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| Checking in with The Boss |
In the absence of a GPS tracker, it's the simplest way to keep in touch with position updates. Far easier than twiddling knobs on the HF!
Here are some of the texts from our Raoul-Tonga leg...
Sat, 6 May, 2100 S27 51 W176 52 Making good speed with 1 reef and full jib under a bright moon. Tuna curry 4 dinner!
Sun, 7 May, 0830 S 26 30 W176 08 Going well. 174 nautical miles in last 24 hours. Just popped in reef 2 main and jib at 25 kts and still making 8 kts so ETA dawn Tuesday.
Sun, 7 May, 2020 S25 11 W175 29 Another lovely moonlit evening. Tramping along at 9 kts. Still with 2 reefs.
Mon, 8 May, 0800 S23 47 W175 10 Another good 24 hr run. 173 nautical miles still with 2 reefs. Wind up to 30 kts but aft of the beam. Seas lumpy so plenty of surfing. Sausage stew last night - compliments to the chef!
Mon, 8 May, 1400 Reply ref conditions: Comfy enough here at 8 kts which will see us in the lee of 'Eua' Island about 2am where we will wait and then approach Nuku in daylight. 95 nm to go. Final stretch. What are the French election results?
Mon, 8 May, 2015 S22 13 W174 58 <50nm to lee of Eua island so ETA there still 2am. Rest there then into Nuku in daylight. Will call on arrival. Your chicken dinner today. Tick, VG!
Tue, 9 May, 0400 Safely at anchor NW side of Eua Is. Arrival tot (tradition), hot porridge, then some bunk time before moving up to Nuku in the morning for official arrival. Chat in the AM. xxx
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| Duck! |
The 30 kts mentioned above was the wind strength we were experiencing 'apparent'. The reinforced Trades were actually giving us up to 40 kts 'true', but no need to worry anyone.
With 2 deep reefs, a bright moon, and both wind & seas behind us, the extra breeze simply gave us a fast & fun, if sometimes wet, crossing!
Funnily enough, it always seemed to be Arthur on the receiving end...
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