Convergence Zone
For the past week a huge convergence zone has spread out over almost the entire Tasman Sea and the perimeter has created unusual conditions in Vanuatu, crimping Read More …
Year
Malekula and the Maskelyne Islands
We sailed for about six hours to reach the Maskelyne Islands in pleasant downwind conditions. I had my usual 6 a.m. dawn watch and got caught Read More …
Havannah Harbor to the Maskelynes
By Monday night we had accomplished all we needed in Port Vila and Rod was scouting out cruising destinations. The weather is not cooperating – instead of the normal trades, the wind is coming from Read More …
Port Vila
The first order of business when we arrived in Port Vila was all the paperwork to clear into the country, requiring visits to the boat by quarantine, Read More …
Guest For A Week
May/June is hot and dry in Tucson and supposedly the best season for glider pilots. Last year Mike missed out on most of the good flying weather; this year he opted to stay home Read More …
Night Passage
May 31 It’s midnight and we are en route sailing westward from Fiji to Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu. We slipped quietly out of Port Read More …
Weather Challenged!
We’ve actually been aboard AVATAR for nearly a month and our visit to New Zealand is at an end. This trip has probably offered the worst overall weather since we started cruising in 2004! Apparently Read More …
Not An Easy Trip!
AVATAR is now berthed in Whangarei, New Zealand, and scheduled to be hauled out for refit on November 1. The 1,100 mile passage from Fiji to New Zealand is notoriously unpleasant as yachts depart tropical Read More …
Passage Day 1
AVATAR is headed to New Zealand for R&R and a bit of a facelift. Also it is nearly the official end of cruising season in Fiji. Cyclone season starts up soon and there will be Read More …
Denarau
Our last day in Fiji. The past several days have been gray and drizzly, encouraging us to view Fiji dry and cozy through the windows of AVATAR’s air conditioned great room. Mike and I have Read More …