Greetings from yacht Ensemble.
Last 120 nm to go (give or take). There was no wind yesterday and we started the engine up in the morning. We should have enough fuel - but it will be a close run thing. We at least have a favourable current (at last) and the seas are slight (completely flat) making for a comfortable motor/sail.
The good news is that as of 4am this morning we have been able to stop the motor and sail again - at a healthy 8 knots in a breeze of 15 knots (with rain) - hopefully it will hold out until we get there or at least for four or five hours to give us some margin on the fuel.
The other side of the 'close run thing' is whether or not we can make it to Hiva Oa by sunset. Again - a close thing - as we have to cover the 120 nm in about 14 hours. If not - we will either anchor off / heave to or try and anchor in the outside harbour. Decisions decisions!
The fish didn't trouble us at all today - although there were plenty of birds around (including a frigate).
We celebrated our last sunset rendevous (hopefully) with some champagne and had a nice BBQ for dinner - and then watched a movie (X-men First Class).
Well - wish us luck!
Cheers
Dave & Magali
22March2012 020