October 30, 2014
Our day sail from Ha’apai to Tongatapu covered roughly 45 miles, so we got an early start, weighing anchor at roughly 7am. This sail was some of the best sailing we had ever done. If every passage was like this I might actually start to like sailing! We sailed on a beam reach with light winds (10-15 knots) and more importantly, totally flat seas. Those of you who enjoy sailing inside Long Beach or San Diego Harbors, I totally get it now. There’s absolutely nothing like zipping along on a flat sea.
At about 10am we had a fish on the line, and when I headed up into the wind in order to slow Exodus down, I went too far, so I started the port engine to avoid irons. I used to beat myself up over stuff like this and if we got into irons, we’d get out without starting an engine, but with lines in the water it’s a real pain when you wrap one of the props, so now I will start an engine to avoid the hassle. Unfortunately, we lost the fish, but this disappointment was averted when later in the day we landed a 4 ft Dorado (Mahi Mahi).
Overall, we made excellent time. We were having safe arrival cocktails in the cockpit by 3:30, and we were on shore at Big Mama’s Yacht Club for burgers, beer, internet, and friends by 5:00.
Gresham Family Exodus 