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Paw Paw - Log Day 288: Running the Gauntlet



It was an early start this morning in order to head across the bay to Vuda Marina. Once anchored out we dinghied ashore to see Nina and clear out. While waiting on the officials to arrive, we reconnected with Tallulah Ruby (Andy and Paul), whom we haven't seen since Curacao two years ago. It was wonderful to catch up with them and to learn that they too were sailing to New Zealand with us, along with a host of other yachts who were clearing out as well.

It was no surprise though, when transiting Navula Passage, to encounter winds and seas much higher than forecasted, resulting in a very fast sail this afternoon and into the night, but no complaints, as this is the passage where yachts are invariably running the gauntlet to get to New Zealand between the unfavourable weather systems that constantly migrate across this part of the South Western Pacific.

With average speeds of 7.5 to 8.5 kts we're hoping the winds last for as long as they can before we hit the "donut hole" in the middle of the High Pressure system that is currently positioned between Fiji and New Zealand.

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