16:46.665 S  179:19.915 E

16/8/08  17:30

We were poled out most of the day.  The wind flipped from ESEto ENE and we dropped the pole.  Now the wind isn’t sure what’s it’s doing so we decide to motor for a couple of hours to charge the batteries while the wind makes up its mind. Now that we’re motoring the ETA dramatically improves from 10pm to 2 pm. Its only another 163 miles.

11:30

The wind hasn’t come back and according to the forecast is unlikely to do so.   So we are still motoring.  It’s a full moon  although there is quite a bit of cloud about.  Sunset tonight started off mildly and became pretty outrageous.  Lots of 170 Cloud gobos with  just the  right amount of smudge focus.

17/8/08 06:30

The wind has truly abandoned us.  We’ve motored all night.  Very little sea.  Good for sleeping. It’s a vey hot dawn as there is no wind at all.  Hopefully something will stir soon.  We’re in amongst the Fijian Islands of which there are hundreds.  We will  soon pass  through the narrow strait between  Taveuni and Vanua Levu.  ETA Savusavu is 13:30.

13:45

We picked up a mooring at the Copra Shed Marina at 13:40.  In the end we motored since 17:30 yesterday.   There is still no wind and it’s seriously hot.  Customs are apparently on standby amd will come to the boat later to clear us in.  About 10:30 we crossed the 180 Degree latitude and  entered the Eastern Hemisphere. 

15:30

 A Customs and Immigration Officier followed by a health official both visited the boat and the check in was absolutely painless. Tomorrow we organize a cruising permit in the marina. Just when we thought it was done a quarantine officier turned up.