Slip D11, Town Basin Marina. Great to be back “we love it here”

On a swing mooring in the bay

Arrived at the Q-dock

Continuing to motor-sail towards Opua. Today is very overcast with the sky and ocean both grey. We have a very comfortable motion although the constant engine noise is tiresome. Wearing earplugs and ear muffs when we are off watch below to sleep. All is well on board and looking forward to our arrival.

Motored sailed for twelve hours (72nm) before turning the engine off at 21:30. Had a pleasant but chilly night sailing with winds and swell from behind. A pretty sky at sunset that we thought had enough colour to qualify as "red sky at night, a sailors delight". Pleasant morning with the sun coming out early and conditions warm so we have been shedding layers throughout the morning. Turned the motor back on at 11:30 as our speed was dropping and we want to keep good progress so as to arrive in Opua before the next front when strong winds arrive. 220 nm to Opua with planned arrival Saturday morning.

The fantastic sailing continued until the wind turned light from the North East so the motor was turned on at 9:30 and we expect that will continue until late tonight. Reasonably flat seas so we continue to make good progress. Very light sky last evening with a first quarter moon and plenty of stars. The yacht Storm (larger catamaran) sailed close by for many hours in the early morning before they scooted ahead. Paul threw the largest flying fish we have ever seen off the deck this morning. It obviously was flapping around for some time as there was blood in many places. Gigi is looking forward to her wash-down in Opua

Wind continued to moderate during the afternoon and evening. At 05:30 we thought we would be starting the motor however by 06:30 the wind filled in and we have been sailing along beautifully with full main, staysail and yankee since. It is very sunny and warm so we are back in shorts, t-ahirts and sunscreen. Fantastic conditions - loving it!

Had a pleasant night sail under partly clear skies with many stars. The sea state was more settled and being reasonably quiet below we both got some good sleep. The winds continue to be moderate ESE trades and we are making good time. In the 24 hours to 10 this morning we had covered 164 nm (in the right direction!) and were just under 400 nm from Fiji so the Gigians are very happy with the progress. The sun came out this morning for about 2 hours but mostly cloudy conditions. The wind generator has been putting out good amps so we haven't run the generator for 2 days. Threw the third flying fish for this passage over the side this morning

Late afternoon yesterday we changed to full yankee and one reef in the main and with less confused seas were making better progress. Gigi seemed to be back in her groove sailing along nicely without the constant braking action of the waves. Cloudy morning but sunny by lunchtime. Used the better conditions to catch up on sleep.

Motor-sailed down the coast towards Navula passage but when just off Navula Point made the decision due to adverse wind and swell to head further north and we exited the reef system through Malolo Passage at 1230. Engine off at 12:50 after setting our storm sail configuration (staysail and double-reefed mainsail). Conditions were 25-28 kts gusting low 30's with 3 metre SW swell and SE wind waves breaking aft of the beam and coming into the cockpit. We heard a fellow yachtie talking on the radio as he was returning to Fiji with a broken mainsail who said ..I went through the pass and it was kinda crazy out there...Paul and I agreed with his statement. Clear night with lots of stars although chilly with the strong winds. All well on board.

Checked out of Fiji with Customs and departed Denarau Marina at 0930. Thanks to the wonderful staff at the Marina who made our stay an enjoyable one and thanks to Non Stop, Bright Moments, Amazing Grace and Jeff for helping Gigi exit the berth safely.

Berth C24 Denarau Marina. Waiting for a weather window to head to NZ.

Anchored outside Denarau. After 2 nights off Vuda (the last being uncomfortable in sloppy conditions) we moved to the southern part of the bay for more protection. We will catch the bus into Nadi tomorrow to lodge our Visa extension applications.

Anchored outside of Vuda Marina after Gigi was relaunched following a lift and hold to grease the propeller and inspect the hull. The antifouling paint and Propspeed coatings are in great shape.

A day out in Lautoka. Went to the movies, the market, and found a great spot for cheesecake and milkshakes

Arrived Vuda Point Marina yesterday at noon. Had a lovely dinner of 1/2 price pizza and some cold beverages at the Boatshed restaurant last night and spent today in Lautoka catching a movie, lunch out and walking the town trying unsuccessfully to find spare fan belts for our generator and main engine.

Our favoured weather model indicated the strong south easterlies had moderated and looking out from the bay we saw the sky was clear. Once leaving the bay we realised the original forecast of winds gusting to 30 kts still held and we had a boisterous trip until we reached the sheltered waters off Vatia Beach

We had a lovely 5 days here in the calm and picturesque anchorage. Some of our highlights were the friendly greetings from long boats passing by, interactions with the children of the village and the hospitality of friends who we have been visiting for several years.

Anchored off Navuniivi Village in Vitu Levu Bay

A 6:00 am departure from the Copra Shed Marina on Friday the 13th saw us lay the anchor off Dalice village on Makogai at 4 pm. We were here two years ago when there was visible damage after Cyclone Winston but now the vegetation has fully grown back and there are 4 new homes and a couple of sheds. A large turtle surfaced 1 metre from us while we breakfasted in the cockpit Saturday morning before we went ashore for a short visit to say hello (BULA) and to present our gift of kava.

The big day had come. Now that the windlass was once again fitted to the fore deck, both gypsies and the drum were replaced and all electrical connections were fitted. It was time to test. Since we could not have accomplished the project without Randy, it was only fitting that he was the first to operate the foot switch on the fore deck. We were once again ready for new adventures with an operational windlass.

We tackled the removal, disassembly, and cleaning of the windlass over a period of many days, recording various steps in each stage. We frequently referred to the manufacturer’s notes to ensure we would be able to put back to together what was a moderately complex machine. We were very grateful for the guidance of Randy from Velic who generously gave his time and expertise as we worked together on the project. His experience with the details of mechanical disassembly and reassembly was particularly valuable. He fixed burs, tapped threads, fabricated a screw, replaced seals and bearings and was able to do anything else required to make the repair possible – all without a workshop, bench or specialised tools. We normally worked in the mornings and celebrated daily progress over lunch in several of the restaurants in Savusavu. Randy and Ruth gave us confidence and made what would otherwise have been a stressful period an enjoyable time. We cannot thank them enough. Finally the windlass gearbox was in one piece again and we were ready to refit on deck.

Finally the parts arrived and it was time to remove the windlass from the deck.

The windlass parts ordered from the USA manufacturer took weeks to arrive in Savusavu so we had plenty of time to enjoy this lovely place.

Another lovely curry lunch at Arun’s Taste of Hidden Paradise with Ding (Chiquita) and his crew Rave.

What a difference a good sleep makes. Waking at 7:00 we finished tidying and cleaning Gigi below before tackling the engine problem. The hose from the water inlet at the seacock was removed relatively easily however after 3 hours we still could not remove the hose from the elbow near the inlet to the engine’s strainer where we expected the blockage to be. Sticking an electrical mouse up the open hose end and blowing from the strainer end saw a lot of dirty water exiting the hose. Paul and Ed decided to reconnect the hose to the thru hull to check the water flow again before doing anything else. Yahoo! Water flowed freely and testing with the engine running we are happy that all seems to be resolved.

Departed Paradise at 4 pm, motored for an hour to top up the batteries. Then sailed with double reefed main, staysail and yankee with 20-25 kts from the ESE averaging speed of 6.5 kts. We slowed ourselves down at 1 am to ensure arrival in daylight; taking in all sails except the staysail and sailing now at 4 kts. Entering Makogai Channel at 3 am we encountered the current against us and our speed dropped to 1.8 kts. Concerned about lack of steering through the channel we turned on the motor for back up if needed but when we put it in gear at 3.30 the engine overheated and there was very little water being expelled from the exhaust. We thought that we may have sucked up a squid or fish into the engine water intake.

With no engine and a windlass that may not work we turned around to sail back to Savusavu where we could troubleshoot the engine problem on a mooring. Now heading into the winds which had become ENE at 15-20 kts Gigi bashed through waves resulting in water coming through the forward hatches and wetting the forward stateroom and head areas. Cereal for breakfast and dry crackers for lunch was all we could put together with the conditions and our lethargy; only 2 hours sleep each during the night.

We arrived through the entrance to Savasavu pass just before 2pm the following day and anchored off Cousteau Resort so we could lower the dingy and put the outboard motor on. We didn’t know if the anchor windlass would lift the anchor but had to risk it. With the dingy tied mid-ships to Gigi Paul raised the anchor. My fingers were crossed but fortunately the bearings held out although the unit became very hot. We proceeded up the channel to Nakama Creek under sails that Karen was managing while Paul in the dingy was constantly pumping sea water out as waves were breaking into the dingy. When off the main commercial wharf of Savusavu Karen furled the sails and Paul started the outboard for propulsion with Karen at the helm of Gigi steering. The Copra shed staff and fellow cruisers Karen & Chuck (Katie G) and Ed (AKA) assisted Gigi in securing a mooring safely; another great example of cruisers helping cruisers.

We drank a couple of cold beverages ashore before baked beans on toast (all that I could manage) before bed at 8pm.

We have been on a swing mooring off Paradise Taveuni Resort for the lat 3 days in company with Randy & Ruth (Velic). The resort is yachtie friendly allowing us to use their facilities and encouraging us to have meals ashore. We will depart this afternoon as our anchor windlass needs repairs and we need to be on the western side of Fiji to receive parts from the US and be closer to skilled trades people should we require assistance.

Anchored off Cousteau's Resort for an overnight stay

We have been enjoying ourselves in Savusavu. Eating out at the great restaurants, sundowners at the Copra Shed bar in great company with fellow cruisers.

After 11 hours hove-to we calculated the time was right at 9 pm to sail the remaining 50 nm to Savusavu. Tied up to a floating pontoon at the Copra Shed at 8.30 am.

Had been sailing at a consistent 7 knots since yesterday lunch time and we are now in Fiji waters. Unfortunately we were not going to make it into Savusavu before dark (by only about 2 hours) so are hove-to waiting until late tonight to continue on. Boat movement is very comfortable so will do a little clean up below in preparation for the Officials coming on board tomorrow morning for the check-in formalities.

The second half of last night was frustrating with a few sudden wind shifts, or no wind at all. By 6:00 this morning we had ESE trade winds and have been sailing along nicely. Quite warm in the cockpit, sunscreen and hats on!

We may not have arrived yet but we are now in the Tropics having crossed the Tropic of Capricorn during the night and are now 800 nautical miles from New Zealand. The Gigians are very happy this morning after turning the motor off at 7:40. Since then we have been enjoying the fantastic sailing and listening to the sounds of the wind in the sails and the water rushing along the hull.

Have now been motoring for over 24 hours. There are some minor wind patterns on the ocean so hopefully the winds will fill in later today and have us sailing again. It is very comfortable as the seas are flat, however we did resort to wearing handyman's ear muffs when off watch last night so we could sleep with the engine noise. There was a stunning moonset this morning with a band of clear sky above the horizon and below the heavy cloud cover. The moon (which is almost full) was a large, brilliant golden orb sinking into the ocean and reflecting a silver wake on the water. Paul is now snoozing in the cockpit and I am reading my 2nd novel for this passage. Highlight for today may be the pre-cooked Penang beef & potato curry taken from the freezer for dinner.

All good things must come to an end and so has our sailing for the time being as we motor through a ridge of high pressure with very little wind. We sailed with a poled out head sail all afternoon and through the night on calm seas. No speed records were made however it was mostly comfortable except for the noise of the sail flapping from time to time when it lost the wind. Goose-winged for a time this morning making the most of the dying winds from behind. We expect to motor for approximately 24 hours. The good news is that the weather is now much warmer than our departure and therefore less layers are required in the evening.

With the increasing swell and winds from behind the beam Gigi was surfing down the waves until late afternoon when we slowed her down by reducing sail in readiness for the evening. We thought the possibility of another squally night was high although this didn't eventuate. We did have a casualty on board which we discovered when checking for chafe; a small squid had been washed up on our deck and had died before we found it. A great evening of sailing and we settled in to our normal pattern of 3 hours on and 3 hours off. We were sufficiently sleep deprived so fell asleep soundly straight away and were not bothered by the various boat noises. We are enjoying that it is quite light at night and with the clear sky the stars were shining.


Less cloud cover this morning and another sunny day which is great for crew morale. We have covered 385 nautical miles so are 1/3 of the way there.

Great afternoon sailing in pleasant conditions. However, it was a squally night with some heavy rain and lightning which kept us busy. At 3.30 am after a squall with 37 kts of wind we decided to keep a reduced sail plan (reefed main and staysail only). This would reduce boat speed but no further sail changes would be needed until daylight. We kept this configuration until 10 am this morning; not falling below a sailing speed of 4 knots. Now Gigi is sailing under full yankee, staysail and 1 reef in the main. Dried some clothes in the sunshine coming into the cockpit earlier. Both of us well on board.

After last minute securing of items below we departed Bay of Islands Marina at noon Tuesday. Motored to the entrance of the Bay on glassy seas with no wind. Put full sails up at 16:15 in NE winds of 10-12 knots. Today we are catching up on missed sleep as with the first night's out excitement and apprehension, along with having to put sails up and down a couple of times during the evening meant we didn't get our full off-watch times. This morning was very cloudy with a short rain shower but now it is lovely and sunny and we have shed a couple of layers of clothes. Gigi experienced about 1/2 hour of rolling from side to side in the swell as winds become more variable which was a bit uncomfortable however the wind has settled at 17 knots from the West and we are sailing along beautifully. A good 24 hours.

Checking out with Customs this morning and should be on our way by noon.

Moved into berth at Bay of Islands Marina, Opua.

With no weather window obvious for the next week we decided to head north to Opua. This would give us the opportunity to test all systems and give Gigi and crew a much needed shakedown. Left the Town Basin at just after 7.30 am Sunday on a rainy 9 degree morning with very little wind. The sun came out at 9.30 when we were off Marsden Point and the wind started to fill in around 10.00. A pod of 10-12 dolphins surfed in our bow wave for a while after rounding Bream Head and with the headsail poled out it was a comfortable and enjoyable sail in conditions much more favourable than the forecast. We dropped anchor in Pomare Bay at 10.30 pm happy to be back on the water and pleased that all systems were working well.

Rainy day in the Town Basin. Gigi and crew are ready and waiting for the next weather window to head to Fiji.

Departed Opua 1900 hrs Sunday April 29 motor sailed overnight 88 NM to Urquart's Bay arriving 0800 hrs next morning. Motored the 15 NM upriver to Whangarei Wednesday to Berth C8 Town Basin Marina.

Arrived Opua 1930 NZT yesterday. On the Q dock waiting for check-in formalities to be completed.

Sailing along nicely on the home stretch. Have taken the last pre-prepared passage meal from the freezer for lunch so will only have a few left over vegies that will be confiscated on check-in.

Been sailing along nicely since yesterday's update. The night sky was clearer and we could see some stars however it was much colder and we needed to wear our thermals. Today has been sunny and we were greeted by a pod of dolphins just after lunch.

Yesterday was quite unpleasant. Gale force winds, big seas and lots of rain. Picture being on an amusement park ride for 9 hours that you can't get off. Your carriage is open, the rain heavy and every so often (when you least expect it) someone throws a bucket of salt water over you. The rain stopped late afternoon and the winds dropped by 5 kts which isn't much but made a huge difference and the seas calmed somewhat. It was great to take off the wet clothes and wrap ourselves in the sleeping bag when we got our 3 hour breaks during the evening. This morning the conditions are more favorable and the crew happier.

This morning marked half way for the passage in nautical miles. We know we are getting closer to New Zealand without looking at the charts as we have put away t-shirts and shorts and are now wearing wind-cheaters and long pants. The wind has been 20-25 kts with gusts of 35 kts and the seas are up again to 3m. A squally overcast start to the day had us harnessed in the cockpit wearing our wet-weather gear with sea spray, the occasional wave and heavy rain giving us a good soak. Visibility was down to about 15 meters at this time although no concern as the boats we are in company with are now quite dispersed.

We motored until 11.15 PM and then sailed at a slow pace until morning. It was nice to hear the rushing of the water along the hull instead of the engine. The night sky was quite clear and it is getting lighter each night as we approach the next full moon. The morning was sunny and we now have consistent winds of 15-20 kts which look like they will stay for the rest of our passage. The seas started a bit confused as the wind increased and the swell at 3 metres made lunch preparation a little challenging but now they have settled. We have full head sail and two reefs in the main making the ride very comfortable. All is well on board and crew are smiling.

The wind came up at noon yesterday and we enjoyed a lovely afternoon of sailing. Put one reef in the main before dark and a second at 10 PM along with a full head sail. Still could see 4 of the other yachts lights for most of the night whilst watching lightning around the horizon in a number of directions. 4.30 AM we took the reefs out and spent a gloomy morning sailing in 100% cloud cover and rain. The wind died at noon but as this coincided with me catching a MahiMahi which had to be landed, prepared and then the cockpit cleaned we rolled around doing less than 3 knots before turning the motor on at 2 PM. Still no wind 4 hours later.

The northerly winds we had on leaving Vuda died out and we motored until 11 PM when the wind picked up to 13-15kts from the East. Had a great sail until 3.30 AM when the wind died out and we have been motor-sailing since. There were 5 other yachts close around us most of the evening their mast lights clearly visible. Toronui and Celine have been within 10 miles of Gigi since we exited Navula Passage and we spoke to both early in the evening on the radio. A very comfortable first night with both of us getting some good sleep. The sun is burning off the few clouds around and it looks to be a lovely day.

Cleared customs and immigration with a noon departure from Vuda Marina. Will have an outgoing tide to help us exit Navula Passage during daylight.

In Vuda Marina. The weather has become much hotter.

Leaving Denarau for Momi Bay today. Great sunset last night

Off Denarau again. Plan is to stay a while so that we may do some varnishing. Cooler here and no mosquitoes.

Vuda Marina - will be here for a month as Karen is going to Australia for 2 weeks

Musket Cove on a mooring.

Anchored outside of Denarau. Will spend 2 nights here to allow a Nadi visit for fresh supplies from the market

Anchored off Vatia Beach Resort. Ashore for a cold drink and a walk.

Volivoli Point -first time we have taken the dingy ashore as it's usually too windy. Nice Fish & Chips and cold beers for lunch at the resort

Vitu Levu Bay - off Navuniivi Village which we visit each time we come to Fiji. The village was a happening place with rebuilding of homes (only 15 were left from the 72 after Cyclone Winston), repairs to the church and the installation of power poles for electrical connection to the grid.

Lovely motor/sail to Makogai. Anchored off Dalice which suffered greatly in Cyclone Winston. There is only a small number of men here rebuilding all the houses that were lost. The women and children are living in Suva. This was once one of our favourite snorkelling spots but the beach is now littered by broken coral from the cyclone.

Anchored off Cousteau's resort to enable an early start tomorrow morning

Day 8 NZ to Fiji - Arrived safely in Savusavu at 1600 after sailing through the southern islands with gusty conditions. In the morning there was low cloud and drizzle that reduced visibility for a number of hours. At 11.40 we decided to turn on the engine as we wanted to arrive in Savusavu in time for Customs clearance into Fiji. The timing was such that if we didn't burn some diesel we would need to spend the night sailing back and forth outside the pass as it is prohibited to anchor anywhere before customs procedures have been completed. The thought of a full night's sleep won out! Now on a mooring ball in Nakamaa Creek.

Day 7 NZ to Fiji - The wonderful sailing conditions continue. Enjoyed a clear sky last night with thousands of stars. The only disappointment was not landing the fish on my trolling line this morning. With the Islands of Totoya and Matuku now in view we feel that we are on the home straight.

Day 6 NZ to Fiji - Great sailing with full headsail, staysail and double reefed main for the last 24 hours. All well onboard.

Day 5 NZ to Fiji - Before dark last night we reduced our sails to the staysail and reefed main sail. Whilst this reduces our speed it also reduced the heel of the boat and the frequency of waves into the cockpit. We also hoped that this would eliminate the need for sail changes during the night (this wasn't the case). Due to conditions we decided that using the gas was out of the question so had a dinner of dry crackers and Tim Tams and had the evening meal for today's lunch. Lots of sleeping today as the seas and winds have eased a little. A very sunny warm day good for drying the wet weather gear from last night.

Day 4 NZ to Fiji - There are 2 great sounds on a boat. One when the motor turns on and the second when it turns off. Just after 9pm last night we switched the engine off and enjoyed the sound of the water rushing along the hull and the whoosh of the waves breaking alongside. This morning the winds continued to build and the seas have become boisterous and weather squally.

Day 3 NZ to Fiji - Still motoring but making good progress. Expecting winds to pick up late today.

Day 2 NZ to Fiji - our second 24 hour period has seen the wind drop and seas flatten out. Not enough wind to keep Gigi at a respectable passage speed so we have been motoring. It has made for a comfortable ride to catch up on sleep. It was a cloudy night and although we didn't see the moon there was still plenty of light filtering through and the temperature is not as cold as it has been.

Day 1 NZ to Fiji - a light rain shower as we passed Russell. One tack to clear Tikitiki Rock and we were out of the Bay of Islands. The wind was strong from SW and our course being NE meant that Gigi was rolling around all night and we didn't get any sleep so it's catch up today.

Take 2 - Cleared Customs this morning and on our way!

Berth G31 in Bay Of Islands Marina, Opua. Our last stop north until we check-out of NZ.

In Marsden Cove Marina. After checking out we discovered an electrical fault that has prevented our NZ departure.

Overnight sail from Gulf Harbour blew the cobwebs from Gigi and crew. We threw off the lines at quarter past five in the afternoon after the strong SE winds subsided. Motoring out of the Marina we were greeted with a lovely pink sunset which I deemed a a good omen for the passage as they say "Red sky at night is a sailors delight". Conditions were favourable with wind from the rear quarter, slight seas and a bright moon until about 2:30 am. Lovely except that it was really cold - thermals, three top layers, beanies and gloves. We sailed until we passed the first channel markers and anchored outside of Marsden Cove marina at 4:30 for a few hours sleep before our 10 am Customs clearance from New Zealand.

Gigi is looking shiny and ready to go. We will look for the next weather window to leave for Fiji

Berth B35 Gulf Harbour Marina. Will spend the winter in NZ with offshore cruising plans on hold till May 2017.

A wet and windy start to 2016 spent in Opunga Cove

Arrived Opua at 13:30 local time Saturday after 195 hours (65.5 hours under motor) and overall it was a good passage. The Customs, Immigration and Bio-security process was efficient with friendly officers and soon after we were tied up in The Bay of Islands Marina. Had a great sleep last night and will spend the next week with the Allpoints Rally and doing a few boat jobs.

At 5PM last night we were positioned about 25nm directly off North Cape. Wind and swell had reduced so we motored directly east for a couple of hours before turning straight for Opua. Cloudless night making for good star-gazing but very cold. This morning the sun is shining, seas are flat and we are motoring along the coast for the finish line. Smiles all round

New Zealand is welcoming us in her own special way by turning on the wind and wave machine. Slow progress on this last leg with a boisterous ride. Expect arrival in Opua will be late Saturday.

Frustrating night. After going through the cold front with a good rain shower to wash the salt off Gigi the winds were SE-S-SW and a strong current against us so struggled to make any miles in the right direction for many hours. You hate to lose any of those miles already in the passage bank.

This morning the wind is more consistent from the SSW, the sun is trying to peek through the clouds and we are back on course.

Some lovely sailing yesterday and last night with following winds and calm seas. Wind dropped at 3:40 this morning and to keep our speed up we are motor sailing. Its much colder now and we are wearing thermals at night on watch. Expecting the wind to pick up and turn southerly later today with gusty conditions. All is well onboard.

Lazy afternoon enjoying the sunshine and reading our books whilst motoring on a very glassy sea. No rolling or banging of sails so almost perfect conditions except for no wind. Wind picked up to 8 kts at 9.30 PM and we were sailing again. Gigi won't be breaking any speed records but the crew are much happier with the engine off. Cruising is of course "slow travel".

Great to turn the motor off yesterday after lunch and hear the water rushing along the hull. Had a clear, starry night with flat seas but wind dropped off again at 11PM so the motor was back on. Lovely sunrise, still no wind.

Lost wind at 3am and have been motoring since. Wind in last hour seems to be building slightly so we hope that we will be sailing again soon.

Motored from Port Moselle Fuel dock past lovely Amadee Island and through Bourail Pass. Cleared the pass at 1315 and had a good afternoon and evening sail with consistent winds of 20 kts. A little bumpy overnight with wind & 2 metre swell but we still managed to get some sleep. Lovely morning with reduced wind and swell and sunny skies.

Checked out the country and hope to leave the dock by 10 am to fuel up and be one our way. Had a great time in New Caledonia.

Port Moselle Marina, Noumea

Kuto Bay, Isle of Pines

Turtles popping up all around Gigi in the anchorage. In company with some ICA Rally boats and lots of local boats here also. Great to have fresh baguettes again.

Ouvea, Loyalty Group, New Caledonia. Motored from Lifou yesterday. Now anchored off the whitest sandy beach in extremely clear turquoise water. Ashore for sun-downers with the other 6 boats in the anchorage last night.

Arrived Baie Du Santal, Lifou. Check-in formalities scheduled for tomorrow as part of the special check-in organised by the ICA Rally. Here with 25 other boats.

Spent 6 hours yesterday drifting in glassy blue seas. Started slowly today but the wind has just picked up and we are sailing at 6 kts. Will need to slow down early evening as we can't arrive until 9 am tomorrow.

Past south of Tanna Island (Vanuatu) this morning. No wind and very calm blue seas.

Sailing slowly under clear blue skies

Great moonrise and as the full moon is so close to earth at present it was a very light night. Turned the motor off at 01:30 this morning and have been sailing along nicely since.

Departed Vuda Marina 11:00 yesterday after an efficient and quick customs clearance. Motoed until we were through Navula passage to beat the incoming tide. Very pleasant afternoon sail before the winds changed to be directly behind making it a rolly, noisy night. Turned the motor on again at 10:00 this morning.

In Vuda Marina with customs clearance booked for tomorrow.

Makogai Island - In company with 9 other boats for the first night. This is our third visit to this island. Still very pretty however the Mariculture activities are almost non existent now.

On a mooring outside the beautiful Leleuvia Island Resort

on a Copra Shed Marina mooring in Savusavu

The sun has risen and we have a lovely view of Gau which we sailed past earlier. 60 nm to Savusavu. Will probably need to delay our arrival until Wednesday morning.

The winds have turned SW allowing us a good course through the islands to Savusavu. Got some sleep during the night so the Gigians are feeling good.

Fantastic sailing until 5pm when we had squalls and rain. Gusty night with wind from behind. Too noisy down below to sleep.

Slower progress yesterday as we tried not to lose any ground in the northerly winds.

Light winds during the day just enough to sail. Very sunny and the air temp has really warmed up. Overnight the winds picked up to 20+ kts, down to 15 this morning. Passed the halfway point yesterday. ETA Savusavu Tuesday 19th

Sailed in sunshine during the day and have motored all evening under a clear and starry sky.

Gusty head winds are now lighter from behind. Making good progress and all are well onboard.

We really have left New Zealand! Went off the chart area and needed to change the chip in our chart plotter to the Pacific Islands. 2PM smiles all round as we turned off the motor after 17 hours of motoring. Great sailing all night

Motoring since 7.30 last night in light winds and slight seas which we expect to continue for a couple of days. Great to have Dean from "Local Talent" company during the night and what a stunning moonrise. Better sleep pattern already setting in.

A bit rolly with the wind behind us but a good start to the passage with sunshine and plenty of stars at night. Sailed all night under main only.

Checked out the country and will be on way shortly

Left Gulf Harbour Monday evening at 2015 motor-sailing before the northerlies strengthened and arrived in Urqharts Bay at 0820. Caught up on missed sleep before coming into Marsden Cove Marina where we will wait for a good weather window to head off.

Still in Gulf Harbour Marina

Doing the last minute jobs before we depart Gulf Harbour Marina this Friday