22:27S 177:03W

 

125mls to go to Minerva Reef

 

Leaving Tonga was tinged with sadness – we’d really enjoyed our six weeks there and it would have been lovely to linger a little longer.   But....there is lots to do in New Zealand, family and friends to catch up with and we really want to have Bandit in the Marlborough Sounds by Christmas.   So an early October departure it was.

 

We left the anchorage off Pangiamotu after breakfast and a final swim.....we do plan to stop in Minerva Reef but we have limits about water temperature and fear the waters of Minerva will be a tad too chilly for our liking!  The winds initially were light and David had the MPS (spinnaker) all ready to go but as we rounded the last reef and came onto course the wind increased and came forward so out went the genoa.  The seas were kind and Bandit romped along at seven knots – far too fast for a daylight arrival into Minerva- but we didn’t want to slow down in case the winds died....which they duly did. 

 

By nightfall the wind was less than 10 knots and our boat speed had dropped accordingly.  It was a very slow night but everyone slept well with flattish seas and a level boat.  It was wonderful to split night watches into three lots of four hours – our good friend Alastair Shanks on board and it’s making life  so much easier.  He has sailed for many years and more miles than anyone we know and his experience is invaluable.  We’re thoroughly enjoying listening to his salty sea tales.

 

At first light today the spinnaker went up and our boat speed picked up – we’re now doing four knots towards Minerva and should be in by early afternoon tomorrow.   Conditions are fantastic – it’s hot and sunny, the seas are slight and we’re all enjoying the flat seas.

 

So far the fishing has been lousy.   We had a strike going through the reef at Tonga and later in the day lost a lure to something very big.  The lines went out at first light but, despite having a huge school of tuna all around the boat, nothing has taken the lure.   As I write this David and Alastair are on the bow with the speargun trying to harpoon one!