Progress Report Oct 31st

We crossed into the eastern hemisphere in the early hours of this morning. Our position at 15.00 GMT is 25 36 S and 178 58 E. We left Minerva after lunch at the tail end of an exodus of all six boats in the anchorage. Are still at the tail end, much to the captain's dismay and much tweaking of sails, but there are just some faster boats on the ocean!

We've had winds of 20 - 25 knots, so are making good progress though the forecast shows 'light and variable' ahead. There was a period of diversion this afternoon when a NZ airforce plane was in the area buzzing each boat then calling them up on the radio (C, remember 2am in Canadian waters?). We have already had to send off a fairly comprehensive form, and also have to call up or email 48hrs before arrival, so this, nearly 700 miles out, seemed a bit OTT though sounded a pleasant job for the crew concerned.

Caught a nice small mahi mahi this morning, perfect for 2 meals.