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Tuesday, September 15, 2026 18°39'S 173°59'W

Hihifo - Neiafu

After a night well slept, we hoisted anchor at sunrise. Always a big effort at these depths! Then we started ghosting along following the steep shoreline. At the lee of Vava’u, the winds were fickle and progress slow. But we were rewarded by two whales surfacing close to the boat.

Once we got to the channel leading to the inner archipelago, wind picked up. What followed was a fun brisk upwind sail amid the small islands. This will be a great cruising ground once we’re cleared in!

The Outremer rally was leaving Tonga as we sailed in. We had a brief radio conversation with the Finnish boat No Regrets. We’ll meet them later in New Zealand.

As there is a supply ship at the customs dock, we and the other incoming boats were told to anchor outside. Biosecurity and Health & Safety came onboard as soon as we had the anchor down, but we still wait for Customs and Immigration.

From the logbook

Time Position Course Speed Log Weather Remarks
15.09. 2:34 Z 18°39'28"S 173°59'26"W 70° 0kt 634.3NM wind 10.8kt 125° baro 1014 hPa Started main engine
15.09. 2:47 Z 18°39'28"S 173°59'24"W 62° 2.3kt 634.3NM wind 13.9kt 108° baro 1014 hPa Anchor up, motoring
15.09. 3:07 Z 18°39'30"S 173°58'54"W 327° 0kt 635NM wind 6.1kt 118° baro 1014 hPa Anchored
15.09. 3:07 Z 18°39'30"S 173°58'54"W 320° 0kt 635NM wind 5.1kt 141° baro 1014 hPa Stopped main engine
15.09. 3:11 Z 18°39'29"S 173°58'55"W 310° 0.4kt 635NM wind 9.7kt 150° baro 1014 hPa Emergency: Anchor Dragging (40m) (navigation.anchor)