No wind this last twenty-four hours and the engine has been running constantly. The diesel bunker is getting low now so I was grateful when the wind finally showed up just after noon. Since then we have been sailing nicely straight down the track to Opua in beautify weather. In anticipation of the big blow this... Continue Reading →
DAY 13 ONWARD FROM TONGA
This morning the wind finally died at ten, just ripples on the water. We now have a huge spreading calm patch to get through before picking up the strong north westerly winds that will take us the final step to Opua. The Yanmar engine has been running since the wind left us. Maybe it will... Continue Reading →
10,000 MILES WITH TRUCE
Banging to windward all last night and today on starboard tack. Getting to New Zealand is a battle, every mile must be won. I am not complaining – some are still in the north waiting for a break in the weather and one yachtsman is sheltering at Raoul Island. The daybreak this morning was beautiful... Continue Reading →
WORKING TO GET SOUTH
It’s a good job I made muffins yesterday – it would never have happened today, conditions are far too boisterous. The day started out with a rain squall and front just after midnight. Then a strong south west wind and swell set in and we have been using it all day make our way south the... Continue Reading →
ENOUGH WEST – TURNING SOUTH TO NEW ZEALAND
I haven’t posted a log for a couple of days. I didn’t have much to say, Truce and I have been beating to the west to get around a am nasty patch of weather above New Zealand. Same slog day after day. After three days, we have gained enough distance to start turning to the... Continue Reading →
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Last night at midnight we passed through a weather front. As we approached the front we were becalmed and motored in windless conditions for an hour before picking up the wind from the south east. When the wind filled in it had some force, we had a boisterous sail to mid-day with more benign conditions since. There... Continue Reading →
A NIP IN THE AIR
Last night was cool, for the first time since Hawaii I had track pants on with a long-sleeved fleece shirt. We are certainly out of the tropics now and I can expect more cold weather when we hit the south westerly winds later this evening. I will dig out my thermals tomorrow – just in case. Its... Continue Reading →
THE LONG ROAD BACK TO NEW ZEALAND
The anchorage at Minerva Reef turned out to be very peaceful, despite my initial misgivings. I had a great rest and felt very refreshed this morning. And what a morning, a glorious sunrise, warm sunshine and crystal-clear waters. No sound except the distant thunder of surf on the reef. I breakfasted in the cockpit on... Continue Reading →
ANCHORED AT NORTH MINERVA REEF -WITH GREEN FLASH
If the previous night was a magical sailing night - one to remember, last evenings fare was from the other end of the spectrum and easily forgettable. From six in the evening to nine I struggled to get Truce to hold a course, the wind and sea were all over the place. In the dark... Continue Reading →
MORE MAGIC SAILING
Last night was a magical sailing night – one to remember. The wind was only slight but a constant six or seven knots. The sea was calm with bio luminescence shimmering in our wake. The only noise was the sea as we passed through at three or four knots. So comfortable and I slept well.... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 