Heading for NZ
31 October 2009 | Tasman Sea
Michael and Jackie
We're on the final leg of the journey to New Zealand. Although it seems to be only, only??? 800 miles, the journey is longer because of tacking. We have to head South for a long time and then pick up Westerlies to push us into New Zealand. Or at least that is the general idea.
The tacking South means that even if we are doing 6 knots we only get 3.5 knots closer to our destination. Tomorrow all being well we should be able to make a straight course into the North Cape, which is much better for morale.
One benefit of stopping at Norfolk Island is the wood fired bakery. We purchased some bread there as well as pizzas and pies. The pizzas and pies we brought with us to stave off the cold of the south. Apparently it was only 8^C this morning in Opua. Hot water bottles, blankets and thermals are rapidly being deployed.