OOROO1 – New Caledonia to Bundaberg Australia 25th October 2017 BLOG 1
25 October 2017 | New Caledonia
Floss
Recieved by Satphone - Posted by Tess & Jeno
Well Its finally happened, we are on our passage from Noumea to Bundaberg Australia. I’m sure it hasn’t sunk in yet but there is a level of excitement on board along with deep reflections regarding the last 5 years sailing adventures.
We checked out of Noumea on Friday, provisioned with just enough fresh produce to make the Australian border as we have to have nothing left when we make landfall. We spent the weekend cleaning and double checking every nook and cranny on OOROO to make sure we haven’t any unexpected passengers. We always spray during a passage as precaution but this time we are giving OOROO an extra spray. It is common knowledge that a clean boat will get cleared into Australia quicker and cheaper with less hassle if you have ticked all the boxes prior to arriving. We have already sent our early notification of arrival form to Australian Border Security and have the required acknowledgement receipt.
On Monday morning at 0600 we tied up at the Port Moselle fuel dock so we were first in line to get duty free fuel for the passage. After fuelling we went and anchored off Islot Lareghere for the night which is only 3nm from the passage through the reef. The following morning we departed at 0545 on a course of 260 degrees and 766 NM to Australia. We motored through the passage in calm conditions before having a motor sail followed by a full sail from 1300hrs.
We experienced SSE winds mainly averaging around 17 knots hence our average speed being over 7 knots. We reefed the genoa overnight as we had some 20 knot beam winds and awkward swell. We had three other boats around us in the Down Under Rally overnight and this morning we can see only one on AIS.
We had three cargo ships cross us uneventfully during the night so a good first night was appreciated. As the boat speed was up and conditions rough we left the rods and deployed handlines, so far to no avail.
We are both well and are pacing ourselves to see Australia in the first light of Monday morning when we will head to the quarantine berth.
Time/Date: 12.00pm 25-10- 2017 (Last 30 Hrs.)
Current Position: 22.56.200S 162.22.500E
Current Water Depth & Temp: 2000m & 23.6 degrees
Safety: All Safe, Bumpy conditions
Wind / Sails:
• Wind – 17kts TWS (AVG), MAX TWS 23kts, MIN TWS 11kts
• AVG SOG 7.36 kts
• Gennaker – 2hrs
• Genoa – 25hrs
• Main sail – 23hrs
Distance Travelled: 221 NM
Distance Remaining : 545 nm (straight line)
Engine Hrs: 6 motored through Dunbia passage until wind
Where to now: Heading 260 degrees to Bundaberg Australia
Fishing and Wildlife: No Fish on lines, 1 flying fish on deck, plenty of birds.
Meals: Porridge, Ham, salad, fresh fruit, Pork chops and baked veggies, yogurt.