Sailing from Port Vila, Vanuatu, Toucan stopped at Isle Lifou in the Loyalty Islands to wait out the strong headwinds preventing us from sailing directly to the Havannah Pass at the southern end of Gran Terre.  Gran Terre is the main and largest island in the New Caledonian group.

A day and a half later, the wind shifted more easterly.  We set sail immediately and had an exciting 7 knot run all the way to Havannah Passage.  Unfortunately, we arrived at 10:00pm so were forced to navigate the 40+ miles of pass and reef to Noumea during the night.  Thank goodness for RADAR!  Well, really thanks Mom and Dad for the RADAR...  GPS is great, but when the charts are not accurate (in this case almost 1/2 mile off!) the ability to measure distance off is essential.

We arrived in Noumea at 7:00am Saturday morning and were cleared in by Quarantine and Customs by 9:00am.  Immigration didn't bother until about 4:00pm.

We expect to depart for Brisbane, Australia the fist week of December.  Should take about 6 days.