can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Firefly - Aloha!



Hiva Oa and the surrounding islands of the Southern Marquesas are making an incredible sight as we approach. We first sighted land when 40 miles away, due to the very high mountains on these 'recent' volcanic islands.

We managed to 'Parasail' all last night in glorious moonlight and a relatively flat sea. Maintaining about 6 knots in 10 to 14 knots of wind, Firefly literal felt as if she was flying - just the bright yellow Parasailor, no mainsail and very little wind blowing through the cockpit - each of us had memorable night watches. The wind then dropped away at 0900 and since then we have been motor sailing with the exception of one hour and half slot, when 20 knots of wind appeared under some clouds and we took off at 8.5 knots on a broad reach towards Hiva Oa.

Motoring for the last few hours of a passage is in fact very useful for the skipper - it means that on arrival, the batteries are fully charged, the inverter is on so the crew have all charged up their 240v items, all of the spinnaker sheets, blocks and preventors are away, some of the jerry cans of diesel have been emptied into the main tank and we have the watermaker 'clunking' away to get the tanks as near to full as possible before we arrive. If we had sailed all the way (which is our preference really) - none of the above would be done and would be chores to undertake tomorrow.

Another reason the engine is on is that we are trying to make the anchorage before dark. We know its small and will be relatively full with the World ARC boats that have arrived so far - therefore it will be easier to find a spot and get our anchors down if its still light. The beer has almost ran out but we are well stocked with Rum (2 bottles, both won, one for 3rd place on Leg 1 and the other for winning the 'World ARC horse racing' event in Panama). Peter has the coke (the mixer) chilling, sadly we have no ginger beer. If all goes to plan our crossing will have taken just over 17 days, much quicker than expected and something to celebrate as we settle down for what will be a peaceful night with no 'watches'.

During our 2 weeks in the Marquesas our blogging frequency will reduce but we will get the odd one away to describe the islands and what we have done and seen.

Paul, Peter and David

Previous | Next