Fw: Tiare Taporo III

Well, we can hardly believe it either. We've turned back yet again. We started having doubts as we left the Bay of Islands yesterday afternoon and eventually decided to stop at the Cavalli Is. to try to think a bit sensibly about things and re-examine the situation in the morning. When we looked at the GRIB files this morning things had deteriorated markedly with the window closing up and the situation generally as described to Russell Radio as below.  It all puts us in mind of a French Canadian we met a couple of years ago in Whangarei when he was waiting for a weather window and he said "I think we'll die here"! They eventually did leave but returned before leaving finally. And another boat which also left yesterday returned today as well, which doesn't make us feel too bad. We had an unpleasant trip back against a big SE swell but fortunately the wind stayed below 15 knots - however, that was enough on the nose.  

Late next week things are looking much better - as always we'll keep you informed.

Cheers, Jim and Gina

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jim Donald <tiare_taporo@yahoo.co.nz>
To: "russellradio@clear.net.nz" <russellradio@clear.net.nz>
Sent: Friday, 1 July 2011 9:39 AM
Subject: Tiare Taporo III

Hi

Sorry to have to say that we are returning - again! We decided to stop at the Cavallis last night (where we are still) and on looking at the GRIBS this morning have concluded that the window has deteriorated markedly. Mid to late next week there is a very strong SW coming onto the area as well. The passage forecast we are looking at this morning has winds up to 30 knots and not below 20 for the whole passage with fairly high seas except for 1 or 2 days out of New Cal. With just the 2 of us we didn't feel it was prudent to continue in those conditions. We have advised Customs.

Sorry we didn't come on the SSB last night but were approaching the Cavallis in the dark so navigation was the priority. Maybe after the SW coming through the high which has been hanging round over Australia might finally make itself felt and a better window will result towards the end of next week or weekend.

We'll be in touch.

Cheers,

Jim and Gina