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Join us aboard SV Goose, our Seawind 1260 catamaran, as we explore one of the most remote and fascinating places in the South Pacific—the Minerva Reefs.


In this episode, we anchor inside North Minerva Reef and set out to uncover everything this wild, ever-changing atoll has to offer. From walking across tide-exposed coral landscapes to discovering hidden pockets of marine life, every step reveals something new.


We visit the remains of the Republic of Minerva, a failed attempt to create a man-made micronation in the middle of the ocean—now just a few scattered ruins surrounded by reef.


We also explore vibrant tide pools teeming with life—crabs, fish, coral, and more—where even the smallest changes create entirely different ecosystems.


Along the way, we dive into history at the wreck of the Commonderry, a ship with a long and dramatic past that finally met its end right here on the reef.


Then, we sail to South Minerva Reef, where more adventure awaits. We snorkel the reef, search for lobster, and come across another mysterious shipwreck hidden beneath the surface.


Minerva is raw, remote, and constantly changing with the tides—and we’re making the most of every moment we get to explore it. If you enjoy sailing, adventure, and off-the-grid exploration, make sure to subscribe and follow along for more!

 
 

Sailing to one of the most remote places in the Pacific! In this episode, we sail from Tonga to the legendary North Minerva Reef, a tiny uninhabited reef in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. With strong winds, this passage turns into a brisk sail across open water.


Once inside the reef, we drop anchor in crystal clear water and settle in to enjoy the strange contrast of having all the comforts of home while floating in one of the most remote places on Earth.


North Minerva Reef is famous among sailors; it holds incredible marine life, history, and maybe even some mysteries beneath the surface.


While exploring the reef, we make an amazing discovery — what we believe could be the wreck of the schooner Strathcona, a ship reportedly lost here in 1915. Finding the remains of a century-old shipwreck in such an isolated place is both surreal and fascinating.


Join us as we explore this wild Pacific reef and uncover a piece of maritime history far from civilization. If you love sailing adventures, remote anchorages, boat life, and exploring shipwrecks, this episode is for you.

 
 

Landfall at Tongatapu… though the ocean makes sure we earn it. 🌊⛵


The day begins grey and drizzly, but with a steady breeze and rolling blue water beneath us. Somewhere offshore, we even hook a beautiful fish for dinner 🎣


Then, just as we’re closing in on our destination, the wind picks up suddenly and turns a routine arrival into something much more intense. The spinnaker refuses to sock, lines load up, and before we know it, the sail is dragging in the water. Not quite the calm landfall we had pictured.


With some quick thinking, solid teamwork, and a few racing heartbeats, we manage to wrestle everything back under control and make it safely into Tonga.


Now on the hook in Nukuʻalofa, it’s time to regroup and prepare for the next leg: 🛒 Stocking up and reprovisioning

đź”§ Catching up on boat jobs

🗺️ Planning our stop at Minerva Reef

🇳🇿 Preparing for the big passage south to New Zealand


The Pacific season is changing, weather windows are tightening, and the miles ahead are some of the biggest yet.

 
 

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