Andrew Fox

Forecast was Morning W 3 knots increasing to N 9 knots; Afternoon N 10-13 with gust to 19 knots. After departing Motuarohia Island after 12 midday we sailed close-hauled with a no. 2 jib and and unreefed main. Conditions were light with a consistent breeze - had to tack to keep clear of Motuarohia Island, after two more tacks the wind died out and couldn’t tack over towards Tapeka Point. Started the motor and travelled for about 5 minutes under motor with sails - then the land breeze arrived and lifted the motor. Then had a nice close reach to Tapeka and then a mostly beam reach towards Opua.

Lifted anchor from Otupoho Bay, Moturua Island and made way under motor to glance at the north-west cove of Motukiekie Island. Turned and made way south and then west to Moutarohia Island for a walk up the hill to the lookout. Conditions were clam with little wind.

Forecast was Morning W 6-13 knots; Afternoon W 9-12 knots gusting 17 knots. Hoisted sails with no. 2 jib and a reefed main as a precaution following changeable gusty conditions over the previous days. Conditions were good and made good progress with a tidal assist - sailing mostly on a close reach to Tapeka Point. The wind died out past the point so unreefed the main and gybed then the sea breeze came and had a nice broad reach past Motuarohia Island - then gybed again and headed Moturua Island where the anchor was dropped in Otupoho Bay.

Instruction day with Amanda Swan, Great Escape - covered mooring, rowing and navigation.

Forecast was NW 20 knots. Second instruction day with Amanda Swan, Great Escape where we went out past Tapeka Point. We learned heaving to into a hove to position (picture shows no hands on tiller). Also practiced anchoring.

First instruction day with Amanda Swan, Great Escape. Conditions were very challenging with strong gusts. A very strong gust (Amanda thinks 35 knots) from a different direction hit us on our side tipping the boat well over - Amanda was on the helm and put the boat in a hove to position until the wind direction settled. Sail settings were good - reefed main and no. 2 jib.