We had a fabulous SW sail down the coast from Opua yesterday and anchored at Christian Bay (inside Kawau) for the night. We intend to be back at Gulf Harbour today as we have a few people to catch up with in the next few days. It's been a fantastic 6 months away!

Just arrived in Opua Marina after a lovely sail and then motor to make water and have been cleared by Customs and Immigration. Glad to be back and looking forward to a decent sleep tonight. Thanks to all those who sent support messages. Its great to know that people are keeping a long distance eye on us. Will spend a couple of days at Opua and then head down the coast to Gulf Harbour early next week. Look forward to catching up soon.

A good night of sailing with SSW winds & a boat speed of 6-8kn. We passed North Cape about midnight and are now on the home straight, with nice smooth seas compared to what we have been used to for the last few days. Looking forward to catching up with our Kiwi friends.

Another long day of constant SSW winds between 22-27kn and very uncomfortable sea. We are progressing quite well and expect to be in Opua sometime Sunday avo (all going well). All the winter woollies have come out of the closet. One more night of shift - yeeha!!

Not a great night. A frontal system hit us about 1700hrs that was alot stronger than we thought it was going to be, gusting wind speeds of over 40kn NE and rain and 3 mtr N swells and wind chop. Our gennoa pole got knocked out of position and bent, hanging overboard and Warwick had to go forward to tied it off - not fun. Very rocky night and i have a couple of bruises to show for it. It is still blowing between 25-30kn SSW and uncomfortable - cant wait to get home now.

Its been a wild ride this afternoon with thunder and rain and 15-30kn N winds, averaging 8-9 kn, and surfing down waves at 14.9kn. We had to bring out the wet weather gear and hot drinks - a stark contrast to yesterday with board shorts and bikinis. Definitely getting closer to NZ.

At 0900hrs the NW wind arrived and we have been sailing ever since, averaging 7.5kn with 15-20kn behind us. We have had a slight problem with our Gennoa furler sticking, so we have the stay sail goose rigged at present, which makes things a little more comfortable. All good on board.

Started the day motoring, but then with the NE winds picking up 10-12kn, we put up the gennaker for a couple of hours, before the wind turned NNW and died. We have been motoring ever since, good chance to make water and charge up. Beautiful sunny day and the crew are all well.

A good start to the night of gentle sailing with between 10-18 ESE winds, then the wind died and turned NE about 2.00am and the motor went on and is still on. A couple of cargo ships passed us and the odd yacht we passed, just to keep us on our toes, but other than that a quiet night. By the way - the Mahimahi was delicious!

Not a bad sunny day of smooth sailing, even the genneka came out for half an hour. A couple of times we put the motor on briefly, but mainly sailing with between 8-14kn SE winds. The long line was out and Hug saw something on the end of it. Warwick pulled in a good sized Mahimahi and thats dinner for tonight - not a bad days effort!

We had a great nights sailing with SE winds of between 15-20kn and doing between 7-10kn. Unfortunately about 5.30am on my watch the winds have died and we have started up the motor, so motor sailing until we get some wind??? It is a little cloudy now, but still warm. We have all slept well on the first night and all fighting fit (I think - some are still in bed).

We have had a great day of Sailing 10-15kn SE Winds, travelling between 7-9kn. Beautiful sunny day - almost too hot when you can't jump off for a swim (no complaints tho - Im sure we will be wanting the wamrth back in a couple of days). Nothing much to do but play cards and eat and enjoy the sea. All good on board.

D-Day has arrived and we are finally leaving from Baie de Ugo in the Isle of Pines. We checked out of Noumea last Wednesday and spent our last few days doing some amazing dives with Bruce and Lyn off JoliFou - will really miss those two. The weather window looks pretty light, but should get lots of sailing in hopefully. With our extra crew member (Hug) we should get a little more sleep than usual on passage. Looking forward to seeing all our NZ friends again.

Sailed down to the Isle of Pines after checking out of Noumea on Wednesday. Had a dive at Gadji on Saturday & will dive again today. Looking at heading home this week all going well with the weather, we don't want to motor home but would like to miss being hammered as well. Have young Mr Huggett on board for the passage.

Its

been a great week of kite boarding at Ilot Maitre in Noumea with lots of new friends we have been hanging out with every day for the last 3 weeks. We all went out for dinner and watched the All Blacks win - yay. It was fantastic to meet up with our good friends Hug and Yvonne who watched the game with us as well. We are saying goodbye to friends one by one who are all heading off in different directions. At present we have Rob and Carolyn from Shenanigans are on board with us for three days before they catch a flight home to NZ. We intend to spend some time with Hug and Yvonne while they are here and then Hug is coming on board as crew for the trip home. That should be fun and a bit more sleep for the two of us. We will be starting to look for weather Windows from the 1st November onwards.

The wind has finally arrived and we have been kiting at Ilot Maitre (a small island 20 minutes from Noumea). Quite a few NZ and Aussie boats who are all kiters have gathered and we are having a blast on the water and off the water. Our friends off  Shenanigans, Rob and Carolyn who are amazing kiters have been helping us with a few tricks which has left both of us with a few sore parts, but it's a lot oof fun. It's going to be sad when everyone has to head back to either NZ or Aussie. We will be looking for weather Windows at the beginning of November.

We have been island hopping around the Noumea area, especially those islands with moorings while we had our anchor winch problem. Although we did go to the mainland to celebrate my 50th Birthday and was totally spoilt by Wok all day - no time spent in the galley. We have caught up with lots of yachties and one mate off Seacomber helped Warwick strip the anchor winch and clean it up and now it works perfectly. Our new part arrived a few days later. It doesn't hurt to have spare parts we have found. Yesterday we finally got some wind and got some kiting in - soo much fun. We caught up with some long lost friends we met last year from the boat Joli Fou and had them on board for drinks. Hoping we all get another kite in today

We had a good overnight passage down to Baie de Prony and spent a day there, getting off the boat to hike up to the lighthouse. We spent a couple of nights around the Iles of Noumea, Ilot Maitre and Ile de Legnere, where the snorkelling was magic. I saw a dugong ile de Legnere and both Warwick and I saw one while we were paddleboarding around Ilot Maitre yesterday, along with lots of turtles. We have now dropped our guests off and are awaiting a motor for our anchor winch to arrive from NZ, which is playing up after two and a half months of being replaced. Fortunately there are free moorings out at the little islands surrounding Noumea, so not such a bad place to hang out waiting for parts. We are hoping for a bit more wind so we can have a play on our kites.

After a nice walk along the beach and a swim, we left Ouvea for the mainland. We intend to do an over-nighter and probably end up at Baie de Prony and then onto the area around Noumea. We have enjoyed the Loyalty Group and the weather has been superb.

We picked up our friends from Ouvea on Thursday, then on Friday headed to an Atoll with a little island attached called Ile Beautemps-Beaupre. The most pristine place we have ever been. The water is so clear aqua blue, that the birds flying over are also blue from the reflection. We went for a snorkel with all the big fish and prettty colours. We should be here a day or so, soaking up the prettiest place on earth.

We arrived into Ouvea lagoon yesterday after a nice sail. Had a nice steak, roast potatoes and salad for Woks birthday lunch on the run. Had a windsurf on arrival yesterday and today we have made the most of the wind with a kite surf and windsurf. The wind is supposed to be dying down from tomorrow. We pick up our friends today and sail with them around the Loyalty Islands down to Noumea in the next week.

We have arrived at Lifou safe and sound and have put back the clock an hour. A slightly slower sail today, but still made over 10kn at times. We have put away the cards to releive the boredom and the sun is out - "time to play" once we have reinstated the boat and fix a couple of things. We officially check in on Tuesday and sail to Ouvea on Wednesday to pick up our friends Stuart and Carolyn.

The wind was a challenge last night with variations between 12-26kn SE in the space of a few seconds and changing from beam on to behind us. Its amazing when you are tired enough how you sleep whilst being thrown around in bed. We "should" arrive sometime Sunday evening. (Hope the All Blacks won last night)??

Heading through the southern Vanuatu Islands at present. An another day of covering lots of ground and should be at Lefou late sunday.

Still have a lumpy sea with winds upto 25knts, with a little more sun today.

All well on board.

Another fast night on the high seas, travelling between 7-10kn with 18-25knSE winds. A little hiccup with our furling rope to the foresail breaking, but Wok managed to sort that and with the amount of wind, the stay sail and reefed main is sufficient. Still the odd rogue wave wanting to join us, but other than that, good progress - probably only one more night.

good days sailing with SE winds 20-25kn.Not a lot of sun today. Fresh fish for dinner tonight.

Making good ground sailing even with a reef in the main and just the stay sail. No moon at all makes it pretty black and exhilerating, cruising along between 8 - 10kn in a bumpy sea. At times a fair bit of water coming over the top, but all in all a good night.

A decent start to our trip with 20-30kn winds SE travelling between 8 - 10kn. A little bit topsy turvy, but good to be sailing and getting along nicely. Easy Mexican meal and salad tonight - not too much prep. Both well.

We have checked out of Lautoka (Fiji) and are on our way to Lifou (Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia). It is a beautiful sunny day here with very little wind, although there is predicted to be good wind for our passage, between 15-20kn beam on. We will cross our fingers.

After spending a wonderful two months in Fiji enjoying the wind and sunshine and catching up with friends, we are heading off to New Caledonia tomorrow. We should have favourable side on winds and hopefully get to the Loyalty Islands (Lifou) around about Sunday. We will be checking in on Tuesday and then head down to Ouvea where we will be picking up our friends Stuart and Carolyn who will spend a few days with us.

We enjoyed a lovely few days up at the Yasawas with Brett and Jann, kite boarding and windsurfing and catching up with other boaties in the evening at the yachties bar - lots of laughs (& beers). When we arrived back to Denarau Friday night, our friend Vern from "The Immigrant" let us stay on his marina berth while he was still up at the Yasawas. Saturday was a chores day, but had to stop at 3.00 to have beers with Al and Shirl on Bravado. When Brett and Jann turned up we were invited on board "Shaman" 88 ft sloop for another lot of drinks before the rugby and dinner at the yacht club - another All Black walkover. It was a very noisy session and then drinks back on our boat. Sunday we took Brett and Jann out for snorkelling at the back of Castaway Resort before saying goodbye and dropping them off at Musket Cove to catch the ferry to Denarau. We had to rush back to start another session of beer brewing before catching up with Dave and Greta off "Remedy" and hear all about their adventures in the Lau Group. It's been a busy week, but now starting to plan for our journey to New Caledonia.

We spent a few days in Denarau catching up with friends (Jan and Brett - who are now on board with us) and Richard and Trudy Edlin & kids who are staying at the Sheraton Villias resort. Watched some great All Black rugby with Jan and Brett - what a game! As there was no wind around Nadi Bay, we headed to Blue Lagoon in the Yasaws. Brett pulled in a couple of good sized GT 's - one of them we had for dinner - yum! We are looking forward to heading out this morning for a kite board wit Brett, as the wind is blowing nicely about 15 - 20 - can't wait!!!

We spent a lovely weekend with our good friends hug and Yvonne at the Wyndham Resort. Nice to lounge around the pool, join in with aqua aerobics, eat out and laught a lot. Sad to say goodbye, but will see them again at the end of our stay in New Caledonia. We are back at Musket Cove, hoping for wind (might be a bit hopeful though).

Heading to Denarau to spend some time with our good friends Hug and Yvonne before they go home on Monday. Had a great night at Musket Cove last night catching up with Bill and Maria from Peregrine and also Verne and the boys from "The Immigrant". Ended up on their boat with Don Salthouse, enjoying the best burgers ever and sushi. These boys know how to catch ALOT of fish.

It's been a very eventful week, Wok having the "man flu" and me getting 7 stiches in my head whilst kite surfing (in the air) out at the sand bar at Muscat Cove. For the past few days it's been very calm, so we don't feel like we've missed out on too much. We spent a few days with friends on an 88 foot boat called Shaman. They took us out to Cloud 9 - a floating bar in the middle of the ocean. Not a breath of wind, so had a few expensive drinks there and lazing around before spending the afternoon lounging on their boat. The next day we had a golf challenge at Plantation with a couple of the guys (Mike and Conway). Now we are at Denarau on a mooring for a couple of nights, catching up with Hug and Yvonne who are at Wyndham resort. A bit more lounging around the pool and some rugby watching. Head back to Muscat on Monday to get my stiches out - Yay!!! It will be good to get back in the water.

Back at Muskett Cove after sailing down from the Blue Lagoon via a stop in at Denarau to catch up with friends staying on land. Also a quick trip into the Nadi market on the $1.00 bus to top up with vegs & fruit.

After finding some Manteray's we carried on up to the Blue Lagoon looking for some wind. We found lots of wind up here and went Kite surfing for a couple of hours. Now heading for a couple of beers at the bar which will finish the day perfectly.

We have spent a few lovely days at Musket Cove with our friends Mark and Deb, who are now back in Auckland. After they left the wind died, so no more kite boarding, but we did spend a couple of fabulous days out at Namotu Island. We got up at the crack of dawn to go surfing with just a couple of surfers out with us - magic! Two hours of fun before the crowds arrived. Now we are off to the Yasawa Islands with "Moonfish" to swim with the Manterays and hopefully get a bit of wind further up at Blue Lagoon.

Made it to Musket Cove after a stop at Denarau for shopping at the market in Nadi & to pick friends Mark & Deb who had made there way down from Wananavu Resort. A brief Kitesurf on arrival & now for a game of golf.

Just arrived at Saweni Bay from Wananavu where our friends, Mark and Deb have been staying in a resort. While we were there on Friday, Warwick took Mark fishing for the afternoon while Deb and I sat by the pool. That night we went for a lovely dinner at the resort, followed by great rugby - watching the Blues whip the Warratahs. The next day we picked them up and took them to our Kite Boarding spot - where we had a couple of hours of great kite surfing "together" (which was very cool). Now we are heading to Denarau where we will pick them up and have them on board for a few days around the Mamanuca Group (Mukat Cove).

Anchored at Nananau-I-Thake Island which is on the Northern tip of Viti Levu ( Fiji's main Island) Hope to get some Kitesurfing & Windsurfing in the next week or so, but the weather doesn't seem to be going to play ball (no wind) May have to resort to the Paddleboards.

After a great sailing day (18-23knts), we stopped on the west side Naigani Is for a peaceful night. Will carry on up to Vollivolli Point area today, only about 30 miles from here so the Kite Boards & windsurfing gear sould get a hammering later today. On our sail yesterday we came past Namena Is, the island looked flattened with the wharf & building by the water gone & the rest of the resort in tatters. The vegetation on the island was looking a little flattened also, which was sad as the bird life last year when we stayed was amazing. Makogai also looked a little flattened from a distance. Cyclone Winstone made an ugly inpact on this part of Fiji.

Leaving Savusavu for Volli Volli Point area for some kite surfing and wind surfing. We may spend the night in Makogai depending on how far we get. We had planned to do that yesterday, but we had a bit of s hiccup with our alternator not working. A quick fix with Warwick and Mike from Moonfish sorting it out, we decided to stay another night in Savusavu, which wasn't that bad. A bit of windsurfing and then a beer at Waitui Marina to say goodbye to Jolene who runs it there - She is a fabulous lady. After that we had drinks with Don and Charlie's on Caro Vita. Sasha and I helped Don make pizza (his secret scone recipe) for the six of us - yum!! Now we are ready for a nice day sailing with 16kn easterlies.

Spent Thursday motoring in the showers up to Viani Bay trying to catch dinner, failed yet again but so did a couple of over boats so we aren't the only worlds worst fisher people. Had a beer or two on Caro Vita last night with the six on board.

We arrived into Savusavu about 5.30am this morning after a very confused night of weather - anything from 27kn - 0kn from SE to NW. Now both Moonfish and ourselves are drifting just outside the marina waiting for Savusavu to wake up and then we can check in. It is nice to be here safe and sound.

We have had a bit of everything weather wise - winds from all directions sometimes strong and sometimes not, sunshine and showers. We should arrive into Savusavu early Monday morning everything going well. Looking forward to a normal nights sleep and a walk around somewhere other than the boat. Not complaining tho...

After mentioning that we had great NE winds last report, it changed back straight away to E and slowly diminished. So East winds behind us seems to be standard this trip and last night was pretty light. Apart from negotiating a couple of fishing boats, nothing terribly exciting happened. One more night and we will be in Savusavu - yay!

A good days sailing, with the wind mainly from the East (up our date) and sloppy sea. The wind has recently changed direction and we are cruising nicely with 20-24kn winds from NE. Moonfish is just in front of us within view. May the winds continue.

A nice fairwell from Tonga with a pod of dolphins playing up for us on the way out of the harbour. Good night of sailing with 17-20kn Easterlies. Sloppy seas to begin with made sleeping hard work, but I'm sure we will get into the swing of it tonight.

Leaving Vava'u today 3.00pm for Savusavu (Fiji). We expect to arrive sometime Monday morning. We have had a fabulous time here and would love to come back next year. We are expecting a light passage with SSE winds 15 knots approx.

Back in Neiafu to watch the rugby last night which doubled up as a rest from the Kitesurfing as we have had four days in a row. Market on Monday morning for a top up on the vegs & fruit then out for the last few days in Tonga. We have to leave by Thursday or renew our visas so looking forward to the passage to Fiji. We have now sorted out our Sat phone email system with a little help from Sasha from Moonfish so should keep our updates more updated.

After all the rain, we went up to Pangaimotu for a couple of days, waiting for some wind. We paddle boarded and snorkelled the Japanese Garden, which was very pretty. We motored up to Kenutu Island and went out early this morning for a kite board, which was very cool. Now we are just chilling after some lunch and feeling pretty tired.

We are sitting in a little bay at Pangaimotu Is which is a lovely spot apart for the forth day of heavy rain. The first couple of days of rain we were in town to watch the All Blacks & to go to the market which went to plan but after a couple more days of rain we are starting to feel like a little bit of cabin fever is setting in. Hoping for a little bit of wind this week for some more kitesurfing back at Kenutu Is.

Two nights at Kenutu Is. with two days of Kite Surfing at a Sand Cay approx 1 mile away. Went for a walk on Kenutu Is. earlier to the German chair which is a structure made out of Bamboo type material, not bad as it was here two years ago. It looks east from the top of a cliff onto open ocean. A warn out crew tonight but all worth it.

We have been at Port Maurelle for the past two days doing lots of activities. The water is pristine, so we have done lots of snorkelling. The second day we snorkelled Swallows Cave and then Wok, Mike and I went for a dive and saw bundles of pretty fish and a lion fish - pretty but lethel. Yesterday, Sasha wasn't feeling so good, so just the three of us went for a kite on a sandy bar around the corner from where we are anchored. Mike showed us up, but we all had some runs and it was alot of fun. We are heading off to Kenutu Island where there is a big blow hole and supposedly really good Kite surfing there. There is some good wind now, so cant wait!!

Big night out on the town last night - lots of dancing with the locals. Feeling a little slower this morning, but still managed to get to the market in the rain. We are off adventuring today, maybe dive/snorkell into some caves. The forecast has lots of wind in the next few days, so some kiting and windsurfing might just come into play - yay!!!

We had a great sail into the first Islands of Vava'u where we waited for Moonfish to arrive and made another brew of beer. When we arrived, we all went into Neiafu township and visited Lawrence and Bentley (the labrador) at the Bounty Bar for a couple of beers - a great catch up (especially with Bently). We met some kiwis and ate Pizza at the Pizza Restaurant above the Mango Bar. Loving this place all over again!!

We've had a great couple of days at Ha'ano Island - northern part of the Ha'apai group. Four of us surfing on the reef with the small surf was great fun, followed by some snorkelling and then Mahimahi Thai curry for dinner on Fusio for everyone last night. We got up at 5.30am and have now left for Vava'u. Good sailing 12-18kn Easteries (beam on) and we have just spotted a whale behind us - so cool!

We are still at Uoleva with beautiful calm weather, but intend to head to Vava'u this evening after checking out in Pangi - (hoping the diesel pump works today). The wind is meant to hit us by the end of the week, so we are all hanging out to do some kite boarding / wind surfing when we get there.

We are loving being here in the heat of Tonga. The first night, we along with Mike, Sasha and Mel off Moonfish went into the Ha'apai Beach Resort for drinks and dinner, which was lots of fun. The next day we moved up to Uoleva and havent moved since. We have been doing lots of paddle boarding, snorkelling and walking. Drinks on Fusio the first night and then last night we went into a little Resort and had some beers, then all had dinner together on Moonfish and watched some stand up comedy - lots of laughs. Hope everyone is all good in beautiful NZ.

We are just leaving Pangi, after a nice paddleboard this morning with Mike & Sasha. Still hoping for some wind to do some kiteboarding. We had a fun day yesterday in town saying goodbye to Malcolm (crew off Moonfish). The party started at lunch time and continued into the evening on Fusio. We still cant get diesel as the pump is broken. Hopefully we will get some before leaving for Vava'u in the next day or so.

We had a great sail into Tonga and have just checked in at Pangi Port. We have been for a well deserved swim and now going for a beer at the Ha'apai Beach Resort with Moonfish - I'm sure it will be a quiet one.

A good last night, even tho the motor was running throughout. Pretty well no wind, with big 4 mtr SW swells pushed us along, now down to 2 mtrs. We should reach Pangi (Ha'apai Group) sometime after lunch.

With very little wind, variable 5kn and a 4 mtr SW & 1 mtr S swell, its been a rocky old day - a tad frustrating having to motor all day, but only one more night shift makes it ok. Both good on board.

With very little wind, variable 5kn and a 4 mtr SW & 1 mtr S swell, its been a rocky old day - a tad frustrating having to motor all day, but only one more night shift makes it ok. Both good on board.

We sailed until just after midnight until the wind started dying. Now its variable 4-8kn with a 1m SW swell. Neither of us slept that well, but we can always snooze during the day. One more night and we should be there - Yay!

We sailed until just after midnight until the wind started dying. Now its variable 4-8kn with a 1m SW swell. Neither of us slept that well, but we can always snooze during the day. One more night and we should be there - Yay!

Great days sailing with 15-20kn SSW. We hit 13.7kn surfing at one stage. Nice sunny skies. Fresh bread for lunch and mexican for dinner. Not much else to think about apart from Moonfish just behind us....

We are just leaving North Minerva Reef - heading for Tonga with about 15 - 20 knots SW. We've had a really cool time here. Last night there was 12 of us for dinner on Moonfish. We got given some yellow fin tuna from a passsing Catamaran that fed everyone. Yum.

We spent the night in North Minerva after a fun day yesterday swimming with the sharks just outside the entrance of the reef. There was a sundowner party on a big cat called Domino where all 24 boats were invited. It was great to catch up with people and meet new people - not alot of moving room tho. Moonfish and us ended up on Kiapa for dinner - all in all - a great evening.

We are currently anchored at South Minerva Reef, after a lovely day of snorkelling and relaxing in the sun. We spent the evening on Moonfish and are ready for a good nights FULL sleep.

Another motor sail night until about 0100hrs when we got a bit of sail 12-15kn Easterlies. Motoring now tho doing 7 kn. Only a couple of hours to go and we will be in South Minerva for a snorkel with with our friends from Moonfish who are just a couple of miles ahead and then later we will go into North Minerva for a party. It looks like another sunny day ahead.

Beautiful day with Clear skies SE 8-12kn. Had a gennaker run for a while, but lots of motoring at about 7 knots. One more night and we will be at Minerva.

We sailed until midnight with a 10-15 SW wind. Now we are motoring at 6.5kn with a 4-5kn W/NW wind. At least with the motor going, it makes it easier for the person sleeping. It looks like another beautiful sunny day ahead. Both good.

Great day sailing in light southerlies 10-15kn, with sails wing on wing. We saw a whale today that cruised near us, blowing his top. He was lying on the surface (maybe sleeping). We had Mahimahi Curry tonight - yum! Such a good day and we are in contact now with 3 other boats nearby.

Uneventful night of motor sailing with light 10kn Southerlies and half mtr SW swell. Probably another two nights before we get to Minerva Reef. Hoping for some of that wind to funnel through from NZ.

Mahimahi for dinner yay! Wok caught a 1.200 mtr fish, so it might even be a BBQ with the amount of wind we dont have. A nice sunny day, with 3-6knots from the east. A SW 2m swell and NE half meter swell made it hard work sailing, so the motor is getting a workout. Both of us are well.

A lot of motor sailing with between 6-10kn E - NE winds. We had a couple of hours of very light sailing, but the motor is back on now travelling avg 7kn. Both of us are good and getting into the swing of 3 hourly shifts. There is just one boat now in range a little further behind.

Lack of wind today E to NE wind, 6-8kn, so lots of motor sailing. Nice weather tho with 1-2m SW swells. We caught up with Moonfish this morning and took some photos for them, then waved goodbye. That could change any time tho.

We had a nice gentle sail doing 6-8kn with a West wind of about 10-15kn, then about midnight we started motor sailing. Now doing 7kn with 3 boats nearby. A good night, especially first night passage meal - lamb shanks and roast veges in the oven- not bad! Hopefully try some trolling today - fish for dinner?

Lovely sailing now after motor sailing out of the bay for an hour or so. Smooth seas and clear skies. It is so nice to be finally on the move.

Today is the day we leave for Minerva Reef along with Moonfish and many other boats. It should be a very light passage with a fair bit of motoring to start. Looking forward to going now that it's getting colder. We will miss all our friends in NZ tho.

On Saturday we left Tutukaka and motored up the coast to Whangamumu and spent the night there. We had a fabulous bush/coastal walk there before sailing (for a change) into the bay of islands and anchored at Urupukapuka Island. There is no immediate weather window for leaving NZ - so lucky for us we aren't in a hurry.

The intention was to leave Whangarei on Wednesday, but we ended up staying in Urquharts Bay and spending time with friends that live there . It's such a pretty place with some amazing walks. Certainly worth spending a couple of days there, especially getting fresh muffins for morning tea from Jen after a hard walk. We made a move Friday avo hoping for a light sail, but instead motored to Tutakaka. Mosh well, we made water and got the washing done - fabulous! Only a hop skip and jump away from the Bay of Islands.

We have spent the last two nights at Marsden Cove Marina. The first night, Lionel and Irene kindly drove us into Whangarei where we all met up with Sel Citron and Citrus Tart for dinner, combined with birthday celebrations for Irene. Last night we caught up with our friends Mike and Trudy who live at Ruakaka for dinner. It's great spending time with friends!! Now we will slowly travel up the coast to the Bay Of Islands. The weather doesn't look favourable for offshore passage in the next week, so we can enjoy this wonderful weather and having fun in NZ a little longer 😝

Left Kawau and headed to Leigh where we spent a lovely evening with Kiapa and celebrated Irene's birthday. Heading off together in the morning to Whangarei.

We spent the night at Kawau with Wally, Celia, Julie and others on "Udder Life". We may be waiting a few days to head north due to unfavourable northerly winds. No rush - just enjoying spending time on the boat.

Presently at Gulf Harbour, preparing to leave Sunday 1st to head up to Opua, where we will be waiting for a good weather window to head to Minerva / Tonga / Fiji.

lazy day

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