Tonga to New Zealand Passage – Day 9

Date: Friday, November 9th 2018 Time: 23:00 UTC (12pm local) Location: 31° 17′ S, 176° 04′ E COG:173 °T SOG: 3.5 kts Distance to the New Zealand: 288 nm 24 hr. Distance covered: 107 nm
The wind has lightened up again and clocked around to the north. Today we have the spinnaker poled out from the boom on one side and the genoa polled out on the other. With the light wind we are very pleased to have small seas so we aren’t being batted around too much and are making reasonably good way. Cameron commented that he’s had rougher conditions on the Midwestern lakes when waterskiing in the summer.
The most exciting thing to happen today was that we were buzzed by the Orion, a New Zealand Navy Aircraft. It was a pretty eye popping sight when I looked up and saw a big 4 engine prop plane heading straight for us and flying just over us. They called us on the VHF and wanted our name, last port of call, next port of call and estimated time of arrival. We all felt a bit giddy at the experience.
It’s spring cleaning time on Banyan. Customs is pretty strict in New Zealand and we hear that they don’t give you much, if any, time before they come aboard. It seems like a good idea to have the boat clean and tidy when customs comes aboard. The last few days the weather has been a bit warmer too so we took advantage of the warm air and had our showers in the cockpit. We are all very excited to make landfall!!

2 comments

  1. MICHELE says:

    Big brother is watching you!!! Maybe you look like drug smugglers?
    Those “old” airforce planes fly low and slow, and are used a lot for search and rescue… for missing yachts and fishing boats… so it is nice to know they are around to help if needed. 3 days to go!!!? Looking forward to seeing you.
    Michele

  2. Libbey McKendry says:

    So good to hear the sailing is smoother and you are all doing well and focused on your next port of call. Hugs and prayers!

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