Conditions were mixed from Suwarrow, one night with uncomfortable seas where we could not easily get the best from Eowyn. At other times we broad reached comfortably under full sail.

On Tuesday morning I was net controller for the daily SSB round-up. This always begins with a 5 minute silence to listen for emergency calls. We were startled when there was a Pan Pan call from Sandro on Lady Lisa. They had a rope around the propeller and could not use the engine. We arranged to intercept them and sail alongside to provide a sea tow if they lost wind close to the Island. In the event it was not needed and we both crossed the finishing line around 4 am. We moored and Sandro waited for dawn as we had arranged for them to be towed in by dinghies from Kalliope and Destiny.

Niue turned out to be the most welcoming destined so far. Keith Vial, the Commodore of the yacht club, ferried us to Customs & Immigration and provided all the information we needed. He rented a minibus to give us a tour and there was evening entertainment laid on with a BBQ one night and a massive buffet provided by the Islanders another night. All with music and singing.

        
         Keith Vial with Dinghy Hoist                                                             Crews of Eowyn, Kalliope, Lady Eve 6

Niue is an independent South Pacific country with a population of only 1300. The Nuieans and ex pat New Zealanders are as friendly and helpful as is possible. We found our stay here very relaxing indeed. We  still found time for a couple of scuba dives. We saw lots of sea snakes, sharks and explored understand caves and caverns.

                          
Barbeque and Impromptu Sing Song                                                         Crews of Eowyn & Sunrise                                                                               Paul Tetlow Learns Niuean Dancing    

  Today, Monday, we set off for the 2 day sail to Tonga. We cross the international date line on the way.

Crystal Clear Waters of Niue