In late October I sailed from Port Vila in Vanuatu back to NZ on board a Chico 30 called Ladymink with the owner Dave Parsons and another chap called Jim Shaw. We came back in company with a 36 foot Spencer called Uncle Arthur crewed by the owner Grahame Perron (hope I've spelt his name right) and a young chap named Curtis. Here are some photos. They are all taken in calm conditions - the other times were were working! They are also not in any real order.

Me. Sunset off Northland

Jim. Somewhere between Vanuatu and new Caledonia

We've just passed Norfolk Island. This was the first of only two kite runs we got the whole trip. Note the Jockey pole made of bamboo. The aluminium one broke on the way up.

Dave making a plug to wedge in behind a rudder pintle which had worn down rather a lot and was a bit of a worry.

Shaking out a reef South of New Caledonia.

Dave looking rather tired. Entering the colder latitudes now!

Drinkies on Uncle Artur night before we leave Port Vila. Also here are crew from another yacht.

Towing the crew of Uncle Arthur ashore for more drinkies the same night.

Dave broke a bone in his foot our first day out. I ended up having to do most of the deck work for the first ten days or so. It meant I didn't cook though, which was alright by me.

The morning we left Port Vila

Safe in new Plymouth with a bottle of Port. First drink in 15 days!


Leaving Port Vila

Uncle Arthur rather close. It freaked Dave and Jim out when they did this.