Eden was a cold wait for a settled westerly flow like we used to get in May-June. A succession of lows moving down the east coast kept us pinned down with easterly gales. In the meantime the crew whittled down to two of us due to work commitments of the others

Finally we left in a light westerly. The winds were very light and the weather bureau waited for us to be committed before forecasting the first depression from the north. This meant initially head winds and then a rising gale out of the south-west as the low intensified south of us. We approached Norfolk Island with gusts of up to 50 knots steering into the shallow waters around the island and watched from the cliff tops by the local windsurfers. The boat performed admirably as we surfed into the troughs. The boat needed to be hand steered in such conditions and while safe, but tiring during the day, is a risk at night. In retrospect I would have used the para anchor which showed its value later in the voyage. At one stage I was washed off the helm by a breaking sea in to the cockpit-I was in knee deep water. Just as I started to worry the water rushed out the open transoms which are invaluable when you need fast drainage. We put into Norfolk Island, Ball Bay. Our second visit here (the first in our prior Crowther catamaran) and the extreme hospitality of our first visit was no fluke. I cannot speak highly enough of the people and officials of Norfolk Island.

Two days rest and we resumed on course for Tonga. Again light fluky winds with only brief periods of seeing what the boat could do under spinnaker or screecher as the wind soon resumed its position on the nose less than 10 knots.

Then, news of our second depression from the north, spawned south of New Caledonia. This one more intense and bore down on us and many of the returning fleet from the New Zealand –Tongan regatta. Storm force winds were forecast up to 55 knots so we deployed the para anchor early and spent 3 days eating chocolates, watching the wind instruments and talking to New Zealand Taupo radio who were excellent company and even rang home for us. The wind was stronger than off Norfolk gusting to 60 knots but the sea was less steep due to the deeper water. To all catamaran owners: “Do not put to sea without a para anchor”. It was remarkably safe and comfortable reading books while waves washed over the decks. Our Calamia handled this second storm with minimal damage- a tribute to a well designed and constructed boat by RMK Marine - Melbourne, Australia.

After this it was 400nm to New Zealand down wind and 600nm to Tonga upwind -so just as the air and water were getting warmer we headed south as my crew had run out of time.

New Zealand is great cruising. The official entry was welcoming, efficient and free. Opua, in the Bay of Islands, has every boat facility and spare part you could want and Bob at Cater Marine has been particularly helpful. We have spent a very enjoyable 10 months cruising the east coast of the North Island and its offshore islands. We have been easily able to iron out all the bugs in a new boat, beaching it in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands on many occasions. Learning how to sail the boat well here has been a pleasure as we had little time before we left home. New Zealand has lots of catamarans and there has been much interest in a new design with people very impressed. Such a comfortable live aboard boat which has proved itself to be safe in extreme conditions.

We now look forward to leaving for Tonga in a month’s time

Regards from Calamia