The Quest's First Bluewater Adventure

Scott's out checking the rigging.f After many stormy days in the southern parts of New Zealand we were happy to have a quiet day. This gave Scott a chance to check the rig under safe conditions.

Jean finally relaxes with a good book.g This is a picture of what people think cruisers do every day, ALL day! However, this was NOT our experience in the roaring forties. Here we finally had a chance to take a shower, fix a really good meal and read a good book.

fThis is what you DON'T want to see as you look out your pilothouse window! Going around the East Cape of the North Island was slow going. Heavy winds & waves parted our furling line leaving us to sacrifice our jib for the sake of safety. With just Scott and me on board we weren't about to put one of us out on deck with 40+ knots of wind. We saw later that the furling line was poorly led to the furler and therefore chafed and parted.

Didn't I tell you we'd need those dive tanks?g Several nights out of Auckland the engine stopped with such abruptness you knew something was caught in the prop. The next morning at first light Scott dove down and cut a HUGE fishing net off the prop and shaft.

We were all relieved to get Scott back on board with his trophy. fThe water's not warm, the knife is VERY sharp and even a three foot surge under a 33 ton boat is a formidable challenge. What a relief to hear the engine turn over again.

Bill's wondering,g "When do we get to Tahiti?" Well Bill, we've got about eleven days to go. But we're happy to settle into a good routine.

Many evenings at sea look like this.f We were 15 days at sea and nearing Tahiti. Finally the seas are laying down. We look forward to landfall tomorrow.

After 16 days, gsunrise behind Moorea. WOW! I'm on watch and don't even want to wake Scott & Bill. This is my first real landfall. It's been 16 days since leaving New Zealand.

In French Polynesia it's good to remember that when entering a harbor it's:f RED LEFT RETURNING! Entering Papeete Harbor was a thrill for us after being at sea for 16 days. Our intrepid captain brought safely to Tahiti during the morning light. Entering a strange place at night could spell disaster for the unwary sailor.