In stark contrast to our big passage from the Galapagos to French Polynesia, our crossing from Bora Bora to Tonga was anything but smooth sailing. We departed in what looked to be a reasonable weather window, with the aim of visiting Suwarrow in the Cook Islands. Unfortunately, the sea state was especially gnarly, with confused, 2-3m swell, and wind gusting in the low 30s for several days, making for a miserable crew. Five days in, a weather window opened for Tonga, so we diverted towards the Vava’u Island group, only for the wind to die completely. All in, it ended up being a 12-day, challenging passage, devoid of any fun sailing.
Thankfully though, Tonga more than compensated. With over 170 islands to choose from, tropical beaches, rainforests, cool caves, an incredible choir and lots of whale action, Tonga was definitely worth the slog.
Southern Humpback Whales travel from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the tropical waters of Tonga to mate and give birth during the months June to October. We were absurdly lucky to have the opportunity to swim with these majestic creatures. Undoubtably one of our most incredible experiences ever- very moving, awe inspiring and humbling. Watch the video here
Sailing Mowzer 
Brilliant. Just brilliant ! 😘
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Thanks for the excellent updates guys.
Awe inspiring and quite mind blowing!
Makes life in Ryde extremely mundane – perhaps we will go to Chatham for our holidays!
Continue to live life to the full, fair sailing and safe journeys
Graham and Andrea
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