We left Waikawa Bay and motored out beyond the Beef Barrels. Simon had identified a likely fishing spot from the chart and we quickly caught two large blue cod and a sea perch. We kept the two cod and put the perch back. It almost felt like going to the fish shop. 'Fish for two for dinner please'. Certainly! Within 5 mins we had the fish in the fridge and were heading on into Tasman Bay.
We motor sailed for a bit, then had a cracking sail with full sail and as the wind increased, we reefed all sails. Tuarangi's Redningskoite (Norwegian Sailing Rescue Craft) heritage came to the fore and drove us through 30+ knts of wind and a lumpy sea into the lee of Tonga Island and our chosen anchorage of Onetahuti. Slightly damp, we anchored, cleaned up and enjoyed a yummy dinner of blue cod, our own potatoes and beans.
We left fairly early today to catch a forecast Easterly wind that never really materialised and motored to Separation Point. From there we were able to goose-wing the Main and Mizzen and head onto Tarakohe at 5 knts. We were more than delighted to be joined for half an hour or so, by four endangered Hector's Dolphins -a mum and calf and two others. They kept up with us, swapping sides of the boat. It was such a treat.
Alongside in Tarakohe for a clean up and unload and then back out to our mooring. We left the boat with mixed feelings. Excited to catch up with Angus tomorrow, happy to have the trappings of home (carpet, a bed you can get out of both sides of and hot running water), but sad to leave our boat life which we have settled well into. Not done adventuring for sure!