we've arrived!

Good old Pegasus has brought us safely to New Zealand. Hard to believe we're actually here. As expected the last 24 hrs were quite difficult. The barometer was falling every time we looked, the skies were black, and the wind was rising - the only plus was that we were going like a train. By midnight it was pitch black, raining, and gusting over 30 knots. However we knew that once we were in the bay it would at least be calmer, and at the rate we were going with only a pocket handkerchief of sail out, it wouldn't take long.

So by 2am we were getting into the protection of the Bay of Islands. We called the authorities and asked if we could anchor until dawn as by then it was gusting 40 knots. The thought of trying to tie up at an unknown dock with no one to take our lines was not attractive. Found a very sheltered little bay, and by 3am were anchored in calm waters.

This morning we motored to Opua at the head of the bay, and joined about six other boats on the large Customs dock (evidently yesterday they checked in 15 boats arriving from Tonga and Fiji). Formalities were efficient and thorough - all fruit, veg, dairy products and seeds had to go. So here we are, at a dock in the large marina. Lovely hot shower this evening. Lots of people we know here of course, including a couple we met in San Blas and then Panama three years ago before they went through the Canal. Declined to join the partying for Obama's success this evening, no sleep last night so early to bed tonight. Temp 14 C as I write, jeans, socks, fleeces all day.

progress report 4th Nov

Last night was a mixture of motor and sail, but the wind came through in the early hours of this morning and we have been making very good progress under sail since then. Have just been in contact with NZ customs on the SSB radio to say we should be arriving at 6am tomorrow. In fact if we continue at the speed we are doing now we'll be there well before dawn, but luckily we have a large bay to go through, so can follow the buoys slowly waiting for it to get light.

At breakfast time the mainsail suddenly blew out - it's an old one. Too difficult to get it down and put another up in these seas because of the in-mast furling, but we're doing fine with genoa and mizzen.

Position at 06.00 GMT 4th Nov 34 08 S and 174 29 E 63 miles to go to the entrance to the Bay of Islands

progress report 3rd Nov

Another busy day of sail changes and motor on and off. Very changeable winds and quite a lot of rain. We're trying to move as fast as pos as there is bad weather S of NZ which is going to cause big seas and high winds for the last part of our trip. The aim is definitely to get into Opua in daylight on Wed.

Caught a nice tuna today and am about to cook some for dinner.

Position at 0500 GMT Mon 31 57 S and 175 30 E

progress report 2nd nov

Motored all night last night. No wind at all, a very starry sky, and smooth shiny sea. Rather nice except that we'd rather not be using up the diesel. Very chilly at night now, fleeces and long trousers and today I got the woolly hats out.

Today, unexpectedly, the wind filled in and we had a gorgeous sail until about 4pm, catching up "Shilling of Hamble" and "Lindisfarne" the other two boats in the vicinity. Now motoring again, and it looks as though we may have rain later.

G was kept busy for an hour or two repairing the prop generator - it suddenly stopped charging. Luckily it was an easily diagnosed loose wire, but it isn't easy working down in the engine room while at sea.

Position at 0500 GMT 2nd Nov - 30 02 S and 176 15 E. 331 miles to go to Opua in the Bay of Islands

progress report 1st nov

We are motoring with flat seas, clear blue sky, and next to no wind. Hard to believe after the wind and waves of the last days, but exactly as forecast. The barometer has risen and we're in a high pressure zone. Just hope we get enough wind to sail at least for a while over the next couple of days, and then the winds will fill in again off the coast of NZ.

Flat seas mean that we can cook more interesting meals, and even read a book, so it is a comfort zone if nothing else.

Last night we had clear skies and were making excellent progress, overtaking the nearest boat. The fastest of our group will arrive in NZ on Tues morning, whereas we will probably get there some time on Wed. afternoon.

Our position at 0500 GMT 1st Nov is 27 56 S and 177 06 E Over half way there.