Heading north - an epic sail

 After a quiet night anchored in an arm off the Tory Channel, we woke to pea soup fog. Decided to get underway and have breakfast on the water - the Mimu crew all patched up and in great spirits for the next leg!


A breakfast banquet - bacon and scrambled eggs with cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach!

For someone who doesn't cook - not too shabby First Mate! 







Exited the Tory Channel for Cook Straits just as the fog lifted and it looked to be the most awesome day. Brilliant blue skies and gentle swell.

New turbo working a treat.




The lovely Lisa keeping us on course.  Stunning weather.  Sailed under genoa and full main.  With the wind rising as we left the mainland, Mimu hit 11+ knots on occasion.

Perhaps we were slightly over canvassed when the wind gusts reached 25 knots but the exhilaration was second to none.

After motor sailing for most of the South Island we were so excited to finally have full sail up.




Skipper looking pretty relaxed and chilled!

Kaikoura Ranges covered in snow behind us, big clumps of kelp in the water, watched a whale jumping and splashing as it crossed Cook Straits, swell getting up with the odd bow wave coming right back onto the dodger.

We had the most perfect conditions for crossing Cook Straits.

Gentle swells, on a tight reach, Mimu in her element.






And we're heading home!

Mixed feelings - what an adventure! Just over 400 miles to go.

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