New Zealand

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Mon 13 Jan 2020 02:23
Noon Position: 34 56.8 S 172 25.1 E
Course: N Speed: 2 knots
Wind: NW, F2 slight breeze
Sea: slight Swell: NW 0.5m
Weather: sunny, warm
Day’s run: 100 nm

At 1150 we made landfall, raising Cape Reinga visually off the starboard bow. Thus we can officially say we have crossed the Tasman Sea, marking Kate and Oli’s first ‘ocean’ crossing. Well done Kate and Oli.

Light winds continue. Overnight we managed to make good 55nm in the right direction until 0600 when the winds fell light and contrary. Boat speed was down to less than 2 knots so, in the interests of maintaining crew morale, we started the BRM. According to the weather map there is a cold front to the west of us and, supposedly, still heading this way. But the pressure gradient is almost non-existent and the barometer is stuck on 1018hPa, so I expect winds will remain very light for at least the rest of the day.

To drift or to motor … ?

Likely a bit of both.

For now we are managing to make good 2 knots under sail in a northerly direction.

All is well.