Day 7: Passage from NZ to Fiji

Conditions remain the same, slightly forward of the beam seas and winds, making for a chunky passage. We average 155-175 nm days. Our average speed is about 7 knots. We tend to slow the boat down at night for comfort against these waves (holding her back by reefing both the main and genoa), then let her fly more during the day when we can see and anticipate the waves. We have been reefed pretty much this entire passage due to the sea state, avoiding bashing.  Our best day on the passage based on miles covered was today (175.7 nm) and that’s with double to triple reefs in!

I thought about taking a shower, but would just have to sit on the shower floor sliding about, so I passed on that. I decided to try my dry shampoo…the bottle just laughed at me…meant to help with a little grease…not layers of salt too! The sun is out and I threw on a dress just to feel tropical. In fact, then temp is up to high 70’s.

We did a great job pinching the angle and are on a course for SavuSavu, where we ideally want to make landfall. We are very determined to make landfall there to explore the nearby less populated locations.

Calder noticed that our topping lift was free in the breeze; the shackle had loosened.  Chris went forward, tied to jacklines (which we run on the boat for safety) and secured it. Most of our shackles are moused, but this one wasn’t. Mousing a shackle pin refers to using a piece of wire or cord to secure the shackle pin, preventing it from rotating or loosening, especially if the shackle will be in use for a prolonged period or subject to vibration. This method provides a secondary securement, ensuring the pin remains firmly in place. So much movement, vibration, and bashing takes a toll on gear. Chris will do a full boat inspection upon arrival to Fiji.

Out here, Starlink has been a game-changer, keeping track of weather and for communications. We have an ocean plan that we “toggle on” just before going off land to stay connected. We pay $2 per GB off shore, well worth it. On land, we just go back to our base plan.

Cora and I see the moon rise on our watch. Calder watches Venus, the Morning Star, rise in the East on his watch, glowing brightly. Chris sees the sunrise on his watch.

Cora finally got her sea legs! We sat up together on watch, talking, singing, eating chocolate, and exclaiming when waves smashed the boat sending spray! This night’s watch with Cora was a highlight for me.

Calder spots a coconut floating in the water; the tropics are near! We are SO excited to get to Fiji – getting so close!! Merrily we roll along…