Tonga - Ha'api

Questionable Logic
Ewan Briggs
Wed 12 Aug 2009 06:30
Position: 19:50.89S 174:24.76W
 
Kirsten and Mark arrived yesterday morning. Great to have them onboard again - it's been a while and a few miles!
Keen to get out of Nuku Alofa and explore some of Tonga's cruising spots we filled up with water and food and set off north for the overnight trip up to the Ha'api group.
Tonga has been rocked recently by a ferry disaster in which the best part of 100 people lost their lives near the Ha'api group. A combination of waves and poor weight distribution apparently. The weather here has been pretty strong easterlies (20-25kts), lots of cloud and the occasional shower - feels like europe!
 
So we had a pretty punchy overnight sail, small jib and a fully reefed main. Something of a baptism by fire for Mark and Kirsten only a few hours after they arrived - but it's been worth it. We've anchored in a stunning spot in a big bay which we're sharing with two other yachts. We're nicely sheltered behind the island, so whilst it is still windy it's pretty quiet.
 
The plan is to spend a couple of nights here and then head across to Fiji.