The day started out with motoring in non-existant wind, but by 11:30 we were sailing. 35degrees off the desired course, but the engines were off! Fortunately, the wind shifted as we cleared the main island of Fiji and we could lay a course that will put us east of the rhum line to Whangarei.

The usual advice is to be west of that line, but we are looking at some strong NE or E winds as we close on the land, so I'd rather hold off a bit. After that, there's a lull where we'll head for the coast - and then the westerlies may return. So right now, we're trying to plot a course to get us in the right spot, despite the forecast not being so good this far out. We love puzzles!

The rest of today has been pretty fast sailing. The wind has continued aft, its now just aft of the beam at about 16knots and we're making good progress (in the 7s and 8 knots). Tomorrow is much the same, then Monday the wind continues aft and we'll probably end up putting the main away and staying with just a headsail from that point. But we'll see what we really get then ;)

All good onboard, just hot. With the wind and waves on the beam, its impossible to open windows, so the inside of the boat is pretty warm. Sleeping on the beanbag outside tonight may be popular when not on watch!