Blinder
Well Blinders back in the water and another fiji cruising season begins. Enjoying the warm waters and sunshine. Hanging out at Musket for a week or so while we get a few boat jobs done in between our water sports and catching up with friends.
Hanging off a morning at Musket for a few days. Blinders a very quite boat , Nip and Louise left a few days ago and then yesterday we farewelled Obsession who are looking at heading back to NZ. Have had an awesome 2 months cruising with them and will miss them both.
Grant had a kite yesterday and I did my first body drag which was fun then we had the pleasure of the manta visit last night so all good on Blinder.
Know you are going to miss
Enjoying a few days at Likukliku the water is glorious. Giant puffer fish, Octopus and plenty more just off the boat.
Peter and Louise are aboard so lots of fun and there’s been some great card games unfortunately Obsession seem to be on a bit of a winning streak. Oh well there’s always tonight!
Well more fun has been had that’s for sure. Had a fabulous week exploring with Obsession with lots of games and beach activities. Sailed over the Bligh waters yesterday heading for Denarau to pick up friends later in the week. Had a great couple of months cruising the North.
At Cousteaus waiting to head west tomorrow. Big day on Blinder yesterday as have had a leaking stern seal which was replaced with a huge effort from Lester and Lisa off Obsession. Happy boat and very grateful to our lovely friends.Now we can go have more fun!
A sunny day yesterday which was unexpected so we jumped in a cab and went around to Devodara Beach which is a great kiting spot. Perfect conditions and no one around except the locals netting who would wave out every time Grant flew by, very cool.
Had Lisa and Lester and Bruce off Seadragon over for dinner last lovely to much chatter for cards. Hoping boat part arrives today....fingers crossed.
Back in Savusavu after another lovely week cruising the north and catching up with friends along the way, Interlude at Paradise then Pzazz at Cousteaus. Had a great snorkel off Cousteaus yesterday lots of big fish! Will spend a couple of days here shopping ,eating curries and playing cards with Obsession while we wait for a part for Blinder.
Anchored in beautiful Matagi. Have been here a couple of times but had forgotten how truly stunning it is and how fab the snorkeling is right off the back of the Blinder. Crystal clear waters makes snorkeling a treat and I came face to face with the biggest flowery cod I have ever had the pleasure of meeting then around the next corner the largest dotted sweetlips (purple and yellow) who was looking very cool. Sundowners and a game of cards will Team Obsession will just round the day off nicely.
Just anchored in Naiviivi bay after 4 lovely days at Namata bay. Meet Thomas and his family, he is part of the Mitchell family who own the bay and we were totally spoilt with fresh fruits and vegetables. Enjoyed swimming in the turquoise waters where you could see every grain of sand with Obsession anchored nearby.
Oh, sounds just perfect. So
Motor sailed to Qamea today and now anchored in lovely big bay on the SW corner. Caught a mahi-mahi on the way which always makes the trip so much more fun. Lovely afternoon to chill out and enjoy the blue waters.
Another glorious day. Viani Bay at its best, no wind and glassy calm. Went for a cool snorkel out on the reef yesterday lots of lovely healthy corals.
Will probably head over to Somosomo tomorrow for some fresh veg and that’s as far as the plan goes at the moment.
Sundowners on Halo last night with Obsession and Damn Kiwi which was fun always amazing what a small world it is when you get chatting.
Had a couple of lovely days in Albert Cove, cant see us moving for awhile. Enjoying the beautiful anchorage and wonderful company.
Just back from a lovely snorkel out by the pass. Had an awesome 2 dives yesterday, Kutu reef and cabbage patch. Weather is just perfect which makes exploring this area so much fun. Some great game nights happening with Obsession.
Love this bay, some of the prettiest coral bombies which makes swim club a real treat. Looking at moving to Viani this arvo to maybe go for another dive.
Have had a lovely couple of days hanging out here with Obsession. Some great snorkeling just of the boat and went for a cool dive today with Lisa and Lester.
Well we didn’t land the mahi-mahi but had a great trip to Makogai. Left there the following morning at first light and a nice sail across to Savusavu getting in just in time for lunch. Caught up with our great friends Lisa and Lester off Obsession, will hang out here for a few days then head off for an adventure or 2. Not quite sure where yet that will be decided over a few cold ones and a curry.
Ah. So happy that gang is
After 4 great days kiting at Nananu-I-cake (always windy ) and lots of socializing on the sandpit we are off to Savusavu via Makogai.
A stunning day blue skies 10knts easterly all we need know is a mahi-mahi.
Had a fabulous trip up from Vuda yesterday, dolphins a nice walu for dinner and a stunning sunset. Got into anchorage about 730pm to then enjoy the full moon.
Woken up to plenty off wind, Grant smiling. Will stay a couple of days and enjoy the kiting.
Had a stunning windless week cruising the Yasawas with Gail and Pete. Magical sunsets, wakeboarding, squidding, games and lots of laughs.
Had a great sail back down on wednesday and now back at Musket with plenty of wind on its way. Grant had a kite yesterday and looks like he will be doing heaps more in the next week or so.
Anchored in the stunning Somosomo bay. Grant and Pete went bush bashing this morning trying to find the track across the island, got 1/2way then lost it.
Gail and I circumnavigated the bay snorkling, lots of new corals which is great to see. Only boat in bay, lobster for dinner, tough life this cruising!
Ah, it sounds amazing. So
Back up in the beautiful Yasawas with Gail and Pete. A fun week ahead !
Back down a Musket after an awesome windless week discovering the northern Yasawas. Hanging around here for the next week before heading back to NZ for a few days. Grants managed to kite the last 2 days so big smiles.
Anchored of village of Yasawas-I-Tara. The villagers are so friendly great fresh fruit given to us with beautiful big smiles. The beach is stunning, one of the nicest I have had the pleasure to do my morning swim at. Heading off to find another glorious bay.
Anchored in a stunning bay white sandy beach which even has a small wave to ride.
Caught our first fish for the season on the way up so will enjoy that tonight. Glorious spot.
Great to hear you are loving
Well what a start to the season ! Day after day of stunning blue skies since Blinder went in the water last week. Had a great week catching up with friends at Musket now In at Denarau for a couple of days to do a bit of maintenance. Going to head up to the Yasawas later in the week. Happy days!
All tucked up in the pit for summer. Had an awesome cruising season with family and friends.
Perfect day at Blue Lagoon.
Just had a fab time at the musket Cove regatta...what a week ! Crewed on the lovely Tallulah Ruby which was great, thanks to Andy and Paul.
Now just having some quiet time before family arrive next week. Grants got some time to fly his new kite.
All alone at Nananu-I-thake.
Wish we were there too!
Hanging out around Malolo enjoying this stunning weather.
Tied up at Denarau marina for a couple of days doing a few boat jobs. Nice to be here as had a few days of wind and rain.
Good to see you are getting
Still hanging out at Musket, had the most glorious week out here, lovely to be swimming and snorkeling again. Perfect weather, very hot !
I am amazed that Blinder
Blinders back in the water after 6 months, thanks to everyone at Vuda for keeping her safe. Great to be here, enjoying some island time out at Musket Cove. Paradise !
Back up in cyclone pit at Vuda safe and sound. Another fabulous cruising season in Fiji hanging out with great friends and enjoying the magical waters. Vinaka x
Had a great week out a Musket some lovely day trip out to Honeymoon and Namotu. It's really starting to heat up with these windless days. Loving Musket, it's very quiet ! Another week of paradise then time to head home.
Quiet few days at Musket after a big week of farewell dinners for Carla and Doug in at Denarau, lots of beers lots of tears ! Caught a walu on the way out, delicious.
Back out at the island for another day playing in the sun. Just had the best swim club, attendance at an all time high with hundreds of tropical fish joining in. Still grinning !
Another stunning day, paddleboarding and snorkeling around honeymoon island. Lovely to have Deb onboard.
Parked up at Denarau Marina for a few days, will sit out the rain that's heading our way.Couple of repairs to do on the furler then Thursday pick up Deb and head off again .
Had the most fab 10 days up in the Yasawas with my sis and John. The weather was perfect and lots of fun times. Now back at Musket, always lovely to catch up with everyone. Will hang out here for the week while Grant pops back to NZ for a couple of days.
Avg: 11.9knts
24hr: 285.6nm
Morning Malakati
Great to be back in Malakati had forgotten how beautiful it is 🌺
A magic day at Blue Lagoon celebrating Sues birthday. Champers at sundown then in for dinner at Nanuya Resort.Doesn't get much better 🌺
Awesome you are having fun
Looks just magical. Hope Sue
Stunning first night out with sister Sue and John at Cuvu bay,glassy calm clear blue water. Swam with the Mantas this morning now heading around to Somosomo, Yasawas are sparkling and so are we !!!
Hey you guys, sounds another
All tied up at Denarau Marina, will be here for the week just having some down time before the family arrive on Sunday. Can't wait !
Heading down the highway !
Great swim club turn out this morning , then coconut pancakes for breakfast on Moondance. Don't you just love the weekends.
Had a great trip down to Coconut Point yesterday and now heading for Nananu-I-thake. Glorious morning, suns shining ,music on,fishing lines out,Moondance is across the way and the winds blowing.
It's raining in Savusavu so time to leave. Heading to Coconut Point today then across to Nananu-I-Thake tomorrow with Moondance.
Woken up to a glorious morning in Savusavu. Sailed across from Paradise Resort Tavenui yesterday with Moondance. Will hang out here for a few days just enjoying Savusavu.
We're probably leaving Fawn
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165nm
After an uneventful overnight trip from Vulaga - 15knts and a tuna , we are now happily moored off Paradise Resort , Taveuni. Great to be back on the grid !
Hey you 2, we're just across
Left Vulaga at 11 this morning and have had a lovely sail thus far. 15knts easterly with about 1.5mtre swell. Hope to be in Taveuni midday tomorrow, all great onboard.
Hi guys,
When the sun shines in Vulaga it lights up. Had a great snorkel at the blue hole, a giant groper, sharks and played hide and seek with a large octopus, very cool.Going out to the pass this morning to check out slack tide and do one last snorkel. Weather has really settled so looks like we will head north tomorrow. Time to get back on the grid.
Enjoy the last couple of days
Waved goodbye to Bravado yesterday as they head back to Denarau after 2 great weeks in Vulaga despite the weather not really playing the game..hence we played heaps of games! We were planning on heading to Taveuni but Grant got a case of the kava belly so decided not to lift anchor. He is feeling heaps better today and the sun is shinining so will hang out here for a few more days and enjoy.
Another day in paradise. Swimming, snorkeling, skurfing and maybe even a sundowner or two.
Awesome day in Fulaga. Snorkeled the pass,the corals and fish life better than ever, saw about 6 sharks much to Shirls delight! Heading to the beach for some bubbles if the sun stays out.
Happy birthday Carla x
Avg: 2.7knts
24hr: 65.2nm
Had a great overnight trip down to Fulaga arriving in 15minutes before the tide changed which was perfect. Awesome to be back as beautiful as ever. Just after we anchored the outrigger sailed over with Solate, Mini and George out for their Saturday fish. A few tears and lots of hugs were had.
(Graham and Damien the canoe looks awesome and well used,will attach photo when we have internet) The front passed over early this morning and the expected rain is here. A great day for games and reading.
Hi guys, great to hear that
Had a great snorkel at Matagi this morning, we were joined by the cutest turtle who didn't seem fazed by us at all. Now anchored in the NW bay Qamea with Bravado and plan to leave for Fulaga in the morning.
Wow, you guys have certainly
Gorgeous spot, anchored at Matagi, water is crystal clear and the sun is trying its best to break through.
Off snorkeling this arvo with the team.
Just on our way into Savusavu, had a wonderful night catching up with Al and Shirl , it's been along time since Blinder and Bravado have been anchored in the same bay. Lots of laughs and delicious fish for dinner.
Will provision and head out for more adventures next week.
Nice. Well done team!
Motor fixed and all good to go ! Off on a road trip today to Rakiraki
No Motor, no Makogai, no fish ! But we have great friends and stunning sunsets.
Half way to Makogai motor sailing our motor died so made the call to head back to Nananu-I-thake. Moondance turned around and followed us in, quite a busy sail up through the reefs was happy to get the anchor down.
Hopefully Grant and Doug will sort out problem today, fingers crossed. It's a lovely day here so not all bad.
On the move, heading for Makogai with Moondance and Sharpe Focus.
Just back from sundowners on Sharpe Focus with Moondance, stunning full moon. Anchored in Nananu- I-take. Grant having kitesurfing lessons tomorrow ... Watch this space !
Awesome to hear about the
Port Denara Marina getting Blinder pretty for her date with Bravado. Will start heading north with Moondance tomorrow. Slight delay as skipper needed some dental work. All sorted now so will throw lines of in the morning . Looking forward to it.
Glorious morning at musket. Taking Scott, Emma and the kids out on Blinder for the day
Finally pulled the pick up and heading down to Musket to catch up with Grants cousin. Have had an awesome couple of weeks swimming, paddling , walking , making new friends and catching up with old.Had a fun final night, dinghy drinks with 9 dinghies rafted up.
Great to be back in Blue Lagoon forgotten how pretty it is here. Going into the new Boatshed to watch the ABs tonight doesn't get much better. Will be hanging out here for the next week or so, paradise!
Glorious day for a sail but hard on the wind ! Spent the night at the bottom end of Waya and now sailing up to Blue Lagoon with Moondance. Fishing lines out but no luck yet. Plenty of sunshine and blue sky.
Back in Denarau due to a regulator issue, hope to have it sorted Monday. Enjoyed the ABs game at the yacht club last night .
Are you heading back to
Somosomo Bay, sharing the anchorage with lots of very large turtles which is great to see. Woke up to about 20 squid hanging off the boat so quess what Grants up to !
Cuvu bay, Naviti Island. Had the most amazing manta swim today, spent about an hour splashing around with them. Weather is just perfect
Just put down anchor in Nalauwaki Bay, Waya. Motored most of the the day from Musket with clear sky's and a 10 -15 kt southerly.
Looking forward to spending the next week cruising the Yasawas.
Hanging off a mooring at Musket Cove. Have been having a great time swimming , paddleboarding and just cruising. Had some glorious weather yesterday,was a stunner. Wind picked up last night and looks like it will be around for a few days.
Anchored of Likuliku resort, only boat in the bay. Glorious night for a BBQ
Sounds perfect. Wish we were
Splash! Yahoo Blinders back in the water after 6mnth in the cyclone pit. The team at Vuda did an awesome job looking after the boats through Cyclone Winston and we had a fab week there getting Blinder ready for the season. Now happily hanging out at Musket on a mooring for a couple of days, paradise !!!
So glad blinder coped with
Blinder now safely in the cyclone pit at Vuda. Had an awesome season cruising with Obsession and making some fabulous new friends. Returned to some of our favorite spots and also discovered new ones. Will be sad to leave Fiji and look forward to return next May....Blinder clear !
After 3 fun weeks out at musket hanging out with friends, playing golf, tennis and lots of BBQs we headed to Denerau and have spent the last 3 days cleaning Blinder ready for haul out.
Will head around to Vuda today and hopefully she will go into the pit this afternoon.
Parked up at Musket Cove and will be hanging out here until we get ready to put Blinder up in the pit at Vuda later in the month. Waved the Booths off this morning, had a great week lots of laughs and lots of Rose!
All tied up at Denerau marina, waved goodbye to the family this morning. Had a fab trip shame about the weather but loads of laughs and great card sessions had by all.
Will hang out here for a few days then head out Musket way.
Spent last night at Koro and now anchored in one of our favourite spots - Makogai.Will stay here as long as the weather plays the game.Celebrating Susies birthday today so a BBQ and a few bubbles tonight.
Had a great week out at Matagi bay, picture perfect, now in Viani Bay with all the family on board, yahoo! Went for 2 amazing dives today, very happy campers!
Having a great time here, love this spot and weather is stunning, just enough wind to keep us cool. Had a lovely dive this morning with Lisa which was fun.Looking forward to seeing the family on Thursday, picking them up from Taveuni.
Good to see you are having
Had a great sail upto Albert Cove, what a lovely place. Today went on a dingy adventure to introduce ourselves to the local police and explore the "capital" town. Then went snorkeling this afternoon.
Anchored in at Albert Cove, Rabi. Absolutely stunning and looking forward to hanging out here for the next few days, great snorkeling and diving.
Just stopped in at Buca Bay to big up some baskets that the ladies here are famous for and then off around to explore Kioa and Rabi. Had an awesome sail from Savu Savu yesterday, caught a lovely mahi mahi then cruised with a couple of large humpbacks.Great to be out and about.
A couple of glorious days off Cousteau resort. had some great snorkels off the outer reef. We saw sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and dolphins.Heading north in the next few days for some more adventures.
cleared back into Fiji yesterday and now tied up at Copra Shed marina Savu Savu, planning to hang out here for the next few days.
Big thanks to our amazing crew Lisa and Lester, go team Futuna!
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.2nm
beautiful sailing day, Team Futuna caught a Tuna and a mahi mahi, actually watch the mahi mahi take the lure. Lots of laughs all very happy, will be in Savu Savu tonight for sashini and bubbles...yahoo!
Avg: 6.8knts
24hr: 162.7nm
Arrived unto Futuna about 7.00am this morning, anchorage up there with Norfolk (not quite as bad) Grant and I went in and did all the paperwork and Lisa and Lester now in practicing their french. Will leave for Fiji about 12.00ish.All good onboard.
Avg: 3.4knts
24hr: 82.8nm
Charging along averaging 7.5knt main sail only. Sun shining, just had cheeses scones for morning tea so all good in the hood.
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 125.3nm
Awesome sailing day and a fantastic humpback whale experience to top it off. Happy days !
Team Futuna are heading North! For customs reasons have to leave Fiji so we are sailing to Futuna a small french Island North East of Fiji. Hope to be back in Fiji on Friday.Lisa and Lester are coming along for the adventure,as you can imagine Grant and I are both stoked to have them on board.
All tied up and plugged in at Copra Shed marina ,Savu Savu. Had an awesome overnight sail up from Namuka last Tuesday and caught a mahi mahi which always puts a smile on Grants face, especially as Obsession had just caught 2! Now enjoying the big smoke for a few days.
Hope you can catch some more
Left Fulaga yesterday for Namuka-i-lau. Had a lovely lazy 3hrs sail joined by a pod of short finned pilot whales just off Fulaga Island to farewell us. Caught a Tuna off the reef of Namuka so sundowners , dinner and cards with Obsession. Woken to a glorious morning, stunning spot and we are the only boats here. Walking over to village this morning to do sevusevu then its explore time.
Yes still in Fulaga was planning to leave in the next few days but weather has put a stop to that. Will hang out here until weather improves. Not a bad place to be bunked up. Movies and popcorn on Obsession this arvo.
Yep still hanging out in Fulaga. Have had quite a lot of wind but lovely sunny days so all good. Lots of snorkeling, swimming and and generally having a blast. Will start looking and weather to start island hopping north later in the week.
Having fun in Fulaga. Great snorkel yesterday in clear blue waters, giant clams, huge pacific moray eel, turtle, sharks and hundreds of beautiful reef fish,doesn't get any better !
Sunday church then lunch with our Fijian family. So lovely to see them all again.Fun arvo on Blinder with Obsession and Moondance, sundowners and a very loud card session.
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 71.4nm
Had the best overnight sail from leleuvia,stunning orange half moon and a star fulled sky just perfect. Got into Fulaga about 11 and snorkeling the pass with Obsession and Moondance by 1.30. Awesome to be back you forget how amazing this place is. Happy days!
happy to read that all is
Early start this morning, great trip around from Nanau-i-cake to Leleuvia. Its lovely to be back at this special island.
Great night had in at VoliVoli resort watching the rugby with Yinka and also Gallant Cavalier and some of the rally boats. Lovely to catch up with Andy and Maryanne.
Stunning day today, heading around to Nanau-i-cake.
Back in at Denarau after a great 4 days up at Nananu-I-cake. Computer has died on us so in the process of getting new one sorted. Hope to head north again later in the week. Had a fun time today at the Saturday fruit markets. Trying out new curry recipe a lovely stall owner shared with us.
Motored from Lautoka to Nananu-I-Thake pretty uneventful day.
All good onboard.
Just another magic Sunday! Swim, blast around in the new inflatable, banana loaf in the oven ,coffee and now Grants trying to catch "calamari " Perfect day.
Spent the last 2 nights at Mana Island, once again only yacht in the bay. Glorious blue water and lovely anchorage.
Great to see yr out & about &
Yahoo first night at anchor and its paradise. After playing super yachts in at Denerau marina is great to be cruising. We are the only boat in the bay an its a glorious day. Weather for the next week around Mamanucas is no wind and lots of sunshine so will hang out here doing some island hopping before heading around the top of Viti levu and out to the Lau group. Happy days.
Bula Blinder is back in the water yahoo ! Now sitting at Denerau marina ticking off a few chores and will be hanging out around here for the next week or so enjoying the paradise weather.
Bula Vinaka,
Enjoy Lucky Buggers!
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