Noumea to NZ

Storyteller
Thu 16 Oct 2008 04:31
Position 25.02S  167.58E
 
After clearing immigration, customs we left Noumea at midday and in company with our heavenly twin, Southern Princess, and passed through the pass in the out reef at 3 in the afternoon. With a fine 25kt SE wind we had good sailing with staysail and reefed main. At about 5pm the breeze dropped a little so we set our newly repaired  Genoa. Five minutes later there was aloud report when we tore the top out of the sail! With help from Terry and Chrissie we managed to secured the sail to the lifelines and we were underway again.
 
Fortunately the wind has done exactly as forecast and last night with help from the motor we have been able to keep the speed up to average about seven knots. The sea is a bit bouncy but we are making good time. We have just enjoyed a late lunch of shepherd's pie and a fine bottle of white wine.
 
The forecast through to Norfolk Island is good and we should get there early Saturday. I imagine we will spend most of the day there repairing the damaged headsail.