Safely Anchored in Fiji

Five days, Four nights, 550 miles sailed from northern Tonga to western Fiji.
Upwind, Downwind, light wind, heavy wind.
The lil' swede motored for 37 hours straight so we wouldn't have to spend a fifth night out. Fresh oil and filters for the engine tomorrow.
As we approached the Navolo Pass the wind kicked up to 25 knots.
We're now safely anchored in a empty bay with no other boats.
S 17*55'
W 177*16'
speed: zero.
Later I'll check out with the radio net and sleep well.
Martin

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Day 5

We have completed a nighttime transit of the Kandavu Passage.
None of the navigational aids shown on our charts were illuminated.
Luckily the digital charts are good enough and the passage is quite wide.
My new autopilot that I installed at Tahiti died at 4am. Charming. Luckily there is enough wind for the Hydrovane to steer.
Current Position:
S 18*28'
E 177*47'
Course 285* M
Speed 6 kts

We will likely anchor at Momi Bay and not press on to Lautoka so we can be anchored before nightfall tonight.

All'a well

Martin

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the far side

Pau Hana has entered the eastern hemisphere!

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motoring

Wind went light at about 3 am so we're motoring along our path with the mainsail up for a little extra push.
We've just passed Totoya Island. It seems unlikely that we will reach Lautoka on Tuesday.
Alas.
There is one sailboat within 100 miles of us that we've been speaking with twice a day on the SSB radio.
No ships seen last night.

0600 local time
S 19*06'
W 179*55'
speed 4.8 knots
course 272* magnetic

slow and steady

Martin

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upwind

320 miles remaining to Lautoka, Fiji.
We are just about to pass the southern end of the Yangasa Group, but we cannot stop because there is no opportunity to clear customs and immigration there. Disappointing. If we were to come back here we would have to sail upwind for over 200 miles.
As it stands we're sailing upwind anyway. The wind is coming out of the SSW at about 15 knots.
It's harder on the boat but better for sleeping as the boat does not roll uncomfortably.
One ship passed us last night but never got within 5 miles of us. Venus snuck up behind us again.
As of 0630 on Sunday Sept 13; 1830 UTC Saturday:
S 19*26'
W 177*59'
Speed 6 kts
Course 243* magnetic
We'll change course to WNW later this morning and sail between Matuka and Totoya Islands, heading for the Kandavu Passage.
Martin

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To Fiji

Good Morning!
Pau Hana is on the move and headed for Fiji.
As of 0715 local on Saturday, which is 1830 UTC on Friday:
S 19*03
W 175*51
Speed 5.5 knots
Course 245* mag
Wind 10 kts SSW
Sea <1m

Sailing through the night last night there was no moon, so the stars and biolumenescence were very bright.
This morning before dawn I was sure a ship was approaching us from the east, but after more than 20 minutes I figured out that it was Venus rising above the horizon. Oops.
Comfortable sailing so far. Beam reach to close reach so no rolling. We're headed towards Lautoka, in SW Fiji to pick up our friend Megan Kempt who is arriving for a visit.
I replaced the antenna feed line while in Tonga so my radio works much better.

All's well aboard

Martin

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Bye bye Tonga

Martin showing off with dinner- red snapper

 At an outlying anchorage near whale alley. We heard whales singing through the hull of the boat and saw them everyday.

 Home sweet home. We're heading to Fiji today, a trip of about 550 miles. Tonga has been amazing, one of my favorite places on this trip.