Steve traveled to Hamilton and found a motorcycle. He brought it to Opua, packed his things and left to tour the beautiful New Zealand countryside.

We arrived in Opua New Zealand at 10AM NZ time. The trip took 7 days and 20 hours. The last few days there was more wind than in the earlier part of the trip. It was close to the nose so sailing was "close hauled" -- not our favorite.

We are glad to be back on "terra firma". Many others we know are here. We are at the dock in B12 for a month. Then it will be a pile mooring and Sam will travel to the US.

The trip has mostly been motor-sailing. In almost a week we have made over 600 miles and have less than 400 to go.

We are spending Thanksgiving at sea this year.

Sam and Steve motor-sailed into the wind from Denauau to Vuda Point. Steve had to hand steer because the autopilot had trouble with the heavy winds on the nose. Once in Vuda in a slip, last minute preparations were made including getting the solar panels working with the new batteries.

Catharpin Blue checked out from Vuda Point and left Nadi waters from Vuda Point November 22 (Fiji time) at about 2:00 PM.

The flyers worked. We were able to interview several potential crew members. Steve Kennedy from San Diego joined the crew. We are very glad to have him.

Before taking the long trip the turbo was repaired. In addition the batteries arrived and Sam and Steve installed them.

Sam and Steve took a "test sail" to Waya Island in the Mamanuca Islands to the west of Nadi. The turbo seemed to be working well.