South Minerva Reef, 400 nm from the closest land in the South Pacific
Reef Ho! 801 nm, 5 days and 1 hour after departing New Zealand, we put the hook down in the beautiful gin clear waters of the reef lagoon at S Minerva. A special corner of the South Pacific, together with North Minerva Reef, these mid-ocean reefs are a wonderful and gorgeous refuge on passages to and from New Zealand. It is our third time visiting, and we look forward to about a week of resting, playing and exploring the nooks and crannies of this large reef.
Our passage was everything we hoped for – Dragonfly and crew performed admirably! Can’t say we’re totally used to the new motion with a power boat, but is sure is nicer and so much easier than the drama of the monohull heel. The weather started off as expected, calm with negligible seas, building in the last 48 hours to 20-25kts on the beam with seas of 2-2.5m. Our rhumbline tells the tale – no course adjustments needed due to changing winds, and we love that sail plan changes are in our rear view mirror. Loved our maiden voyage on Dragonfly!
More to follow once we have rested and explored the reef in the coming days. For now, long peaceful naps and cold beers are calling our names.
23 56.5 S 179 06.4 W
South Minerva Reef
South Pacific Ocean
So glad to hear it. Congrats on the maiden voyage. Love that long straight line!! Well done!!
Do you really have to make me jealous?? Dragonfly looks really spiffy, like brand new. Is the sunset picture as you approach the reef??
Presuming you journeyed through the night how long was the watch??
Anything you forget to pack? I can’t imagine how much you had to learn before leaving. Just that bank of switches is so intimidating. How many NM to the gallon?? “ Wish you were here “ is replaced with wish I was there. So happy for you!