Past North Island

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Wed 16 Dec 2020 23:44
Noon positions: 42 24.7 S 175 20.0 E
Course: SW Speed 1.5 knots
Wind: SSE F2 Sea: slight Swell: S 1.5 m
Weather: sunny, mild
Day’s run: 103 nm

We have made it past Cape Palliser, the southern most point of New Zealand’s North Island, and are now drifting in light winds some 50 miles south of it, sails slatting in the slight swell that never ceases rolling up from the Southern Ocean. Over the last 24 hours we have mostly been able to sail but have resorted to motoring for a total of four hours when the wind has not provided enough pressure to prevent the sails from crashing about. The forecast is for SE winds of 15 knots this afternoon, backing NE of similar strength this evening, freshening to 20 knots tomorrow morning. That will certainly help us on our way to Stewart Island.

Meanwhile, we drift (though I think I will start the motor again very soon).

All is well.