NZ to Vanuatu May 2026

Rob Lydon

Amazing crossing! This was as close to a perfect weather window as one will get coming north from NZ this time of year! 7.6 knot average. 20-25 knot wind from 120-135° TWA, on starboard the whole way! Waves 3-5m following virtually the whole way. Surfed up into the teens regularly. A bit bumpy, but eminently manageable. Put up the sails initially with a single reef in the main and jib fully deployed, then double reefed the main and triple reefed the jib in the middle of the second day as the wind built. Then didn’t touch the sails the rest of the entire trip! The new autopilot system worked flawlessly, the boat stayed dry, the food was epic. The only bummer was we got strep throat a couple of days prior to departure from NZ, and were pretty sick for several days. Thankful for antibiotics! Anchored in Port Vila harbor at the Q buoy at precisely 5pm! Perfect time for the beer! The crew is happy, we can’t wait to clear customs and get to diving!