Race to Tapana

September 25

After a rainy morning, sky cleared, wind picked up to 15 from the perfect direction and excitement built for looming excellent adventure. In preparation for the ten NM sail, managed to find hidies for under-dinette jetsam, but additional organizational skills (such as they are) will ultimately be required. Expect to get all pending improvements to boat, including leak stoppage, completed in next several weeks before departure toward Whangerei... or not.

In the race to Tapana Island, site of tonight's Full Moon Party, would like to announce, with great pride, that Anthem did not finish last. Yeeesssss! It was a pyrrhic victory for all those speed sleds, miniature cruisers, rowboats, inner tubes and jellyfish that beat us, because we had way more fun, avoiding the debilitating stress of competition. Crew were two young Aussie women on extended vacation (experienced one on the helm and first-timer as decorative ballast). After the party am expecting a menage a un as girls will be cabbing back to Neiafu. OK Cal, your immediate thought was naughty, wasn't it? Don't lie to me!

Arrived at festivities locale around 1400 to anchor in 90 feet and dash out a few words. Do not expect further additions to this codswallop (love the English), after returning home at some highly irregular hour yet to be determined. Have every expectation that this event, like Agincourt, will cause those to curse their fortune who were not here this night, at least the survivors... bloody, but unbowed.

Jack