18.40S 173.59W Neiafu, Tonga

Mojo 2
Andrew Partington
Sun 25 Sep 2011 02:41
It is now 3pm and we have just anchored in Neiafu Harbour, Tonga. In getting here we crossed the international date line so we jumped from Friday straight to Sunday. Saturday the 24th of September 2011 has been lost to Rob and I forever.
Had a very easy sail overnight and arrived at the northern side of the Island of Vava'u around 7am. Between first sighting the island at sunrise and arriving here we were kept company by several dolphins, had some small whales [??false killer whales or pilot whales] cross just metres ahead of us and an hour later humpback whales breaching ahead of us.  We had a quiet sail around the island in an 8 knot wind before turning back west to enter the harbour. Entering the harbour we passed dozens of small limestone islands and a number of other boats, mainly from a local charter company. We are anchored here with around 100 other boats in a very picturesque setting. We are in 4 metres of clear water just 15 metres from the shore, which is covered with thick vegetation and dotted with palm trees.
We have the quatantine flag up and because it's Sunday we can't clear in or go ashore until tomorrow.
With us arriving here Robert has now sailed a total of 2000NM on Mojo 2.
Just considering our next move now and have not ruled out heading straight to Brisbane which is just under 1900NM away.
Andrew.