We are back in Port Vila after our Volcano adventure. While in Tanna AJ felt
he needed to quickly return to NZ. So we made a quick passage in high winds
and seas to PV. We are currently waiting for the rain to stop and more
importantly the wind to come from the east to northeast for an easy sail to
the Loyaltys and Noumea. I am back to looking for a third crew member to NZ.
We, my crew Kenley & I, just sailed out of Port Vila for the Loyality’s a
few hours ago. At our current speed it will be a little less than a 2 day
sail.
We had a slight delay in our sail to Lifou, Loyalty Islands. The wind picked
up to 25 & 30 knots and it was not any fun so we anchored in Dillion Bay on
the west side of Erromango Island. We started again the next morning on a
comfortable close reach in 15 to 20 knot winds and subsiding seas for the
150NM trip. We’ve had company of Mark & Sue on WIND CHASE all the way from
Port Vila. It has surprised me how our two boats are so very evenly matched
as we sail together effortlessly. Even during the night their running lights
stayed visible about two miles off out port quarter. I do not find this
happens very often as just wave conditions can change a boats speed let
alone all the other factors.
Love
Jim

Sue & Mark on WIND CHASE