After 12 adventure filled days in the Auckland Islands it was time to turn the boat towards home.
On Saturday there was a reasonable weather window opening, so the team set off from Camp Cove, aiming for Erebus Cove at the top of the island, a 7 hour sail away. The only tricky bit was the narrow entrance to Carnley Harbour, where they hit 30kts with a wind change from NW to SW in the middle of the channel entrance. That wind change brought serious rain and serious drop in air temperature. It was cold, windy, and wet. Coincidentally, it was also where Rusalka reached her furthest point south: 50° 52.139' S.
After that they had a great sail, but cold and windy (not wet). The wind was 15 -23kt SW to W true all the way. At the end, nearing Port Ross, they had a 3kt current assisting and hit over 10kt SOG. Waves were under half meter.
This morning they set up the sea berths, donned their warmest clothes and full foul weather gear and set off (in the rain), aiming for Stewart Island. It should take a bit over 1.5 days to reach Stewart Island, much of the time with a following wind, but once they are there it may be some days before they get the weather to sail up the east coast toward Christchurch.
Update at 15:00, Sunday, 15/12/24 - It was a rough start today. Winds in the high 20's, gusting to 33kts. Seas around 3m beam on. A lot of water over the side deck. A bit of queasiness going around. Winds and waves should ease this evening.
And finally, a few statistics for those of you so inclined:
Overnight anchorages: 5 (Sandy Bay, Terror Cove, Erebus Cove, Tagua Bay, Camp Cove)
Other anchorages: 1 (Western Harbour - for lunch)
Landings: 3 (Sandy Bay, Tagua Bay, Camp Cove) & 1 unsuccessful attempt at Sandy Bay
Explored by Rusalka: 5 (Western Harbour, Grafton wreck, Coleridge Bay, Waterfall Inlet, Ranui Bay)
Weather systems >50kt 3 (Terror Cove, Tagua Bay, Camp Cove/Coleridge Bay)
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