Passage to Niue: Day 1 and 2

Author: Pete
Location: 16°40.165S’ 153°42.387W’
Date: July 19, 2015
Day 1 and 2 at sea.

 

Yesterday we had a final lunch with some friends in Bora Bora at a famous place called Bloody Mary’s before hauling up the hook and motoring out of the pass and into the open ocean. We splurged for burgers and bloody marys because tomorrow on my birthday we’ll likely be eating tunafish on baguettes and gatorade.

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Out of the pass we caught some wind and pulled out all our canvas. We sailed west on a reach making 6 knots in 8 knots of wind on calm seas. We passed Maupiti just at sunset as great colors lit up the sky behind the high island.

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Good wind held through most of the night, but on my graveyard watch the wind swung astern and dropped to 4 knots. I put up the spinnaker single hand and stretched out on the trampoline to watch the stars and keep an eye out for boats.

We are getting our sea legs back after a good deal of time at anchor. We are trying out scopolamine patches to take the edge off the first few days at sea. After that your body get accustomed to the motion and all is well. So far so good. No signs of side effects which apparently include blurred vision and “acute toxic psychosis”. Sounds like a real dozy of a combination on the graveyard watch!

Today conditions were pretty flat and calm. It was a great day to lay out in the trampoline and read, but not so great for sailing. Fixed a plugged diesel hose, made yogurt, and made 12 gallons of water. All in a day’s work. Got a strike on one of my fishing lines, but not a hook up. I’ve heard fish don’t like flat, sunny conditions. I’m also a terrible fisherman. Good thing we stocked the boat full of Pringles and Gummy Bears.

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We should pass north of the island of Maupelia in a few hours. The wind is filling in and we’re back under sail. All good aboard tonight.

3 Comments

  1. Greg   •  

    Seemed like we spent a really short time in Bora Bora. I’m guessing because of time lost waiting for HAL? Sorry…waiting for Otto. How else has our timeline itinerary been affected? Also, as you’ve no doubt noticed, since I’ve been vicariously sharing the adventure anyway (thanks for writing…love the blog) I’ve officially put myself on board WITH you mentally through the wonders of first person narrative. Don’t worry; I’m generally clean and won’t take up much space. You won’t even know I’m there, promise. Well…except in times of acute toxic psychosis.

    • Pete Gorkiewicz   •     Author

      Well, “WE” left because of YOUR shenanigans! You should have known those coconuts were sacred and not to desecrated! Your official cabin is starboard hull forward. It will henceforth be known as “Greg’s Room”. Keep ‘er tidy.

  2. Greg   •  

    What’s up with my comments being moderated? FREE SPEECH!!!

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