We departed Opua, NZ, on May 1st, 2017. It was a sunny day, our weather router had given us the thumbs up and we were finally ready for the passage!
Ninepin Island, as we leave the Bay of Islands
Another passage, another sunset…thought we saw the Green Flash but I didn’t get it on film!
Classic squall, to be avoided!
Mackerel sky
One of many rainbows
Is the horizon on fire?
The moon through the clouds. I realize it is a bit fuzzy but tripods are not an option in the middle of the ocean!
Our chart plotters have several different options for displaying information:
Navionics Chart
Note the set drift of over 2 knots in the wrong direction for us!
Making good time, 7.9 VMG. 332NM to go to our WPT west of Tongatapu. Three days out, the predicted arrival time west to Tongatapu ended up being very close to our actual.
Another screen with information about the true wind direction, etc.
It got a wee bit windy and rough for the last three or four days. We took numerous waves over the bow and coachroof. Thank goodness for the high free-board and having most of the cockpit enclosure zipped up. We did take some seasickness pills on this trip, for insurance! When you are double-handing, no one can afford to be sea sick.
Sailing on a close reach!
Time to put up the Tonga courtesy flag!
We arrived at our WPT west of Tongatapu before noon on May 8th. We were pleased to make it there in 7 days. After we turned east into the Egeria Channel toward Nuku’Alofa Harbour, we slowed down with 28 knots on the nose and an unhelpful one metre swell. It took us 5 hours to motor 15NM. We were glad to be able to anchor just before dark. Monty quickly brought out two plastic champagne flutes, a bottle of NZ sparkling wine, some cheese and crackers. We were definitely ready for a hot shower, without having to hold on for dear life, and a good night’s sleep!
Fortunately, not much motoring on this passage!
Next up Nuku’Alofa and the check-in process!
10 comments
Glad you made it in time with little to no trouble, not everyone did.
Ahoy from Penang. Thank goodenss you are safe. With Donna building further North West while you were underway, I was afraid you might get hit. Sounds like you had smoe big seas but that all went well. Enjoy Tonga!
PS – Great pics btw – sunsets, rainbow, lively seas…what is not to love.
Sounds like a great passage! Beautiful pictures and relatively favourable seas and weather! “All those who do not wander and wonder are lost” safe journeys!
Whew! That sounded challenging for sure. Bet that hot shower and wine felt great and well deserved. Hope for smoother sailing ahead. Xoxo B
I see you’re Expert photographer well as everything else Margi !! ? Gorgeous !
Wow, what challenging conditions! As your email described it, I could imagine it, and the photos confirm it – plenty big seas for that many days in a row. You must be feeling very seasoned by now. I look forward to learning what everything on those dials and screens means. Great photos Margy, and great sailing to you both. xo!
Just awesome Margy! ??
That passage puts lots in perspective. Glad it past without any major issues due thanks to all your preparation and attention to details. Chill in’ now? A little more kitesurfing and photography? By the way, I am now officially retired! Time to make some serious sailing plans.
Enjoy the dream.
Greg
Way to go, Greg! Joined the club of retired old farts! What are your plans? I will put up another post shortly. Check out our position on the YIT.nz site or Delorme, all available through svwhistler.com. Monty got out kiting today. Awesome spot!
Beautiful pictures! Those waves sound and look challenging. Enjoy Tonga!