Leg 7 starts, but the fleet splits.
There was the usual rushing around and the a couple
of mini-dramas at the start of Leg 7, but most got away safely. We
expected Maamalni and were hoping for Quasar to join at the start for the
first time, but sadly neither showed; we hope to see both back with us
soon. And it was also sad to see so many other absentees -
Blue Flyer (hopefully temporarily), Candela and Far Out have left the rally
for different reasons, and Whitbread, Storyteller and Southern
Princess, we think because of technical troubles, were also unable to make
the start. But it was great to see the example set by Wizard; a sailing
boat does not need an engine to get to the start and to set off into the
Pacific. And the Committee Boat moved as soon as the gun went off, and
rushed off to the West, so technically Cleone and others never crossed the line
at all!
The fleet has split into two. The minority - about 12 - have followed
Kasuje to Raratonga, whilst the other 18 or so (including Cleone) are making
their way on a more northerly course to Suwarrow. Thereafter, we all hope
to pay a short visit (we've been asked to keep it to 72 hours or less) to Niue
before making towards Tonga, which is our next proper Rendezvous. Whilst
it separates friends for a time, the split is helpful. Suwarrow is a
nature reserve (with a lone guardian) and there is limited space in the
anchorage. So they've asked us to limit the fleet to 20, and therefore the
split has worked nicely. Cleone is in the Northern Party.
As to progress, this has been less than sparkling. The winds are
light, and we are unlikely to make much more than 80 miles in the first day, and
less than that towards Suworrow. And the forecast is not promising much
more help over the next few days. I expect we will be forced to use the
engine, though we don't have enough fuel to reach Niue, the next place where
stocks are available. We've Asolare still in sight; she like us hasn't yet
resorted to the motor. As usual, Peter has been very generous with
help on weather and routing information, and we will be talking to him again
soon. Meanwhile, the wind has backed and filled in, we have gybed onto the
starboard tack, and are now making our rhumb-line course. But we have had
to give up on the spinnaker as the wind is still moving round towards the
North. You will no doubt hear more tomorrow!
It is great to be at sea again, and we are straight back into our
4-on-4-off routine, wondering how long the fresh food is going to last, and
looking forward to the sights and sounds of Suworrow.
Best wishes to everyone; all well with us.
James, Chris, Elizabeth and Will
Yacht Cleone
16.38S 152.54W