enough to the North that it was time to gybe, also to stay in the best current flow. At the moment we are going really well on port gybe, full working sails with poled out jib. The current is about 1.5 knots, not as good as it has been but we are positioning to get into a stronger stream later if the BOM forecast is correct.

We have had friendly dolphins visit 4 times so far, last time was sunset yesterday. This never gets old, we love to go up on the bow and watch them play.

Looking at the weather forecasts this morning we are probably not going to stop before Pittwater. A small front is coming through tonight but if we stop to avoid it we will end up with very little wind on Wednesday so not really worth it. Think it?s best to make miles while the sun shines (between rain squalls).

A frustrating morning of motoring through rain, light headwinds and a confused lumpy sea gave way around midday to increasingly good weather and sailing conditions. We?ve been sailing really nicely all afternoon in a building ENE and as we?ve gotten further from the coast and into the favourable current we?ve been roaring along.

You?ve got to love the Australian east coast current, at least when heading south. Even this morning when we were motoring not very fast our SOG was close to 8 knots. Now with the good wind we are SOG between 10 and 12 knots, what a pleasure! The bom forecast images show up to 3 knots strength about 20 to 30 miles off, so that?s where we are at the moment.

Not sure on the stopping (or not) plan yet, will probably see where we get to by tomorrow morning and decide based on weather.

On our way south, ultimate destination Pittwater. Might do it in one or might stop for a night somewhere as a little front comes through. We initially had the forecast NE breeze but it?s now gone weird and from the SE. Think it?s just a rain squall.

Conditions not ideal with grey sky, rain and a confused sea caused by east swell and north east chop. The light wind is not helping.

Have been doing a bit of sailing but now motor sailing.

Safely at the quarantine dock at Southport Yacht Club.

The bar crossing was no problem although we were surprised by the current still flowing out half hour after low. Thought the tide station was in the seaway but it?s obviously inside.

Decision made, we are stopping at the Gold Coast. In fact we are just 14 miles from the seaway. Should arrive at around low tide and seaway tower assures me the bar will be okay. Hope so, because we are crossing it in the dark! It?s been a day of good wind and good current. Had poled out jib for some time but mostly two sail reaching. Reefs have gone in and out and headsail furled and unfurled as the wind strength fluctuated.

This afternoon we dodged a few ships and saw dolphins for the first time in ages. Welcome to Australia, always a good omen we think.

Yesterday afternoon the wind picked up at around 2pm and we started sailing slowly with gennaker and full main in about 10 knot northerly. Before sunset the wind had increased to about 14 knots and we furled the gennaker and went to the genoa. The wind has gradually increased all night and we?ve been making excellent speed with favorable current, tho in quite a northerly direction as we steered to be north of an anti cyclonic current eddy. We are now at our waypoint for the eddy and the current is excellent and should remain so as we close the coast further and hit the east coast current stream. The Southerly flow will help us turn our north into speed to destination.

It?s dismal news on the fishing front. Hooked something quite big yesterday morning on the purple rapala but it got off shortly after I began pulling it in. Then at sunset we got a hit on the pink squid lure, only to have a knot in the line undo itself, losing the tackle and lure! The captain is changing his mind again and stopping at the Gold Coast is once again on the table. The weather is now looking quite favorable for getting to Pittwater mid next week and confusing could put us in some quite rough 30+ north easterlies and big seas further down the line. All considered it makes sense to clear at GC and have a couple days rest there before continuing. Final decision will be made this morning after checking the updated weather forecast gribs.

An uneventful but restful night spent motoring in little wind and smooth seas. We expect this to continue for much of today before the forecast NE wind starts to build in the afternoon.

Continuing the sharky theme from last night, yesterday afternoon we also saw the fin of a large Oceanic White Tip shark following in our wake for a while. They have a distinctive dorsal fin with a white tip fading into the grey and a more rounded shape than most other sharks. It?s the first time we have ever seen one of these sharks, who have a terrible reputation for attacking humans. These are the sharks to fear the most if you ever have to abandon ship! Of all our crossings of this area of ocean this is the most fish action we?ve ever seen. Maybe it?s because it is later into the summer than previous trips?

The sails came down mid morning today and we motored for a few hours in little wind. In the afternoon we got a bit of a south easter and sailed nicely in a smooth sea and light but constant 8 knots with wind just forward of the beam.

Over the Capel bank we saw some vigorous fish action and changed course to investigate. It was a ball of tuna with about 6 sharks herding the fish. An amazing sight as we got really close and could see the sharks and fish clearly. I have never seen anything like it, one shark had it?s head out of the water like a dolphin! Despite motoring right through the boil a few times we only had one brief nibble on a lure, I think the tuna were trying to avoid the sharks and not interested in eating.

Sundowners on the side deck finished a beautiful day.

Tonight the wind has faded again and we have gone from motor sailing to sails down motoring, which we expect to continue until the wind hopefully fills in from the NE tomorrow afternoon. On the plus side we have hooked into some nice favorable current. Long term my calcs say there?s not much difference between closing the coast early for better current or direct shorter route, probably will decide based on the wind angle when it fills in.

We sailed comfortably but slowly for much of the night, very peaceful as the full main and gennaker surged us gently along. Around 1:30 this morning the breeze had deteriorated to slapping sails, time for the donk. Gennaker furled and motor sailing with full main and jib. The sails are only just hanging in there from a slapping point of view in the small confused seas.

A decision looms as to whether we continue heading in the Gold Coast direction, which will get us into favorable east coast current or to cut the corner and head direct for Newcastle which will put us in unfavorable current but be a shorter distance. Might have to do some calcs to occupy my mind.

The wind decreased through the day and we rigged and deployed the gennaker around 9:30. Have been sailing all day with full main and gennaker in winds between 10 and 13 knots. Seas are pretty calm, not flat smooth but a very small swell and waves. Been still making good progress but this evening we are slowing quite a bit.

Beautiful settled weather, sunny (starry) and warm and we are both well rested and in fine spirits.

Looking at the weather developments in the future we will probably not stop at Gold Coast and will continue on to Newcastle or even Pittwater, need to check with the authorities if that?s an option. Christmas party appointments must be kept!

Correction, previous position not updated.

A comfortable night, we both got some good sleep, especially Lyn who?s really good at sleeping soundly at sea.

The wind did drop slightly and move a touch more to the east, but not as much as forecast which is great for our speed this morning. The seas have been calming all night and this morning we are roaring along on a broad reach with full working sails.

Trying to position ourselves well for current, using the BOM forecast images I screen captured before we left and hopefully we are currently getting favorable current around the bottom of a clockwise eddy. Hard to tell for sure because the log impeller is a bit dirty and can?t trust the speed from it.

A comfortable night, we both got some good sleep, especially Lyn who?s really good at sleeping soundly at sea.

The wind did drop slightly and move a touch more to the east, but not as much as forecast which is great for our speed this morning. The seas have been calming all night and this morning we are roaring along on a broad reach with full working sails.

Trying to position ourselves well for current, using the BOM forecast images I screen captured before we left and hopefully we are currently getting favorable current around the bottom of a clockwise eddy. Hard to tell for sure because the log impeller is a bit dirty and can?t trust the speed from it.

It?s been a good days sailing, making really good progress reaching in 18 to 20 knots south easterly. 2 reefs and full jib is cruisy but fast enough. The seas are small but quite confused so it?s not perfectly comfortable but we are both doing very well. Just had delicious stew for dinner and settling in for our first night.

The wind is forecast to back and lighten overnight which is one of the reasons we are heading north of the rhumb line, so we can have a closer reaching angle in the lighter winds. The other reason is that it?s a more comfortable angle in this stronger wind.

It?s been a good days sailing, making really good progress reaching in 18 to 20 knots south easterly. 2 reefs and full jib is cruisy but fast enough. The seas are small but quite confused so it?s not perfectly comfortable but we are both doing very well. Just had delicious stew for dinner and settling in for our first night.

The wind is forecast to back and lighten overnight which is one of the reasons we are heading north of the rhumb line, so we can have a closer reaching angle in the lighter winds. The other reason is that it?s a more comfortable angle in this stronger wind.

We?ve picked up the wind now and roaring along. Full working sails on a nice broad reaching angle. Seas have settled and nice conditions now, champagne sailing!

We?ve picked up the wind now and roaring along. Full working sails on a nice broad reaching angle. Seas have settled and nice conditions now, champagne sailing!

On our way. Currently motoring in little wind and uncomfortable seas. Should pick up the breeze as we clear the coast.

Planning to leave for Aus tomorrow morning once this South Easter dies down a bit. Destination is Gold Coast but we may well divert further South to Coffs or Newcastle depending on how the weather forecasts pan out.

We?ve arrived at Havannah pass! The south Westerly met us earlier than expected at about 11am and also was stronger than expected, getting up to about 18 knots. As the waves got a bit big we stopped the engine and sailed hard on port tack for a while, resorting to hand steering to soften the wave motion. Was actually quite pleasant sailing upwind, not something we do very often if we can help it.

As we closed on the land the waves flattened out for really nice conditions although not making course. Then the wind died too and we are now motoring again.

If this wind stays like this the plan is to continue through to Noumea tonight and clear in tomorrow morning.

The calm conditions continued last night and we?ve spent the night peacefully gliding through silky smooth waters (except for the sound of the motor of course). Enjoyed a stunning moonrise from a clear horizon and big globs of phosphorescence popping out of our wake.

One negative has been a fair amount of time with negative current of about 1 knot, which is making my conservative eta estimate look a bit less achievable. It will all depend on how strong and soon the forecast South Westerly breeze is, probably get to Havannah between 2 and 4 pm.

This morning Mare island was clearly visible about 20 miles away and we could also make out Lifou in the distance. We?ve been reminded of the ?securite, securite? french vhf radio broadcast, which New Cal cruisers will be very familiar with.

Nothing new on the fishing front except for one nibble this morning. We have now lost 3 high speed rapalas and only have one left. Might try a rubbery squiddy thing on the other line and see if we can bag a Mahi.

You?ve got to love it when a plan comes together! Gemini seamount delivered a huge mackerel. We had given up on finding the shallow area (which is incorrect on the chart) and returned to course but shortly after the depth sounder started seeing 80 meter and we circled around until we eventually found the 40 m area. Almost immediately we started to get hits on the two lures, but neither stuck, one big one came off the hook close to the boat. On about our third circle back we finally got one. The biggest mackerel we?ve ever caught, about 1.5m long, there was a bit of pandemonium on the sugar scoop as Lyn tried to control it with her little fish towel as I held the line. Eventually the iki stick found its mark and after a lot of filleting work by Lyn we had fresh fish for lunch and a stocked freezer. We tried a few more passes and I?m sure we would have caught another but we are on a schedule to beat the South Westerly and had to leave. A little later we lost the successful lure, almost brand new. Oh well, fish 3 Jolifou 1.

Whilst all this was going on a 50m super yacht called Drumbeat happened to come past. They weren?t fishing and captain said he came a bit closer because he thought we might be in distress going round in circles as we were. Weird coincidence, the only other vessel we?ve seen apart from a Chinese fishing trawler in the distance.

Shortly after we left the mount the wind died to almost nothing and the day has been spent motoring on an oily calm sea. This is the next best thing to perfect sailing if you don?t mind the fuel bill. Perched on the bow with a drink in hand, headed directly into the setting sun and golden ocean, was one of those priceless moments you get out here.

110 miles to go to Havannah pass!

Nice sailing continued for a while but just before 10pm we needed to start the motor which we expect to remain on for the remainder of the passage. Motor sailed for a few hours but by this morning we have dropped the main and pretty much propeller power only, just a bit of wind filling the jib and reducing the rocking.

Beautiful sunset, moonrise and sunrise framing a peaceful night. This morning the sky is clear and the sea quite nice and flat. We have altered course a little to pass over the Gemini volcanic seamount where we hope to see some good fishing action. Chart shows it rising up from a depth of 2000 meters to just 40 meters. Friends of ours have reportedly had great success there last year so hoping we can improve our woeful fishing score later today.

Another perfect day of sailing, chewing up the miles effortlessly under a mostly sunny sky. The wind has been gradually fading through the day as forecast, but there?s still enough at the moment to keep us trucking along at over 7. Tiny swell and small waves, all the right direction to help us on our way.

Have decided not to rig up the gennaker as we will only really need it for a few hours tonight and not so keen on having it up after dark. Anyway we are cruising sailors after all and the wind angle will be perfect for motor sailing when we need it.

Not good on the fishing front, another lure down, the last of our genuine rapalas and almost brand new?. Fish 2 Jolifou 0.

Tired of the music on the iPad, we?ve delved into our old CD collection and sundowns this evening are to the Eurythmics greatest hits. Sweet dreams are made of this.

The perfect sailing conditions continued last night, steady moderate breeze at a great reaching angle, small seas from the weather quarter, full moon (albeit mostly behind a thin cloud layer).

When we pulled the lures in last night we discovered that one was missing. Probably the speed is a bit much for trolling at the moment. Oh well, fish 1 Jolifou 0, will try again today.

We are both pretty well rested and very happy to be having such a comfy time at the moment.

I think the gennaker may make an appearance later today as the wind is forecast to decrease through the day. The routing calcs have us arriving at Havannah passage at about 7pm, which should be around mid flooding tide. Flooding tide flows westward so favorable for us which is a big help through Havannah and Woodin passages approaching Noumea. If we can keep to that or better it by a couple hours it will be great. Also looks like there?s a chance of a little south wester wind on the nose on final approach and the earlier we get there the better chance of avoiding it, so will keep the hammer down a bit over the next couple days.

Today has been champagne sailing, 18 knots wind broad reaching with full working sails. Small waves and some favorable current has helped too as we eat up the miles easily.

Some minor incidents with one of the Vang tackle ropes breaking twice and causing the screws holding the lug in the boom to work their way out. Not too hard to fix and no further damage resulting.

We are heading a bit North of the rhumb line so that we have a better angle when the wind moderates. Popping in at Vanuatu has been considered .

Full moon is rising as I type this and we are hoping for another beautiful night tonight.

Leaving Fiji we had fairly boisterous conditions about 23 knots and rough seas from the south east. Motion not too bad as we sailed a bit right of course with 2nd reef and not much jib. Surfing at over 10 and averaging maybe 7.5 or more.

Through the night the wind has gradually moderated and gone a touch more into the east and we have been progressively unfurling the jib and coming up to course, now have full jib and 2nd reef main. Seas have become more friendly too which is appreciated as we both had moments of queasiness last night and haven?t eaten much except a little cheese and nuts.

It was a beautiful night with full moon peeking through the clouds. Looks like good weather today as the sun rises with not much cloud.

On our way to New Cal.

Sitting at Musket waiting on a new regulator and hoping for a good window for New Cal on Thursday when it arrives.

Arrived Nananu-I- rau. This morning. Great passage, downwind and port gybe the whole way.

Left Fulanga yesterday and sailed to Lakeba where we spent last night. Lost 2 lures but didn?t land a fish :( It?s a sketchy anchorage at Lakeba with no swing room and exposed to the wind. Place looks a bit ugly also. Promising surf break on the pass but blown out by the wind. So we left this am, didn?t even go ashore or do sevu sevu.

We?re now on our way to Denerau to pick up friends by way of Nananu-I-Ra, hoping for a few days of good kiting there. Eta is tomorrow morning.

Arrived at Fulanga pass earlier today at 2pm. Pretty awesome sail considering it?s normally dead upwind in the trades. Reaching the whole way in 10 to 17 knots, bit more south in it for some time last night but still sailing nicely and had gennaker up in the broader angles yesterday afternoon and this afternoon.

Humpback whales yesterday. Final approach was magic as we saw pilot whales and sailed along the outside of the Fulanga reef in the flat water lee of the island.

Entering the pass was a bit hectic as we made just 2 knots over ground against the 5 knots of ebbing lagoon water. We have been told this place is the most beautiful island in Fiji. So far we have to agree.

On our way to Fulanga.

Just entered Navula pass! Bula Bula Fiji. Looking forward to catching up with all of our cruising friends here.

Very excited to see Cape Washington on Kadavu island mid afternoon. Just 70 miles to Navula passage now! Barring disasters we should be checking in at Lautoka early tomorrow morning.

It?s been a good day of sailing, broad reaching in building breeze and gradually cashing in our easting to improve the wind angle. So far the plan is working nicely.

Beautiful almost full moon sky this evening as we barrel along. The seas have been surprisingly small, bit lumpy but nothing the JF can?t handle easily.

The wind increased from the SE earlier than expected and it?s been a touch boisterous as we continue to head east of direct course in anticipation of bigger winds and seas on final approach. 2nd reef main and half furled jib, good speeds.

This morning we passed superyacht Encore headed south, seems Ike a strange time of year for heading for NZ, most will be going the other way.

Less than 24 hours to go! ?

The wind filled in after lunch and we have been sailing nicely In 10 to 12kt SE winds the whole afternoon. The plan is to keep making a bit of east so we are approx directly south of destination when the wind is forecast to build from the SE, hopefully giving us a nice comfy final approach.

Around sunset we saw our first vessel since leaving the Australian shipping lanes, a 24 meter fishing vessel (Solander 5) which is currently about 5 miles from us. Tried to call them on the VHF for a chat but no response. When they subsequently changed course and speed towards us and temporarily disappeared from the AIS display our minds had a bit of a moment, fearing they may be illegal fishing (or drugs) and trying to intercept us! Probably just on their way back to Suva.

We continued to motor through last night into a slightly bobbly sea caused by a 7 knot easterly with the odd small rain squall. We both had excellent sleep and are nice and well rested this morning.

The wind and sea is calmer again now, glorious weather. We are ahead of our schedule for Wednesday morning arrival so will start sailing slowly as soon as some wind develops. According to models that may happen around midday.

We?ve been motoring all day, all sails down in little wind from variable direction. Always expected this based on the weather models and it?s a good time to relax and sleep as the motor provides white noise, sea is pretty flat and there is nothing that can go wrong sails and wind-wise.

We wrote down our lists of goals for the season, mostly action sports things like ?Get barreled more? and ?Kiting back roll?.

One of my goals is to work on my core strength and I was inspired to do my Hamish Wilcox core and stretch exercise session this afternoon. Cheers Hamish if you?re reading this.

Barring any mishaps if all goes to plan we should arrive at Navula passage early Wednesday morning. :)

Sails start flopping, start engine. Splutter, splutter, oh dear it?s that dry exhaust sound again. Stop engine. Go through the now familiar priming procedure. Start engine, looks good, relax. Half an hour later, splutter splutter ?shoot?. Wake Lyn so she can steer whilst we bob about rather than stressing the autopilot.

Speedseal off, check impeller, looks good. Prime again, try again, watch as the water level in the strainer gradually reduces until air begins to get sucked into the pump. Try again a couple times, same result (what a fool does). Remove inlet pipe from strainer, water coming in but slowly, poke wire through seacock. Prime, try, same. BUT large oyster sucked into strainer, must have been the cause. Prime, try, better but still sucking air after a while. Re-locate strainer downward below sea level, fixed!! Sometimes I think that when things are going too well something bad is bound to happen sooner or later. Hopefully we have now paid that due and the motor will behave because we are looking at about a day and a half of little wind and mostly motoring. Time to catch up on some sleep.

On this day we remember my Dad, David Savage. This time last year we were in mourning 4 days into our passage. Maybe Dad has pulled some strings for this passage to make it so good? He certainly would have appreciated the beautiful day we?ve had.

Through the day the wind has gradually backed as its strength has eased. We have managed to keep sailing quite well so far, aided greatly by a consistent wind direction at 90 degrees and a super calm sea. Progress has been slower but who cares when it?s this nice.

It was a stunning sunset and this evening is beautiful with a moonlit calm sea. No doubt the calm will need to be broken soon as we start the engine.

A relaxing night two sail broad reaching in wind varying between about 10 to 13 knots. Small course adjustments to come up a bit in the lulls and down in the gust. The seas are nice and friendly but we have a little bit of contrary current. The weather is lovely, blue skies and Simpson clouds.

Headed a bit more east than desired as we lose too much speed any squarer to the wind. Plan at the moment is to be about due south of Lautoka when we are about 100 miles out, this us when some of the models predict possible strong SE winds and will be nice to have an easy angle.

All models indicate we will lose the wind later today and may have to motor for two days thereafter. Will try to keep sailing as long as possible today to save as much fuel dollars as we can.

Another day of perfect conditions but without rain squall Later in the day the wind had just a touch more south in it and we too the pole down, changing to the current situation of 2 sail reaching in 15 knots. Easy miles and very comfortable on the Jolifou.

I can?t help but think about our friends Dal and Dave who left at a similar time to us in Dal?s Santa Cruz 52 ?Cruz Control?. That boat was made for these conditions and they must be absolutely loving it at the moment. They don?t have satellite comms and we have tried to contact on an hf radio sched but no joy so far. Will be interesting to see how far ahead they arrive.

Last night continued to be excellent sailing conditions as we cruised along at a comfortable speed surging on the following seas. Occasional need to change the heading on the autopilot up and down a few degrees on the gusts and lulls. The squalls were less severe and with the easy seas the autopilot could handle them fine with a little manual fine tuning.

We both got good sleep and we are a very happy boat at the moment, thoroughly enjoying this middle of the trip time, when you?ve become comfortable with the boat, settled into a nice routine and the destination is still too far to bother with anticipation.

Weather has been generally fine apart from the odd brief rain squall, but it is still cold despite our more northerly position.

Today has been awesome sailing, downwind in 15 to 18 knots, poled out 1/4 furled jib and 2nd reef mainsail. Seas following and quite organized. The reason for the conservative sail plan is mostly the rain squalls, which have not been too heavy but probably gusting about 30 at most and with quite big windshifts. I?ve been hand steering through the 3 squalls of today to react quickly and ensure we stay at the right wind angle and no broaching and flappy sails.

Lyn had a good yoga session without me in the way and I put a wear cover on the top of the staysail halyard as it has been chafing at the sheave.

So far tonight there have been no squalls and it?s idyllic conditions at the moment. Long may it last.

Latest models are looking good for a nice remainder of the passage, albeit light wind motoring in store for the weekend. Not pushing as hard east now as we expect to be able and wanting to do that in the lighter winds ahead.

Last night was a difficult one with rain squalls messing us about. The kind of night where if you had plenty of fuel you would just take the sails down and motor. Speaking of which when we did start the motor in the calm after one squall, we again had the dry exhaust problem. Only fixed by bleeding at the water pump cover (speed seal makes this a lot easier), which requires removing the steps in a rolling boat. Was not conducive to sleep for the off watch, a bit of an emotional time for the captain too. I think it?s time that lowering the strainer gets to the top of THE LIST.

Again the second half of the night/early hours of morning was much better. On the plus side for the squalls we rode one out this morning after sunrise and were treated to the most amazing double rainbow which literally overtook us with its arch.

Lyn had a great watch enjoying watching shooting stars in a clear sky: ?I had this fantasy of lying on the foredeck and nature putting on a fireworks display of stars falling out of the sky?. Maybe we?ve been at sea too long already?

Today was a good day of sailing, especially this morning where we were broad reaching with full main and jib, calm seas and favorable current. Conditions were so good we even did a yoga session, albeit no balancing positions.

This afternoon and early evening the wind has swung to the SW and we are now sailing in about 18 knots with poled out half furled jib and 1st reef in the main. Quite comfortable but the current now seems against us and progress is slower. Had to deal with a couple of pesky rain squalls.

I had a very amusing text chat via iridium with Warwick of Fusio. It?s amazing that technology lets us do this from the middle of the ocean to him on an island in the Lau group. Looking forward to catching up with them soon.

Last night the good wind continued, about 15 knots from the SSW. We sailed nicely all night, broad reaching with 2nd reef and full jib. More of the same this morning, long may it last! We are now trying to make as much easting as possible as insurance against possible future ESE winds. Looks like we will pass quite close to Norfolk Island.

Much of today has been spent motoring. We had a brief sail around 12 then the wind dropped and was square behind. Late afternoon the wind filled in quite nicely from the south and we?ve been sailing since then, dodging rain squalls early evening, not much in them, bit of a gust in front but then they bugger up the wind for a while.

Around 7 the rain squalls disappeared and since then we have been sailing really nicely in about 15 knots from the south, flat seas and favorable current.

The forecast is still looking good for the rest of the trip, holding thumbs it plays out.

Last night was a mixed bag of little rain squalls, gusts and lulls, generally a bit lighter varying from about 10 to 25 knots.

During one of the lulls we decided to motor as battery needed charge anyway. That dreaded dry sound came out of the exhaust and spent a frustrating half an hour checking impeller, pouring water in the strainer etc. to prime the raw water pump. All good now and we ended up motoring a fair bit last night.

This morning the wind is light and from behind so we are motoring again. Nice and comfy tho.

Weather forecasts at the moment look like we will have lighter winds for the rest of the trip so the staysail has been packed in its deck bag and we will hoist the big sails when the wind fills in.

The wind and seas built again and we lost the favorable current as we got more north. The early evening was spent trying to dodge Elizabeth reef as a rain squall of about 40 knots shifted the wind direction by 30 degrees to the SW. Originally planning on passing to the south of the reef, we opted to change to the north. It was a stressful time as we feared we might get another squall from the west putting the reef in a Lee shore position. Wasn?t a problem in the end.

Now the rain squalls are again causing a bit of unrest as we are forced to frequently change sail size and course.

The first half of the night was hard with rain squalls (no lightning fortunately) necessitating frequent furling and unfurling of the jib as we were knocked about by the lumpy sea. I?ve never before experienced so much crashing about of stuff down below as despite our best efforts to secure, the violent rolling from side to side played havoc. This made sleep difficult.

Later on the squalls ended and the seas and wind became a bit more consistent and we both had some good sleep.

This morning there is a miraculous transformation with much smaller and regular waves, the wind is a touch lighter and we are getting wonderful assistance from the current as hoped. Full jib poled out, full staysail to leeward, still no mainsail. No more rocking, happy days :)

Has been a windy and wild day but good progress in the right direction with the 25 to 30 knot Westerlies. Sea state a bit confused as wind has switched from WNW to WSW. Jolifou going well with no main, staysail and poled out heavily reefed jib, but it is a rocky ride.

Still we are in good spirits, eating well and getting some sleep.

Have heard our friend Dal of Cruz Control trying to get us on the VHF, but he does not seem to hear our reply. He must be somewhere relatively neat but can?t see him.

Around 11:30 pm AEST last night the wind came back and has built to a solid 25 knots from the NNW. We?ve been sailing rapidly all night with staysail to leeward and poled out jib to windward (now half furled), mainsail down. Loving this configuration for strong downwind, if the jib backs the staysail keeps the speed for the autopilot to be able to turn the boat and recover.

We have been getting some current assistance in a northerly eddy of the east coast current and we have now hit a strong maybe 3 knots ESE flow of the main coastal current bending out. This is making it hard to follow our preferred routing of making some north to ensure we are over a low developing in a couple days. However with good speed through the water the current is giving us excellent SOG towards Lord Howe, seeing lots of 10s.

In the pitch black after the sliver of moon set there was a really special show of phosphorescent dolphins lighting up the water.

After a perfect day of sailing in strong WNW wind and small following seas the wind dropped at 5:30 and we are now motoring. Bit frustrating as the weather models never showed this and not great to be burning the fuel reserves so early in the trip.

On the plus side it was a great day, highlight was a pod of hundreds of dolphins paying us a visit.

Just left Newcastle harbour. Perfect sailing at the moment as we reach along the Stockton coast in 20 knots NW, 3 reefs and half furled jib.

Anyone wants to get hold of us via satellite

Phone/SMS please SMS only unless emergency +881623485582

Email jolifou@myiridium.net - small text mails only, no attachments please.

Testing from the marina in Newcastle. We are planning on leaving at 9am today.

Arriving Newcastle now! Joe has a working berth for us, excellent. Was a bit of a slow night of downwind sailing then nasty little SW came through and we've been motoring for the past 3 hours.

Looking forward to re-aquainting with old friends Joe and Belinda and new friends Hamish and Ulrika, we are sailing with Joe and Hamish on Joes Farr 40 in the regatta this weekend.

The forecast NE wind came but less than expected so far. This and a decrease in the favourable current is slowing our progress a bit.

Dolphin show again this afternoon, very beautiful!

Pleasant weather so far for our last night at sea this season. Will soon be gybing for our final approach to Newcastle. 73 miles to go.

Around 11 last night the good northeasterly began to fade and back to the N and W. We motor sailed for about 5 hours in quite sloppy conditions. The expected Westerly came through but only light and we sailed with full working sails in a now smooth sea apart from the swell, quite pleasant especially as the 2 knots current assistance meant we could afford to be slow through the water.

About an hour ago the wind died completely, as expected, and we are now motoring on a glassy sea, awaiting this afternoons forecast northerlies.

A lot of motoring this morning as expected, not too unpleasant in sunny sky with quite big swell but motion not too bad.

Around 2:30 the NE wind came up enough to start sailing and it's been a very pleasant afternoon of sailing. Dolphins came to entertain us as we had a sundowner, very beautiful.

Weird little low is supposed to bubble off the coast tonight causing the wind to back all the way around to the SW eventually but not for very long. We will probably close with the coast a bit for better sea conditions when this happens.

Just exited Gold Coast seaway enroute to Newcastle. Forecast is not wonderful but we need to get South before the southerlies come through on the weekend or we may not get back by the 15th, our deadline because our daughter Shonagh is arriving. It means we expect to burn a bit of diesel, but hopefully we get some windows of good northerlies in between.

Safely at the clearance dock, Southport marina. Dolphin show at sunset capped off a fantastic passage, doing the bow riding thing, back jumps, spin jumps, synchronized jumps! Slowed a bit for bar crossing after low tide, no breaking waves but some very steep ones, relieved to get in.

A beautiful day of sailing to complete probably our most pleasant passage ever. We have had about a 2 knot push of current all day and, just for a change we took the pole down and have used our westing to give us a nice broad reaching angle. Saw our first ships in the Australian shipping channel this afternoon.

Just 45 miles to go now. We will probably arrive early hours of Friday morning and take on the Seaway entrance in the dark, hopefully with some moon assistance (swell is not too big).

Last meal tonight will be fillet steak with cake for dessert, yum!

A slower night of lighter winds and contrary current which is not really a problem as we are resigned to Friday morning arrival anyway.

This morning we are finally starting to find the favorable SW setting branch of the Australian east coast current that we have been seeking. One wonders if the distance lost to get here was worth it, especially as we will probably end up slowing down to arrive in morning daylight hours.

All happy aboard, we are now well into the swing of passage routine, almost regret it is coming to an end.

145 nm to go.

Lighter wind today, varying between about 8 and 14 knots. This combined with unfavorable current is setting back our eta a bit. Also a bit grey with a little rain. Not the best weather for our 20th wedding anniversary, but it did rain on our wedding day, so maybe appropriate. Love you madly Lyn! 200 nm to go, so we probably will arrive at Gold Coast seaway late tomorrow night or early hours of Friday. Decided to motor this afternoon for a while when a rain cloud took away the wind, exhaust sounded dry and no water coming through. This happened before, ironically last year about a day from Australia. Impeller was okay but changed anyway, still not working. After about an hour of checking everything, tightening hose clamps and priming it eventually started working.

By the way, not the best of days for our 20th anniversary:)

Another mellow night with plenty of sleep. Full main and poled jib the whole night. The weather has been so consistent and settled that we broke our usual habit of reef at night. The wind has been a bit lighter in general and the current has become less favorable. Hoping this will improve as we get closer to Australia.

Repaired the mainsail. On closer inspection it wasn't bad at all, more of a stitch in time repair. Used some Kevlar sticky back patches and nice and strong now.

Wind was a bit lighter today especially around midday. Briefly gybed to stbd to avoid a cloud bank. Also quite keen to be a bit west of rhumb line for hopefully good current.

Otherwise another nice quiet day of champagne sailing. Highlight was delicious fairy cakes by Lyn for afternoon tea, yum! Have been communicating with Impi and Blue Bie by iridium SMS. Bloody cats are faster than us, especially Impi who are using their spinnaker and are now about 80 miles ahead of us:)

Another glamour night of mellow sailing down wind, waves and current. At sunset yesterday we noticed what may be a small wear hole in the main at top spreaders so put in a reef to change the chafing point. Will investigate properly this morning and repair, but until then no full mainsail.

If we can keep a 7.5 knot average we can arrive at Gold Coast seaway late daylight hours Thursday. Usually this would be a big ask but we are hoping to pick up good favourable current from a slightly more northern approach so shooting for that at the moment.

Fantastic day of sailing. Poled out jib, full main, perfect angle straight towards Gold Coast with small swell and waves up the chuff. Also favorable current about 1.5 knots.

Forecast is looking like we may continue to get similar conditions most of the way, which will be a pleasure. Almost worth the disappointment of missing out on the Chesterfields. Needless to say we are both happy and well rested.

Couple reefs in the main for the night and furled a little bit of jib later. Seas got a little rougher. Sailing nicely but a bit noisy down below so we're both struggling to get a good sleep. Lots of dozing tho.

Have been coming up further south as the wind slowly backed to the ENE as forecast. At first light we poled the jib out and now toddling along comfortably with full poled Jib and 2 reefed main.

Have had a couple SMS chats with Impi who are about 20 miles ahead of us and on a more southern track.

Had the motor on for longer than expected as it took a few hours before we cleared the effects of the island and started sailing in the ESE wind. Worth the wait tho as we have spent the afternoon sailing in perfect conditions. Broad reaching with full working sails and mellow sea conditions. Champagne sailing at the moment, wind increasing a little. We will probably put 1 reef in the main for hopefully a comfortable night.

Just exited st Vincent's pass. Wind is surprising at the moment. Motor sailing in light Southerly. We expect to pick up good easterlies soon as we get away from the land.

Bonnie Anse light on the bow! Entered Havannah channel at 17:30 nc time. Was a rough day with big seas from the side playing havoc with the auto pilot.

Very pleased to be here, we are going to pull into Prony bay for a bit of a rest before continuing to Noumea.

Yesterday was pretty good sailing. Poled out jib for a while and reefed progressively as the wind built. Last night was frustrating as the building awkward sea state knocked us about throwing the auto pilot off course. Struggled to find the right sail plan balance to fix this and have lost time on our goal for the Havannah tide gate but still hoping to get there soon enough to get at least some tidal assistance or slack tide.

Bit of drama on the high seas in the early hours of this morning, thankfully not involving Jolifou. Lyn noticed a 180 meter cargo ship "Kea Trader" on AIS located at the Durand reef 20 miles from us. It's status on AIS was "aground"! We were later relieved to see a salvage vessel standing by and assisting as we weren't sure what we would have been able to do to help. I had a chat with the salvage vessel and he said they had been unsuccessful in their first attempt to refloat it and were waiting on the weather to improve to try again. Good luck to them, the conditions at the moment are pretty rough with a 25 knot SE and quite big seas.

Spent a bit of fuel motor sailing yesterday, trying to keep on a schedule that would get us to Havannah channel on an incoming tide as our info is it can be really rough with 4 knots outgoing tide against wind. Also obviously would like the tide assistance going our way through there and Woodin channel too. If we can keep good speeds we hope to get there by 4pm Wednesday. This could well be a bridge too far, but we will see what we can do in the increasing SE breeze over the next couple days.

We have also been trying to get some southing in, in anticipation of the building breeze to try to have an easier angle when it gets to the 25 knots forecast.

Had a bit of frustration trying to set the loose luff furling gennaker. After going to the effort of rigging it up we started hoisting but half way up the 2:1 halyard twisted around itself and got stuck, wouldn't move up or down. I had to go up the mast to get it down.

Breeze filled in later in the day and we've been sailing nicely on a broad reach ever since.

Caught a little Bonito at dusk, a very red bloody fish. We would have thrown it back but it was too far gone so we will have to see what it tastes like.

Yesterday morning the wind did fill in again and we spent the day running quite square with poled out jib in 12 to 16 knots wind from about the east.

The sea state became quite boisterous but Jolifou was handling it quite comfortably. The exception was one time when the autopilot lost control in a broach which resulted in headsail backed and us in a hove to position, had to start the motor to get going again rather than dropping sails etc. After that we put a reef in.

Last night the wind went light and we motor sailed for 4 hours but we are now sailing again, reaching with full sails. We are both getting plenty of sleep in these benign conditions, really comfortable passage so far :)

Pleasant sailing broad reaching and running in 15 knot ESE breeze. Sea conditions pretty good.

Took the scenic route through Benga lagoon. Full sails until late yesterday when put 1 reef in the main. This morning it's a bit lighter down to 10 knots and behind us so have just turned the motor on. Hopefully wind will increase a bit later.

Leaving Suva on the way to New Caledonia.

Kadavu island at the beautiful village of Nabouwalu. Yesterday Isaac kindly showed us the Split Rock dive site out at Alacrity Rocks. Stunning dive, beautiful visibility, pretty coral , variety of fish and so many amazing swim throughs.

After a long time in the Musket cove area enjoying surfing, kiting, friends and regatta week we decided we would like to see another side of Fiji before we leave. We took a likely weather window to go around the south coast of Viti Levu and head for the southern Lau.

With flat calm to be followed by Southerly wind we hoped to get as far as Fulanga. As it turned out the wind went southeast and stronger earlier than expected and we changed plans and pulled into Matuku.

What a wonderful island this is, grand and lush with the most beautiful friendly and generous locals and no tourism at all. We have been gifted fruit and veg and fish and attended the beautiful Sunday church services with sumptuous lunch and afternoon tea.

The island is known for its surf breaks and I have tried surfing the past 3 mornings but so far the swell has been a bit small. Hoping for bigger swell tomorrow.

We've also been for a nice scuba dive, but hopefully will get to the better spot later.

Plan at the moment is to spend a few more days here then head for Kadavu on the weekend.

We have left JoliFou at Port Denerau for a week whilst we have returned to Sydney for Dads memorial. Thanks soo much to Carolyn Port for persistently pestering and sweet talking the marina staff to get us a berth! Also thanks to Mere and Ali for being so helpful, getting us in a bit early to allow us time to complete formalities and get to the flight on time.

We have arrived at Lautoka, surprised to discover that we need to wait for the biosecurity guy as he is clearing boats at Vuda point marina. The marina web site says you can't clear there on a weekend? Oh well.

Came in past Cloud Break and between Tavarua and Namotu, stunningly beautiful. The waves were average and, as I feared, there were about 30 surfers in the water.

Hoping to reunion with our friends at Musket this afternoon/evening.

Bula Fiji! 4 miles from Navula pass. After a pretty rough night with little sleep the last couple hours have been a pleasure as the seas flattened and wind has moderated as we near the island.

As if not wanting to give herself up too easily, Fiji threw us rough seas and contrary current on final approach. Fortunately the strong wind blast reaching was also giving Jolifou plenty of speed through the water, surfing at 9 plus.

Very happy to finally be here after our longest trip to date, just under 11 days.

Land ahoy!! Just before sunset we spotted Kadavu island from about 50 miles away.

It's been a mixed bag today, the wind has been stronger than forecast, varying between 20 and 30 knots. Sailing with 3rd reef and staysail, at one point we dropped the main completely snd toddled along with just staysail. Initially it had more east in it than expected. It now has lifted a bit which is great. Seas have been rough but at the moment we are cashing in our hard-earned easting with the reward of a nicer angle on wind and waves.

Highlight of the day was a couple of pilot whales who played around us for a while this morning. Such beautiful creatures!

Dad is being cremated this morning at 8:30 AEST, we will think of him, shed some tears and send love to our grieving family.

Yesterday was a day of reaching with full sails in a varying SSE 15 knots wind, good sailing. Around sunset a big rain squall caught us a little on the back foot as we struggled to drop the main downwind. By sundowners everything was under control with 3rd reef and half furled genoa for the generally increasing wind and narrower wind angle.

The night was spent dodging a few squalls and adjusting jib size. Fortunately the wind angle was still quite good and we made good progress in the roughening seas.

This morning the wind is up to a solid 20 knots at 125 TWD, we have gone to the staysail and 3rd reef, very comfortable considering the rough seas. Hope it remains so as it's forecast to strengthen and move around more to the east.

Still on track for the reef pass early tomorrow morning.

What a wonderful 24 hours of sailing we've had! Sunny (starry) skies, quite settled seas and 12 to 15 knots SSE. Yesterday mid morning we packed the gennaker away and moused the halyard, not expecting to use it again as the wind should only back a bit from here on.

We sailed with full main and genoa for most of the day, decent speed and optimal course still making a little easting just in case.

Last night the wind backed a bit more than expected and we put in 2 reef and adjusted genoa size a bit over the night as the strength varied. This morning the wind angle has moved a little more aft making things more comfortable.

The game at the moment is to try to arrive at Navula pass at first light Saturday. Not worried about going through in the dark but it's always beautiful to arrive early morning and enjoy the beauty of the reef. Maybe we will come in past my favourite surf breaks "Cloud Break" and "Restaurants". I know this area well from numerous surfing holidays to Namotu. Lyn says it would be illegal to hop off for a quick wave but I think I might be MOB with a surfboard thrown to me for my rescue:) This plan will mean we need to maintain average speed of about 6.2 knots, probably have to put on the brakes a bit at some stage.

Well done ETNZ! Sounds like it was a really comprehensive victory, a credit to the strength of NZ sailing, but also technology, design and engineering. We're going to have to deal with some very proud Kiwi mates in Fiji, lucky you are such a humble bunch :) Yesterday was a mellow sail with gennaker and full main in a light SSW breeze. Constant bands of lighter and stronger between about 8 and 11 knots has us frequently doing the "up a bit", "down a bit" autopilot adjustment to keep powered and prevent the dreaded slop of the sails. At times we were headed on a good course for Tonga, but don't mind this too much as I think we have time to kill to avoid night arrival. Also the wind is forecast to progressively strengthen and back on approach to Fiji so easting in the bank is good.

Around sunset the wind became increasingly flaky so we reverted to motoring for the night. This morning the wind is up and backed a bit more so sailing nicely with gennaker and 2nd reef main.

Motor-sailed most of yesterday with full sails. Late in the day there was too little wind to fill the gennaker so we took all sails down and motored through the night. Fortunately the sea conditions are great with a long following swell. On the down side, we are getting negative current set at the moment about 0.5 knots.

This morning we have turned motor off and able to sail slowly with gennaker and full main. Hoping the wind strength improves soon as getting worried about fuel running out, forecast indicates that at least tomorrow it will pick up.

On comms front we are annoyed to realize that iridium texts sent to us don't seem to be getting through anymore, since a couple days ago. Outgoing seems fine. I have no idea why this should happen, my only guess at this stage is there is some obscure limit in our airtime contract that I'm unaware of. We have the unlimited data plan so it should not be a problem.

Yesterday's SSW wind at about 8 knots was just too little and too much from behind to make any progress. We spent the whole day and last night motoring with just 3rd reef main strapped in the middle for stability.

Apart from that, it was a beautiful and restful time. Sunny skies, starry night and nothing to do but lie around, read a book and occasionally scan the horizon.

This morning the wind is still light but has at least moved to a more Southerly direction giving us a bit of angle. We have full gennaker and main and making a lot of east at slow speeds. On the plus side we seem to have found some favorable currents. We have decided that trying to keep the speed up and long use of the motor in order to arrive Friday and avoid weekend checkin rates is just not worth it. It's about Au$ 200 extra for the weekend checkin and it costs us about $150 a day in diesel to use the motor. If we go really slowly we might even manage to arrive on Monday. Policy from now on is to only motor when sailing is uncomfortable.

Yesterday turned into a beautiful days sailing as the expected Westerly filled in and strengthened to about 17 knots. We deployed the loose luff gennaker for the first time in over a year and with all our biggest sails up were surging on a following swell and smooth seas. Sunny skies and blue ocean. Had to give up some easting at first but with gennaker poled to leeward and wind backing a little towards the NW we were on optimal course making a bit of East on Fiji rhumb line. Early evening increase in strength had us doing a deck-light drop of pole and gennaker furl as we changed to full genoa with little speed loss. Held this configuration probably averaging 7.5s through the night.

This morning we have just had rain squalls which have moved the wind to the South again and currently motor sailing as it sorts itself out.

Late yesterday afternoon the wind lightened further and we motored all night with just 3rd reef for stability. Heading a little East of the rhumb line to allow for possible easterly trades later, but all predictwind models show favorable direction at this stage, albeit in the light side. I think we will be burning some diesel dollars to try to get there asap and try to make Friday checkin. Swell is coming round behind us further so sea state is good and comfortable, lending itself to catching up on plenty of sleep. Had our first proper hot meal last night, delicious lamb curry which Lyn pre-cooked in Newcastle. Life is good apart from the sadness of Dad.

Tragic news this morning, my dad David passed away last night. With westerlies forecast we elected to continue to Fiji rather than turn back. We will fly home for memorial.

Almost as if out of respect the weather calmed and most of the day has been moderate reaching in settled seas. Now the wind has gone more west and swell increased for a messy sea state. We are motor sailing wanting to get there asap.

Wind lightened through the night necessitating dropping the staysail and unfurling of full headsail, with 1 reef other main. Up and down in strength making for frequent course and sail adjustments.

Roaring along under a moonless starry sky. 2nd reef and staysail at about 110 TWA. Picked up some great favorable current east of Lord Howe which helped progress a lot too.

Life is good on the Jolifou as we are finding our sea legs and settling into passage rhythm.

position wrong on previous post. Uncomfortable tight reaching into easterly swell yesterday, down to staysail and 3rd reef. Was very rough late yesterday afternoon as the Southerly increased to about 30 knots and still getting swell from the east. We elected to turn downwind a bit onto the rhumb line and give up some easting for comfort and it was much better. Had a good night and I am feeling 100% now, Lyn still a bit seasick but not too bad.

This morning it is still blowing 25 from the south but quite good going on this new angle, hitting the odd 8 knot surf and probably averaging about 7.5 Weather routing should allow us to get more east easily on Friday and Saturday as the wind lightens and goes around to the West. Swell is also becoming more Southerly now which is helping.

Uncomfortable tight reaching into easterly swell yesterday, down to staysail and 3rd reef. Was very rough late yesterday afternoon as the Southerly increased to about 30 knots and still getting swell from the east. We elected to turn downwind a bit onto the rhumb line and give up some easting for comfort and it was much better. Had a good night and I am feeling 100% now, Lyn still a bit seasick but not too bad.

This morning it is still blowing 25 from the south but quite good going on this new angle, hitting the odd 8 knot surf and probably averaging about 7.5 Weather routing should allow us to get more east easily on Friday and Saturday as the wind lightens and goes around to the West. Swell is also becoming more Southerly now which is helping.

Good wind moderate Ssw stronger this morning. Reaching at about 100 TWA. 2reefs in main, full headsail last night, changed this morning to staysail. Messy seas with east swell making it a bit rough. Both feeling a bit sick still finding our sea legs.

Testing position update. Planning on leaving today from Newcastle headed for Fiji. 0 mile day.

Pittwater boat work Saturday