motorsailing

approaching Grand Passage.

146 miles to Grand Passage.

Plan to leave Port Vila for Bundaberg today.

On a mooring at Port Vila waiting for a window to sail to Bunderberg. Hoping to leave at the end of the week.

Anchored In Analgawat Aneityum. Great passage 7 days 4 hours no wind over 25 knts encountered.

50 miles to run to Aneitiyum, expect to anchor this pm.

Hove to for 8 hours yesterday waiting for wind to become more westerly as progress against northely wind and short confused sea was very slow. Crossed front at 23 20s 171 35e, there was a brief squall with rain and small increase in wind srength. Wind backed rapidly. 192 nm to run.

After a lovely day sailing yesterday we have encountered the northerly winds associated with the front and are struggling to make progress towards Aneityum.

sailing.

Held back yesterday by strong counter current. All currents seem to be counter! Our 1st day at sea wss record breaking for us, 180nms in 24 hrs and the largest numbers of Albatross and Mollymawks we have ever seen at sea! About 40miles from land we were joined by a Greenfinch which expertly navigated its way into the cockpit enclosure and settled down for the night behind the instrument panel. .not knowing which direction it wanted to travel caused us some concern! Yesterday morning it flew away but arrived back in the late afternoon, coming to rest on the guard rail for a photo shoot. No sightings of it as yet today, possibly because the engine has been running nonstop. . .

Motoring, held back by stroing counter cuirrent

Motor sailing

Departed Opua for Anietyum yesterday 18 May did leave on Sunday but had to return due to battery problems. Sailing fast in a modrate sea.

In Opua waiting for weather to leave for Anietyum Vanuatu