We headed off this morning. We decided that we would go to the Isle of Pins first, and then leave there tomorrow morning, Wednesday. The Isle de Pins is to the South East of New Caledonia, a distance of about 60 miles from Noumea. So going there first gets us further East and gives us a better angle for the next stage of the passage. It also means that we have a night at anchor rather than on passage.

We got up at 5.30 am and left the marina. We had to pick up fuel before we left, so all in all it was 8 am before we actually got going. Getting out was fun, one of the throttle controls decided to fall off, and we were showing no speed and no revs on one engine. Still all sorted now.

Unfortunately going to the Isle of Pins was quite bumpy and slow since we had the wind on the nose pretty well all the way. The islands are very beautiful - last time we went there though we had a Westerly helping us which made a big difference. Still the idea is that we will have a sleep at anchor before setting off for Norfolk Island and New Zealand tomorrow at first light.

All the Best

Jackie and Michael