We finally have our weather window. We are leaving
\nNuku’alofa this afternoon (6 November) about 4 pm local time
\n(0100 EDT). Risho Maru and Yara will be leaving then as well.
\nHowever, it is likely that we will be outside of VHF radio
\ncontact range with them after the first 24 to 36 hours. We will
\ncontinue to have contact with them via the SSB high frequency
\nradio. The forecast is very good with some periods of excellent
\nwinds, some periods of little wind, and a period of strong winds.<\/p>\n
We expect to sail very close to the rhumb (straight) line
\nfrom Nuku’alofa to Opua, New Zealand. We will sail a course of
\nroughly 200 degrees magnetic. We will head a bit west of the
\nrhumb line for the first couple of days so that we pass close to
\nNorth Minerva Reef. If the weather ahead looks poor, we can
\nenter the lagoon of the reef and anchor until the weather
\nimproves. The distance to Opua is 1050 nautical mile (or 1200
\nregular miles). The trip should take from 7 to 8 and one-half
\ndays. We will, of course, keep you updated as our passage proceeds.<\/p>\n
M.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We finally have our weather window. We are leaving Nuku’alofa this afternoon (6 November) about 4 pm local time (0100 EDT). Risho Maru and Yara will be leaving then as well. However, it is likely that we will be outside of VHF radio contact range with them after the first 24 to 36 hours. We … <\/p>\n