11/03/2007, En Route from Fiji to New Zealand
The wind has been light most of the past 24 hours requiring running the engine to make any progress, but in the past two hours we have been able to sail at 5 knots. The swell is low with a long period so the boat movement is comfortable. The forecast calls for more of the same conditions. The noon-to-noon distance for today was 100 miles for an average speed of 4.2 kts. We are not setting any records but we will eventually get there.
This afternoon we sailed through an area of floating volcanic pumice, probably from an underwater eruption which is known to happen in this part of the world. Quite interesting! There were quite a few fish jumping in the affected area and we managed to land a small skipjack tuna, not my favorite, but fresh food for dinner.
All else is well onboard.
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11/02/2007, En Route from Fiji to New Zealand
Sand Dollar passed through the barrier reef at Navula Passage around noon today to leave the waters of Fiji until, perhaps, next season. I have enjoyed this island group as much as any other in the South Pacific. The scenery is beautiful, the diving superb, everyone speaks English, and the people are truly wonderful. I can see why the Kiwis come here year after year.
The wind was light and variable today so we made only modest progress toward the port of Opua, NZ. The trip is about 1100 miles and will take anywhere from 9 - 15 days, depending on the wind speed and direction. There are currently at least 12 boats that started the passage in the past two days. Most of us keep in touch on the single sideband radio. Although this can be a challenging passage, the weather outlook is favorable and we receive updates daily. Of course, we are planning a big party when we finally make landfall.
All else is well onboard except that I hooked and lost a huge fish that broke the 50 lb test line. I am guessing it was an 80 lb tuna.
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11/01/2007, Vuda Point Marina, Fiji
Departure for New Zealand is set for tomorrow, Nov. 2 in the morning. The weather gurus have predicted a very good window for this passage but they really can only see the first 4-5 days of a 9-10 day trip. For the second half you take what you get. Sand Dollar is in good shape and is ready for the passage. We have taken on provisions, fuel, and water. There are about 10 boats all leaving in the next couple of days so there will plenty of folks to talk to on the radio. My new crew member is excited about the trip, his first ocean passage.
All else is well onboard.
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10/31/2007, Vuda Point Marina, Fiji
Note: Poor radio transmission in the marina is limiting my ability to update reports.
Former crew member, Laure, left for Savusavu today to join a boat heading to Australia. I wish her well. In the meantime, my new crew, Uri, arrived from New Zealand to assist in the passage south. Although his ocean experience is limited, he is bright and eager to learn. We are now waiting for a weather window and may leave as early as this afternoon if everything looks good.
All else is well onboard.
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10/29/2007, Vuda Point Marina, Fiji
Sand Dollar departed Navandra Island at 8:30 AM and had a very pleasant 26 mile sail to Vuda Point Marina where I reconnected with friends I had not seen in months. After cocktails at the yacht club we went to a neighboring restaurant and stuffed ourselves with two-for- the-price-of-one-pizza.
My crew, Laure, has found a boat to Australia so she will be leaving me in a day or two. In the mean time, I have found new crew who is flying in from NZ on Wednesday. He is very keen to do the passage south and, although I have not met him yet, comes highly recommended by mutual friends. The next several days will be spent preparing the boat and looking for a weather window.
All else is well onboard.
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10/28/2007, Navadra Island, Fiji
This little island has become one of my favorite places. It is uninhabited, the beaches are clean and beautiful, the water is very clear and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. The snorkeling is the best I've seen since the Tuamotos and the fishing is acceptable. I could stay here for another few days but I am running out of time.
There are two other boats in the anchorage, an Austrian trimaran skippered by a young singlehander, and a French steel sloop crewed by a young couple and their visiting relatives. Tonight we had a beach barbecue featuring a bluefin trevally I caught this morning and several squid netted by the Austrian fellow. It's the best meal I've had in months!
All else is well onboard. Tomorrow we head back to the marina at Vuda Pt. and begin preparations for the passage to New Zealand.
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