Clive Carrington-Wood

The first day at sea in over a month, so welcome after a month stuck in the marina. Sailing into light winds with a badly fouled bottom meant slow progress but we were under sail and therefore very happy. Easterly wind F 3 at best gave calm conditions but cloud cover kept the temperature moderate.

What a voyage! Drive belt failure leading to alternator failure and eventually Engine failure, generator failure, flooding of the forward cabin, switch failure of the furling winch, contrary winds, light airs and eventually a gale from astern (thank heavens) to blow us into the Bay of Islands. Phew, what a passage.

A bright but overcast day. Following a morning swim with plenty to see on the coral reef at Yanuya, we stowed the dhobeying and got under way with light airs to motor all the way. Passing Monuriki, the island where Tom Hanks filmed Castaway and others where the television series Survivor and Love Island were filmed, we slowed to half speed on passing over a reef but maintained 4m under the keel. On anchoring in the busy Anchorage of Musket Cove, the rain started!

A breezy start with a fresh F5 from the NE, flukes winds as we headed south and passed the high ground on our port side. Wind died away to F1 and we motor sailed for the last hour and a half. Arrival Is in a beautiful anchorage with crystal clear water wind sandy beach and drooping palm trees behind.

Hoisted main a foresail before brief instruction on weighing anchor on the foredeck. Skipper was over excited and dragged the snubber hook over the gypsy, disengaging the anchor chain and this allowing it ALL to run out. Situation was quickly recovered and a pleasant downwind sail ensued with wind blowing F4 -F5 from the North East. Excitement dodging between reefs with only 2.5m beneath the keel at one stage but arrived safe and happy in a windy but calm anchorage.