We are leaving. A turbulent low weather front has gone through causing a gale with winds raging between 30 and 47 knots. We had been sitting out this strong gale which had been whipping up all day trapping us on the boat. We had Gryphon II out at anchor but she started dragging dangerously so we had to move quickly and take shelter inside a large break water where we spent the night. All was well, the fierce wind subsided and peace was restored by early morning. We are off on the back of this trough as a spell of settled high pressure is forecast now starting today.

This is a difficult goodbye, New Zealand has suited us so very well. We have found it to be a beautiful and varied country with friendly, easy-going people. The climate is wonderful enabling an outdoor life for most of the year, we are really smitten and would like to live here. Having family here has increased the pleasure for us, but we miss our own small family and the rest of our journey calls us on so it's Fiji next.

The barometer will need a watchful eye for sudden drops in pressure. April is still just the end of the cyclone season so we need to be cautious. We draw weather information from a variety of sources such as saildocs.com, sailmail, MetService New Zealand and others; Together they enable us to get scheduled wind warnings and forecasts as well as grib files and other data showing wind and pressure formations over a series of days. We also get a weekly emailed forecast from NZ Weather Ambassador Bob McDavitt, guru par excellence (Chris has just purchased his book 'Mariners Met Pack, South West Pacific', published by NZ MetService – very good). The forecast is promising from all these sources and we can draw down files from them by email to keep updated on prospects during the journey. Such excellent support.

Final bits and pieces have already been done like the last stowage of fresh provisions, preparing the rear cabin which we use on passages, fitting new jib sheets and the new water maker that was replaced free by Katadyne after an ongoing problem. This morning the fuel and water tanks were filled early and we met the Customs Officer to complete our clearances. “Come again soon,” she said – yes please! The outboard motor, dinghy and other harbour paraphernalia have been stowed for the journey and I have restocked the fishing box.

Well, the long narrow peninsula of north island NZ has disappeared over the horizon. We motored for a couple of hours as there was little wind in the Bay of Islands or outside in the lee of the land, this seemed extraordinary after yesterday. Then Gryphon sailed close hauled to starboard for three hours with NW3/4 winds carrying us along at a jaunty angle. The moon rose easterly, a red giant that lit the sky and the sea; always comforting to sail with a full moon, especially on the first night out.

20/04/11

A bit of a bouncy night. The barometer was rising and falling between 1020 and 1024 bars. At lunch time our southerly wind disappeared and the engine went on, we can't afford to wallow in this sea as troughs will catch us up if we do. We have been lucky to avoid some small squalls in the distance but could see the grey rain streaks spiralling down to the sea. We have had no rain so far but no sun either although it's gradually getting warmer.

I put the fishing line out with a large hook and an old red and yellow octopus lure at about 1100 hrs this morning. I left it late as Chris was still sleeping after his 0400 to 0800 watch and if I caught a fish I probably wouldn't be able to bring it in myself. Just as he got up and went into the cockpit the fish was there; a Mahi Mahi, one of the most beautiful of all the ocean fish that we catch with its stunning iridescent turquoise, blues, greens and gold. Well fishing is fishing and this is a fine 8 pounder and a welcome addition to the larder.