All being well, we now have less than two days to run to Nuku Hiva. Distance-wise it's about the same as three English Channel crossings - 230 miles. Our paperwork for a stopover in Nuku Hiva has been submitted by our agent. We will now be managing our speed to arrive off the islands in daylight, to make for a safe arrival and to enjoy the spectacle of our first land in three weeks. These islands are quite tall (1000+m) so it is possible that we might see land tomorrow evening subject to visibility (which is normally pretty good). The winds look fair set for a nice steady run in, but it's never done till it's done.

We are eating down the last of the fresh vegetables as well as working our way through the tuna mountain. If we had to carry on to Tahiti it would be on a diet of pumpkin, rice, sauerkraut and tuna. Since catching the beast, we have made tuna tacos, peppered tuna with cabbage, tuna and quinoa salad and, for tonight, tuna with mango sauce and mashed potatoes.

So how is everyone feeling?
Lesley - I'll be happy not to need those Velcro jammies, and hopefully get a full relaxing night of sleep, though I will miss the constant noise of the waves and the lovely cool night watches.
Dave - Looking forward to siting land, but will really miss the connection one has with the sea and sky out here. I can (and do) gaze at the sea for hours - it changes every moment.
Kate - I'll be glad not to cook at a 45 degree angle, and to have quiet after the constant noise of the waves. But the night skies, have been fabulous.
Graham - Will miss the starry nights and the endless sea view but looking forward to living on a flat and relatively steady surface again.

We will try & get one last update out tomorrow before we hopefully sight land and prepare for our last night at sea.

Until tomorrow …..