The start of this leg was a little different from what we have done in the past.  Normally we do a racing start where we all try to pass between a boat and a mark at the right time.  In this case because of the location and danger departing through the reef we all were to start pulling up anchor at the same time, 10:00 AM.  This sounded like a good plan.  Unfortunately we were anchored in over 25 meters of water.  When we tried to bring our anchor up, the rode was caught on coral.  We ended up with help from two other boats that were not leaving with us as well as the local park ranger.  The rode was tangled into coral in several places.  With the depth it was very difficult to see which direction to move the boat to free it.  Two hours later we were motoring out the pass.

 

So far the winds have been very light so we motored until early evening.  We have been sailing in light air since then.  We are headed toward a front with much more wind and will reach it sometime tonight.

 

We expect to get to Niue in about three more days.  Unfortunately we may not be able to stop there if there is much swell in the harbor.  It is not protected from the South and West.  In that case we will continue on to Tonga, an additional 200 miles.

 

Don