A high-pressure system had dominated the Tasman before we departed, but a deep low formed off Brisbane the night before we left. The forecasts suggested it would weaken. Instead, south-easterly wind and seas built as we headed towards New Zealand.
By the next day we had three reefs in the main, no genoa and the smallest staysail. The Fleming wind vane steered reliably as Malua made about six knots, with seas breaking over the bow quarter. The rough weather lasted three days and the highest wind recorded was 47 knots.
When the wind eased, fishing replaced reefing. Then thick fog hid the sun and horizon for three days, so we motored and kept watch on the radar. The fog remained until Malua reached Opua to clear into New Zealand.