The crew is starting to get used to the shipboard life.

The first day out of Fiji we had pretty strong wind caused by the trade
winds bending around Viti Levu (the island we’d been staying at and
cruising around). Viti Levu is about the size of the Big Island of
Hawaii, and has some substantial hills, so it affects the wind and waves
around it for quite a way. We shortened sail to the third reef in the
main plus stays’l, and kept the wind aft of the beam for a smoother ride
for the crewmembers new to offshore sailing. That also bent our course
west of the rhumb line direct to New Zealand. Eventually, we got far
enough from the island that the wind and waves moderated so we headed
direct for New Zealand on a beam reach.

Wind and waves continued to moderate so we shook out a reef and
proceeded with double reefed main and stays’l. Last night was a
wonderful evening for sailing. 15 knots of wind, clear skies and
moderate seas. Grant was feeling well enough to stand watches with his
Dad. Todd and I stood solo night watches and at the handoff I introduced
him to the Southern Cross.

All hands had deck showers today, an event welcomed by all. The wind has
come down a little and moved around so we’re on a broad reach direct for
New Zealand, making about 5 knots.

Morale remains high.

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