Sand Dollar arrived in Nieafu on the island of Vava'u in Tonga at 1:30 this afternoon after a fast and comfortable passage from Niuatoputapu. At times boat speed over the bottom was 7.4 knots, quite unusual for my little boat. There must have been 1/2 - 1 knot of favorable current. A boat which left two days before me met very strong head winds, ripped their headsail, and broke their main halyard. I don't think they were monitoring the weather very well.

There are probably over 100 sailboats in the Nieafu harbor including a fleet of charter boats. The village is charming and has many bars, restaurants, outdoor cafes and gift shops. This is a far cry from the last port. I have encountered several cruising friends I have not seen in months. Naturally, we sit around and trade "war stories" about our adventures.

All else is well onboard. Tomorrow morning I will cut up the 15 lb. mahi mahi I caught during the passage this morning and distribute it to some of the other boats that have been generous to me.