17:21.257 S  155:.59.345 E

15/08/07

12:00

We cleared the pass at  08:15 and began the 663 ride to Palmerston. We’ve got a healthy ESE Force 6 gusting 7 just behind the beam so we’re shifting.  The sea is running at 3 metres so every once in  a while we get pushed about, but we’ve sailed 35 miles on track in the first 4 hours.  Its pretty cloudy but at least its not raining... at the moment.

16/08/09 

00:15

The sleigh ride has continued since we left, more Force 7 than Force 6.  We’re averaging nearly 9 knots so the 24 hour run should be a good one.  We just passed 2 miles to the North of Maupihaa  ( that is spelled correctly) and it’s now a clear run to Palmerston.  Demetra produced an amazing meal under very difficult circumstances, a lamb roast en croute  with mushrooms and just a hint of garlic...well perhaps hint is an understatement. She has taken our gastronomic standard to a new level.

It’s very dark out there.   And a bit Hitchcockian as there is a large flock of birds following us making a terrific din.  You can hear them but you can’t see them.

08:30

The wind continues.  Our 1^st 24 hour run was 214  miles.

12:00

We probably have another 30 hours or so of this wind before it eases.  The noon  to noon run was 216 miles. 416 to go. Today be have larger seas and plenty of sunshine.