Saturday, April 1 2017, 1500 Hrs
17 00 N, 61 46 W, Nelsons Dockyard, English Harbour. Customs and immigration sorted for now. A good crossing and will update when able over the next few days. Thank you Simon, Mia and Pawel!
Next leg will see me drafting a complaint to the telecomunications ombudsman, Bloody Telstra just stole $260 from my pre-paid account so fortunately there is a free wifi not too far away. Have been useing this modem travelling for years and instead of useing the additional international roaming pack (still intact) it used Australian data, don’t think i’m not P&$@)d off.

Wednesday, 29 March 2017 0900 Hrs
17 24 N, 55 45 W, Now Jusy 350 Nm to go to English Harbour, Antigua. Note the time change as we are now on -3 Hrs UTC on board. Currently with light SE winds now, for the first time since leaving Cape Verde we have the full sails up as the wind angle now allows us to. Acording to the weatherman this will drop out completely tomorrow so will be back under engine for the duration of the trip from then. (motored most of last night) Its a shame as we have only needed the generator to charge the batteries for the last 2 weeks saving a fortune on fuel. I was hoping not to top up again until Panama but will see once we arrive. All well and looking forward to our favorite foods if available when we land.

Sunday, 26 March 2017 1000 Hrs
17 32 N, 49 58 W. Under 700 Nm to go so we are past 2/3 rds of the way across the Atlantic now. Thanks Duane for all the weather updates, so yes a little bit light and directly behind but its very comfortable on board. I will see what I can find to rig up on the head-sail for the Pacific crossing. Murphy for sure will have it dead downwind making it difficult to run both sails (not really a bad thing safety wise but another knot or 2 would be an advantage). All well on board with supplies holding out well.
Thanks also Diana, yes the first Pod of Dolphins this leg showed up some 12 hours after your message predicting them. How did you know?

Thursday, 23 March 2017, 1000 Hrs
17 42 N, 43 31 W, We are now just over half way across the Atlantic. All going well, the first water tank has some amount of water remaining and we are still on the first of 3 gas bottles, so provided we continue being frugal there should be no issues with supplies. (food and diesel are still well stocked)

Wednesday, 22 March, 1000 Hrs
17 44 N, 41 08 W, Note Time change as we have put the clocks back one hour. Almost half way now should be some time on Thursday The wind is lightening off a little, thanks for your updates Duane all as forecast. Yes the hull will be due for a scrub in Port, at least the water will be warm and clean whilst anchored waiting for clearance.

Monday, 20 March 2017, 1100 Hrs
17 31 N, 36 37 W, Not quite one third of the way there yet. The good news is (touch wood) there should be enough gas for the duration. Hopefully we can make another 5 days without switching over the water tanks. Not wanting to sound like a “Nag” can be quite difficult when the scenery, sailing conditions and general day to day routines don’t change on a three week passage. Oh well I guess for now its “shut the bloody fridge”, “put the plug in the sink and wash all the dishes” and “don’t boil the FULL kettle”.

Sunday, 19 March, 1100 Hrs
17 58 N, 34 20 W, As the weather man keeps telling me ENE at 15-20 Kts. Finally however we are starting to get some blue skies and a good sunset. Its been very overcast and grey since leaving port so its great to see the sun. May get to see if the solar Panels work and reduce our charging hours.

Saturday, 18 March 2017, 1100 Hrs
17 09 N, 32 15 W, A little slower the last 24 Hrs as the wind has dropped slightly. A curious thing seems to be happening with our chartplotter as its log reading is less than distance actually travelled. Diana picked it up on the last leg and despite travelling in a straight line the log reads 95 Nm in the last 24 hrs when via the chart we have actually travelled overground 145 Nm. This can’t be current (yesterday would be 4kts if so) as we have no physical log in place and therefore should only be able to measure distance and speed over the ground. Anyway speaking of DIANA a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! I have no idea why you would want to spend it at home alone when you could be here with all your friends on board “Wind Sprite”

Friday, 17 March 2017, 1100 Hrs
16 58 N, 29 48 W, Just over 300 N from Mindelo so averaging over 6 kts currently. Forecast is more of the same trade winds (NE 20 Kts) for the next week or more hopefully. Its been quite overcast since leaving but thats probably a good thing keeping the temperature down. Anyway its only been 2 days so no signs of Cabin fever yet but early days of course. Will update in another 3 days.

Wednesday, 15 March 2017, 0700 Hrs
Leaving Cape Verde, Last minute filling tanks and grabbing some “Emergency Provisions” in case of delays or Fridge / gas issues underway. Made it a full day yesterday so leaving now at first light. Updates again in a couple of days.

Pittwater to Manly (Brisbane)

“Herdis” Oceanis 411

Commenced October 6, 2015

Sunday, 11 October 2015,1400 Hrs

Arrived in Manly

0730 Hrs
Leave anchorage, Current ETA 1400 Hrs at the Trailer Boat Club Manly

Saturday, 10 October 2015, 2115 Hrs
27 40 S, 153 27.7 E, Anchored at Couran Island, The Broadwater Gold Coast
0830 Hrs
28 44 S, 153 41 E. 6 Nm South of Cape Byron. Wind is currently easterly so back under sail. A frustrating night with wind being favourable then changing the moment sails were set. Getting closer will be reviewing whether to go around Morton island or the Southport passage as we get nearer, depends on conditions today and if we need to top up fuel or get enough sailing in. All well on board.

Saturday, 10 October 2015, 0830 Hrs
28 44 S, 153 41 E. 6 Nm South of Cape Byron. Wind is currently easterly so back under sail. A frustrating night with wind being favourable then changing the moment sails were set. Getting closer will be reviewing whether to go around Morton island or the Southport passage as we get nearer, depends on conditions today and if we need to top up fuel or get enough sailing in. All well on board.

Friday, 9 October 2015, 1030 Hrs,
3015 S, 153 17 E 3 Nm South of South Solitary Island near Coffs Harbour. A little over half way now, had a slower afternoon and night as the East Australian Current took its course near Tacking Point and Crowdy Head. The wind also dropped off a lot so engine use overnight was again required. At least the seas have settled a bit more. Currently motor sailing again with less than 10 Kts of wind but hoping to be far enough North to get away from the NE winds forecast for this area.

Thursday, 8 October 2015, 1130 Hrs
31 57 S, 152 43 E, 6 Nm south of Crowdy Head. Under sail after motor sailing
since leaving, sea was quite bumpy all yesterday and overnight so a few green
looking bodies on board but everything starting to settle down now. Making
good speed at 6 plus knots. Dolphins were around at sunrise and even a whale
slow to be heading south.

Wednesday, 7 October 2015, 1200 Hrs
Leaving Prince Alfred Club and underway. The wind blew through as expected at 0530 Hrs at up to 40 Kts, its now settled down a bit so with a southerly behind us we are expecting a good few days run up the coast. All in order!

Tuesday, 6 October 2015, 1700 Hrs
Royal Prince Alfred Motor Yacht Club Pittwater. All provisioned and fuelled up ready to leave early tomorrow morning. Great forecast for a northern route although it may be a bit windy early.
Welcome aboard again to Marcus and Vince. Updates daily at this stage.

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

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Friday, 20 October 2017, 1545 Hrs

Arrived in Townsville, all well. Thank you to Steve and George for your help

1100 Hrs

18 52 S, 146 42 E, Still out here! As the crow fly’s its 25 Nm to Townsville but do you think we are able to draw a straight line? We have now travelled 100 Nm more than needed due to the SE winds and the need to shelter behind the reef during Wednesdays storm. Anyway I’m not giving any ETA because every time I do the time doubles, suffice to say ‘we get there when we get there’.

Sorry I missed your call yesterday Duane but was taking one of half a dozen hours sleep that I have managed in the last few days.

Thursday, 19 October 2017, 1100 Hrs

17 38 S, 146 19 E, Just 100 Nm to go to Townsville, A very long day and night yesterday but now motoring inside the Barrier Reef in less than 10 Kts of wind, the torrential rain has turned to drizzle. Customs have now been advised of an ETA of 5 AM tomorrow.

Wednesday, 18 October 2017, 1600 Hrs

17 14 S, 146 45 E, main down and course changed for Flora Passage. Winds ESE 35-40 Kts, seas 5 + Meters. We have a bit on, looks like a long day / Night

1300 Hrs

16 46 S, 147 32 E, Winds SE 30-40Kts, Course changed for a better angle to the waves.

1100 Hrs

16 31 S, 147 36 E, Still 100 Nm to Palm Passage, another night of rain and thunder squalls making it difficult to keep east enough to enter the reef far enough South. Murphy’s law, as soon as I update Customs on our ETA shit happens. Will see how we go today, hoping the wind may go more East and maybe a bit North but looks like it wont be until Friday morning when we can get clearance now. Currently we are getting 25-30 Kt SE winds and the seas are up to 2.5 M Mainsail up and engine off to assist our course.

Tuesday, 17 October 2017, 1100 Hrs

15 08 S, 147 38 E, Now 130 Nm NNE of Cooktown. Wild elactrical storms last night saw gusts of up to 45 Kts from all compass directions and buckets of rain. Ended up with 10 Kts ESE wind this morning so motor sailing back on course now. Just 250 Nm to go so looking like landing in Townsville on Thursday afternoon.

Monday, 16 October 2017, 1100 Hrs

13 29 S, 147 31 E, Almost half way to Townsville, around 60Nm NE of Osprey reef. Currently having rain squalls which is making it a little difficult to maintain easterly bias in our course which has been reasonable till now. Duane’s weather reports are telling us it could drop off from around 15 Kts to under 10 Kts of wind so will use those lighter winds to motor a bit more on an easterly course. Looking to make our passage through the reef at “Palm Passage” hopefully by Wednesday to bypass Cairns and head straight to Townsville. The stronger SE winds are expected back again on Wednesday.

Saturday, 14 October 2017, 0730 Hrs

Leaving Beagle Bay, the plan is to make as much SE distance today as able under engine before turning South and sailing Towards Townsville. The wind is forecast to drop off by Sunday to 10-15 Kts and turn a bit more Easterly hopefully giving us a better angle. After a busy day navigating through the reef it was great to have a decent meal (meat tray won at the Yacht Club) and a full nights sleep.

Friday, 13 October 2017, 1930 Hrs

10 03.5 S, 147 42 E, Anchored in Beagle Bay PNG, Started off nice and calm as we motored inside the reef along the Coast. The wind as forecast, gradually built through the day until we were bashing into 25-30 Kts S-Easterlies.

0645 Hrs

Leaving Port Moresby, Currently motoring down the coast in the Lee of the land, expecting or hoping the trade winds will ease off for the first time in weeks over the weekend so as to make a reasonable course towards Townsville. Update in around two days.

Tuesday, 10 October 2017, 1700Hrs

Still in Moresby but should be able to clear customs tomorrow and leave towards the end of the week. George will be arriving tomorrow as well for the trip so a big welcome aboard. Updates soon, thanks Duane for the detailed forecast, nothing more to say a few days ago but “the weather is shit for days” or words to that effect.

Monday, 9 October 2017, 1700 Hrs

Still waiting on customs clearance, looks like a couple more days whilst paperwork is issued. Oh well at least the wind looks like dropping off a bit as the week progresses anyway so should give us a better run when we finally set off.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Royal Papua Yacht Club

Waiting for Customs Clearance. Looks like they wont be showing up today.

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 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

Thursday, 21 December 2017, 1600 Hrs

Ransa Sailing Club, Rushcutters Bay

0800 Hrs

34 31 S, 150 58 E, 4 Nm East of Port Kembla, making good speed again under sail after waiting for 10 Hours for the current Southerly to kick back in. Unfortunate for the crew who had some arrangements in place on arrival in Sydney but that’s how it is with the weather only being a forecast so timing can not be relied upon. Current ETA APPROXIMATELY 1500 Hrs

Wednesday, 20 December 2017, 1900 Hrs

35 26 S, 150 33 E, 5 Nm East of Ulladulla which gives us around 100 Nm to the heads, currently in light northerlies but expecting the southerly winds to kick in again in around 3-4 hours.

0700 Hrs

Leaving Bermagui. Current forecasts show Southerlies all the way to Sydney, expecting to arrive sometime before lunch tomorrow.

Tuesday, 19 December 2017, 1000 Hrs

36 25 S, 150 04 E, arrived at Bermagui. Expect to leave again first thing Wednesday morning on a forecasted Southerly. Bit of boat cleaning, a long awaited shower and not much happening in town.

Monday, 18 December 2017, 2230 Hrs

Leaving Eden for Bermagui

1500 Hrs

Eden, Parked and arranging fuel. Will leave in a few hours for Bermagui to wait for Tuesday’s northerly to blow through before continuing on Wednesday.

0700 Hrs

37 27 S, 150 00 E, 4 Nm North of Cape Howe. Rounded Gabo Island at around 5 am, currently motoring into 15 Kts of Northerly wind. Have just added the last of our spare fuel to the tanks so should be sufficient to make it slowly to Eden with an ETA of around 1500 Hrs. On the current forecast it looks like the wind will change to the South on Wednesday Morning and it should hold long enough for the last 200 Nm to Sydney from then. Will update on arrival in Eden

Saturday, 16 December 2017, 1500Hrs

39 10 S, 146 20 E, 3 Nm South of Wilson’s Promontory with 10 Kts SW wind. Motor sailing still and about to do a fuel check, Reasonable speeds of 6-7 Kts and hoping not to have to back off to insure enough fuel for the rest of Bass Straight depending on what wind assistance we end up getting. Next phone reception in at probably 24 Hrs so contact only via sms to the sat phn if required.

0530 Hrs

38 43 S, 145 16 E, 10 Nm South of Phillip Island. Variable wind as predicted so still under engines, hoping for a little bit of wind assistance to save fuel for the Bass strait crossing. Will update later today when reception returns off Wilson’s Prom.

Friday, 15 December 2017, 1100 Hrs

Leaving Fuel dock at St Kilda Marina. Slight problem with one engines gear selection. Resolved with a spare part for the second engine in tow. Good to have a shipwright (Brandon) on board sorting out any teething issues.

0830 Hrs

Leave the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. Finally found a troublesome fuse on the auto pilot.

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Saturday, 20 January 2018, 1300 Hrs

Port Macquarrie Marina. Thank you to VMR Port Macquarrie for the Tow!

1030 hrs

31 30 S, 152 56 E Oops engine alarm is on, 2 Nm South of Taking Point

Friday, 19 January 2018, 1300 Hrs

32 53 S, 152 07 E, around 10 Nm South of Port Stephens under engine as expected. Currently the sea breese is very much N-NE but with a bit of luck may go East to give us a little push along in the afternoon / Evening. Approximately 100 NM to Port Macquarrie, all is well. Update again on approach to the entrance of Port Macquarrie.

Thursday, 18 January 2018, 2200 Hrs

Left the CYCA, unfortunately D’Abora Marina no longer supplies fuel after 1730 Hrs despite being a swipe card self service for some reason. That meant a quick walk up the road to the 24 hr petrol station to top up our fuel containers. Anyway finally underway.

0700 Hrs

About to head off in the next hour for Port Macquarie. Minor hitch just before the chandlers closed required a fuse so have packed several spares and about to down a meal. Update in the morning.

Wednesday, 17 January 2018,

Delivery from Sydney to Port Macquarrie, Short notice due to the weather window. Hope to depart on Thursday January 18^th.

Antigua to Panama 9/04/2017 21/04/2017 12 Days 1224 Nm

Panama Canal 28/04/2017 29/04/2017 1 Day 45 Nm

Position Report and other info UTC (-5 Hrs Panama)

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

Saturday April 29, 2017 1730 Hrs

Arrived at a mooring at Balboa Yacht Club. All went well so a huge thank you to my crack team of Danish line handlers. Well done guys was great to have you all on board.

Fri, 28 April 2017, 1645 Hrs

09 21 N, 79 55 W, Anchored in “The Flats” Christobel awaiting the boarding of our Advisor. Panama Canal here we come! What could possibly

Thursday, 27 April 2017

So within hours of being measured and paying the canal fees I receive a message my transit is booked for May 13.

OK that was quick booking us but the timing for the crew (Sorry Dinah) is not looking good. Our Agent says he is working on getting us through sooner. “Yes I will be ready tomorrow” so I have been on the case since then.

PHONE CALL, 1800 HRS THURSDAY, “ARE YOU READY FOR TOMORROW” (FRIDAY) YOU BET. So Its confirmed we are going through the canal transit lunchtime tomorrow. My next job is to find 4 x line handlers by 1300 hrs tomorrow. Onto it so next update will hopefully be after the transit on Saturday / Sunday YEAH HAAA

Tuesday, 25 April 2017

Update from Shelter Bay, Friday we cleared the Port Authority and immigration, bit of a mission as always as a taxi trip to Colon can vary in time by a couple of hours depending on the ships going through the Canal

This morning the “Addmeasurers” came on board to run the tape over to confirm our size, more paperwork and to check that we would look after the advisor with suitable food toilets and sun protection etc. All done, next I have paid the Canal fees through an agent this time.

In the past I have done all of this agency work myself, in fact have right up till now organised it all, however as it seems every time I arrive the talk is of extended delays. I am hoping that an agent will improve our waiting time but who knows around here. Anyway have paid the canal fees now through the agent so will be advised in a day or two of a transit date.

I keep saying we but currently I am in the middle of a crew change so its just me. Thank you very much Pawal and Mia, hopefully you will make your next destinations safely.

So I am off now to start filling the freezer again for the next long haul over the Pacific. Also new for me for his trip is hiring a car instead of taxi’s. Just picked the car up yesterday afternoon, it was my first time on the wrong side of the road driving for years but all went fine. Thank you mister google. Anyway should be considerably cheaper than taxis as each trip is $25 US to colon recommended but the taxi drivers do see you coming and bung it on. Sick of agueing with them so they can miss out for a few days at least.

Will update again when I am advised of some form of transit date.

Friday April 21, 0800 Hrs

09 32 N, 79 50 W, Just 20 Nm from Panama finally. A little slow on the last few days with a short stop over Cayo Holandes, San Blas Islands. Yes Duane I scrubbed the hulls which weren’t actually too bad, I expect the growth will be massive after we sail through the nutrient infested waters near the Galapagos so was good to get a good look and clean underneath whilst we were there. Trying not to arrive in darkness here in Colon, I miss judged the speed to here and still needed to slow down overnight as there are ships everywhere. Not sure how long clearance will take here, hopefully they have lifted their game since my last visit but it usually involves visiting several offices around town carrying photocopies of anything they may ask for. I believe also a second cut for the Canal is now operating. I don’t know if that also will improve waiting time for our transit but am hoping so. it can be a long wait on the wrong side of the canal sometimes. Will update in a day or so once we have been measured (will be interesting to compare no’s ;-)) but once that happens we will probably get a preliminary date for transit.

Tuesday, 18 April 2017, 1100 Hrs

10 35 N, 77 42 W, So much for a couple of good days averages, the wind dropped out quickly yesterday so slowed a bit unfortunately. All well except for the humidity, forgot how the sugar and salt gum up in the wet season. Plenty of zip lock bags to start packing supplies in.

Saturday, 15 April 2017, 1100 Hrs

13 39 N, 72 14 W, That’s probably the best 24 hrs average so far with just on 154 Nm so the increased breese to the south helped

Friday, 14 April 2017, 1100 Hrs

13 04 N, 68 45 W, Approximately half way. Sorry for forgetting to update our position Duane, will sort it out for your return after the weekend. Have headed south for more breese, which is welcome however this is about as close to the coastline as I would like to be so it will be as close to the rhumbline as possible from her.

Wednesday, 12 April 2017, 1000 Hrs

15 09 N, 66 31 W, About 300 Nm behind us and 860 Nm to Panama. A little light on wind since leaving, hopefully it will pick up a bit as the forecast shows. We have been a bit slower than normal as have had an issue with the steering cable, causing us to drift whilst a temporary repair has been made. Thanks Doug for the comprehensive range of tools and supplies on board, it felt like we were on the Apollo 13 mission sifting through what was available to solve the problem. Gaffa tape, chewing gum and a biro. Well not really in fact I suspect we have repaired something that had been repaired earlier, resulting in much less play in the helm and the autopilot not working so hard.

Thanks also Duane for the regular weather updates they have been great, nice and succinct without any messages being truncated. Touch wood but the new satellite system seems to deliver them all in the correct order so maybe you wont need to number them as in the past?

Will update again in a few days.

Sunday, 9 April 2017, 1100 Hrs

16 49 N, 62 22 W Approximately 40 Nm from Antigua, just North of the island of Montserrat not seeing any volcanic action from the island at the moment but its often quite active. Also hearing other boats have spotted a few humpbacks but so far we haven’t been so fortunate to spot them. Just managed to pick up some phone reception which will be our last until arrival in Panama in around 10 days time. Good SE to Easterly winds of around 15 Kts

Fri, 7 April 2017 1600 Hrs

All good to go now. Checked out on the system but will need to top up fuel on departure first thing in the morning. Apart from difficulties getting a mechanic to arrive on the boat, once he did however he had the generator running in no time, fortunately it was a minor issue. Thank you to Libby Nicholson from “Pineapple House” for help preserving our frozen food whilst the freezer door was repaired. I’m’ not sure I can thank her for the damage she did to my crew with her rum mixtures shortly after our arrival however.

And to Simon it was great to have you on board for another ocean crossing. Sorry we were delayed in starting from Cape Verde so your time was too short to make Panama in time before returning to work. Hopefully you will join me again somewhere on the blue highway, you are more than welcome anytime. I Will try to get a post up as we depart in the morning before going back to Satellite updates.

Wednesday April 5, 2017, Island Time

Getting there, Partly provisioned whilst we have a shipwright repairing our freezer door. Also waiting on a mechanic to have a look at our generator which had been doing a great job whilst we didn’t need the engines on the last leg. Now its decided to not play fair. We were hoping to be leaving today but now thats not likely. Anyway will see if the mechanic can help tomorrow now but if not we will be able to wait intil Panama to sort anything else out. We need to make a getaway before this place is decended upon by thousands of Yachties arriving for race week at the end of the month. Will be updating on departure.

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
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message header blank

Position Report and other info UTC (-6 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

Wednesday May 17, 2017, 2300 Hrs

00 44.83 S 90 18.5 W, Anchored in Academy Bay Santa Cruise, Galapagos Islands, No WiFi available so will update further once ashore tomorrow.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

Monday, 15 May 2017, 1200 Hrs

01 21 N, 88 41 W, Now just 150 Nm to go to San Cristobal Island. Also around 85 Nm to “Neptunes Party” at the equator. Thanks again Duane for your weather update, Its been a relief over the last couple of days to not be contiguously running the engines. Wind direction has been sending us predominantly west but have managed to get a bit south. The current is increasing from the South East as well as the swell which has added to our unfortunately slow progress. All hands are busy cleaning and sorting garbage to satisfy the authorities on arrival. Signs are in place to not discharge our holding tanks or throw garbage overboard. I’m glad to have scrubbed the hull last month as its possible they will put a diver down to check for barnicles. Should we have to re-clean the hull we will have to go 40 Nm offshore to do it again. Current ETA looks like some time on Wednesday. Oh and we just got buzzed by a red helicopter, I guess they now know to expect us soon.

Friday, 12 May 2017, 1200 Hrs

03 41 N, 84 58 W, Under 400 Nm to go so over half way. Finally managed a full 24 hrs of sailing in a straight line. Doing an extra update today as I needed to log on for Dinah so that she can ask her travel agent to change flights out of the islands. Its now doubtful she will be able to make them let alone have a look around the islands on arrival. The rain has cleared up so starting to dry a few things out. All are fine onboard.

Thursday, 11 May 2017, 1200 Hrs

03 47 N, 83 39 W, Still not quite half way so incredibly frustrating. Today and a bit of yesterday saw us sailing but rarely in the right direction. Currently on a heading that’s only 30 Degrees off course which gives some hope. Will certainly be glad to finally arrive hopefully in 3 days but could be 6 should the wind and currents continue as they are.

Tuesday, 9 May 2017, 1200 Hrs

04 45 N, 82 12 W, Frustrating last 24 Hrs with less than 50 Nm made towards our destination. Wind 5-15 kts directly on our nose predominantly and the equatorial and Humbolt currents doing its best to delay our arrival. Memories of slogging it out westerly in the Med come to mind, Bring back the trade winds please. Currently the sea state is all over the place and the wind has dropped right out, maybe it will change for the better.

Monday, 8 May 2017, 1200 Hrs

05 25 N, 81 40 W, Just on one third of the way to Galapagos at the moment. Slow traveling as our weatherman has been warning for the last month there wont be any favourable winds on this leg. Lots of rain and slowly motoring on one engine to conserve fuel. All well in the extreeme heat / humidity but plenty of time for sleep and reading.

Friday, 5 May 2017, 1500 Hrs

Leaving Balboa Yacht Club for the Galapagos Islands. Updates every 2-3 days, we are not expecting any favourable winds unfortunately so will probably be motoring most of the way.

Thursday May 4^th, 2017

Cleared immigration etc this afternoon so all set to go.

The last few days have been hectic with a big provision for the next crossing, finally organised a new gas bottle and conversion to US style for the ports that can’t fill our European bottles, all fuelled and water filled as well.

Now the crew are running about gathering their last supplies and are looking forward to their first leg on board. So a big welcome aboard to Dinah, Harun and Sebastian (soon to be renamed Bruce or maybe Baz to help us Ozzie’s remember his name)

Will do a final update in the morning as we leave and will update the crew list for you Duane at that time.

Saturday April 29, 2017 1730 Hrs

Arrived at a mooring at Balboa Yacht Club. All went well so a huge thank you to my crack team of Danish line handlers. Well done guys was great to have you all on board.

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, 24 July 2017, 1800Hrs

Bora Bora Yacht Club again!
Still problems with the posting to the website but bigger problems with crew.  More on that later.
All fine though accept very disappointing in the further delay.

Leaving Maupiti, 1030hrs

Monday, 17 July 2017, 1630 Hrs

Iridium System apps are down, thanks for the upgrade!

Bora Bora, Temporary mooring off Bloody Mary’s but not for long. Private Party tonight so no go for free Wi-Fi at the bar. Now moved to the public Jetty in the Viatape as there were no moorings at the Maikai Yacht Club. Bloody internet woes still. I understand none of my posts have one up on leaving Bora Bora, updated iridium apps are not sending so hopefully this post is up. Will try to resolve this when a reliable connection can be established

Sunday, 16 July 2017, 0945 Hrs

Leaving Papeete Harbour. Heading for Bora Bora for the last top up on fuel and water. ETA 24 hrs. Under engine as wind is very light. Will update after arrival.

Bora Bora to Samoa, 28/7/17 – 9/8/17, 1220 Nm

Samoa, 9 August 2017

Arrived Apia 1230 hrs

Quarantine were fast and efficient. Customs made us wait then wanted original clearance documents. We’ll Tahiti gives it electronically now. Wasn’t good enough for her so let’s take my computer to her office. By the time we got there her superiors must have said it’s fine so at least we were driven 100 meters back to the boat. Beer o clock so have internet now. Update when I’m next upright.

Tuesday, 8 August 2017, 1300Hrs

13 13S, 169 56W, Goodbye Monday! Cancelled through lack of interest. Well Joe decided he doesn’t mind the odd Monday so he had what he called Smunday yesterday. Regardless the ships time is now UTC +13 so until Samoa we are now 3 hrs ahead of EST in Australia. The wind kicked in yesterday afternoon after days of motoring so now we are making good speed and hope to be in Apia within 24hrs. Looking forward to catching up with you Phil on Saturday night.

Sunday, 6 August 2017, 1300Hrs

13 33S, 167 49W, Still 233Nm away, At least the weather brought some rain to keep things a little cooler today. Another whale sighting this time with a breach.

Saturday, 5 August 2017, 1300Hrs

13 35S, 166 06W, Only averaging a bit over 4 kts whilst under engine. We could up the revs whilst under engine however with the fuel filter problems (fixed for now) and with no more spares I’m very reluctant to push anything too hard. Still with more than 300Nm to go and a date change coming up its definitely a mid week arrival

Friday, 4 August 2017, 1300Hrs

13 38S, 164 23W, Still over 430Nm to landfall. Have spent all morning cramped into an engine bay trying to stop a small drip from the engine fuel water separator. Hopefully this is the reason the engine cut out last night. Currently waiting on a gasket seal product to set before we can test it. This appears to have been glued closed previously so when draining this filter a week ago we must have broken the previous (temporary?) repair. Fingers crossed that this was the problem.

Dinah please SMS to verify this post has happened, will follow up should I not hear a response.

Thursday, 3 August 2017, 1300Hrs

13 42S, 162 36W, Past half way at least, now we have around 540Nm to go with the wind pretty much directly behind at 10-15 Kts so still slow going under sail at least. Nothing much more to report at the moment. All fine on board.

Tuesday, 1 August 2017, 1300Hrs

14 53 S, 159 13 W, A slow last 24 Hrs, not quite half way as expected by now. The forecasts from Duane are showing winds lightening further so will persevere for today but its looking like we will need to be under engine for the duration to Samoa unfortunately. Currently more than 750 Nm to go with 460 Nm behind us in a crooked line. Note we have changed time to UTC -11Hrs

Monday, 31 July 2017, 1400Hrs

15 22S, 157 49W, Slowly getting somewhere I think. Saw a Whale right up close to the boat this morning but that’s all to report apart from the usual birds out here in the middle of nowhere.

Sunday, 30 July 2017, 1400 Hrs

15 50S, 155 53W, 940Nm to Samoa and 250 Nm behind us. A bit slow going the last 24 Hrs but expecting the wind to pick up a bit and hold until Tuesday night. We may just miss out on Monday and put ourselves on the other side of the dateline tomorrow just for convenience in communications.

Friday July 28, 2017, 1100Hrs

Leaving Bora Bora again. Test of position report via Sattelite has worked so good to go. Joe’s luggage finally arrived this morning so he is currently collecting it now. Have made some adjustments to the rudder alignment and will take another swim to check the hull but hopefully the autopilot will behave itself. Wind looks good so hope to be in Samoa in 8 days plus 1 day for crossing the dateline. Update in a few days.

Thursday, 27 July 2017, 1800 Hrs

Checked out again, “take two” for the leg to Samoa, It was what seems too simple to a matter to remove one crew from the list and add another, particularly after the hassle last November trying to clear out and the red tape involved, I guess because last time the boat was under new ownership when leaving. Anyway welcome aboard to Joe! Will hopefully we will be underway by lunchtime tomorrow with just a few minor tasks like garbage, fresh bread and another look at the hull and a check of the rudder alignment. (still looking for the Gremlin in the Autopilot)

Duane I will send through Joe’s passport and NOK details shortly, I know you are probably on the Farm this weekend but will hear from you no doubt in a couple of days.

Next update on leaving and will do a final Satellite test prior to that.

Wednesday, 26 July 2017, 1430 Hrs

Bora Bora Yacht Club

Final test of uploading position reports to the crew website.

All going well I think the problem has been fixed.

First the iridium mail apps updated and failed on all devices. Windows updated on me yesterday which took out the computer for almost 3 hours. “Postie” the add on to wordpress for posting via email also had and update at some stage to keep up with wordpress updates. Unfortunately I couldn’t update wordpress so nothing was working.

Fortunately the Author of “Postie” was able to get back to me immediately and gave me a link to the version of his “add on” that works on my version of the WordPress site (crew website)

So a big thank you to Wayne Allen for solving my long running frustrations with communication.