Boats, planes, and marine science

Location: Passage to Tonga

Today we had some unusual excitement as we continue on our passage to Tonga. Not only did we spot a ship this morning (the first since we left Rarotonga), but we then were circled by a military plane from the New Zealand Navy which called to ask for our identification and details. In the afternoon we had an oceanography class where we finished the geological oceanography section and reviewed the geological features of the area we are sailing over. This was followed by a Professional Skipper and Crew Training class that involved a hands-on inspection of the rig for chafe and other potential problems. We are enjoying our passage to Tonga with light winds that keep us sailing around 5 knots in a relatively calm sea.