Nuku Alofa

Coordinates: 21 08.2 S 175 11.00 W
Bearing:
Boat Speed:
Wind Direction:
Wind Strength: 10 kn
Sea state: totally calm

Crew health: excellent , in great spirits

Fish caught:

Other points of interest:
last night was spent at anchor for the first time in 12 days off the tropical outlying island of Atata. The previous 24 hours had been quite rigorous with little sleep in 24 hours. fairly high winds , in not ideal direction and closing land. The engine shaft was a concern since one of the bearings had sustained more damage than we at first thought off the Bay of Islands and the engine was going to be essential in what proved to be head winds of 26knots + when coming through the reefs.
We managed to make a temporary one from a piece of 12mm thick conveyor belt rubber I had on board and by lowering the stern safety net it was possible, while hove to in 30 knots, to lay in the netting in my wet suit and to fit it into place and hold it together with some twisted stainless wire. It held together well and is still in place . We have contacted Auckland base , thanks Shay and Peter for helping to organise a new bearing for later.
It was more difficult in the cloudy windy weather to make out all the reefs , so I climbed half way up the mast about three times to make sure we were in the correct place.
Last night after a big meal we slept for 12 hours and this morning after going up the mast to sort out a tangled line and change a suspect shackle which I noticed while up there, we set off to motor sail the last 10 miles into the harbour.
The Port Captain directed us via VHF radio to berth at the fuel dock. The customs , health , immigration etc all came to visit , relaxed,jovial , friendly men and ladies, and we feasted them on snacks while all the forms were filled in and payments made. We have now motored over to the other side of the small harbour and anchored stern to. Some helpful Kiwis on the next boat took our lines ashore.
Tomorrow we have to visit the port Captain , get some fresh supplies, organise washing and many other chores. It has been quite an adventure over the last two weeks and hopefully now some leisurely island cruising.

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