We had another weather briefing today and it’s not looking good for an imminent departure to Tonga… sadface… If EVERYTHING goes our way, we may be able to get away this weekend, more likely however is early to mid next week.
In the meantime we’ve fixed a few more things and ordered a few more parts and headed out for another sail local cruise. Currently listening to Johnny Cash while at anchor in Napua Bay after a tuna pasta dinner. Maybe we’ll get the 500s cards out again soon…. or maybe not!
We have 4 people on board, each with at least 2 devices, each with access to Predictwind or Windy.com or Metbob or any of a host of other sources each checked almost continuously…The message is consistently don’t leave now!
In the meantime, we had an enjoyable overnight out in the bay of islands and even managed to rendezvous with our friends Trevor and Gill on Phoenix for sundowners.
We may go out for a few days later in the week and go a little further afield.
The little system up north is developing into something bigger…. 🙁
While we could have a good 800nm, the final 200nm would be VERY uncomfortable so we, along with the rest of the fleet, have decided to delay our departure. For how long is anybody’s guess (hopefully days, but it could be weeks).
We shall go for a local sail in the BoI for the next couple of days though.
The jobs list has no high priority items on it. The freezers are full (thankfully after being fixed by Joe from Northfreeze !), The engine and Genset are fully serviced, the rigging is tip-top (thanks Sean and Buddha). Crew ready go!
We are scheduled to clear out of NZ tomorrow for a departure on Monday (or Tuesday, weather depending).
Just getting here has been a journey and many people have willing helped the cause. (I have put several NZ kids through private school though!) Special mention to Philip the builder who has lent me his spare car for the week… It was so helpful!
The jobs list is finally getting to a manageable size! Michelle has been making Mari look pretty today and Dave has been playing plumber, installing a new kitchen tap, all day.
There is a weather system developing near Vanuatu that may delay our departure, but the fleet is still aiming for Monday.
Final crew member Greg arrives this evening.
Looking forward to sailing under the full moon next week.
