Sail around new Zealand *tick*

Against all odds, and the tide, we are slowly making our way up the harbour.

Homeward bound

Well it has been a frustrating couple of days to say the least. So close yet so far. Sick of tacking and changing the headsail. Just lost danaide and revs in a wind hole off channel island which is gutting as we have been working hard to stay ahead. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things can change. These light winds are not our forte.

We are both exhausted and have been pushing constantly. I don't know how dad does it, right now it's only my mantra keeping me going. I have to keep telling myself 'double quarter pounder with extra cheese.'

Update

Still eating Maryanne’s fruit cake! Very tedious sailing, can’t get comfortable, can’t sleep, having to hand steer - beating to windward in lumpy seas, winds Nor westerly variable 10-25 knots.

Too uncomfortable to type.. looking forward to being home soon.

[Dictated over the Phone to Joy]

Leg 4 start

Time to say good bye to Napier. Conditions for the next leg are not looking so hot. See you all in 4 days. Hopefully.

FW: Stewart Island

 

 

From: Donna Goomes
Sent: Tuesday, 20 March 2012 9:01 p.m.
To: Matthew Bradfield
Subject: Stewart Island

 

Hi Matt & Charles,

 

Thought you might like a few photos, will send more when you get home.  Just had 2 sharp jolts of an earthquake here, but planning to head for the hot tub anyway, so hopefully no tsunami for us.  :)  We're fine.  Thinking of you both, stay safe, and give them a run for their money.

 

Donni & Peter

 

Feeding a kaka.  They are all spoiled now, thanks Charles.

 

View from our yard overlooking Halfmoon Bay.  Can you find your yacht?

 

Pretty good guests, we don't let in riff raff. :)

 

Chasing you out of town.

 

Next stop Napier

 

 

Prize giving last night, truxton took it out, well deserved they worked hard and pushed all the way. I'll tell you something, those boys race on a totally different level. When they race they take 17 sails, they only have bottled water, they sleep on a bean bag on the floor, no toilet they hang off the back, they reach speeds of 22 knots, and they drink like no ones business. All in all good guys.