Calm last night sailing with 10knts from the west, moving northerly around 5am now motoring. We were greeted by spinner dolphins on our bow at sunset! Sun rose to reveal NZ appearing on the horizon through the chilly mist. Not long to go, hope to be in Opua with a glass of fizz by 10am!

Safely arrived in Opua on Monday, enjoying some much needed R&R. Thank you for all your support and messages over the past few weeks it was a feisty trip to say the least!

Another uncomfortable night. Winds 18 SSW. Swell has reduced and period lengthened, so turned the engine on at 0300 and now doing 4.5 knots into wind to Opua. Expected arrival Monday evening.

Hairy night as front passed around 1am to 5am, NW winds up to 35knts, surfing down 3m NW swell, torrential rain. Not sure if worst has passed, calmer now 20knts, gusting to 25knts with confused seas. All ok onboard and happy to see the sun come out!

No wind for last 24 hours, motoring slowly so we encounter front at 30S - expecting up to 25kt winds this evening. Hopefully it has weakened. Once this front passes we will head to Opua on the back of light SW winds. That's the plan anyway..!

Good sailing until winds died down 6am this morning so now motor sailing. The nights are getting chilly! 8 knots from the South, 50% cloud cover

Another good day of sailing yesterday, we're still hampered a little by the SW swell slowing us down and and wind preventing us from heading directly SW. Hoping it will change to S soon.

Using up the sudden abundance of over ripe bananas with homemade banana bread, all well onboard!

Beautiful day of calm sailing yesterday, averaged around 3.4knts! This morning wind changed to WSW, motor sailing slowly towards 27w 175e. Lovely sunrise, all well onboard.

Great first day out on the water after leaving Minerva around 8am yesterday. Sailing all day winds from SE 10-15knts and 1m swell. Passed 180w, now east!

Preparing to leave Minerva Reef for Opua. Heading 214, will be taking a westerly dogleg to NZ. Sunny, breezy day, we're looking forward to setting sail! Laura, Phil & Pete

Anchored in Minerva Reef yesterday around lunchtime. Pass was calm and lagoon is deep, caught a 8kg Great Amberjack on our way in! Anchored in 13m, was sunny and calm when we arrived BBQ'd the fish and had a few welcome beers, Today it is a little choppy, contemplating whether to leave today or tomorrow for Opua.

Another day of light winds, currently motor sailing. Everyone getting lots of sleep, calm conditions. Beautiful day again today, looking forward to stopping in Minerva Reef this afternoon eta midday 27nm to run.

Departed Nuku Alofa yesterday and had a great sail until around 11pm last night. Motor sailing since then at 6knts. 7knts wind from E, 0.5m Swell from East. 165nm to Minerva Reef all well onboard.