20./11
LAT 43 55.3S
LONG 175 07.2E
DTF 576
ETA 23 NOV 11 0600
WEATHER
WIND 270 8KTS SEA2 SWELL 180@ CLOUD 8/8 BARO 1002.2
SKIPPERS BLOG
Very light wings have made sailing up the coast of New Zealand very
Interesting but also very peaceful and relaxing, though we must not
become too complacent as a rather large blow is eminent tonight.
Whilst writing down the local weather forecast from the VHF today the
announcer read out “Castle point NW 45 increasing 55 in the evening and
increasing 65 tomorrow morning…”. This is defiantly the most extreme
inshore forecast I have heard over VHF radio, and what makes matters worse
is that Castle point is only 150nm ahead of our current position and 50nm
off our track so we may expect some wind tonight and tomorrow.
The crew are now getting used to stowing gear ready for a storm as in
these waters the drill seems to occur twice a week/
Almost all day today Gold Coast Australia has been surrounded by no less
than 20 Albatross flying together. This is quite rare as Albatross are
normally a solitary animal. The albatross seem to vary in species and
size and its amazing to see s many glide together. We have decided that
the number can only be due to “Jonathon Seagull’s Gliding School”, as the
young albatross learn the fundamentals about gliding prior to heading down
to the southern ocean.
Albatross are not the only wildlife that have been surrounding the boat,
as we have also had some regular visits from seals who poke their head up
as if to say “Welcome to New Zealand Bro”BT