6^th November 2009 – Passage to Opua.

Noon position- 34.02S 174.21E

1930hrs.

The front came through about 0900hrs and with it the wind swung from the West to the SE at about 20kts true, so after an arduous day punching into the wind coming exactly from whence we wish to proceed. Orion did a fly past at 1030hrs while we had a reef in and going to windward on port. Will have to see if I can get one of those shots as well as those with the kite up (see previous post). We are now in sight of Cape Wiwiki (9 Pin) and Cape Brett. We have Innovation just abeam and Ishka a couple of miles astern. No sign of Jakima (the Italians) but they're around here somewhere. Amazing really after 1100 miles we all finish in sight of each other in spite of our different routes here.

Don and Chris just prior to the front.

Chris “at one” with it.

Oh well, all's well for our lot. The wind has died and we're motoring main up. Expect to pass Wiwiki at around 10pm (that'll be 11pm NZDST). No doubt there will be a bit of a knees up on the quarantine dock when we all arrive about midnight! That's all for now - it's been good knowing you're out there. It's been fun.