23/9/19, 2230 Hrs Arrival RPAYC

22/9/19, 1215 Hrs, Leave Batemans Bay

Position Report and other info UTC (+10 Hrs Sydney Time)

Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Should this page not be updating then updates may be occurring via Satellite phone on the Posts page. You can contact us by sending an SMS (via email) To Satellite Phone. Please Note SMS is a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or message header blank

UPDATE PENDING

Thursday, 2 May 2019, 1030 Hrs

42 28 S, 148 23 E, 18 Nm West of Triabunna, still not much wind and its been very foggy since yesterday evening. Plenty of phosphorescence about last night with a huge pod of dolphins playing around the stern of the boat, made being soaked in the weather a bit more fun. Current ETA Hobart is looking like early Friday morning.

Wednesday, 1 May 2019, 1700 Hrs

41 14 S, 148 24 E, 5 Nm Off St Helens Point TAS !! Finally some limted reception. Again under light winds but hopefully the NE and Northerlies forcast for tomorrow will speed us up again. Current ETA is looking like Friday morning in Hobart, getting there !

Tuesday, 30 April 2019, 0900 Hrs

38 37 S, 149 57 E, 65 Nm South of Gabo Island and around 100 Nm North of Flinders. Seas are about 2 M with 20-25 Kts of wind. Making good speeds but have just Gybed to take us closer to Flinders where the seas and wind are predicted to be less, so  a bit more comfortable on board. All is going well.

Monday, 29 April 2019, 1100 Hrs

36 31 S, 150 10 E, 15 Nm NW of Tathra slowly motoring into a light 13 Kts Southerly as we await the forecast variable winds followed by Northerlies as we approach the strait. Expecting to have good following winds for the next few days to send us on to Hobart. All is well

Sunday, 28 April 2019, 0800 Hrs

34 52 S, 151 00 E, 15 Nm NE of Jervis Bay, Although the forecast says it should be variable winds this morning we are currently getting a 25 kts SW wind which is slowing our progress considerably. It shouldn’t be too much of a problem however as the wind down south is not expected to ease until Monday afternoon for a better outlook on the Bass Strait crossing.

Saturday, 27 April 2019, 1700 Hrs

Leaving the fuel dock in Rushcutters Bay.

Sunday, 21 April 2019, 2000 Hrs

CYCA Sydney, Thank you Chris and Annie for your help on the first leg to Hobart

1100 Hrs,

Through the Swansea Channel and Bridge, Sydney here we come!

1000 Hrs

Leaving Lake Macquarrie Yacht Club for Sydney. Thank you to Rod Mackay for your help and great to catch up last night.

Notes on Communication: – Please feel free to send SMS messages via your email
direct to the satellite phone on board. Simply click the “free” link shown on
the top of this page or type the address as 881631430767@msg.iridium.com
It’s only a maximum of 120 Characters and you need to leave the subject or
message header blank

Monday, 8 April 2019, 2230 Hrs

35 42.9 S, 150 11.3 E, Batemans Bay Marina, Sophias new Pen. Thank you very much Pierre and Brett.

1800 Hrs

35 53 S, 150 14 E, Approaching Broulee Island, just 10 Nm south of our destination in Batemans Bay. We will need to wait an hour or two in the Bay for the high tide to cross the bar as it has not been dredged in a while but expect to be moored up in Sofia’s new home late this evening. Will update in a day or two as will have a lot happening in the next 24 Hrs. My appologies for the lack of decent updates on this trip but the lack of autopilot has demanded more time.

Saturday, 6 April 2019, 1230 Hrs

38 52 S, 146 36 E, Leaving Corner inlet. Winds West at 18 Kts expected to assist us well into the Strait tonight before a brief period of easterlies forecast for Sunday. All well.

1015 Hrs

Leaving Port Welshpool

Thursday, 4 April 2019, 1145 Hrs

38 42 S, 146 28 E, Followed the Lewis Channel to Port Welshpool, (Dinah’s Welsh relatives?) Fuel, water and a break for the next 2 days we expect.

0615 Hrs

Leaving Refuge Cove anchorage. Rest, food and sleep Yeah!!

0615 Hrs

Leaving Refuge Cove anchorage. Rest, food and sleep Yeah!!

Wednesday, 3 April 2019, 1430 Hrs

39 02 S, 146 27.9 E, Anchored at Refuge Cove

1230 Hrs

39 09 S, 146 22 E, Wilsons Promontory ! Half way across the Bight. We will be anchoring in Refuge Cove this afternoon before moving on to Port Welshpool very early tomorrow morning. The weather should improve on Saturday Morning for the secound half of the Bight crossing. Looking forward to a good sleep tonight.

Tuesday, 2 April 2019, 1200 Hrs

38 57 S, 142 40 E, 10 Nm East of Cape Ottway and about to run out of phone service for the next 24 Hrs. Current forecasts should have us around Wilsons Prom in about 24 Hrs and from there we are planning to go to Port Welshpool for a couple of days to wait for some more favourable winds. Currently under engine, may have sails for a few hours later but expecting to motor most of the way across this ditch.

Monday, 1 April 2019, 1500 Hrs

Leaving Portland. Expecting variable winds for the next 2 days before we need to stop for a day or two whilst we wait for more favourable winds for the secound half of Bass Strait.

Saturday, 30 March 2019, 0230 Hrs

38 20.7 S, 141 36.6 E, Portland Marina. After the change came an autopilot failure, followed by almost 50 kt squalls then to cap it off hail just after catching something on the prop as we approached Portland Harbour! Not an afternoon evening to want to remember I must say. Anyway we are freezing, hungry and exausted to say the least, so finally some sleep ahead I hope.

Friday, 29 March 2019, 0800 Hrs

37 55 S, 140 06 E, 12 Nm West of Cape Banks SA, The predicted W- SW winds have just arrived at 25-30 Kts so we can finally turn off the engine. Hopefully the wind wont go too far to the South as the sea will be rising with this change making it a bit uncomfortable for the rest of the day.

Thursday, 28 March 2019, 0800 Hrs

35 54 S, 138 28 E, 20Nm SE of Backstairs Passage under engine in light conditions. All is well

Wednesday, 27 March 2019, 1400 Hrs

Leaving Marina Adelaide for Portland. Welcome aboard again Pierre! Daily updates whilst in range. My apologies for the lack of updates prior to now.

Position Report and other info (UTC -11 Hrs Sydney time)

Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark
This position and follow our Progress. Should this page not be updating
then updates may be occurring via Satellite phone on a text file

Wednesday December 14th, 0200 Hrs

Arrived Sydney, Thank you very much to Hamish and Darcy. Great job guys putting up with a grumpy old bugger for 25 Days and 3340 Nm. Duane once again thanks for your input on the weather throughout the trip will catch up soon. Final thanks to Dinah for keeping everyone informed whilst we were unable to update offshore, very much appreciated.

Tuesday Dec 13th, 0930 Hrs

33 27 S, 153 12 E, Winds NW at 27 Kts. Only 100 Nm to go to Sydney heads however it will be a long few hours. The 3rd gas bottle which we were under the impression was half full turned out to be empty so last night’s meal was tepid at best. Very little in the way of ready to eat snacks or meals so will be a very hungry crew when we finally land ashore. Arrival looks like very early Wednesday morning and hopefully customs will clear us as early as possible. Could use a coffee!

Monday Dec 12th, 0930 Hrs

32 16 S 156 00 E, Winds Variable. Still waiting on forecast Northerly winds, we had a few hours sailing yesterday afternoon however have been motoring since the SW-S winds dropped off.

Sunday Dec 11th, 0930 Hrs

31 42 S, 158 15 E, Variable winds, By again around 1600 Hrs the SW had changed more Southerly and dropping off fast. The seas were very confused so difficult to get on course until they had dropped down considerably overnight.

Lord Howe and Balls Pyramid at Sunrise

Saturday Dec 10, 0930 Hr

31 35 S, 160 26 E, Winds WSW 22 Kts. The Barometer fell fast through yesterday and by 1600 Hrs the SW had established itself at around 28 Kts stopping forward progress from here the course was as much West of North as possible.

Lord Howe at “Happy Hour

Friday December 9th, 0930 Hrs

32 06 S, 162 15 E Wind NNE 20 Kts

Thursday December 8, 0930 Hrs

31 50 S, 164 40 E Back under sail after again motoring the second part of the night. We’re going great until the early hour wind shift to the South. Managed 170 Nm in 24 hrs despite averaging over 8 kts till the change. First night of tinned emergency meals tonight so have done pretty well provisioning as Quarantine will only have our garbage to take away on arrival.

Wed Dec 7th, 0930 Hrs

30 50 S, 167 22 E, Wind NNE 13 Kts, changed to the north at around 2230 Hrs last night and has built to 13 kts at the moment. Finally a wind strength and direction to give us a good fast course. Hopefully this will hold until the SW winds up to 35 Kts arrive which is forecast for Friday morning. Now 820 Nm to go and with luck a lot faster than the previous 10 or so days.

Tuesday Dec 6th, 0930 Hrs

30 22 S, 169 35 E, Wind back again this morning to ESE 6-9 Kts after again motoring overnight. Sailing the only angle possible for most of this trip. At least there has been some weather forecast for the coming weekend so it will be a change from what we have had for the majority of this trip at least.

Monday Dec 5th, 0930 Hrs

29 44 S, 171 35 E, Ground Hog Day, wind again died overnight and was back again light in the morning. The wind direction has moved slightly more South and currently back up to around 10 -12 Kts. The rising barometer tells us we are getting closer to the next big high which will likely leave us motoring for a couple of days, hopefully a good sailing angle after that to point us towards home. Have just past the 2/3 thirds mark to Sydney. Still another 8 days of main meals (breakfast lunch and Dinner) however the range of between meal snacks is starting to concern the sweet toothed crew members.

Sunday Dec 4th, 0930 Hrs

29 28 S, 174 03 E, Wind SE 13 Kts, After motoring a lot of the night again the wind finally came in this morning at a reasonable angle. This whole trip has predominantly been light easterlies, not so good for speed when its directly behind you so finally we have a good angle for 2 sail reaching and not just wallowing around trying to gybe north and south.

Now for my product dis endorsement section, I have already complained that windows 10 home versions sucks up any data the sat phn can send our way making updates to my website too expensive, now I find office 365 locks me out of word and excel etc. because it can’t verify my subscription after 2 weeks at sea. Microsoft, you suck! open source for me

Saturday, 3 December 2016, 0930 Hrs

28 43 S, 176 04 E, Another slow night with the wind dropping to 8 Kts from early Friday afternoon. At least it was from the SE allowing us to travel on course at the best sailing angle therefore at least sailing quicker than our fuel conserving motoring speed. Currently the wind has changed to the East and is picking up, now at 13 kts. Full sail up, sunny skies, on course and speed building. Optimistically Hoping for a continuation of these conditions for the remaining 1200 Nm

Friday, 2 December 2016, 0930 Hrs

28 14 S, 178 09 E, What a wet and windy night. Around 30 Kts SE from yesterday afternoon until early morning and it absolutely pissed down. Glad we were not further north near the low centre, in fact further south would have been preferable. Next forecast came in an hour or so ago saying there is yet another hole coming and unless we sail an extra 200 nm north (and South again) we will be motoring. Great I could use the sleep.

Thursday, 1 December 2016, 0930 Hrs

28 03 S, 179 13 W, Wind ENE 18 Kts Current course of around 240 T is too far South for the weatherman’s liking however as has been the case to date its closest to the rhumbline and faster than trying to sail off it. Finally past half way with now just over 1500 Nm to Sydney and just 50 Nm to the dateline (despite changing dates 2 days ago to avoid having Monday at sea)

Wednesday, 30 November 2016, 0930 Hrs (Time change – 1 hr = Sydney summer time)

26 51 S, 176 54 W, Wind Easterly 15 kts, finally getting some reasonable speeds again. Had the Genika up for several hours yesterday and again since around 7 am. Winds forecast to increase and go a little further North over the next day or two so hope to be able to get our average back up again. We are now approximately half way to Sydney which is a bit disappointing after 11 days at sea, hopefully the second half will see some gains on the first.

Tuesday, 29 November 2016, 1030 Hrs (time change + 22 Hrs)

26 00 S, 174 32 W, Currently 8-9 Kts Southerly, under sail approximately on course at just under 5 kts. Another slow night under engine with a daily average of just 4.75 kts.

Sunday, 27 November 2016, 1230 Hrs

25 48 S, 172 51 W, Currently we have the Genika up in 8-10 kts of breeze and 4.5- 5.5 kts boat speed. Better than overnight where we needed the engine to slowly motor at 4 kts as averaged for the last 24 hrs.

Friday, 25 November 2016, 1230 Hrs

24 10 S, 169 57 W, Lost around 20 Nm sailing a westerly course whilst trying to get information on the low set to develop off New Caledonia. Currently in a 20 Kt Easterly so the wind has not dropped out yet as originally forecast, hopefully our course will take us out of the hole predicted previously.

Thursday, 24 November 2016, 1230 Hrs

23 36 S, 167 38 W, A bit overcast unfortunately today so the solar panels which have been doing fantastic till now are struggling to keep up with usage this morning.  We are just on 1000 Nm now into this passage. Weatherman had us tied to the text message editor all day with the possibility of a cyclone forming near New Caledonia.

Wednesday, 23 November 2016, 1230 Hrs

22 48 S, 165 18 W, Easterly winds have been building up to 25 Kts, Course is still on the Rhumbline however suggested by Duane to edge further North. Hard call when making some of the best miles so far on this passage. Considering options so keen to know how long the lull will last so as to know how far north is worth it.

Tuesday, 22 November 2016, 1230 Hrs

22 10 S, 162 52 W, Currently around 740 Nm behind us with approximately 2500 Nm to Sydney ahead. Weather s pleasant at 29 Degrees C and easterly wind at 15 kts. Sticking pretty much to the greater circle Rhumb line with forecasts before leaving and updates from Duane suggesting good conditions for now along this track. All is well without too many signs of cabin fever as yet.

Thursday, 17 November 2016, 1300 Hrs

Leaving Bora Bora for Australia! It probably wont be possible to update this log whilst underway on this trip due to a change of operating systems recently. Dinah will be getting an update every 3-5 days so I have forwarded relevant email addresses for updates to her. See you in a few weeks!

Wednesday, 16 November 2016, 1000Hrs

Heading ashore for what I hope is the 6^th and final visit to Gendarmes for our final clearance. Will also be topping up our fresh food, fuel and a few items required that we were not able to find in Raiatea. Will all going well update on our departure.

Tuesday, 15 November 2016, 20 25 Hrs

16 30 S, 151 45.5 W, Moored off the new Mai Kai Yacht Club. Managed to get ashore quickly to have a beer and get the free WiFi password code so now we have internet on board again making things much easier. The trip up from Raiatea is best described as WET. Tropical downpour’s the whole way, The wind 25-30 Kts from the SE just as we hope it will be for much of the crossing ahead.

1200 Hrs

Update, unfortunately the Satelite phone test (below) did not work under windows 10 but will try again before departure. Leaving shortly for Bora Bora so hope to be able to clear and leave tomorrow finally. Duane I will send all the crew NOK from there as I know we will have internet at the yacht Club. Here in Raiatea we can only get access 9-5 if in a certain café hence the lack of communication. Update soon!

Sunday, 13 November 2016, 0900 Hrs

It’s now just 48 hrs since landing in Raiatea, Tahiti. On arrival we found the boat ‘Quatra’ moored at the Marina Apooiti just west of the airport. Not looking good to find the Marina is closed for bank holiday and no keys or access to the boat. Fortunately, a charter company allowed me to use their internet to send a few messages out and call a local car rental company so we would be able to go in search of the internet. None of our Australian phones have service and Monday is the first time we would be able to get a local sim card.

Finally, we found a café that gives you 30 mins of access if you buy a drink. After 24 hrs in transit and maybe 1 – 2 hrs sleep on the floor of Tahiti airport overnight our bodies had no idea what day or time it was so a beer and the check of emails had us cancelling breakfast and heading straight back to the other side of the island to meet the previous owner of ‘Quatra’ to do a hand over.

In short we have now 80% previsioned for departure scraping together essentials at 4 different supermarkets (super is probably not the right term), taken the boat to the other side of the island to get duty free fuel, and most importantly now have a kettle for a long-awaited coffee.

We have to move from the marina in a few hours and hence loose communications again but today we are hoping to get a clearance through the ‘Gendarmes’ for a departure on Monday. Having just a few hours on the internet at this stage looking at the forecast is irrelevant until we are in a state to put to sea on one of the longest legs in the world to attempt as a nonstop passage. Initially before leaving Sydney the wind did not look ideal however I’m sure Duane will give me an accurate forecast and we can determine an actual departure time.

0100 Hrs, 16 43 S, 151 28 W, Marina in Raiatea, Sorry for the lack of an update but all is well. Lack of time and internet to update since departing Friday morning. Will have an hour or so of connection in the morning finally to return a few emails and update properly

Notes on Communication: – Please feel free to send SMS messages via your email
direct to the satellite phone on board. Simply click the “free” link shown on
the top of this page or type the address as 881631430767@msg.iridium.com
Its only a maximum of 120 Characters and you need to leave the subject or
message header blank

Thursday, 29 June 2017, 1530 Hrs

17 09s, 149 21w Arrived Papeete Marina. Sorry forgot to update this on arrival.

1100Hrs

Have made good progress the last couple of days so we are now only 22Nm from Papeete, Tahiti.

Wednesday, 28 June 2017, 1100Hrs

15 04S, 148 28 W, Around 160 Nm to our new planned destination, Tahiti. On our current rate that would put us there on Thursday night however the wind is now forward of the beam with the seas building so we may need to slow the boat to avoid arriving in the dark. Next update after arrival.

Tuesday, 27 June 2017, 1100Hrs

13 32 S, 146 53W, Now 290nm to Tahiti

Monday, 26 June 2017, 2000Hrs

Raymond Charles Neaves, October 30, 1939 – June 27, 2017

I’m going to miss you Dad

1100Hrs

12 35S, 145 17W, Almost half way with just under 450Nm to go.

Sunday, 25 June 2017, 1100 Hrs

11 26S, 143 39W, A good days average with 140Nm travelled leaving 560Nm to Bora Bora. Still have the autopilot blues so not expecting it will be 100% reliable from here on in, we may be able to take on an extra person should anyone be available from Bora Bora or probably Fiji to assist otherwise we will still be fine for the duration. Next update in a few days as we near our next destination. All is well.

Saturday, 24 June 2017, 1100Hrs

10 02S, 141 48W, 120 Nm behind us and 700Nm to Bora Bora. Motored most of the way since leaving but right on que (thanks Duane) at 10 Degree South the wind settled back to 15 kts Easterly.

Friday, 23 June 2017, 1600Hrs

A quick turnaround. all good to go, welcome aboard to Alex, his first job was to install a new circuit breaker for the generator followed by scrubbing the bilge, well done.
Expecting to be arriving in Bora Bora in approximately 7 days. so will only be updating every 3 days till then.
The water tanks have been getting a regular top up so we didn’t have to Gerry can the stuff on board whilst we were here.

1200Hrs

Leaving Nuku Hiva, Fresh bread on board and water tanks almost fully topped up. Plenty of rain overnight has given us more than enough water for the 823 Nm to Bora Bora. Winds are expected to be light to start with so we are currently under engine but looking forward to it filling in the further we get from Land and more South.

Raymond Charles Neaves, October 30, 1939 – June 27, 2017
I’m going to miss you Dad.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

Position Report and other info UTC (-8 Hrs Wind Sprite Time)

Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Should this page not be updating then updates may be occurring via Satellite phone on the Posts page. You can contact us by sending an SMS (via email) To Satellite Phone. Please Note SMS is a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or message header blank

Friday, 23 June 2017, 1200Hrs

Leaving Nuku Hiva, Fresh bread on board and water tanks almost fully topped up. Pleanty of rain overnight has given us more than enough water for the 823 Nm to Bora Bora. Winds are expected to be light to start with so we are currently under engine but looking forward to it filling in the further we get from Land and South.

Monday, 19 June 2017, 0900Hrs

09 08S, 138 07W, Reasonable progress yesterday leaving us with 120Nm to go so still expecting to arrive tuesday morning. A couple of good showers of rain overnight so now we have rigged a contraption to catch the water for the water tanks. Of course the rain squalls are now skirting all around us but none to test our gadget.

Sunday, 18 June 2017, 0900Hrs

08 48S, 136 00W, Countdown continues now under 250Nm to the Marquasis. It looks like a Tuesday morning arrival giving us the day to check in and start gathering our supplies for the next leg. Note the time change again, another 30mins due on arrival.

Saturday, 17 June 2017, 1000Hrs

08 28S, 134 04W, Down to 350Nm to go. Another time change later today. Will use the extra hour for more general maintenance and engine checks etc., lubricated the helm etc. again as there is still some jamming happening causing the autopilot to be working only intermittently Planning to try and again tighten the pilots drive chain and download the correct manual and set-up guide in port when able. All well and looking forward to a stop in a few days.

Thursday, 15 June 2017, 1000Hrs

07 59S, 129 58W, Just under 600Nm now to go. ETA at current rate should see us on shore for Tuesday morning. Its a shame we only need water essentially as food and fuel supplies are holding up well. Also another week at sea would probably see some permanent damage from cabin fever.

Wednesday, 14 June 2017, 1000Hrs

07 48S, 127 54W, Counting down now 725 Nm to go. A slow one with the wind dying down to near 10Kts and a slow angle so only made 115 Miles in the last 24 Hrs. The lower speeds also cause the autopilot to jam more often. Thanks Duane again for your reports, after watching rain clouds pass all around us for days finally a couple of short showers landed on board not long after your prediction. Do you have shares in the satellite network or something?

Tuesday, 13 June 2017 1000Hrs

07 23S, 125 58W, 840 Nm to go

Monday, 12 June 2017, 1000 Hrs

07 28S, 123 53W, Less than 1000Nm now to the next stop so over 2/3rds of the way. Just seeing the start of some rain squalls so looking forward to some extra fresh water. Not that its easy to catch but it will be welcome to wash away some of the salt that’s been accumulating everywhere.

Sunday, 11 June 2017, 1000 Hrs

07 36S, 121 43W, Still 1100 Nm to go. I miss judged the amount of coffee the current crew consume so its going to be a very long 1100 Miles as any amount of rationing just wont work from here. The autopilot is currently handling these stronger wind strengths reasonably well so that’s a bonus. Note also the time change, we are now UTC -8 Hrs.

Saturday, 10 June 2017, 1100 Hrs

07 26S, 119 37W, Still some autopilot woes although a bit better recently. A little slow on the averages but expecting the wind will pick up a bit more in the next few days and bring a bit of rain with it. Due for another time change as we are approaching 2/3rds of the way now.

Thursday, 8 June 2017, 1100 Hrs

05 35S, 115 57W, My fingers are getting arthritis from keeping them crossed for the last 3 days. We tightened the steering chain and cables which helped the autopilot for 12 hours yesterday however now they are back to there original tightness since Greece. Will need to try this again in port to make them stay firmer. More lubricant again has been working for the last 2 hrs. but I am currently touching wood which is not so painful

Thanks again Duane for the updates which are exactly what we are getting wind strength and direction wise. Have a good long weekend rocking on the Gold Coast! Will update in another few days.

Wednesday, 7 June 2017, 1100 Hrs.

05 18S, 113 48W, Almost half way on this leg, less than 1600Nm to the nearest landfall. Our average has dropped back a bit now as the wind is directly behind us only allowing one sail to work efficiently. The autopilot has continued to give us grief for the last 24 hrs. Currently its been fine for the last hour so fingers are crossed. The problem seems to be the steering has tightened up causing the failure. Lots of lubricant over the entire system and the application of special tool no. 65 on the helm locking mechanism (believed to be the culprit) just may have saved us some sleep. Otherwise all going well.

Tuesday, 6 June 2017, 1100 Hrs.

04 56S, 111 28W, Not sure how the averages will go as the autopilot now is starting to switch off with the swell . 165 Nm in 24 hrs again our best yet.

Monday, 5 June 2017, 1100 Hrs

04 20 S, 108 47 W, Wind has now moved a little more to the East at 20 Kts. Another good day of distance made good. Had a couple of hiccups with the autopilot going off course but hopefully this was just due to the change of wind overnight, keeping an eye on it but seems to be behaving well this morning. Also keeping an eye on our water supply, we have now past 2/3rds of the way to the next possible top up.

Sunday, 4 June 2017, 1100 Hrs

04 03 S, 106.13W, Our best 24 Hr average yet with 160Nm travelled. Poor Harun has a serious bed wetting problem. He wanted some steering practice which resulted in him taking another wave through his open hatch. Its about the 5^th time he has had his bedding strewn up all over the boat to dry out.

Saturday, 3 June 2017, 1100 Hrs

04 01S, 103 35W, Note the time change as we are now on UTC -7 Hrs. Our best 24 hr average to date I believe, 153 Nm in 24hrs. The wind is gradually increasing still predominantly in the SE direction.

Friday, 2 June 2017, 1200 Hrs

03 20 S, 101 11 W, Making good speed in clear sky’s. Not as hot and oppressive as it was on other legs. All in all very pleasant sailing. Just over 2300 Nm to go or more.

As a special treat 5 eggs were released for consumption this morning, this afternoon at happy hour we will wind the clocks back to UTC -7 Hrs The egg protein should get us through the extra hour today. Hoping to time it so when the dateline is crossed we miss a whole Monday like Dinah did. Thanks Dinah for the update, Go the BLUES !

Thanks Duane, for your updates, yes the long swell is quite smooth so I expect we will keep increasing our averages as we get to further South. Could use the rain to wash my hair though!

Tuesday, 30 May 2017, 1200 Hrs

02 23 S, 94 19 W, Only 2800 Nm to go to the Marquises as now, So that’s only 300 Nm behind us since leaving early Sunday Morning. The wind has gradually picked up to 15 Kts from the SE and we are expecting it to increase a little as we get further down the track. Its a lot easier with the wind and current on our side especially since the last leg. Currently the crew are working on a small bucket of squid and a few flying fish to cook up. They can keep the flying fish as far as I’m concerned. We do have plenty of provisions but I guess it keeps them occupied.

Friday, 26 May 2017, 1500 Hrs

All set to go again. Fumigation done and passports stamped. Just busy collecting some last minute fresh supplies and some quick weather checks and updates. Finally on the last day found an internet café that has a fast connection.

Thanks for your weather update Duane, I like the sound of consistent trade winds to kick off with especially once we get a bit further South.

Will update in a few days

Notes on Communication: – Please feel free to send SMS messages via your email
direct to the satellite phone on board. Simply click the “free” link shown on
the top of this page or type the address as 881631430767@msg.iridium.com
It’s only a maximum of 120 Characters and you need to leave the subject or
message header blank

Hamilton Island to Sydney

“Antipodes Australis” Beneteau Oceanis 58ft

Commenced October 18, 2015

Thursday, 29 October 2015, 1100 Hrs
32 00 S, 152 54 E, Around 12 Nm South of Crowdy Head. Under engine and making good progress towards Sydney with a current ETA of early Friday. Apart from a bit of mainsail it looks unlikely we will be sailing unassisted for the rest of the duration as light easterlies are fore cast to continue for the duration. All is well.

Wednesday 28 October 2015-10-29
Leave Coffs Harbour, Managed to make it ashore for a short period for a few supplies and a catch up with Mike and Monique who recently moved here from Sydney. Also it was great to catch up with Richard who grew up one street away from me in Yagoona. I can’t believe it’s been so many years. Anyway it’s good to be underway on our last leg of this trip.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015, 0530 Hrs
30 15 S, 153 08 E, Anchored in Coffs Harbour outer Harbour. Wild night of storms ashore. We had lots of wind and rain for around an hour and a half and heaps of lightning but all went calm for the motor into port. Now for a wait for the conditions to ease before heading off again. Hopefully we will be able to get ashore for a top up of provisions and a break beforehand.

Monday, 26 October 2015, 1000 Hrs
28 08 S, 153 37 E, Nearing point Danger, Tweed Heads. Left Southport at 0700 Hrs Sydney time (note time change) Forecast weather is for a southerly front to move in from early Tuesday morning by which time we hope to be safely tied up in Coffs Harbour. After this front moves through we expect to continue on for the final leg to Sydney. Welcome aboard to Liz and glad to have Phil back on board for the final leg home.

Sunday, 25 October 2015, 1030 Hrs
Tied up at Southport Yacht Club. Thank you for the interim crew, Tracy, Jose and Erin. Well done thanks very much for being available at such short notice was great to have you all on board.

Saturday, 24 October 2015, 1645 Hrs
Leaving Mooloolaba, Welcome aboard to Tracy, Erin and Jose. Thanks for coming along to help get the boat to Southport where we will be met by the crew who will be doing the Sydney leg. The SE winds have eased and turned more to the east so expecting to motor most of the way down the coast.

Friday, 23 October 2015, 0900 Hrs
Tied up in Mooloolaba, sorry for the late update. Ended up catching quite a bit of current down off Fraser Island giving us great speed in Northerly winds. Was expecting to have to wait for the tide to rise before entering the Harbour however the early arrival allowed us to enter just after the wind turned to a strong South Easterly. Unfortunately John has to leave us early due to some issues at home but would like to thank him for a great first half of this trip, hopefully he will be able to join me again soon..

Thursday, 22 October 2015, 1630 Hrs
24 48 S, 153 18 E, Approaching Waddy Point, Fraser island. Good following winds but just a little behind our planned time. Will be arriving in Mooloolaba tomorrow as a South Easterly blow arrives. It shows as being short lived so will be able to start moving again on Saturday to pick up crew in Southport.

Wednesday, 21 October 2015, 1030 Hrs
22 41 S 150 56 E, Under sail finally as the SE winds have eased and we can now make a more southerly course. Will post this when reception arrives. Currently plan to make it either through to Southport or may need to make it Mooloolaba as a short lasting front moves through. I have had a last minute crew drop out so f you can meet us in say Southport / Mooloolaba let me know ASAP. Note reception could delay my response but leave a message anyway

Tuesday, 20 October 2015, 0700 Hrs
21 19 S, 149 37 E, Around 30 Nm SE of Mackay. Travelled quite slowly for the first 24 Hrs with strong SE winds hindering our progress. Fortunately the wind has now dropped down to 15 Kts and the forecast shows it should stay there and hopefully go a little more east, expecting the pace to increase significantly through the day. Next update will depend on regular internet availability.

Monday, 19 October 2015, 0745 Hrs
Underway from Hamilton Island. Forecast is showing the current winds should start dropping off a bit today and more tomorrow particularly the further south we travel. Currently slowly making our way South under engine whilst we wait for the improved conditions promised. All is well, stayed an extra night as the conditions did not seem to abate yesterday.

Sunday, 18 October 2015, 1600 Hrs
Hamilton Island Marina, The wind has finally dropped right off after having
it blow through here at around 25-30 Kts today. All ready now to leave after
spending the day re-familiarising myself and crew with the boat. Now planning
to leave at first light to slowly make our way South for better forecast wind
speed and direction over the coming days. Welcome aboard John Jones! Great to
finally have you on board, its a long time now since being flatmates back in
Canberra in the Eighties!
OOps spoke too soon as the wind is back again

John very impressed with the ice maker

Notes on Communication: – Please feel free to send SMS messages via your email
direct to the satellite phone on board. Simply click the “free” link shown on
the top of this page or type the address as 881631430767@msg.iridium.com
Its only a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or
message header blank

Hamilton Island to Sydney

“Antipodes Australis” Beneteau Oceanis 58ft

Commenced October 18, 2015

Thursday, 29 October 2015, 1100 Hrs
32 00 S, 152 54 E, Around 12 Nm South of Crowdy Head. Under engine and making good progress towards Sydney with a current ETA of early Friday. Apart from a bit of mainsail it looks unlikely we will be sailing unassisted for the rest of the duration as light easterlies are fore cast to continue for the duration. All is well.

Wednesday 28 October 2015-10-29
Leave Coffs Harbour, Managed to make it ashore for a short period for a few supplies and a catch up with Mike and Monique who recently moved here from Sydney. Also it was great to catch up with Richard who grew up one street away from me in Yagoona. I can’t believe it’s been so many years. Anyway it’s good to be underway on our last leg of this trip.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015, 0530 Hrs
30 15 S, 153 08 E, Anchored in Coffs Harbour outer Harbour. Wild night of storms ashore. We had lots of wind and rain for around an hour and a half and heaps of lightning but all went calm for the motor into port. Now for a wait for the conditions to ease before heading off again. Hopefully we will be able to get ashore for a top up of provisions and a break beforehand.

Monday, 26 October 2015, 1000 Hrs
28 08 S, 153 37 E, Nearing point Danger, Tweed Heads. Left Southport at 0700 Hrs Sydney time (note time change) Forecast weather is for a southerly front to move in from early Tuesday morning by which time we hope to be safely tied up in Coffs Harbour. After this front moves through we expect to continue on for the final leg to Sydney. Welcome aboard to Liz and glad to have Phil back on board for the final leg home.

Sunday, 25 October 2015, 1030 Hrs
Tied up at Southport Yacht Club. Thank you for the interim crew, Tracy, Jose and Erin. Well done thanks very much for being available at such short notice was great to have you all on board.

Saturday, 24 October 2015, 1645 Hrs
Leaving Mooloolaba, Welcome aboard to Tracy, Erin and Jose. Thanks for coming along to help get the boat to Southport where we will be met by the crew who will be doing the Sydney leg. The SE winds have eased and turned more to the east so expecting to motor most of the way down the coast.

Friday, 23 October 2015, 0900 Hrs
Tied up in Mooloolaba, sorry for the late update. Ended up catching quite a bit of current down off Fraser Island giving us great speed in Northerly winds. Was expecting to have to wait for the tide to rise before entering the Harbour however the early arrival allowed us to enter just after the wind turned to a strong South Easterly. Unfortunately John has to leave us early due to some issues at home but would like to thank him for a great first half of this trip, hopefully he will be able to join me again soon..

Thursday, 22 October 2015, 1630 Hrs
24 48 S, 153 18 E, Approaching Waddy Point, Fraser island. Good following winds but just a little behind our planned time. Will be arriving in Mooloolaba tomorrow as a South Easterly blow arrives. It shows as being short lived so will be able to start moving again on Saturday to pick up crew in Southport.

Wednesday, 21 October 2015, 1030 Hrs
22 41 S 150 56 E, Under sail finally as the SE winds have eased and we can now make a more southerly course. Will post this when reception arrives. Currently plan to make it either through to Southport or may need to make it Mooloolaba as a short lasting front moves through. I have had a last minute crew drop out so f you can meet us in say Southport / Mooloolaba let me know ASAP. Note reception could delay my response but leave a message anyway

Tuesday, 20 October 2015, 0700 Hrs
21 19 S, 149 37 E, Around 30 Nm SE of Mackay. Travelled quite slowly for the first 24 Hrs with strong SE winds hindering our progress. Fortunately the wind has now dropped down to 15 Kts and the forecast shows it should stay there and hopefully go a little more east, expecting the pace to increase significantly through the day. Next update will depend on regular internet availability.

Monday, 19 October 2015, 0745 Hrs
Underway from Hamilton Island. Forecast is showing the current winds should start dropping off a bit today and more tomorrow particularly the further south we travel. Currently slowly making our way South under engine whilst we wait for the improved conditions promised. All is well, stayed an extra night as the conditions did not seem to abate yesterday.

Sunday, 18 October 2015, 1600 Hrs
Hamilton Island Marina, The wind has finally dropped right off after having
it blow through here at around 25-30 Kts today. All ready now to leave after
spending the day re-familiarising myself and crew with the boat. Now planning
to leave at first light to slowly make our way South for better forecast wind
speed and direction over the coming days. Welcome aboard John Jones! Great to
finally have you on board, its a long time now since being flatmates back in
Canberra in the Eighties!
OOps spoke too soon as the wind is back again

John very impressed with the ice maker

Notes on Communication: – Please feel free to send SMS messages via your email
direct to the satellite phone on board. Simply click the “free” link shown on
the top of this page or type the address as 881631430767@msg.iridium.com
Its only a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or
message header blank