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