This was our
second attempt to get to New Zealand. The first time it was a failure,
only me to be blamed, 40 miles out of Tongatapu we had to turn back. Due
to anxiety and stress combined with the terrible motion of the boat I
was badly seasick, collapsed and cut my brow on the right eye and
bruised the left. 10 miles out of Nuku'alofa, Graham put a PAN PAN
Medico out on VHF Radio. Julia, on Papillion took the call and sprung
into action. She timed up a professional skipper, John, with an Orthopedic
Surgeon, Jean, into a day charter boat to meet us outside the reef. John
took over the navigation, as Graham was exhausted, and Jean nursed
me until we got into the harbour. Then we had an ambulance organized by
Julia, waiting for us. It really didn't need all that, but it was great
to get all the help! Nuku'alofa Hospital was superb, they were prompt
and very friendly. Obviously we provided great entertainment for all
boats in the anchorage as it was all broadcasted on the main channel.
After cleared from hospital I just had to deal with the embarrassment of
a black eye and the curiosity of the other yachties.
03rd November
Amazing how the rain and strong winds that lasted for
more then a week cleared up very quickly, leaving a sticky and humid air
. Early morning we did the last shopping and last check on the weather.
On the way back to Nomad Life, a procession of yachts were already going
through the pass. We left at midday. Once through the pass Graham
hoisted the sails and off we went , with engine, as there was no
wind.
04th November
The wind gradually increased and we reefed down. The
first time in one year and half we were beating against the wind, the
motion on the boat was awful. Sleeping was impossible and going bellow
deck was avoided like a plague. Papillion and Irie were on VHF
range, so we got weather information from them. The wind would decrease
a bit and come more from East. All good. We decided to head to Minerva
Reef, as we were getting tired of being chucked around. South and North
Minerva Reef are two atolls between Tonga and New Zealand. Both are
submerged even in low tide, but it is possible to anchor inside, in 10 metres.
05th November
Approaching Minerva the wind decreased. The breakers
could only be seen from 3 miles away. The pass was straight forward and
we dropped the hook near the entrance. Amazing the blue transparent
water and just to be anchored in, what seems like, open ocean.
After a sleep, swim and some lunch, we left at 4 pm. We were tempted to
stay the night, but also we knew that on this trip, we had to keep
on the move before the weather deteriorates.
06th November
No wind. It would have been an uneventful day if it
wasn't the engine. Apart from a oil and water leak, now we also had a
diesel leak. Graham fixed the problem, now we have to monitor the engine.
07th November
Still no wind, the seas looked like a mirror, so flat
that it resembled a lake. It was a beautiful sunny day. On the SSB net
there were talks of gales forecasted for Sunday, with winds of 30-40
knots.
08th November
The day was a mixture of sunny cold weather, gradually
deteriorating in the afternoon. Mid afternoon I woke Graham
up, it did not look good. The sea turned choppy and uneven, the wind
went up to 25 knots, so we had to reef in. Again it was very uncomfortable,
cooking was challenging. On SSB we got the latest weather forecast from
Garth on Dream Keeper. By Sunday, the wind will be strong, 30 knots or
more. We are 360 miles out, it looks that we will arrive Sunday.
Although we are keeping a minimum of 5 knots, with engine if necessary,
it will depend on the wind direction to make it for Sunday. With the SE
winds we are unable to head south. We are very close to the infamous 30°S,
bellow this latitude gales can happen. At 6 pm the wind calmed down and
the engine went on.
09th November
For the first time in one and half years we are
freezing. I dug out gloves, boots, wool hats, pullovers, socks, even
with all these clothes on still cold. The temperature is 17°C at night,
but the wind is steel cold. According to the weather forecast, there is
a low front coming through, the further South we can be the better. We
are really pressing hard to get as South as possible but the wind
direction has to change. 224 miles to go.
12th November
Finally the wind turned to E and we have been heading
South for the last 30 hrs. Yesterday the wind picked up and we are
flying at 7 knots! The estimated time of arrival is today midday,
50 miles to go! All very exiting. I could hear Russell Radio, for
whom we have to report before arriving . So glad that we are almost in,
we were very lucky to have had a wonderful trip.
Arriving into Bay of Island is quite breath taking,
masses of land all around, hills with pine trees and greenery . There is
a great feeling of returning once more to civilization. We can't
wait to gorge ourselves with variety of food, fine wines, be in a marina
and have proper shower after more than 6 months. For all the boats that
arrived there is a great feeling of achievement and relief that this
trip is over. We spent the following day celebrating together with
Scholarship, Irie, Robin's Nest, Sol Searcher, Dream Keeper.
