Position at 1200 on Tuesday 3rd November -
38 24s. 173 53e
Speed 8 Knts
COG 168T
Wind NW15
In sight of land and should be tucked up in Port Taranaki well before dark.
Certainly know we're out of the tropics - thermals and duvets have been broken out.
Since Heather left us in Noumea the journey has turned from adventure to more of a delivery trip and our focus it to get back to Nelson as quickly (but safely) as possible. But this has required a lot of motor sailing to make the tight weather windows, and we are now all a bit bored having the motors on most of the time and we're looking forward to home. I've been very lucky to have Simon, Raewyn and Rod on board who are not only great crew but good company on this less exciting part of the journey. Raewyn also helps keep our spirits up with plenty of good food!
We have at least had he pleasant distraction of seeing lots of Dolphins coming down the West Coast - in fact more than we've seen in the past 5 months combined! At one point we had around 100 around the boat (unfortunately I was off watch asleep)!
Looks like we may have to shelter in Port Taranaki until Thursday evening or Friday morning but will keep you posted! Port Taranaki is only 24 hours sailing time away from Nelson.