Minerva Reef.

It's a mythical place. On the edge of the Southern Pacific.

A place between Tonga and New Zealand.

A shelter of sorts - an oasis to yachts in transit - a place to regroup for the final dash south to escape the

cyclone season of the winter months in the central Pacific.

3 nm in diameter a perfect reef rises out of 6,000 + feet of the ocean floor.

an oceanic castle.

sharks turtles parrot fish lobsters red skies and unforgettable clear night skies

no artificial lights other than anchor lights - 10 yachts left today -

we will leave tomorrow - a trek of probably 3 - 4 ships to get to New Zealand -

the weather looks good for the passage - although always challenging -

as the southern ocean spews up it's spring storms unannounced and in a cycle of 5 days

so you are guaranteed a whack - on a voyage of 6 days - the question is the order of magnitude .

there is nothing worst than knowing that one will suffer ...

see you in New Zealand -

whakadoodledo !