Position: 35 13.59 S 174 11.97 E
At anchor, Awaawaroa Bay, Moturua Island
Wind: S, F3 gentle breeze
Sea state: rippled Swell: nil
Weather: mostly sunny, mild
Day’s run: 2.8 nm

We got under way from Motuarohia Bay at 1430. I followed my usual practice of sailing from anchor when safe to do so, partially hoisting the main so as to cause Sylph to sail up to her anchor, making it easier to get it in with the manual anchor winch. All went well until after we were under way and I attempted to hoist the main the rest of the way up (with one reef) and found that the halyard had wrapped around a mast step towards the top of the mast – an oversight on my part as I usually check the halyard before hoisting to ensure it is clear. This little snag meant I had to drop the main again and then motor back into the bay to get a bit of shelter (it was still blowing a force five outside the bay) and turn into the wind then hoist the mainsail again. A slight delay but otherwise not a problem.

As mentioned, outside the bay the wind was blowing very fresh, 18 knots gusting 25. Putting a reef in the main was a good call and we had no need of the jib. Indeed, in hindsight the jib alone would have worked well as it was a downwind sail to our destination of Awaawaroa Bay, only a bit over two miles away; but generally I prefer having the main up as it allows for greater manoeuvrability if we need to head into the wind at all.

At 1510 we were entering Awaawaroa Bay which is quite small, only 160 meters wide at the entrance, so not a lot of room to swing to anchor in. As we made our approach, I could see that three other boats were anchored in the vicinity making the situation too crowded to attempt to sail in, so I started the BRM and handed the main. Fortunately, two of the three boats were anchored outside the bay proper so after motoring around a bit I found a good spot in between the boat furthest in and the next one out. We came to anchor at 1521.

I enjoyed a peaceful night and have spent today doing a few chores. Unfortunately, one cannot go ashore here as the bay is hemmed in on all sides by steep terrain and dense woodland. The other boats have all moved on so we have the bay to ourselves (I wonder if they know something I don’t?). The forecast is for mostly SW winds over the next few days. My plan is to stay here tonight and tomorrow to move around the corner to Whaiwapuku Bay where there is supposed to be a nice trail to walk.

In the meantime, I shall enjoy the peaceful beauty of our solitary anchorage.

All is well.