Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are identical storms—rotating systems with winds of at least 119 km/h (74 mph)—named differently based on where they form. In our case, Tropical Storm 98P, starting around Vanuatu and moving south, became either Typhoon or Cyclone Tam. It was supposed to weaken as it headed south toward the Tasman Sea (between New Zealand and Australia). The forecasters weren’t entirely accurate.
Leaving Tauranga Harbor was still decent.
By the time we docked in Auckland, we could see the whitecaps growing and the wind was nearly blow you over strength. We decided to get off for the day, found a coffee shop, checked out the America’s Cup boat we were supposed to sail on, (it was cancelled) and walked a bit around town. It really sucked outside, so we headed back to the boat within hours.
The company that handles the America’s Cup yacht cruises cancelled due to weather. They were located just around the corner from our ship, so we took a look at what we were missing. Not sure where we would be able to nap on these vessels.
We weren’t surprised when the Captain announced that the authorities had recommended we don’t cast off until they could confab the next morning. The next morning, he told us it would be at least another day. We would have to forego the stop in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Very disappointing, but the thought of going through 6 meter seas with heavy winds assuaged our disappointment. Here is the view of the harbor from our balcony.
We finally cast off at about noon the following day.
Turns out the skipper was threading the needle between two tough scenarios. We ended up with some heavy seas and strong winds, but Auckland was hit with a series of storms that caused flooding and power outages.
We’ll just be making do with a series of gloomy days and rough seas for a bit.
Postscript
We arrived in Papeete, French Polynesia today. after 5 days at sea! We are moored, but this is the first sunny day without the ship bucking back and forth since leaving Auckland. Not exactly what we picture the South Pacific to be.
At any rate, here are some shots of the seas. Remember, we are on deck 15, so if the waves don’t look too bad, the shots are from a distance. They are at least 4 meters. Ugh. The sun deck and pools are closed due to wind, so we joined the choir to help pass the time.
Seems like boating adventures from NZ are a bad idea. Deja vu all over again!