Marquesas Outbound Day 1

Hi everyone,

We departed Daniel's Bay at 0800 yesterday after 3 1/2 weeks in the Marquesas.  What spectacular islands!

At noon today we were at 11 17S 140 54W steering 200M, sailing under full main and yankee at 5 knots.  The wind was 9G12 from the ENE.  Our noon to noon distances were 126nm by the log and 128nm over the ground.  Overall we've logged 148nm and 150nm respectively.  Our distance to go is 299nm.

Sunset

On departure we motor-sailed out of the lee of Nuku Hiva then had a good E sailing breeze with about 2m swell.  We passed about 10nm W of Oa Pou but still felt its lee.  Since clearing that island's lee we've had wonderful ENE breeze of 8G12 with 1m swell and very little sea.  And there's an almost cloudless sunny sky.

Departing Daniel's Bay, Nuku Hiva

Last night we increased to full sail during a lull to 6G8 knots.  Since then we've been under full sail - very unusual for us.  We had a 7/8 moon for almost the entire night with spectacular sunset and sunrise.

Sunrise

We're on our way to the Tuamotus.  They're very different to the Marquesas.  They are an extensive set of low-lying atolls.  In pre-GPS days they were known as the Dangerous Middle.  Many have passes allowing access into the lagoons.  Looking forward to exploring an entirely different type of island.

Trust all's well where you are.