Averaged 8.3 knots over ground for the last hour.  Half a knot of current helping us in that number.  A fabulous sail all night.  A near full moon made it all the better.

Wind should hold now until we get in.  This should allow us to clear customs on Thursday at Marsden Cove, Whangarei.  If we clear early morning we will go straight back out and get to Auckland just after dark.  If later in the day will wait and go to Auckland overnight.

Seeing the majestic albatrosses flying close by.  Came close to one sitting on the water – lets you see what a big bird they are.

Mary has been using the foods that will be taken off us when we go intro New Zealand.  Oven baked veg was on the menu last night – lots of garlic, pumpkin (courtesy of Jack Fisher, Viani bay) and aubergine (very cheap in Fiji)

Report may be delayed tomorrow if we are piloting into Marsden Cove and filling the numerous forms at this time.

Position: 33°23’S 173°25’E [-33.387,173.411] at 06:45 20th Oct GMT+12 , BST 19:45 19th October
24hr run:  129.2 miles by GPS,  163.4 by log (sailed a big curve to get out to the west.
176 miles to Whangarei, NZ. ETA at 5 knots:  19:05 Thurs 21st October NZ Summer Time
Wind: SW 23 knots Sea: SW swell 2.5m
Sky:  60% cloud cover