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Captain Kip's Log |
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December 20th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
After a great three week Queensland tour with Jeannine and Emile we've settled nicely in the Scarborough Marina. We like the area and the people. The biking trails are wonderful and we can take our bikes on the bus and train into Brisbane, less than 30 km away for under $10.00 for the two of us.
November 12th 2008: Notes from the first mate:
We plan on leaving Mooloolaba Marina on Friday morning and will head to Scarborough Marina where we plan on settling in for a long while. I'm so excited because my sister Jeannine and her husband Emile will join us there for a few weeks. We look forward to doing some touring with them and possible having an early Christmas dinner as they will leave Australia Dec 13th. I can't wait to see them.
Nov 07th 2008: Departure Port: Bundaberg 08:30 Nov 07th, 2008
Port O'call: Mooloolaba Marina 08:30 Nov 8th, 2008
Trip: 210 nm / Wind speeds 0 to 5 / Temp 78 / Water 80
The wind had died down so we left the Bundaberg Marina and some of our new friends and headed towards Mooloolaba Marina before the winds pick up again. We decided to go around Fraser Island instead of going through the pass because of tide and depth restrictions. It worked out in our favor as the wind started blowing hard just a little while after we were settled in our birth. Mooloolaba Marina is located about 40 miles from Scarborough Marina where we plan to keep Adelia for the next six months. Scarborough is about 40 miles north of Brisbane.
October 30th 2008: Notes from the first mate:
It's hard to believe that our second season of cruising has come to an end. It's been a wonderful year and again we have seen so many things, and met so many wonderful people. We joined the Port 2 Port Rally which had 42 boats signed up with some leaving Port Villa, Vanuatu and some leaving New Caledonia en route to Bundaberg Australia. We arrived in Australia and were greeted by the most wonderful Customs Officers who cleared us in without any problems. The following week was filled with parties and events put together by the Port 2 Port Rally Organizers. What a great reception we received from the Port 2 Port Rally Organizers. We spent a little over a week in Bundaberg toured both the Ginger Beer and Bundaberg Rum factories.
Oct 20th 2008: Departure Port: Port Villa, Vanuatu 09:30 Oct 20th, 2008
Port O'call: Bundaberg, Australia 00:30 Oct 27th, 2008
Trip: 1077 nm / Wind speeds 5 to 20 / Temp 82 / Water 84
After studying the weather for a week we finally got our window to leave Vanuatu for Australia. The weather looked good and with our twelve month Australian visas in place it was time to move on. With all the last minute preparations done we left mid morning on Monday the 20th. With brisk winds we made a good distance, 180 miles, in our first 24 hrs. The trip overall was good as the wind clocked around in our favor at every course change. We sailed almost the whole trip with the exception of the last 12 hrs. We pulled into the well lit Bundaberg channel around midnight and made our way safely to the quarantine anchorage along side other boats which were also part of the Port 2 Port rally. We had a very quick passage, it took us six and a half days to cover almost 1100 nm. Safely at anchor we popped a bottle of champagne and celebrated our arrival into Australia.
October 4th 2008: Notes from the first mate:
We've been traveling around Vanuatu Islands for the past few weeks and have totally enjoyed most of the anchorages. We've met a lot of different people, have played doctor and nurse to a wounded local who cut his hand really bad and have been snorkeling on the most beautiful reefs we've ever seen. We've snorkeled more hours in the past month than ever and have seen many many varieties of beautiful fish. I am so excited I've been learning to dive under water to get closer to the fish like this one, something I never dreamed I could ever do. I love it and I'm addicted to trying to get deeper. We really love Vanuatu and want to see more of it so we will be coming back next year.
Sept 20th 2008: Departure Port: Peterson Bay, 06:45 Sept 20th, 2008
Port O'call: Aore Resort to Maulo, Malekula Island 12:00 Sept 20th, 2008
Trip: 28 nm / Wind speeds 5 to 10 / Temp 84 / Water 88
We have never seen current like the kind that goes through the channel leaving Aore Resort on Espiritu Santo. Our timing was good to get out with the tide but as we got towards the open sea we saw waves that looked like a river rolling into the sea. It looked a lot worse that it was but we did hit speeds of over 9 kts going through the passage out. The passage to Maulo Anchorage on Malekula was rough and uncomfortable but we found Maulo anchorage to be calm as we were greeted by several canoes.
Sept 12th 2008: Departure Port: Vanihe Bay, Ambae Island 03:00 Sept 12th, 2008
Port O'call: Peterson Bay, Espiritu Santo 10:30 Sept 12th, 2008
Trip: 47.4 nm/ Wind speeds 3 to 10 / Temp 82 / Water 86
Our one night stop in Vanihe Bay was very uncomfortable, rolly anchorage. Since we were getting little or no sleep we pulled up anchor around 03:00 just a few minutes after Special Blend and headed to Espiritu Santo. The passage was dull, no wind, we dropped anchor in the outer part of the bay and waited a few hours for the tide to come up so we could make our way through a marked pass between the reefs. Inside of the bay we dropped the anchor in 7 meters close to the Oyster Island Resort where we found internet and cold beer.
Sept 9th 2008: Notes from the first mate:
After a night stay in Ranon bay we made our way towards the big Island of Espiritu Santo with one stop on Pentecost and Maewo Islands. I must admit black sand beaches are certainly not my favorite, the black sand gets everywhere. There is a yacht club in Asanvari Bay with no cold beer but the best snorkeling and the most picturesque bay so far. We found a narrow passage along the shore which leads you into an open cave where the water is extremely clear and the fish are wonderful. With Kip's help I've started diving down in the water to get close up pictures of the fish. I'm loving it, it's my new addiction. Check this one out. Kip and Jim on Special Blend went out fishing early one morning a caught a 40 lb wahoo but had a huge marlin on just before. After a morning snorkeling we left for Vanihe Bay Ambea Island.
Sept 6th 2008: Departure Port: Banam Bay, Malekula Island 07:45 Sept 6th, 2008
Port O'call: Ranon Ambrym Island 11:45 Sept 6th, 2008
Trip: 20 nm/ Wind speeds 0 to 20 / Temp 82 / Water 86
We sailed on a close reach for a while but as we rounded the north end of Ambrym, the wind died so we motored the rest of the way. We dropped anchor in 4 meters on black sand and were met by the local Harbor Master and Tourism Director Jeffery who came out to greet us in is dugout canoe.
Sept 2nd, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
As we were setting the anchor we were visited by a few young boys who brought us vegetables. We went ashore and met the Chiefs son John who organized a hike to the water fall and a custom dance for us the next day and Jake took us to his village where me met his wife Lucie and their two boys. Jake also invited us to his brothers wedding which was being held on Thurs the 4th. I became the official photographer and Kip was asked to present the brides and grooms (double wedding) their marriage certificates. We enjoyed our stay in Banam bay and you must check out the pictures of the dance and wedding.
Sept 2nd 2008: Departure Port: Port Sandwich 07:30 Sept 2nd, 2008
Port O'call: Banam Bay, Malekula Island 9:30 Sept 2nd, 2008
Trip: 12 nm/ Wind speeds 5 to 12 / Temp 82 / Water 85
The short hop up the coast to Banam Bay went quickly and we dropped anchor in 10 meters sandy bottom next to one other boat. Special Blend and Priscilla followed. Within minutes of anchoring we were both in the water enjoying a swim in nice clear and refreshing water.
Aug 28th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
We enjoyed our 10 days in Port Villa where we met up with a lot of our friends on other boats. The food at the Waterfront Cafe was wonderful, they even served great Mexican food which delighted all us Americans. We found great markets with prices much better than Fiji on both food and alcohol. Although we enjoy the city kind of life we are out here to see Vanuatu's Islands and people. Port Sandwich was our first favorite anchorage, although we could not swim in the bay as there are reports of sharks in the water we enjoyed spending time on shore. We handed out t shirts, breakfast crackers, balloons, candy, toys and pencils and we got more fruit especially pamplemousse (grapefruit) and vegetables than we needed. We listened to a political rally, watched the kids sail a canoe with a tree branch sail, and traded fish hooks and small utility knives with the boys who came to the boat. A few days later our buddy boats (Special Blend and Priscilla) arrived and we left the next morning for Banam Bay.
Aug 28th 2008: Departure Port: Emai Island 07:00 Aug 28th, 2008
Port O'call: Port Sandwich, Malekula Island 11:00 Aug 26th, 2008
Trip: 38 nm/ Wind speeds 5 to 12 / Temp 78 / Water 85
We' ed had enough of the rolly anchorage, picked up anchor early and headed across the channel to Malekula Island. The seas were mixed with the wind behind us, we were thrilled to find Port Sandwich Harbor as calm as can be.
Aug 26th 2008: Departure Port: Havana Bay 08:45 Aug 26th, 2008
Port O'call: Emai Island, Vanuatu 13:00 Aug 26th, 2008
Trip: 38 nm/ Wind speeds 5 to 20 / Temp 82 / Water 85
Our first thought was to head to an anchorage at the top of Efate Island but as we approached we discovered it was untenable. We crossed the channel to the Island of Emai and hooked a large Marlin which jumped out of the water several times unwinding most of our line before taking off with our hook. We spent one night in Sulva Bay and the second night in Laman Bay where we met the ICA rally fleet from New Zealand. Lamen Bay anchorage turned out to be very rolly and uncomfortable. We took a digny ride and walked around the village and talked to a few locals.
Aug 25th 2008: Departure Port: Port Villa 09:00 Aug 25th, 2008
Port O'call: Havana Bay, Efate Island 13:00 Aug 25th, 2008
Trip: 24 nm/ Wind speeds 5 to 20 / Temp 82 / Water 80
We stopped and filled up with water before heading out through shallow water into the Bay. Rounding the point we headed to Havana Bay (American Pool) where we found calmer waters and dropped the hook in 10 meters on sand. We took the digny to shore and walk towards the village where we found the American Pool built during WWII and visited with a few locals.
Aug 15th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
Four day passages are always harder then longer ones. We can't seem to get into a routine which makes it for a very un restful three and a half days. We were excited to pull into Port Villa Vanuatu Friday morning only to find out it was a holiday weekend and we may not be cleared in until Monday. Bummed about not being able to get off Adelia for three days, we started a list of chores to pass the time. A few hours after our arrival Yachting World Vanuatu located a Quarantine Officer who was willing to clear us in for and extra $10.00. Yeah! The chores will have to wait, we picked up a mooring and off to explore this new Country. Walking around we noticed the cars drive on the same side of the road as us and there are a lot of duty free shops where we will be able to stock up when we clear out. Today is my little sister Lucie's 50th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCIE and welcome to the fifties club.
Aug 11th 2008: Departure Port Lautoka Fiji 12:00 Aug 11th, 2008
Port O'call: Port Villa, Efate Island, Vanuatu Aug 15th, 2008
Trip: 585 nm/ Wind speeds variable / Temp 82 / Water 80
With the check out formalities done we left Lautoka and motored along the coral reef to the Malola Pass and were once again under sail and out to sea. The wind died down during the night so we motored. The rest of the passage was much the same with sailing, motoring, sailing, motoring. The seas were unsettled with rollers from all directions which made it uncomfortable at times. Our passage was uneventfully except for not much sleep and Denise spilling sprite on the navigation lap top. Fortunately she had another set up and ready to turn on. With the navigation up and running we continued on and caught a 25 lb tuna.
Aug 11th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
We really enjoyed Fiji and its Islands, we look forward to seeing Vanuatu. Kip & I golfed 18 holes a couple of times in Musket Cove and the snorkeling was very good in a couple of anchorages. The weather on Viti Levu was a lot dryer than Vanua Levu. We saw a lot of different cultures along with a large variety of dwellings and people. I hope you enjoy the Fiji page and photos. Bula (hello) and Vinaka (thank you).
July 14th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
We headed to Lautoka, checked in with the Port Captain which took very little time and headed strait to Vudu Point Marina. The Marina is small, they have a great Yacht Club and all the facilities we need. It's located just a few miles from the main Fiji Airport in Nadi. We've been enjoying our stay here as we took the local bus to Lautoka and to Nadi for fun. We've been able to go on bike rides to the nearby villages and resorts.
July 2nd 2008: Departure Port: Nananu Viti Levu Island 7:30 July 2nd, 2008
Port O'call: Vatia Wharf 12:30 June 2nd, 2008
Trip: 25 nm/ Wind speeds 5- 15kts / Temp 82 / Water 84
As we were setting the sails we looked back to see all the other boats following us out. We had an exciting but challenging sail to our next anchorage as we had to change course many times to stay within the reefs. After several tries the anchor finally hooked in 5 meters in mud. Our anchor doesn't seem to like muddy bottoms which most of the anchorages are because of the mangroves.
June 30th 2008: Departure Port: Yadua Island, Fiji 7:00 June 30th, 2008
Port O'call: Nananu Viti Levu, Fiji 13:00 June 30th, 2008
Trip: 28 nm/ Wind speeds 12- 26kts / Temp 82 / Water 84
Our buddy boat Splinters was leaving as we were pulling up our anchor we discovered the chain was rapped around a big coral head. We hailed them on the radio and as friends do, they turned around and came back to help us out. Bone dove down with his Scuba to free it as Denise pulled it up. As we headed into the open sea the wind picked up and we were getting water over the bow on a close reach. The seas finally calm downed a bit as we reached the half way point. We made our way through the unmarked channel using our electronic charts then on to the empty bay. As were dropping our anchor six boats on the NZ Cruising Club Rally came in.
June 29th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
Today is my sister Louise and brother in law's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOUISE AND RICHARD. We really enjoyed all the small anchorages and the natives we've seen along Vanua Levu and the small Islands we stopped at. We are looking forward to Viti Levu and getting to a marina so I can update my web site. We will go to Latoka to check in then Vudu Point Marina to get some repairs done and supplies. Then we will head to the Yasawa Island Group which is very close to Viti Levu.
June 29th 2008: Departure Port: Koro Bay 8:00 June 29th, 2008
Port O'call: Yadua Island 13:45 June 29th, 2008
Trip: 22.6 nm/ Wind speeds 0 - 5kts / Temp 80 / Water 83
We had a quiet passage to the Island motor sailing all the way. This will be our last anchorage before we cross the channel to Viti Levu the second large Island. We anchored on the west side of Yadua Island, it was a beautiful day and clear waters. We went to shore in the kayak, and did some exploring with Beth and Bone on Splinters Apprentice, the only other boat in the anchorage.
June 27th 2008: Departure Port: Naurore Bay 8:30 June 27th, 2008
Port O'call: Koro Bay 11:00 June 27th, 2008
Trip: 12.8 nm/ Wind speeds 0 - 8kts / Temp 80 / Water 83
We dropped the anchor in the shallow bay in 3 meters of water. We hung out on the boat for the rest of the day as it started to rain. In the morning we headed into the village with Beth and Bone to meet the chief and present whim with some cava for allowing us to stay in the bay. It was Friday so most of the children were in school. After a brief sevusevu ceremony a nice young lady took us on a tour of the village. Unfortunately it started raining and we had to rush back to get all our hatches closed on the boat. Kip & I went back in the morning and finished our tour followed by a mob of children who followed us back to the dinghy. Of course they went ahead of us and were all sitting and waiting to help us launch it.
June 26th 2008: Departure Port: Malau, Labasa 9:00 June 26th, 2008
Port O'call: Naurore Bay 15:15 June 26th, 2008
Trip: 20nm/ Wind speeds 5 - 20kts / Temp 80 / Water 83
We had an overnight outside the beautiful Nukubati Resort. After a brief visit ashore we pulled up anchor and headed out through the reefs and had a nice sail to our next destination. Picking out our next spot for the night, after passing a few trying to get out of the wind, we anchored in 7 meters. We spent a quiet night on board. and in the morning we conferred with our buddy boat Splinters to go around the headlands to a more protected anchorage to wait out upcoming weather.
June 23rd 2008: Departure Port: Blackjack Bay 9:00 June 23rd,. 2008
Port O'call: Malau, Labasa 15:15 June 23rd, 2008
Trip: 11nm/ Wind speeds 5 - 18kts / Temp 80 / Water 83
We had another pleasant sail downwind heading into Malau which is the Port of Entry for Labasa the third largest city in Fiji. AS we approached the anchorage we were boarded by the Fiji Navy who checked our paper work. All went well and we anchored in 6 meters in front of the Timber Mill.
June 14th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
Jim of Also Island hosts Rag of the Air at 07:00 Channel 8173 USB where boaters can check in and give their positions while on passage., He took us to the village to visit the chief. As we sat around waiting for the chief to arrive a cute little boy Bandi came and sat down beside me and within minutes here came a few more. They love to have their pictures taken. After a brief sevusevu with the chief we headed back to shore followed by a parade of children.
June 14th 2008: Departure Port: Also Island 9:00 June 21 th. 2008
Port O'call: Blackjack Bay 15:15 June 21th. 2008
Trip: 34.8 nm/ Wind speeds 4 - 24kts / Temp 80 / Water 83
Backtracking once more through the pass with the help of the following current we were out to sea in no time. We set out the fishing line and within minutes we hooked another mahi mahi this one a little smaller about 30 lbs. The digny was hoist in the back and as the swell approached us from behind I hoisted the fish into the digny. Denise cleaned it as we were under sail into the pass towards Blackjack Bay. A beautiful unoccupied beach appeared as we rounded the point into the bay. We anchored securely in 10 meters sandy bottom and had a great barbecue on the beach the next day.
June 17th 2008: Departure Port: Albert Cove 6:45 June 17 th. 2008
Port O'call: Also Island 13:00 June 17th. 2008
Trip: 42.5 nm/ Wind speeds 10 - 18kts / Temp 80 / Water 83
Heading out following our entering track the passage out went very well. With the wind in the right direction we were under sail and on to the next anchorage. Being in the open sea and not within the reefs we put out the fishing line and in no time hooked a 35 lb mahi mahi and missed our north tack confusing the two boats with us. The long passage through the reefs into the anchorage at Also Island was deeper than we had anticipated. The wind was blowing 20kts as we were trying to anchor and after the third attempt it hooked in 15 feet.
June 14th 2008: Departure Port: Katherine Bay 9:45 June 14 th. 2008
Port O'call: Albert Cove, Rabi Island 13:00 June 14th. 2008
Trip: 13.5 nm/ Wind speeds 15 kts / Temp 82 / Water 87
Our charts seemed to work fine as we motored back and forth across the 180 degree line avoiding the reefs on our way to Albert Cove. We entered the anchorage in good visibility and dropped the hook in 40 feet. We met up with our friends on shore and took a little tour of the four home village.
June 8th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
Today is my baby girls 30th birthday, no wonder I feel old sometimes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL. Hugs from mom and Kip. We are sure enjoying all the un crowded anchorage around the north side of Vanua Levu along with David and Juliet and Beth and Bone. We were the only three sailing vessels when we arrived in Katherine Bay, however five more arrived the next day. We went to shore and visited the villagers and were introduced to Alf one of the Island Police who invited us in for sevusevu which is explained earlier. Later we were all invited on the S/V Destiny an American boat for cocktails and munchies. Such a tough life!!! The following day Alf came by the boats and invited all the boaters to an evening of cava, good food and great songs. A few days later the weather turned pretty nasty with very strong winds and powerful rains. With no warning and after staying put for three days Adelia's anchor dragged and we were forced to re-anchor in a different spot. Luckily we did not hit the other boat which was behind us.
June 8th 2008: Departure Port: Kioa Island, Fiji 9:00 June 8 th. 2008
Port O'call: Katherine Bay, Fiji 11:15 June 8 th. 2008
Trip: 8.2 nm/ Wind speeds 5 - 10kts / Temp 82 / Water 87
As Denise pulled up the anchor in 65 feet of water, up came a large chunk of coral with it which I had to knock off. We navigated round the coral reefs by sight as our charts didn't work well crossing the 180 degree meridian. We entered the bay with no problem and dropped the anchor in 33 feet of water.
June 7th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
We all decided that this little bay on Kioa Island was a very well kept secret. We took the kayak out for a spin around the edge of the bay where we could see the fish swimming around the coral heads. We thought the bay was uninhabited until a small man came out of the mangroves a low tide and stared at the three yachts sitting in his bay for a very long time. We did some snorkeling and it was spectacular. Since we had a lot of fish in the freezer left Kip & I decided to invite our UK friends on S/V Reflections and Splinters Apprentice to a traditional fish taco dinner along with a game of Mexican Train (Dominoes). Towards the end of the day we noticed several small canoes which we had passed by on our way here were coming in the bay. They were all headed to the entrance cut in the mangroves where I had seen the short man earlier. Later as we were winding down dinner a few of the fisherman came back out with lights for night time fishing.
June 7th 2008: Departure Port: Naqaiqai Bay, Fiji 8:30 June 7 th. 2008
Port O'call: Kioa Island, Fiji 10:45 June 7 th. 2008
Trip: 12 nm/ Wind speeds 5 - 10kts / Temp 82 / Water 87
We had a short uneventful trip to a small no name bay on the north side of Kioa Island. The bay was very deep all the way to the edge where we dropped anchor in 60 ft of water. We were the only three boats in the bay which is surrounded by mangroves with one small entrance going to a village which we could not see. The water was crystal clear so we wasted no time jumping in.
June 6th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
For a week now we've been navigating around some of the anchorages on the coast of Vanua Levu one of the large Islands in Fiji. While in Savusavu we met Curly, a retired sailor who gives classes on village protocol in the Fiji Islands. Women must wear skirts below the knees along with sleeved shirts. Men also must wear sleeved shirts and either long shorts or skirts as I call them and we must remove our shoes before entering a home. Usually visitors are invited to participate in a yagona ceremony called Sevusevu where we present the chief or elder of the village with a gift usually yagona root. Once the chief or elder accepts it, it is then crushed and into powder form used to make the cava drink. Everyone sits in a circle, the powder is place is a piece of cloth then soaked in water in a yagona bowl (tanoa). When offered a cup or bilo of the kava drink you must clap once drink it in one gulp then clap three time after returning the cup. I must say cava is not high on my list of good drinks, it makes the tongue and lips numb.
June 6th 2008: Departure Port: Viani Bay, Fiji 10:00 June 6 th. 2008
Port O'call: Naqaiqai Bay, Fiji 11:30 June 6 th. 2008
Trip: 9 nm/ Wind speeds 5 - 20kts / Temp 82 / Water 87
We picked up anchor without a problem in a bay covered with coral heads. Up to now our charts from Navionics & Nobletec were accurate so we took the lead through the pass into Naqaiqai Bay. The wind picked up as we entered the bay. Our first attempt to set the anchor failed, so we moved closer to the mouth of the bay where the guidebooks showed good holding in 35 feet on a muddy bottom.
May 31th 2008: Departure Port: Fawn Harbor, Fiji 08:30 May 31rst, 2008
Port O'call: Viani Bay Fiji 12:00 May 31rst, 2008
Trip: 19 nm/ Wind speeds 5 - 20kts / Temp 82 / Water 87
We traced our track back through the pass with good light. With the wind on the bow, we motored the 19 nm to Viani Bay. Our short trip was quite eventful, as Denise slid back the hatch to go down below, she put her hand on a sea snake that looked like one of our furling lines. Realizing this she jumped back, I was sure she was going to jump ship, the snake fell down below into the galley. I managed to catch it before it disappeared and quickly threw it overboard. A little while later we caught a 4 ft. mahi mahi. We arrived safely through the pass which was much wider than Fawn Harbor and anchored in 55ft of water. As we were the only ones who caught a fish everyone was invited on Adelia for a fish dinner.
May 29th 2008: Departure Port: Savusavu Fiji 06:30 May 29th, 2008
Port O'call: Fawn Harbor 11:30 May 29th, 2008
Trip: 35.5 nm/ Wind speeds 15 - 20kts / Temp 82 / Water 87
We spent the night at anchor near the point of Savusavu to set out early to the east towards Fawn Harbor. It was a little rough going to weather, but soon we were on a close reach we were sailing nicely along the side of our fellow yachts, Reflections and Splinters Apprentice, two UK Boats. We had a great sail and entered very carefully the well marked channel between two encroaching reefs, what a sight to see breaking waves so close on either side of us. We anchored in 10 meters of water in the beautiful sheltered and calm bay.
May 26th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
It was a sad day as we left the Riverside Marina and said goodbye to our friends. After seven months of being in a marina (except for the short trip we took to Great Barrier Island in February) it was time to leave and head out towards warmer weather as New Zealand was getting colder and heading into winter. We quickly settled in for the long passage, looking forward to our radio nets each night at 1800 hrs. to see how our friends making the same passage were doing. As we got further away from New Zealand the water and air temperatures slowly went up and after 4 days we were back in shorts and tank tops. The anticipation of our arrival in our next port rises as we get closer, its another new country with new cultures which we look forward to exploring.
May 26th. 2008: Departure Port: Whangarei New Zealand, 14:00 May 12th, 2008
Port O'call: Savusavu Fiji 18:30 May 20th, 2008
Trip: 1265 nm/ Wind speeds 10 - 25kts / Temp 68-80 / Water 68-84
After 7 months in Whangarei a weather window has arrived and it's time to fuel up and leave for Fiji. Clearing out of New Zealand, we were under sail and heading north to warmer country. As we were sailing along the coast line a distressed call came over the VHF from a small fishing vessel who sent up a flare to show us his position. We relayed to message to the coast guard which soon came to their rescue. We set in for a rather wet crossing with the wind on our beam and occasional splash into the cockpit as we reached speeds of over 9 kts. Overall we had a good passage and a fairly quick one. Seven and half days at sea we motored only 27hrs, and as we got closer to Savusavu we had to slow Adelia down in order to arrive during daylight hours.
May 11th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms (Mums as the Kiwis say) I hope you have a wonderful day. It's official we leave New Zealand Monday May 12th around 1200 hrs. We look forward to fair winds and a smooth passage as we make our way towards Fiji. We want you all to know that we are not alone out there, there are many other boats leaving for the same destination and we keep in touch with each other via single sideband radio. We monitor channels 4024 LSB at 1800 hrs and 8101 at 1814 everyday and give each other weather and position reports. New Zealand is a great place to visit and I would encourage you all to see it. Fair winds and following seas to everyone sailing with us.
May 2nd, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
As we quickly approach our departure from New Zealand to start our 2008 cruising season, I wanted to give you an overview of our 2006-07 adventure. We covered 10,003 miles, traveled 1 yr 2 days, visited 8 Countries, 23 Islands. We are looking forward to this season of cruising and we hope you will enjoy it as well.
April 12th, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
Another month has gone by, time is sure going fast. We hauled Adelia out of the water a few days ago and put two coats of paint on the bottom. We will probably be out of the water for a few more days getting other things done. I have finally redone my front page as I promised, I'm sure the new menu will work better than the last one. If any of you find errors on the web site please please send an email so I can correct them.
March 3rd, 2008: Notes from the first mate:
Well I think it's about time I get this web site active again, it's been quite a busy 4 months, Kip & I both left Adelia for a while and traveled back to the US and I to Canada to visit our family and friends. We enjoyed spending the holiday season back home and loved seeing all our family and friends but it's great to be back aboard Adelia. We also appreciate the hospitality that everyone extended us, and want to thank my sister Marie and our friend Terri in Ventura who opened her home to us for over a month. We've both been back since mid Feb and have been busy cleaning and doing repairs on Adelia. We enjoyed a week at Great Barrier Island with our friend Howard from Ventura and Terry & Violet on the SV Southwind III from Vancouver. Great Barrier Island is a must for those of you who love to hike, especially off season. Howard has left us to tour the South Island & and Kip & I are busy preparing for our next crossing to Fiji which should be around the end of April or early May.
While I was in the US and Canada I looked at my web site on a lot of different computer screens and discovered that my fancy opening page menu does not work very well on most so I am in the process of restructuring the front page in hopes to make it simply for all of you to follow our voyage. We are looking forward to our second cruising of sailing and hope you all will come with us. While we are in New Zealand, we hope to visit the more of the North Island & South Island.
February 24th. 2008: Departure Port: Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island, 07:20 Feb. 24th, 2008
Port O'call: 14:20 Marsden Point, Urquharts Bay, Feb. 24th, 2008
Trip: 42 nm/ Wind speeds 15 - 25kts / Temp 75 / Water 76
We left on a blustery rainy morning sailing on a close reach on coarse. Howard took the helm going over 8kts at times. As we approached the mouth of the river, we met very strong currents coming out and decided to motor to our anchorage. We dropped anchor in 10m fairly protected from the wind. We pulled up anchor at 09:30 and made our way to the Riverside Dr. Marina pulling in at 11:45 on high tides.
February 20th. 2008: Departure Port: Marsden Point, Urquharts Bay, 07:00 Feb. 20th, 2008
Port O'call: 17:30 Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island Feb. 20th, 2008
Trip: 42 nm/ Wind speeds 15 - 25kts / Temp 75 / Water 76
Heading into the wind with seas going out, I logged a trip plan with the Whangarei Coast Guard confirming three on board myself, Denise & Howard. Under sail right away, reaching as close as I could but still could not keep us on a strait course. We had a great sail, tacking once to get around Little Barrier Island. We motored the last few miles and dropped anchor in 14m at Port Fitzroy Bay.
February 19th. 2008: Departure Port: Riverside Dr. Marina Whangarei, 17:30 Feb. 19th, 2008
Port O'call: Marsden Point, Urquharts Bay 20:30 Feb. 19th, 2008
Trip: 12 nm/ Wind speeds 15 - 25kts / Temp 75 / Water 76
We left the Marina two hours before high tide and got stuck in the mud by Dockland 5 when we tried to go around a boat anchored in the middle of the channel. We backed out of it and proceeded without any more problems. We dropped anchor in 16m on shale bottom. A windy night but flat sees.
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