Anchored at Nananu-I-cake. Had our first kite surfing lesson yesterday. Ron had more success than me in flying the kite, however today is another day, although we’ll need more wind before we do anything!

Making our way across the top of Viti Levu to Nananu-I-ra Island to meet up with Warren of Safari Lodge. Warren gives tuition in kite surfing and many other wind water sports. After talking with Monty and Margy from Whistler we thought we?d give the kite surfing a go - how hard can it be? Plus I?d rather learn here in warm water than back at home! We?ve spent the last 6 weeks in the Mamanucas and Yasawas. Had a great time at the Musket Cove Regatta and have had several visitors. Swam with the Manta Rays on several occasions and revisited our favourite spots. Now time to see something new!

Arrived Fiji 24 July, cleared in at Denarau. Left Friday afternoon, one night at Mana, three at Drawaqa and now at Blue Lagoon

Lovely fast sail yesterday. Will go ashore this morning to clear in and market then back out to enjoy Vava?u!

Lovely fast sail yesterday. Will go ashore this morning to clear in and market then back out to enjoy Vava?u!

On our way from Ha?ano at the top of the Ha?apais to Vava?u. Lovely sailing conditions. ETA approx 12.15pm.

Our fish tally to head into Pangai.

Looking forward to swimming over the wreck this afternoon. 2 years ago this was one of our favourite locations. Will walk over the island and see if we can get any fruit or vege. Plan on staying here tonight. We are member no 21 of the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club, the Crown Prince is Commodore. They are hosting the ICNZ fleet tonight. Don McIntyre the founder, is currently in England working on bringing the 50th anniversary solo round the world fleet to Nomuka.

Nomuka-iki has been leased to an Australian by the Crown Prince and managed by local man Joshua. They are developing a marine research facility and have PhD students here conducting research on various marine life and reef ecology. They have started the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club and will be teaching local children to sail. Part of their efforts are also encouraging the children in athletics and their families the value of tidying up their village - possibly a long term goal! We will join the yacht club this morning, happy to help out with such a positive enterprise, will head up to Ha?afeva today, about 15 miles north.

Ron traded some outboard oil and batteries for 2 cooked lobsters from Esse before we eft Kalafesia! We motorsailed to Nomuka and donated another lure to a fish with sharp teeth. Good snorkelling over reef, saw the largest group of clowns to date.

Met Esse the sole occupant of Kalafesia yesterday. He occasionally has one or two others over to help out with fishing. He had just sent a boatload of octopus (70) large clams (50) salted fish (150kg) and some lobster to Pangai market. He has 300 pigs on the island, the ones we saw near his dwelling certainly the best condition we had seen in Tonga. If you are passing and can spare a solar light, he has a rather old one which is his only night light, apart from a torch. We walked and waded around the island at low tide, lovely beaches, but snorkelling was a little underwhelming fish and coral wise. Heading to Nomuka this morning.

Motored (head winds) to Kalafesia and anchored at 5.30pm. Lovely to be here as too rough to get in last time. Looking forward to exploring today.

Transiting the passage into Tongatapu Very good on board :)

Another challenging day with poor visibility in torrential rain most of the day. Clearing into Nuku?alofa Tuesday for a break and to enable us to carry out some minor repairs before heading on. All good on board :)

Lightning, rain, some wind SE (great) then NW (ok) now NE (meh) starting to think we?ll still be here next week! No fish and lost a lure with wire trace during 25kn windy spell from NW yesterday afternoon. Staysail mast attachment sheared off a couple of hours ago, have lashed it on deck safetly. All good on board :)

Lightning, rain, some wind SE (great) then NW (ok) now NE (meh) starting to think we?ll still be here next week! No fish and lost a lure with wire trace during 25kn windy spell from NW this afternoon. All good on board :)

Wet, windy and wild, not quite to forecast! Triple reefed main and 1/3 Genoa. We joined the fish catching ranks yesterday, with a baby mahi-mahi about 12? long. Very cute and still swimming around today! All good on board :)

great signal from the Heatwave radio now. There will be no GHradio report until MOnday as we are going AWOL

at 6am motor sailing last 12 hours, slight improvement on motor only previous 24hrs! Yesterday lovely warm and sunny. Just waiting for some more wind. Have decided to head direct to Vava?u with ETA Tuesday as easier to repair auto pilot ram locking pin which sheared off 2 days ago. All good on board :)

all well

great radio signal from Sue

Averaging 150nmm a day. We are aiming to stay east of the kermadecs

A good start to day 3! 12 to go, maybe? All well on board. Making east to try to get into large slow moving high and then into the trades. That’s the plan anyway!

Looking at leaving Monday morning with 12-13 day passage top Pangai.

Have arrived in the outer sounds beautiful (if cold) day, 5% cloud over Wellington clear overhead. Boisterous sail last night and yesterday in up to 42kn SW then W. Good to be in reach of home. Only negative is the engine water pump not working so we are currently arranging to be towed into the customs berth.......Oh well Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

After several hours motoring - again - finally wind backed to the N then NW and now we are skipping along at 7-8kn. Long may this last! Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

After several hours motoring we have an unexpected light easterly breeze. Sea is calm with long 2m southerly swell. 5% cloud cover. A lovely welcome to southern seas by albatross and Dolphins, forgot how much we missed the sea life. ETA Thursday morning. All well onboard.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Wind dying out, will be engaging Volvo soon I think.Sea is calm 1-2m Southerly swell. Making slow progress in head winds for last couple of days, looking forward more West/Nor west winds later today tomorrow. All well onboard.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

ETA Thursday. good if they get in Thursday as front the next day.

Sky is partially clear, Still same 1-2m lumpy sea.About 75miles off Northland coast. Picton ETA Thursday morning, unless we speed up when NW comes in. All well onboard.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Lumpy seas not overly big, several S fronts came through. Lots of lightning towards North Cape last night. This is not a fast trip!! All well onboard.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Lumpy seas not overly big, several S fronts came through. Lots of lightning towards North Cape last night. This is not a fast trip!! All well onboard.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Lovely day calm seas with big long rolling swell, motor sailing now as wind dropped off and we are running out of magnums (ice cream, not bubbles) Used up our last Fiji dollars on them at Vuda! All well on board Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

ETA Wednesday

with the drop in wind strength we''re now sailing under double reeled main with about 60% Genoa out. Noddy steering faultlessly. All well on board Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Plan to stay on this heading today before heading SE hopefully into slightly lighter winds.

Diet plan is finally working..... All well on board Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Due to SW wind direction unable to had further west towards Norfolk so making our way south at present. Confused sea, but now the decks are clean! Heatwave plodding through it beautifully. ETA Picton Thursday 13th am. Looks like we will have a couple of days of stronger winds and large seas which look as though they will settle a bit by the time we close into NZ.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

After motoring all night sails down 5.30 this morning SW front comes through with hiss and a roar. By 8am front seems to have passed and now in more steady 20-25SSW with lumpy 1-2 m seas. All well onboard, the sun is shining! About 120m NE of Norfolk.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

approx 170 miles Ne of Norfolk motor sailing in light easterly Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

They are around 200nm from Norfolk coming in from the NE. GHR will not be on air tomorrow but they will not be moving from there until conditions permit.

Put the sails up mid afternoon and raced along at 7knots for a time, now settled into a more Sensible speed for the night.Looking at possible window to turn for home Thursday/Friday which should get us home by next Thursday. Happy to be saving fuel again! Many thanks Sue & Ron

Motored on and off all day, sailed with the new drifter (thanks Kelaerin) for a few hours this afternoon. Enjoying excellent sailing right now, good speed on flattish sea.Making our way towards Norfolk Island to avoid nasty weather coming onto NZ later in the week. We will aim to turn to home on Friday. All well.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

will likely be at Norfolk area Thursday. Will hang about , maybe not anchor, and get going when NZ wx improves

Motored on and off all day, sailed with the new drifter (thanks Kelaerin) for a few hours this afternoon. Enjoying excellent sailing right now, good speed on flattish sea.Making our way towards Norfolk Island to avoid nasty weather coming onto NZ later in the week. We will aim to turn to home on Friday. All well.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

might have to adjust destination so stay tuned. Looking at being around N Cape on saturday - at this stage

Motoring all day, slowly, to save fuel.... Looks like next day or so will also involve Volvo.

All well.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Good sailing through the night, motor sailed for 6 hours yesterday till wind picked up.

Shook out reef in the main this morning. All well onboard.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

God sailing through the night, motor sailed for 6 hours yesterday till wind picked up.

Shook out reef in the main this morning. All well onboard.

Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Just turned motor on after good nights sail. Our solar panel enjoyed a boobie free night! Many thanks Cheers Sue & Ron

Left Vuda at 1430 yesterday and have mostly motored so far. Sea is flat calm, 15% cloud sunny withe the Bar at 1013 Cheers Sue & Ron

Today is the day. Customs/Immigration are booked in for this morning then we will leave for home.

The plan is to head to Norfolk Island before turning south (30s/170e). It will take us 6-7 days to get to this position. From what we can see in the forecasts (Predict Wind/Metvu/Windty) they all have similar pictures. What we can't see is what will happen as we close on the west coast of NZ - too far out but looking at the large low it appears as if maybe a day or so of S before coming back into W? Time will tell!

Any thoughts David?

Weather here at Vuda this morning hot/sunny/calm 25degrees with the bar at 1011 no cloud.

In Vuda Marina looking to check out tomorrow (Thursday) for passage home to Picton. Course home will take us near Norfolk Island before we turn south directly to Cook Strit - that's the plan anyway....

Any and all passage weather info now and on the way will be greatly appreciated!

At Mana Island, will go to Vuda Marina tomorrow looking at Thursday to leave Fiji.

Cheers Sue & Ron

Still at Mana Island, will check out of Vuda Marina for Picton, NZ

Thursday looking likely at this stage

At Mana Island again for a couple of days until we go to Lautoka prior to leaving.

Cheers Sue & Ron

Will stay here at Musket today and move back to Mana Island tomorrow.

Cheers Sue & Ron

Motored on glassy sea to Mana Island.Navigated the very narrow and well marked channel into the lagoon - lovely spot.

Motor erred up to Navadra. Rolly anchorage

Spent the night at Musket Cove And will head to Navardra today back here on Thursday for Regatta Week

Staying here anchored outside Denerau for a few days if weather permits - shopping in Nadi today:) Cheers Sue & Ron

Hot day yesterday and last night. Anchored at Lautoka to stock up. Boat is covered in black ash we think from the sugar mill not far away. No wonder not many boats here! Will move down to Denerau today.

Cheers Sue & Ron

Showers of rain overnight and wind in a rolly anchorage. Heatwave seems to enjoy the side on effect, not her occupants though! Cheers Sue & Ron

We are at Draweqa Island in the Yasawas, with 7 other yachts. will go for a swim this morning hoping to see some manta rays. It's a beautiful morning:)

Somosomo Bay at the north of Naviti Island, Yasawas. A rolly night with strong wind bullets throughout the night. Yesterday [SE 25-30] for the 12 miles or so from Blue Lagoon to Somosomo..

Today will head to the south of Naviti and hopefully get in the water with the Mantarays.

At Malakati Bay with Fair Winds and Kelaerin. Lovely village here and nice shallow bay. Although the wind gusts are quite strong.

Moved the 12 miles or so down to Sawa-I-Lau Island at the southern end of Yasawa Island. Had heard about the caves here but at $55 per person decided against going in.

We had been told $20 but it seems a village further away owns the caves and the local village may be clipping the ticket a bit! Presented Sevusevu to the head lady and went back and traded some milk powder, sugar, rice etc for some paw paw and cassava. I took photos of her family and printed them out for them which were much appreciated. Not moving far today, just the few miles to Malakati Bay at the top of Nacula Island.

At Sawa-I-Lau anchored under the rocky island. Didn't go into the caves as cost was $50 per person plus a $10 per group guide cost. Nice bay and good snorkelling.

Enjoying the sun and shelter of Yasawarara Bay at the top of Yasawa Island. Plan to head south to Sawa-I-Lau island tomorrow. Kalaerin arrived here yesterday as well.

Enjoyed a good downwind sail yesterday 56 miles from Yadua Island to Yasawara Bay at the top of Yasawa Island. Wind and wave height increased to 25-30kn and up to 2 metres as we approached the passage at the top of the island - just what we didn't need but we got through safely. Saw our first Fijian whales yesterday a group of 3 or 4 frolicking in the distance.

Yadua was spectacular with reef sharks, turtles, snakes and big fish coming up for a closer look. Complete with green flashes on both nights!

Beautiful morning, sun is shining, blue sky, zero clouds!!

And with a very light northerly breeze. Only 22 degrees though :(

We are in Bua Bay SW coast on Venua Levu, this is a big shallow bay offering no wind protection from any direction, but very good holding.

Today we will head over to Yadua Island 20 miles to the west.

50% cloud cover this morning, I think our Barometer is reading a bit high but it has come up To 1016 - lovely to see full sky of stars last night! Been awhile...

Spent last two nights in very rolly gusty anchorage beside Namena Island, with Kelearin. Hoping for decent weather to go for a dive on the reef. Not to be so today we are going 35 miles to the shelter of Bua Bay on the western side of Vanua Levu then tomorrow to Yadua Island.

The resort at Namena was totally destroyed in the cyclone and it looks as though they are starting to reform the access track. We were unable to land on a now very rocky beach in the swell. All the trees are broken off at about 20feet in height and are starting to grow new leaves from the trunks. Vines have taken over as the main vegetation.

85% cloud cover, Bar 1014 rising light rain last few hours now passed

Moved a few miles yesterday from Savusavu to Cousteaus Resort.

Today heading to Namena with Kelearin where we hope to stay for a few days before moving to Yadua Island.

Picked up mooring at Paradise Resort yesterday.

Rain has cleared for a time.... Had a fabulous night at the resort last night. All the staff - cleaning and gardening crew as well as all kitchen, bar, dive team etc took part in the dancing, music, kava. The staff remembered everyone's names we felt so welcome.

A great place to visit!

Conditions were too rough to be able to visit the village on Yunuca at Budd Reef. We had a lovely downwind sail across to Rabi Island clearing the top reed and anchoring in Albert Cove on the northern end of the island. This is a lovely bay with wide sandy beach and only two families living here. Instead of sevusevu, when we asked what they may need if we can help they requested a blanket and whatever we would like to give. We gave them a blanket and a jacket (this was for an elderly grandmother who felt the cold) plus some basic food items.

Still at anchor beside western most island at Budd Reef, north of Taveuni, lovely bay clear blue water and good reef. A very unpleasant day yesterday with strong wind gusts and rain showers all day and through the night.

Clearing this morning, can see a rainbow! Although looks like another small front coming through from the east with clear sky above. Fingers crossed we can move around the corner to the main island and present our sevusevu.

At anchor beside western most island at Budd Reef, north of Taveuni, lovely bay clear blue water and good reef. A blustery night with strong gusts reaching round the headland into the bay. 100% cloud cover and bar is at 1013. Will look at moving into north anchorage is conditions don't improve this morning.

Just leaving Somosomo bound for the top of Taveuni.

Arrived in Savusavu yesterday afternoon after 24 hours of motoring in very little wind and smooth glossy seas.

Very humid in Savusavu with no breeze yet! Will clear customs and officially enter Fiji this morning.

40nm from Savusavu

Sailed through the night in rolly NE swell goose winging with polled out Genoa.

Clear night with masses of stars falling out of the sky, if they carry on like that there won't be any left! Yacht Elas is now behind us but still in sight -just.

All well onboard.

At anchor near Nuku, after almost 2 months in Vava'u we are looking at making our way to Savusavu leaving here on Friday. Have had a lovely week with family, swam with whales and seen many more. Our fish count here is still 0, hopefully this will change on passage!!

Sailed up to Vava'u on Saturday night in 15-25 SE with squalls more from the north the closer we got. We will be here for the next 2 months so won't be reporting in often. Aim to head to Fiji mid August.

Many thanks Sue & Ron

Cleared in and out of Pangai yesterday and today will move north to Haano Island and leave this evening for Va'vau. 50% cloud cover mainly from the NE Ne scattered cloud elsewhere. Many thanks Sue & Ron

Today moving a few miles north to Lifuka and Paangai to clear in and out. We are looking at sailing to Va'vau on Saturday night with several other boats to find more sheltered anchorage with the weather forecast early next week. Cloud on all horizons with 5% cloud overhead.

Many thanks Sue & Ron

We've been in the Ha"apsis for just over a week now and are currently at Uiha (0-Wee-ha) today heading round to Uoleva Island (OO-oh-LEH-vah).

It is cloudy on all horizons and clear overhead and 24 degrees.

Many thanks Sue & Ron

Sailing well, 145 miles to go. Very exciting just caught our first Mahimahi, landed one and another one hooked up but it let go just as Stu was bringing it on board. One is more than enough for dinner tonight and tomorrow. Yum.

Sailing well, 145 miles to go. Very exciting just caught our first Mahimahi, landed one and another one hooked up but it let go just as Stu was bringing it on board. One is more than enough for dinner tonight and tomorrow. Yum.

Anchored last night in South Minerva amazing place! Lovely swim in deep clear blue water.Leaving for Tongatapu this morning.

Boat and crew travelling well, 80 miles to Minerva, we'll be there tomorrow morning all going well1

Slow going overnight with a strong wind and lumpy seas. 240 miles to our Minerva waypoint. If we can increase boat speed we should be there by Sunday afternoon.

Covered God distance during the night now only 365 mile from our first Minerva Waypoint.

Sailing well in lumpy 1-2m swell. All well n board. ETA north Minerva Sunday. Fish tally = 1 tuna.

Just enough wind to sail comfortably

In Opua Marina getting ready to leave Monday all going well!