Laura Dawn - Pacific Log 19: 45 miles until Tonga

Another passage almost complete finds ourselves only 45 miles from civilisation, in fact probably the most we have seen since Tahiti.So we still have a full genoa and 1 reef in the mainsail and we have turned our engine off (no more toast sadly!).The wind is currently about 13knts true from 90 degrees which puts us on a starboard tack and sailing with the wind 150 degrees off our starboard side.Its not just sitting on watch here enjoying the sail and drinking tea though. The debate rages on when you gybe? So much to consider: Mid watch, watch hand over or on wind shifts... the next questions being: Is there a schedule? If so, are we on it? Then there is always the issue of squalls, crew rest, swell/wave direction and current to consider.But it doesn't stop there: wind direction, cross. read more...

Laura Dawn - Pacific Log 18: On route to Tonga

And very sad to be leaving Niue...What a unique place, the worlds highest atoll and another amazing place! Lumps of coral everywhere through the vegetation where the atoll has been literally pushed up from the sea.We have loved every minute, especially the friendliest locals and help from everybody, Keith (Niue yacht club) and his many hired hands of help worked non stop to assist and ensure we had a great time.Watching the afternoon sun go down on a terrace was magic, just time to reflect after an amazing island tour (a must on your itinerary), the spinner dolphins popping along just in time for sunset, they even surfed the bow of the dinghy one evening too.A bit of a unique dinghy docking experience as there is big tide differences and potential for big swell: you have to hoist your. read more...

Laura Dawn - Pacific Log 17:On route to Nuie

Back on the ocean again!We are currently on day 3ish of our leg from Suwarrow to Nuie.So far we have had a complete mixed bag of weather, everything from a motoring start to a blustery 27knts which are our current conditions.We had a great day in the middle, perfect 10 knts flat seas and perfect fish catching weather... oh yes another Bluefin was landed, this time 18lbs oh she is a beauty, the sushi was sublime!So the current sail plan is 2 reefs in the main sail and 7 rolls in the jib, the wind is currently 22knts true and we are sailing with the apparant wind at about 90 degrees on our port side.There is still a little lean on the boat but speed is between 7-8knts and we are bashing through the waves.The sea is a lot less confused than earlier, we awoke this morning to a very messy. read more...

Laura Dawn - Pacific Log 16: Suwarrow

Imagine a true castaway island, only the height of a palm tree, surrounded by a reef; crystal clear blue waters and no one for hundreds of miles... well.. welcome to Suwarrow!I cant believe we are at another incredible destination, alright a bit of a bumpy and slow journey getting here but arrived all well on Saturday morning at first light.There's the odd collection of black tip reef sharks that gather when you anchor to have a look at what's going on and if you make a splash, then a dozen or so come to check out what's on offer!Skyelark seems to have its own shark aquarium around their boat,but they are no bother and poodle off when they realise you are not food! (thankfully)...Most of the second group of boats have arrived so we are almost a full fleet here, which is awesome.We had a. read more...

Laura Dawn - French Polynesia log 14: And we're off.....

Thats it!We've left French Polynesia.Land of friendly people, amazing scenery, fantastic water and wildlife and baguettes..Next stop Suwarrow...We were all very sad to have left Bora Bora on Sunday, we loved exploring the islands and atolls, meeting incredibly friendly people and experiencing new food.Cameron and Cibelle (World Arc Staff) did a great job on advising us where and how to get to all of the places we visited and Wow!, it felt like we found some of the best spots.We seemed to be chasing Obama and Springstein around the islands and if it's good enough for them...!Nice work guys and thank you.We are currently on route and on day 4 of our passage to Suwarrow, the weather has been interesting, everything from 5 knts to 37 knts and broad reach to dead downwind.Reefs have gone in. read more...