Finally Underway

Monday 19 July 2021

The day started with a glorious sunrise and after clearing customs around 10:30, we had one last coffee at the cafe and went aboard.

Oh, only after paying my last invoice at the Marina office, it was then a case of backing out of our berth for the last time and heading out into channel past Opua and on to Paihia It was here that Linda was spending the last couple days resting up, as tomorrow she flys home to Melbourne having spent about four weeks here in New Zealand

Standing at the end of the Paihia wharf Linda took some photos of us doing a drive-by. On Board, there were no ‘Costa Concordia’ distractions, just a straight course and soon enough we were heading out onto the big blue with Paihia falling astern.

The wind was steady from the west and the sea reasonably flat, making for good times for what is expected to be an 11 day voyage.

As we headed out to sea, a steady swell came in from the north west. Matt and Harm worked hard to trim the sails gaining maximum speed from the brisk conditions – around 7 knots without the engine.

Leaving the Bay of islands and heading out to sea

Life aboard hasn’t yet developed steady routines. But the initial excitement has dissipated and we are enjoying what Matt describes as ‘champagne’ sailing.

I’m making best use of the last bit of coastal Internet and so will sign off now until tomorrow thanks again everyone for your interest and best wishes see you again soon.