GOLD COAST 200600ZNOV11 SKED

20./11

LAT 43 55.3S

LONG 175 07.2E

DTF 576

ETA 23 NOV 11 0600

WEATHER

WIND 270 8KTS SEA2 SWELL 180@ CLOUD 8/8 BARO 1002.2

SKIPPERS BLOG

Very light wings have made sailing up the coast of New Zealand very

Interesting but also very peaceful and relaxing, though we must not

become too complacent as a rather large blow is eminent tonight.

Whilst writing down the local weather forecast from the VHF today the

announcer read out “Castle point NW 45 increasing 55 in the evening and

increasing 65 tomorrow morning…”. This is defiantly the most extreme

inshore forecast I have heard over VHF radio, and what makes matters worse

is that Castle point is only 150nm ahead of our current position and 50nm

off our track so we may expect some wind tonight and tomorrow.

The crew are now getting used to stowing gear ready for a storm as in

these waters the drill seems to occur twice a week/

Almost all day today Gold Coast Australia has been surrounded by no less

than 20 Albatross flying together. This is quite rare as Albatross are

normally a solitary animal. The albatross seem to vary in species and

size and its amazing to see s many glide together. We have decided that

the number can only be due to “Jonathon Seagull’s Gliding School”, as the

young albatross learn the fundamentals about gliding prior to heading down

to the southern ocean.

Albatross are not the only wildlife that have been surrounding the boat,

as we have also had some regular visits from seals who poke their head up

as if to say “Welcome to New Zealand Bro”BT