New Zealand to Fiji Passage May 2007

Cyclone season officially over and with this information, cruisers gather at Ports of Call, to exit New Zealand and discuss when the best weather window is available to leave. The task of predicting the weather 7-10 days in the future is difficult. The majority of the time, I feel like the weather can't be accurately predicted a day ahead. However, a decision must be made and all resources used to determine the day.

Our exit day was Wednesday, May 2, and a prediction for the next 7 days had reasonable weather to aid us in our sail to Fiji, an estimated 9 day trip. The first day had a slight head wind with the wind switching to the northwest the next day, which was preferred since it would be a more comfortable ride and fast point of sail. All was well until checking into the daily radio net on Friday, where the exchange of information between other vessels and land based cruisers, relay data such as, latitude and longitude positions, weather information and if any emergencies had arisen, announced a potential Low pressure front forming. This front was to bring 30-35 knot winds gusting up to 45 knots, its local was between us and Fiji.

Sure enough the winds started building from 10-15 knots to 20-25 knots the next day, and 25-30 knots for two days which is a constant, steady wind, add gusts of 40+ knots and seas building up to 12 – 15 feet, these were the conditions we were dealt. The main thought that runs through our minds as we deal with the situation, is not whether the boat can handle the force of Mother Nature, it is whether the equipment, sails and rigging can withstand these elements. Also managing through this weather was exhausting and little sleep was had during the worst of it, but what was just about more discouraging than the wind, was our new head (toilet) filling up with poo and pee from our waste holding tank, which sloshed out as it filled the bowl. Trying to abate the onslaught of our own waste was difficult and added to the “on watch” duties was pumping the waste overboard. But no matter how frequently we dumped the waste, it kept coming back! Obviously something was amiss, but too tired and conditions too rough to tear the whole head system apart and explore the problem, we lived with the situation and now this passage has been declared the “The Crappie Passage”.

Our dilemma was small compared to fellow cruisers like Ohana Kai, with a ripped Main & Jib sail along with their engine experiencing a loss of power, straining through the swells. Another cruiser, Scott Free II, lost their main auto pilot and back up steering system, having just two people to hand steer 5 days and through the harsh weather conditions. They reported that during the night, they Hove-to, a maneuver that positions the sails in order for the vessel to drift with the wind and waves, while stabilizing the boat. This maneuver allows the crew to rest, a much needed break when hand steering for long periods of time.

All our friends have made it through The Crappie Passage safely and we are now resting in Suva, Fiji excited to explore this culture and its islands. Donning on our swimsuits, we will keep you posted on what’s fun in Fiji.

May the Tide be with you!

First Mate Kelly.