Berthed in Newcastle Marina. Hot, clear, dry and windless yesterday with temp near 37 degrees C. Cold southerly arrived last night. Today should only get to 19 C.

Arrived in Coff's Harbour Wednesday at 6:30pm after a lively 5 1/2 day passage from Noumea, New Caledonia. Yesterday's welcome to Australia included a thunderstorm that put US midwest storms to shame with hail stones almost 2cm in diameter. We worried about our glass solar panels. Fortunately, none were damaged.

arriving Coffs tonight. Happy landfall.

Thanks Aradonna for the relay

radio has clipping so a bit difficult. Strong though

Leaving Noumea this morning for Coff's Harbour, Australia along with a gaggle of other boats, some bound for Bundaberg.

In Port Moselle Marina. Leaving tomorrow morning for Coff's Harbour, Australia.

In Port Moselle Marina...still planning for a Friday departure for Coff's Harbour.

Moored at Port Moselle. Looking at a Friday departure for Coff's Harbour.

Berthed in Port Moselle Marina in Noumea, New Caledonia

Berthed in Port Moselle Marina Noumea, New Caledonia. We arrived Wednesday after a 4 day passage from Port Denarau, Fiji. We are looking for a good weather window for our next leg to Coff's Harbour, Australia.

Arrived Noumea - thanks Roundabout for info

nearing Havannah pass. Thanks Villamee for the relay as Mark was hard to hear.

175 to Havnannah Pass

Docked among the super yachts in Port Denarau. Clearing out for New Caledonia this afternoon. We should be in Noumea late Tuesday or early Wednesday of next week.

Anchored at Musket Cove but heading to Port Denarau around noon. Looking to leave for New Caledonia tomorrow with a Tuesday ETA.

Anchored in the lee of Drawaqa Island near Manta Ray Resort. Very pleasant, coolish temperature this morning. 7 yachts anchored nearby with everyone facing different directions due to currents and shifty winds.

Anchored off Manta Ray Resort

Anchored off Kuata Island

Anchored in Musket Cove. Had a few rain showers during the night. Heading back north again today.

Moored at Port Denarua. Heading to Musket Cove this afternoon after a provisioning run.

Anchored off Vanua Levu and Navandra Islands. Heading back to Port Denarau today to drop off our guest.

Anchored near Manta Ray resort off Nanuya Balavu Island

Anchored off Octopus Resort at Waya Island

Peacefully anchored between lovely Navadra Island and Vanua

Levu Islands. Great snorkel and beach walk yesterday with our visiting nephew and his girlfriend.

Moored at Musket Cove but leaving for Port Denarau this morning to pick up guests. Fantastic Hobie Cat competition finale yesterday in 20-25 kts of wind. Almost as exciting as the America's Cup!

Moored at Musket Cove

Moored in Musket Cove enjoying Regatta Week activities

Anchored in Musket Cove. While passing Cloud Break, the iconic surf spot off Tavarua yesterday, we spotted a motor cycle rider perched on a ramp aboard a landing craft. The cycle had a paddle-equipped rear tire and a ski attachment to the front forks. We'd seen video of the chap successfully riding waves with the contraption and he was now attempting to get "tubed" here in Fiji. We learned later, he'd already sunk several of the cycles before one successful ride.

Anchored at Yanuca Island in Beqa Lagoon but leaving this morning for the Mamanucas with a stop at Cuvu Bay along the way.

Anchored off Yanuca Island in Beqa Lagoon

Anchored off Yanuca Island in Beqa Lagoon. Far better than poor St. Maartin in the Caribbean. Last night's aviation forecast for Philipsburg's airport showed a forecast for NW winds of 120 gusting to 140 kts. Yikes!

Anchored off Yanuca Island in Beqa Lagoon. Rain showers through the night but skies now showing patches of sunshine. Still dark and rainy along south coast of Viti Levu.

Anchored of Yanuca Island in Beqa Lagoon.

Anchored on west side of lovely Yanuca Island. During our scuba dive nearby yesterday, we were treated to an amazing display of colorful soft corals and dozens of the largest fan corals we've ever seen.

Did the AWESOME shark dive with the Beqa Lagoon Resort dive operation yesterday. We got up close and personal with numerous species including 7 Tiger sharks. One being a massive pregnant female nearly 5 meters in length. She seemed as curious about us as we were about her and she repeatedly cruised by so close Anne was able to give her a friendly caress. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to interact with these remarkable, endangered creatures.

Still anchored at Beqa Island. Doing the shark dive today. Hopefully this won't be our last report... Ha, Ha!

Completed the upwind bash to Beqa Island yesterday and now anchored off Beqa Lagoon Resort. We're on the stand-by list for their shark dive tomorrow. Should be great fun with lots of photo ops!

Stopped in Sovi Bay for the night en route from Musket Cove to Beqa to dive with the big Tiger, Grey, Bull and Lemon sharks.

Anchored at Musket Cove, Malolo Leilei Island, Fiji

Sailed yesterday from Port Denarau to Musket Cove. It was great to be out of the marina and a treat to find some old friends here from our days of cruising mainland Mexico.

Berthed in Port Denerau Marina, Fiji.

Arrived in Vuda Point, Fiji at 12:30pm on Sunday. Today, we'll be moving Three Sixty Blue to Port Denerau.

Land ho! Were are 6 miles from Navula Pass and should be anchored off Vuda Point awaiting clearance officials by noon today. All in all, a good 8 day passage with no stormy weather.

We transitioned one band of squalls in the night with some light rain but very little wind associated with them. Wind remained southerly through the night but has backed to SSE so we're sailing a COG of 005T heading directly toward Navula Pass...adjusting speed for an 0700 ETA tomorrow. All is well on board but we're looking forward to a good walkabout once cleared in.

Awesome day of sailing yesterday under sunny skies with 15 knots of wind from the ESE. Winds slowly backing now so we are heading close to due north. All is well on board. 255 miles to go to Vuda point so we'll have to adjust speed for an early Sunday arrival.

Still motor sailing but encouraged by a hint of ESE breeze. We'll try the gennaker when my off-watch crew wakes up. All is well on board.

Motor sailing across the world's biggest mill pond. All is well on board.

Chased apparent wind until 1300 yesterday then started motor sailing.

Spectacular sunrise this morning. Looks like more motoring ahead. All is well on board.

Pleasant night under sail in fairly light conditions. Winds are backing toward SSW so SOG is down a bit. All is well on board.

Off to a good start from Marsden Cove at 10:30am yesterday with some motor sailing until clear of land shadow. 2m NE swell diminished and now mingled with some wave from the west. All is well on board.

Leaving this morning for Vuda Point, Fiji. Calm winds here with a thin layer of low cloud and fog. Barometer 1011.

Still in Marsden Cove Marina hoping to depart for Vuda Point, Fiji tomorrow morning. Wind 16 kts from NE barometer 1016

We're still at Marsden Cove. We scrapped our plans to depart for Fiji yesterday after WX forecast models continued to show disagreement about what was brewing along our passage route on Wednesday and Thursday.

Crystal clear and COLD here in Marsden Cove this morning. Winds SW at 7 knots. Barometer 1030. Leaving for Fiji today with a gaggle of other yachts.

Motored yesterday down Hatea River to Marsden Cove. Now waiting for a good Fiji passage weather window...possibly Friday or Saturday. Overcast here with light rain. Winds NE 23-28 kts with gusts to over 35. Barometer 1015.

Docked at Town Basin Marina in Whangarei

Docked in Whangarei's Town Basin Marina while finishing pre-passage projects. We hope to be ready to leave for Vuda Point Fiji by the end of this week.

We arrived at Marsden Cove (Whangerei), New Zealand last night at 9:30pm. All is well on board and we're happy to be here after a challenging passage!

Rough day yesterday transiting the low's embedded depression. We had very confused 3m seas, winds 30 gusting to over 40. Much better now and we think we have the barn door in sight.

Despite our efforts to stay north and west of approaching low, we seem to have caught up to it. We are wondering when and where we'll reach the lighter west and southwest winds? All is well on board but we'd rather be motor caravaning at this point!

We are now motor sailing after winds backed and nearly died during the night. All is well onboard. It's about time to switch to long pants and long sleeve shirts at night! 536 miles remaining to Marsden Cove.

Laptop charging crisis averted! Surgery and some soldering fixed damaged plug. All is well on board. We decided to bypass Minerva Reef on this passage and are now heading for Marsden Cove, New Zealand. ETA sometime Saturday 5, October.

105 miles NW of Minerva Reef. All is well on board except laptop PC charger has failed. we will soon loose email capability and have to rely on SSB Vox for position reporting and WX info. Minerva continues to be an upwind beat so we're considering continuing straight to NZ. ETA would be Saturdau the 5th. What are David's thoughts about timing of passing fronts we'll encounter?

Sailing from Savusavu to Minerva Reef. "Noserly" winds, short period, lumpy seas. All is well on board.

Sailing from Savusavu to Minerva Reef working our way to windward through the inconveniently-placed islands of the Koro Sea. All is well on board.

Departing Savusavu for Minerva Reef this morning. Should arrive there on the morning of Monday, October 31st, just in time for a Halloween party. I think we'll dress as lobsters. We'll play there for a few days while looking for a good WX window for the remainder of the trip back to NZ. [Wind 7 knots form ESE, 95% cloud cover, barometer 1011, humidity 78%]

Moored in Savusavu. Will probably leave tomorrow for Minerva or perhaps straight to NZ. [Wind 9 knots from SE, 70% cloud cover Barometer 1012]

Moored in Savusavu, Fiji. Gusty winds and rains showers began in the night. [Wind 15-20 from SE, 100% cloud cover, barometer 1014, humidity 84%]

Moored in Savusavu, Fiji. Pre-passage provisioning and re-fueling planned for today. Still looking at a Thursday or Friday departure for NZ via Minerva Reef. [Wind 6 knots from SE, 95% cloud cover, barometer 1013, humidity 78%]

Anchored at Dakuniba Bay, Vanu Levu, Fiji. [Wind calm, 10% cloud cover, barometer 1011, humidity 84%]

Moored in Viani Bay, Vanua Levu, Fiji. [Wind 10 knots from SE, 95% cloud cover, barometer 1012, humidity 84%]

Moored at Viani Bay. [Wind 5 knots from SW, 80% cloud cover, barometer 1012, humidity 85%]

Moored in beautiful Viani Bay on Vanua Levu, Fiji. [Wind calm, 5% cloud cover, barometer 1011, humidity 89%]

Moored at Paradise Resort, Taveuni Island, Fiji. Spectacular morning! [Wind 10-12 knots from SE, 10% cloud cover, barometer 1012, humidity 84%]

Moored at Paradise Resort, Taveuni, Fiji. Like rain now falling after periods of heavy rain through the night. [Wind 5 knots from NE, 100% cloud cover, barometer 1015, 84% humidity]

Moored at the Paradise Resort on Taveuni Island, Fiji after a salty, windward bash from Namena yesterday. [Wind 8-10 knots from ESE, 98% cloud cover, barometer 1014, 78% humidity]

Anchored at Namena Island, Fiji. Another great dive yesterday at "Grand Central". All is well on board. [Wind 5 knots from NE, 5% cloud cover, barometer 1013, humidity 85%]

Anchored at Namena Island in Fiji. Perfect night here last night...the anchorage all to ourselves, smooth sea, gentle warm breeze with low humidity and a bright moon overhead. It doesn't get much better. [Wind 5-7 knots from east, 10% cloud cover, barometer 1012, humidity 83%]

Anchored at Namena Island.

Moored in Savusavu. [Wind 4 knots from ESE, 100% cloud cover, barometer 1012, humidity 81%]

Moored in Savusavu. Heavy rain began here late afternoon yesterday. By 9pm wind had shifted from NE to west and skies began to clear. [Wind calm, 95% cloud cover, barometer 1008, humidity 85%]

Moored in Savusavu. Had a few showers yesterday but mostly dry night. [Wind 5-10 from NE, 100 cloud cover, barometer 1008, humidity 81%]

Moored in Savusavu waiting until the forecast tropical depression passes. [Wind 15 knots from SE, 90% cloud cover, barometer 1015]

Moored in Savusavu, Fiji. Did some very nice dives yesterday at Namena Island Preserve. [Wind calm, 5% cloud cover, barometer 1017, humidity 85%]

Moored in Savusavu, Fiji. All is well on board after an easy passage from Tonga. [Wind calm, 60% cloud cover, barometer 1013, 84% humidity]

Motor sailing in light air. 37 miles from Savasavu. All is well on board.

En Route fron Ha'apai, Tonga to Savusavu, Fiji. Approaching Oneata Passage in southern Lau Group. Land in sight! Lost our wind around midnight so motorsailing now. Wind starting to increase...hope to sail soon. All is well on board.

About 300 miles from Savusavu. All is well onboard

Anchored at Uoleva Island, Ha'apai Tonga. Leaving tomorrow for Savusavu Fiji. A weather update from David would be greatly appreciated. [Wind 3 knots from NE, 40% cloud cover, barometer 1013, humidity 88% (we are breathing through gills)]

Anchored at Limu Island, Ha'apai Tonga. Spectacular dislay yesterday of Mammatus clouds beneath a passing T-storm anvil.  I've seen this just once before, in Texas, beneath a storm that produced damaging tornados.  This one certainly got our attention!  [Wind 3 knots from E, 20% cloud cover, barometer 1011]

Anchored at Limu Island in Ha'apai, Tonga. [Wind 10 knots from WNW, 5% cloud cover, barometer 1010, humidity 89%...yuck..]

Anchored at Nomuka Iki Island in Tonga. We are looking at leaving Pangai for Savu Savu, Fiji on Saturday. We see light SE winds for the 3 day passage arriving midday on Tuesday. What are David's thoughts?

[Wind 3 knots from NNW, 60% cloud cover, barometer 1012]

Anchored at Nomuka Iki Island in Tonga. Spectacular day here yesterday with more clear skies and light winds this morning.

[5 knots from E, 5% cloud cover, barometer 1014]

Anchored at Nomuka Iki Island. More whale swimming planning for today with the folks from Whale Discoveries.

[Wind 1 knot from SE, 0% cloud cover, barometer 1013]

Anchored off Luangahu Island in Ha'apai, Tonga.

[Wind 7 knots from SW, 0% cloud cover, barometer 1011]

Anchored off Nukunamo Island in Ha'apai, Tonga. Word of our import permit extension woes is spreading through the cruising community and the Tongan business owners that we've patronized are very upset. Media attention is likely.  Small correction to yesterday's post...It is the Ministry of Revenue and Customs that handles temporary import permits.  The Ministry of Tourism has now been advised of the situation.


[Wind 5 knots from WNW, 20% cloud cover, barometer 1011]

Anchored off Nukunamo Island in Ha'apai, Tonga. Here is some important information for cruisers planning to spend a season in Tonga. Temporary import permit extensions beyond the original 4 month period are no longer being given. The following is an email we received from the CEO of the Ministry of Revenue and Customs when we requested just a 2 month extension.

Dear Mark,

Thank you for your responding to the email.

Please note that we don’t allow Yachts to remain in Tonga for 12 Months period. The hurricane season here in Tonga starts in October. The weather is amble now for sailing if you are intending to sail to NZ, waiting until November is more vulnerable for you.

Secondly, the Ministry’s concern for pleasure Craft is the transportation of drugs and doing illegal businesses here in Tonga during the Whale Watching Season. This has caused us to discourage yachts and pleasure craft to stay in Tonga longer than 4 months.

We want to encourage and promote our tourist industry but not the yachts as it doesn’t have much impact on our economy.

Therefore am only granted you an extension of one month, which implied that you will be legally permitted to remain in Tonga until the 24th of October.

Malo ‘Aupito,

It appears that, as sailors, we are suspect for engaging in illegal activities and, despite all that we've spent here, don't contribute enough to Tonga's tourism economy. At present, we are not feeling very welcome here!

[Wind 4 knots from SE, 90% cloud cover, barometer 1013]

Anchored in the Blue Lagoon near Hunga Island, Vava'u Tonga. Wind 6 knots from E, 10% cloud cover, barometer 1013.

Anchored at Port Maurelle. Wind 6 knots from E, 10% cloud cover, barometer 1016.

In Neiafu Harbour, Vava'u Tonga. Wind 10-12 from ESE, 60% cloud cover, barometer 1017

Anchored at Vaka'eitu Island in Vava'u, Tonga. Winds were fresh from SE over the weekend but now easing and backing a bit. Wind 10-14 knots from E, 60% cloud cover, barometer 1017.

Anchored at Kenutu Island in Vava'u, Tonga. More clouds returned during early morning hours. Winds remain fresh. Wind 20 knots from SE, 100% cloud cover, barometer 1014.

Anchored at Ngau Island in Vava'u, Tonga. Skies cleared late yesterday after a day of moderate to heavy rain. Rain returned early this morning but has now ended. Beautiful sunrise!

Wind 4 knots from N, 95% cloud cover, barometer 1013.

Anchored at Ngau Island in Vava'u, Tonga. We sighted and photographed a 2 meter long Leopard shark while snorkeling yesterday. Very cool!! Wind calm, 89% humidity, 100% cloud cover, barometer 1015.

Anchored at Port Maurelle in Vava'u, Tonga. A few gentle showers fell during the night but skies are mostly sunny this morning. Wind 7 knots from E, 40% cloud cover, barometer 1017.

Anchored at Port Maurelle in Vava'u, Tonga. Spectacular late afternoon swim yesterday through Swallows' Cave with a massive school of bait fish.

Anchored in Neiafu Harbor after a lively and fast passage north from Ha'apai yesterday. Guests from home are arriving on Saturday.

Wind 8 knots from SE, 80% cloud cover, barometer 1018.

Anchored at north end of Foa Island. Leaving this morning for Vava'u. Beautiful sunny day here. Wind 14 from SE, 10% cloud cover, barometer 1017

Anchored near Pangai on Lifuka Island. Glorious sunshine here yesterday. We are planning to sail north to Neiafu tomorrow.

Wind 12 from SE, clear skies, barometer 1016

Anchored at Uoleva Island. Beautiful, sunny day yesterday for pleasant sail from Ha'afeva. Heading back north to Vava'u this week to meet guests flying in from the States.

Anchored at Ha'afeva Island. We moved to east side of island yesterday as wind backed to the west. We had a peaceful night serenaded by the sound of singing whales clearly heard through our hulls.

Anchored at Ha'afeva Island. Moderate rain falling. We're beginning to grow moss between our toes.

Anchored at Ha'afeva Island after a pleasant motor-sail yesterday from Nomuka Island. No rain at present but dark clouds in all quadrants.

Anchored at Nomuka Island. South wind shift at 0300 accompanied by heavy rain.

falling.

Repositioned at Nomuka Island for backing winds. Moderate rain falling.

Anchored at Nomuka Island.

Anchored at Nomuka Island near Whale Discoveries "Beach Barn".

More whale swimming adventures on tap for today.

Anchored at Nomuka Island. We still smiling from another awesome experience of swimming with whales yesterday...memories that will last a lifetime!

Still anchored at Nomuka'iki Island. More whale swimming planned for today.

Still anchored at Nomuka'iki Island. We had some sunshine yesterday with lighter winds and a fantastic experience with the folks at Whale Discoveries. We spent time in the water with a very friendly and curious Humpback and got some amazing, up close and personal video and stills. What a day!!

Still anchored at Nomuka'iki Island. Heading out with a local company today for swimming with whales

Still anchored at Nomuka'iki Island. Boatbound yesterday with rain and fresh winds. Hoping for better weather today!

Anchored at Nomuka'iki Island. We enjoyed the snorkeling and beach combimg here yesterday despite the gloomy weather. Looks like more of the same for today.

Anchored at Nomuka'iki Island. Wind shifted from NW to SE at noon yesterday and we experienced one significant squall with heavy rain and wind gusts to 30 knots. Holding here is excellent with nearby reefs and islands providing reasonable protection.

Anchored in crystal clear water at Wickham Reef. Moving to O'ua Island this morning

Anchored at lovely Limu Island. Moving to O'ua or Ha'afeva today after scuba diving at Wickham Reef.

Anchored at Uonukuhihifo Island. Wind E at 10-12 Knots, Sky clear, barometetr 1017

Anchored at Tofanga Island. Wind SSE at 18-20 kts, sky 10% cloud, barometer 1013

Wind WSW at 5kts, 100% cloud cover, barometer 1011

Peaceful night at Uoleva Island with occasional light rain showers. Wind slowly backing to NNW. Wind currently 9 knots from N, sky 70% cloud, barometer 1011

Still anchored at Uoleva Island. Wind ESE 7, 60% cloud cover, barometer 1015. We walked the entire circumference of the island at low tide yesterday (about 5 miles) and our feet are feeling a bit tender this morning.

Anchored at Ha'ano Island in Tonga"s Ha'apai Group. Wind ESE 12-14, sky 20% cloud, barometer 1017. All is well on board.

in sight of Gypsea Heart on the way to Hapaais, Tonga

Anchored next to "Whistler" off Mounu Island in Vav'au. We're looking forward to our first kite boarding lesson today. Wind 15-17 from SSE, 50% cloud cover, barometer 1016.

Back aboard after 6 weeks in the States. Now anchored at Kenutu Island in Vava'u, Tonga. Wind NW at 5kts, less than 10% cloud cover, barometer 1012. Looks like another spectacular day in the tropics!

Arriving Neiafu after a pleasant overnight sail from Kelefesia.

Anchored at Kelefesia Island. Leaving soon for Neiafu.

Anchored at spectacular Kelefesia Island. Will continue north to Vava'u tomorrow.

Anchored at lovely Molinoa Island. Heading north to Kelefesia today.

Anchored in the rain at Pangaimotu getting ready to head for Neiafu.

Anchored at Pangaimotu in front of Big Mama's with 11 other yachts.

30 miles from Egeria Channel entrance to Nuku'alofa. Motoring.

All is well on board. Burgers and beers at Big Mama's tonight!

Departed N. Minerva yesterday en route to Nuku'alofa Tonga. All is well on board.

Anchored at North Minerva. All is well on board. Looking at possible midweek departure for Vava'u.

Anchored at North Minerva. All is well on board.

Anchored at North Minerva. All is well on board.

17 miles from South Minerva. ETA 10am. If conditions are too bumpy there, we'll continue to North Minerva. All is well on board.

Motor sailing in pleasant conditions. All is well on board.

Rough, wet and windy day yesterday as we transitioned convergence zone.

Lots of very heavy rain, some lightening and winds 25-30 knts. Nice today, all is well on board.

Pleasant sailing with some motoring yesterday. Winds remain fairly light and now nearly on the nose so started motor sailing again at 0600. All is well on board except that poor Anne has a nasty cold.

Perfect day of sailing under sunny skies yesterday. Winds went light at sunset so our speed dropped to around 4 knots through the night. Winds are now light and variable so we started motor sailing at 0600. All is well on board.

Departed Marsden Cove yesterday at 1300. Motorsailed in light air till 1600 then picked up 14-16 knt from NW. Good sailing through the night. All is well onboard though not sure yet about the catamaran's motion at sea. It's not really bad, just different from good old "Blue Rodeo".

Leaving Marsden Cove for Minerva this afternoon.

Now at Marsden Cove. Leaving here for Tonga via Minerva Reef tomorrow.

Leaving Town Basin for Marsden Cove tomorrow. Heading for Tonga via Minerva at the end of the week.

In Whangarei waiting for Tonga weather window