We decided to spend only one night in Minerva Reef. It was very protected, there is no swell during the low tide and we had a great night of sleep. Next day we decided to leave, we had a yummy mahi mahi for lunch and left around 3:00 pm. We didn't want to risk losing the weather window staying longer in the reef but I would have loved to go for a walk on the reef during low tide.

The weather window to go to Opua is very good at the moment with forecast of 10-15 knots of wind (from the right direction) until we get there. There are around 15 boats in the 50 miles radius from us, only two in sight but we're happy to not have many others at night. The boats we have close to us we know who they are and we have radio contact.

Today we passed only 5 miles away from Windigo and we were surprised how close we were from it. We got the position of the boat after we passed it so we were not aware of the danger. Windigo was abandoned a week ago after they capsized on a storm and the crew got injured. They asked for help and they got rescued and went back to NZ. The boat and two life-rafts are afloat and today we got the position of them. In a ocean like that it was scary close. The boat is still floating on the course of a boat coming from Tonga to New Zealand and its a hazard, specially at night.

Our passage so far has been wonderful, light wind and calm seas. We are doing well not using the engine much but if we get becalmed we will. Its nice to be able to have a nice meal, a good night sleep and its sunny and still warm!

Position: 25' 10.31S: 179' 17.42E Course: 210' Speed: 4.5 knots(from 3-5.5 knots during the day) Wind: E, SE Wind speed: 10 (from 7-10 knots today)