The Best Passage Ever

We've spent a long time now being at sea in relatively uncomfortable conditions. The trip to and from New Zealand is well known as a passage that's considerably less comfortable than the down hill tradewind passages we had early last season. Looking back, it seems like the last truly "nice" passage we had was maybe the pacific crossing... and even that had it's moments of nastiness.

I think we'd forgotten how nice it can be to just head down wind in moderate seas. So basically we've spent the last three days looking at each other and smiling saying "Is this what sailing is actually supposed to be like?"

We're in Anetiyum, Vanuatu now and just cleared in through customs. Vanuatu is supposed to be the "friendliest place on earth" or something to that effect (most islands in the South Pacific like to advertise as such), and this time it actually seems to be true. I've never met such friendly customs officers.

A bit of weather has kicked up; it's blowing 25 knots and rained hard last night. It's actually a pretty nice way to wake up after a passage - no reason to do too much, so we're taking it easy on the boat and getting excited to do some exploring tomorrow...