Villomee
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We have sold Villomme and she now resides in Lyttelton Harbour Marina.
I helped the new owners on the delivery trip down. Had a good trip overall but had to wait 6 days in Gisborne for the weather to cooperate.
Jan and Trevor are now landlubers!!!!
Urapukapuka In to Opua today to pick up some parts
Urapukapuka Pssssst don't tell Ron. Had a beautiful dinner of fresh salad greens, Maori potatoes all from the Pihia farmers market and the snapper we caught in the bay yesterday. Perhaps mussel gathering today.
Urapukapuka Is off fishing today snapper for dinner fingers crossed.
Opua off to visit family today.
Matawhai Bay Russell
Whngamumu Big drop in the barometer overnight but nice and snug here in winds from the south and west.
Sounds lovely, you’ll be nice
Whngamumu wet and windy last night nice and sunny this morning and not to cold, beautiful.
Roberton island moving round to Whangamumu this morning.
Opua. Boat all washed and clean inside and out great having all this water to play with at the marina. Heading out to the islands after a bit of stores shopping this morning.
Avg: 5.8knts
24hr: 140nm
Arrived Opua 3000 this morning waiting for customs.
Avg: 8.2knts
24hr: 196.5nm
Had a great sailing day yesterday with blue skies and the sun shining on Villomee. Wind decreased in the night, very clear skies. Wind has now turned to the east, not quite making our course and some grey clouds out to the east. Saw our first albatross yesterday, a couple of sooties, no fish life. Will be in Opua late tomorrow. 250 miles to go.
G&T’s when you go past the 9
Hay guys use have made good
Avg: 8.5knts
24hr: 205.1nm
Wind ENE around the 17-20 Some blue skies are popping through the grey, first since leaving Noumea Thursday. Swell has dropped down. Very little bird life, only a couple of petrels. 415 miles to NZ. Was wondering what this terrible smell this morning was, found the culprits, 3 squid and a flying fish on the deck. Good bait for snapper
Avg: 7.9knts
24hr: 188.7nm
Wind started off yesterday just north of east that made things more comfortable but headed back around to the east in the afternoon. Very grey skies, not too cold. All good on board.
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 131nm
Left Noumea 0700hrs yesterday. Motored all day, wind came in 0330hrs this morning and now hard on the wind. Lots of bird BUT NO FISH
At anchor Noumea. Ready to depart for NZ this morning.
At anchor Noumea. Picked up the new dingy and swapped our old one for a couple of bottles of wine. Looking at the weather for a possible departure for NZ.
At anchor Bai Maa.
At anchor Bai Maa. Came into the bay yesterday nice brisk sail in 25-30 of easterly, well sheltered bay here.
Ilot Mbe Kouen Moved to here yesterday from Noumea, we were going to Ilse Signal but every man and his dog was there. Not much protection from the island we are at which is really a glorified sand bar with a few bushes on it but a good reef system so you are out of any sea but in the wind. We had four guys here off a cat kite boarding they were the best we have ever seen getting tremendous air and doing lots of tricks very entertaining.
The snorkling here is not very good and to windy to explore so we will move to another anchorage.
Noumea. Heading out today to go snorkling. lot of boats arriving the last few days probably the Go West Rally gathering anchorage getting pretty crowded.
Noumea.
Noumea. We got the engine mount back in, lot easier process than taking it out. All go again so now ready to get out and about again but are looking at the first weather window to head back to NZ.
Noumea. Bloody boats, here you are in paradise and a engine mount breaks. Ok you arrange a replacement part and lucky for us we had friends arriving who could bring it out so no having to deal with customs. Now to replace you have to take the water cooler off the side of the gearbox, bend a spanner so it will fit in the ooh to small access hole, lie on your stomach with your head in the bilge and your arm tight up against the gearbox while somebody unbolts the nut 2 ratchet clicks at a time. Three bloody hours to undo a total of Five bolts. The amazing thing about cruising is that a fellow cruiser who you have only met once when told of your problem offers to give you hand sacrificing a bit of skin and blood in doing so it's hard to beat that kind of thing thanks Grant.
Noumea. Picked up engine mounts off Stuart and Ann now just have to locate someone who can weld as we need to modify a spanner to get to a couple of the engine mount bolts. Fun and Games
Noumea waiting for Stuart and Ann to arrive with our engine mounts that arrived in just in time for their departure to New Cal today.
Anse Majic. Heading to Noumea to meet Stuart and Ann who are brining our replacement engine mount over from Oz and get the replacement job underway.
Anse Majic. Started engine yesterday and noticed some vibration, on checking found we had a broken rear engine mount. Have got replacement coming from Oz so just waiting for weather to be able to sail back to Noumea.
Isle Casy. Looks like a few boats have stopped in on their way to Noumea maybe part of the Go West rally?
Bai de la Somme.
Bai de la Somme. Beware of electronic charts, not only do they sometimes have the hard stuff in the wrong place they also lie about other things. Looked at the chart this morning and saw Prony as a square shaded area this usually means a town of some size so envisaging a cold beer at the end of the walk or at least some fresh veges and a baguette what do we get but some corrugated tin holiday houses (god knows why you would want one there) and the ruins of a penal settlement that was used at first to harvest the native hardwood to help build Noumea then later as a small mining center that is to blame for all the red mud we are going to have to clean off the dingy floor,our feet,back of boat and not to mention the 80 meters of chain we have out when we depart tomorrow. Nice walk though.
At Anse Majic Still windy but a sunnier morning this morning will move to another bay for a change in scenery,but very sheltered where we are.
At Anse Majic nice walk up to the lighthouse.
At Anse Majic came in from Ilot Ua after another great dive there. Off for a walk up to the light house today.
At Ilot Ua Fantastic diving.
Hi T&J - Ua our fave dive
At Ilot Kouare may move to Ilot Ua
How not to catch squid. Had some squid round the boat yesterday and feeling like a nice entree,Jan got the squid jigs and rods and caught the first one holding it just above the water while I got a bucket then Jan brought it aboard with only a couple of drops of black ink on the deck. Now it's Trevs turn, got his squid let it jettison it's ink but on bringing it aboard it got a dunking sucked up enough water so that when I lifted it onboard it squirted ink all over Jan and across the deck.
At Ilot Kouare More diving plenty of places available here or a short dingy ride away. We were given a small coral trout by a couple of young French guys who turned up in their yacht at 0430 yesterday after sailing out from Noumea and then going spear fishing first thing in the morning. It was their lucky day also as Jan had just baked some chocolate chip cookies which we traded with them.
At Ilot Kouare Beautiful day yesterday glassy conditions in the morning so headed out to Kouare Pass for a drift dive in the pass Lots of fish and nice coral saw to species of fish we have never seen before and crystal clear water. Took the dingy over to Ilot Tere and had a walk round that and checked out the reef that lies between us looks like another great area but to windy today.
At Ilot Kouare beautiful clear water lovely touquois water had a great snorkel on one of the surrounding reefs plenty of different corals and fish about. May dive the pass today if the wind stays down.
Had a nice sail from Kuto Ile des pins to Ilot Ndo will move to Ilot Kouare later today after another snorkel.
At Kuto heading to lot Ndo. Went up Pic Nag yesterday amongst sporadic gunfire spectacular views over the Southern Lagoon from up there. Later while lying on the beach solders went past with their captive but looks like the badys must still be about as exercises will continue today with lots of low flying helicopters and armed soldiers running about the place, will be good to get away.
Back at Kuto,French navy here doing exercises or else there is a uprising in the Il Des Pins that we don't know about as there are two big ships and lots of inflatable's filled with armed solders flying about and on shore. Going for a walk up the "mountain" this morning if we can get ashore without been shot.
went out for a couple of days but now back at Kuto
At Ilot Moro snorkeled the outside of reef coral ok no crown of thorns a fist for us in New Cal and lots of big fish great if you were a spear fisher we are to scared of sharks for that. Jan found a sea snake much to her surprise under my cap under the dodger now living in fear that one will end up in our bunk she should be more worried about the one eyed trouser snake!!!
Kuto.
Kuto.
Kuto. Hired a car yesterday and drove round the island visiting the sights and going on a couple of walks. The limestone grotto was very interesting and the short walk in through the valley with great native bush and lots of bird life was great. They had lots of very tall ferns with exactly the same frond's as the NZ Punga's but were much much larger growing to the height of large coconut tress.
Moved into Kuto, wind shifted into the SE during the day. Went for a walk along the lovely white sandy beach, the anchorage looks stunning with the fine white sand and beautiful turquoise water. There is a dugong living behind the boat. However visibility is pretty poor can not see the bottom in 3M of water hopefully it will clear as the seas settle.
Had a good sail out to le des Pins yesterday with WSW wind 15 saw two humpback whales one was putting on a show with lots of tail slapping.
The wind was blowing into Kuto so went round to Bai de Kanumera where it was flat calm but got asked to leave in no uncertain terms by two local Kanaks in a small fishing boat so moved to Ilot Bayonnaise where it was sheltered from the wind but a bit rolly.
Departing Ilse Casy for Ile des Pins
Moved to Ile Casy. This island is a marine reserve with walks all over it and it used to have a dog living alone here for 14 years not to sure how it survived as it's picture on the memorial plaque looks like a large dog but apparently very friendly. We went for a walk yesterday and you can see what the land used to look like before they stripped it for forestry then the nickel mining.
Be here for a couple of days repairing the dingy yet again. We will have to bite the bullet and get a new one when we get back to NZ, but at least we now know the best glue and method to use to do successful repairs but the pontoon hypalon cloth is well and truly past it's used by date. At least we know that our dingy will be the last one stolen from the dingy dock.
Moved to Bay Ndji on Ile Quen. Jan had read that there was an abandoned Jade mine here so walked up to the highest point on the island on an old mining road great views of the southern lagoon and all the destruction the mining has done to the surrounding area.
Came back with about 6kg of rocks Jan had picked up some may even be Jade!!!
Ilot Mato Windy and wet all day yesterday. Did a few boat jobs and baked some afghans.
Ilot Mato Walked up to the top of the island saw 3 of the local eagles and had a dive on he Noumea side of the island reef no good murky water and very cold.
Avg: 80knts
24hr: 1920nm
Ilot Mato
Ile Redika
Ilot Amedee, About 13 yachts here mostly local and quite a few fizzy's during the day. Locals enjoying the weekend. Good snorkling in the reserve but we need Ron and his vinegar here as we have never seen so many crown of thorns.
Ile Uere good sheltered anchorage about 6nm SE of Noumea not much here but gathered some mushrooms on the island off exploring probably Ilot Amedee
Noumea stocked up with meat,veges, wine, and cheeses not cheap but probably the wine was the problem hard to find a bottle under $20NZ
Noumea checked in yesterday, very easy the marina did the customs and said customs may or may not come to the boat but to stay onboard till quarantine arrive. They arrived within a the half hour took the remains of our fresh fruit and veg and that was all. Have to walk down to immigration this morning as they were closed when we arrived.
Had a bit of a walk round town will do a bit of a shop up this morning off to the market now.
heading up to Noumea to check in today.
Moved 20 miles up to Baie Ue and managed a walk yesterday afternoon when the rain eased. Still in the red mud though that seems to be every where and stains everything it touches. Will head up the last 20 miles today to Noumea to do our clear in. Very grey skies and not quite drizzling at the moment.
Avg: 109.1knts
24hr: 2618nm
Baie Du Carenage still raining may head a bit closer to Noumea if it clears a bit later got to check in at some stage.
still sheltering in Proney
Avg: 218.7knts
24hr: 5248.7nm
Came through Havana Pass 0630 yesterday and went up to the top of Bay de Prony. Went for a walk up to a hot spring pool only to find that it was at ambient temp but crystal clear,carried on walking up to the waterfall on a red clay track. On our way back we got a meal of oysters off the rocks.
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 107.2nm
This is up the top of Proney. All well . They have not been able to get through on email.
Avg: 8.3knts
24hr: 198.1nm
Great sailing The skies have cleared a bit, even saw some stars last night. Caught 2 yellowfin tuna yesterday. Will be arriving tomorrow morning
Great to hear you have good
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 178.8nm
No wind yesterday, motored all day. Cloud gathered and at 1915 the wind arrived and has stayed all night. No fish yesterday. Hope the wind will stay with us today.
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 179nm
After clearing the pass we had no wind up until just after lunch when we went through the trough. Wind was 20 kts with very grey skies. Lumpy seas with a short steep swell. Came out of the trough around midnight .Wind has dropped and we are now motoring. 5 lures out the back most of yesterday but still no fish.
Hay guys sounds like its was
Have a good sail to New
Departing Momi Bay Fiji for New Cal
At Vuda Point Marina Checking out today.
At Vuda Point Marina waiting to check out for New Cal maybe Wednesday??
At Musket Cove
At Musket Cove
At Musket Cove waiting for suitable winds to head to New Cal.
I’ve found you on the map,
Lautoka arrived 1605 after stopping in Vuda Point Marina to full up with diesel and outboard fuel. Into the market this morning then up to Saweni Bay till the dentists appointment on Monday.
Likuri Hbr heading into Vuda Point Marina to get fuel and if time allows into Lautoka for Saturday morning market.
Hi Trevor and Jan
See you soon. In Vuda for day
Likuri Hbr Varnishing
Likuri Hbr Varnishing
Likuri Hbr Varnishing, Dingy repaired off for a reef walk at low tide.
Likuri Hbr Varnishing and fixing dingy
Avg: 2.8knts
24hr: 66.7nm
Decided to stop off at Likuri Hbr as we would not of made Momi Bay till after dark. Arrived 1630. Will spend the day here maybe a few days longer,we have to repair a bad bleak in the dingy and also want to put some varnish on the cap rail.
Cold night had a blanket on but felt as if two would of been better.
Left Kadavu 3.15am this morning and heading to Lautoka. About 90 miles, should be there around sunset. Will head into Momi Bay tonight. Lets hope we have some luck with the fishing today. 3 lures out on sunrise
Looks like you are getting
Said our goodbye's to Ben & Sita's Family yesterday morning always a bit emotional saying farewell to our Fijian family Ben is 82 years old now still strong as they say in Fiji hopefully he will be the same when we see them next. They gave me a Fiji Rugby Sevens T shirt and Jan a nice Sulu and we gave Sita a set of bed sheets and a set of pillow cases.
Moved round to Vunasea to get the internet and will be leaving for Lautoka early tomorrow morning.
Solodamu, went fishing with Big Ben, Sita and Vunda. Left at 0830 trolled all the way to cape Washington, lots of bait fish there so spent a couple of hours trolling there with no results so headed back to Solodamu got back at 1645 with no fish ( first time in Fiji that we have spent a day fishing with no results) and had to walk through the mud to the village.
We did see 2 Humpback whales and a pod of about 30 Pilot Whales that looked as if they were just resting on the surface slowly sailed right up to them and they were all round the boat but hardly moving. So all was not lost for the day.
Solodamu Did some glasses yesterday and off fishing this morning.
Moved round to Solodamu to visit the family we spent time with 6 years ago. We got a fantastic warm welcome from them all Sita and her family and of course Big Ben. Had to wade through a bit of mud to get to the landing as the tide was still to low but it was getting late and we wanted to do our sevusevu and say hello. The Kava bowl came out and during the course of the evening the whole family came to say hello plus a few of the locals, finally got away about 7pm to head back to the boat.
Heading in on the morning tide Jan is baking a big brownie to take in and a load of popccorn for all the kids, Sita now seems to have about 8 grandkids running round the place now, but they have extended their house,got a generator and big TV since we were there last. Not quite the same drinking kava with the TV going for the kids to watch though but that's progress IU guess.
Off fishing with them tomorrow.
Arrived Vunisea Kadavu Island at 0830 yesterday,very busy morning as the supply boat arrived just before us and everybody was coming to town to do the shopping. Got into town a little late to get to the vege market but managed to get a couple of nice lettuce.
Lots of litter on the beach mainly empty beer bottles and woodstock burban and coke cans disgusting. Saw a lot of young men drinking on the beach before heading back to their villages in the long boats. A lot different from when we were here last and not very nice to see after the Lau must be money here though as 1 large bottle of beer costs $10.
The place was hit by the last cyclone a lot of the shops damaged badly but all back up and running,apparently the water came right overb the road and the flat piecce of land before the hill was chest deep in water.
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 108.6nm
Left Matuku 10.45 yesterday and heading to Kadavu. Should arrive around 8am today. We really enjoyed Matuku, everyone wanted us to stay longer. Ended up by giving out 102 pairs of glasses in 6 villages. Trolled 4 lures yesterday for no fish. Only sighted 2 birds. Where are the fish?
Anchored at Matuku Is.Went into the Lamate Village to say goodbye to everyone yesterday afternoon. Heading to Kandavu Is this morning.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Walked over to the school in the next village with Jessie where the 3 villages that attend it were having a working bee.Helped with the tidy up doing weeding with a machete and Jan was raking up the grass with the ladies as the cut it with the weed whackers. Lagre school ground complex but all very tidy as this is done each month. Got the long boat home, just as well as we were both knackered.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Long day yesterday. We were picked up by Bole at 8am and headed around to Qalikarua Village, which is on the far side of the Island to do the glasses with Ron the Nurse. The tide was low so had a slow trip around, weaving our way through the coral patches. Nice friendly people. They even provided us with lunch of curried potato and pork with pancakes and yam, then passion fruit and lemons were put in a bag for us to take back to the boat. Once the tide came up we continued around the Island to another village to do glasses and then got back to the boat 5.30 just on dark. Have circumnavigated the Island now. Jesse dropped off a lovely bag of fresh veges last night. Today we are walking over to the school with Jesse to do a school clean up. Just another day in Matuku.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Boy's Day Out was canceled as the village cows had gone and destroyed the neighboring villages garden and had to be collected and brought back so missed the 0800 game. Just as well as NZ bet Fiji and they were pretty upset about that but we put things right by taking some kava in that evening to commiserate their loss and to celebrate our win.
Off to do the glasses in the last two villages this morning so another early morning longboat trip to the end of the island with Ron the island nurse.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Went into the village for the Sunday service and had delicious meal with the village spokesman Chama and his wife. A lot of the families in the village provided a dish and of course there was the usual take home meal for us. With all the drugs that have been found round Fiji lately there was quite a bit of talk about that and also the rugby world 7's. Trevor is going this morning in a long boat to another village to watch the NZ V Fiji game and the probably the final. A boy's day out.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Took Jessie trolling yesterday, left the anchorage at 0600 and trolled up and down the outside reef, Got one yellowfin tuna and had two other good hook ups but lost the fish. Got back in at 1500 so not that productive. Apparently the commercial fishing boats work this area a lot.
Hay guys one tunas better
Anchored at Matuku Is. Had a nice relaxing day yesterday. Went for a snorkel in the pass and on the reef at high tide. Plenty of fish and some nice coral. A lazy afternoon.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Got picked up by Bolee in the longboat 8am and he took us down to the hospital at the northern end of the Island. There we met up with Ron and Lee the 2 nurses and we did glasses. We then headed down to the south end of the Island with Lee and Bolee in the longboat. About a 20 minute ride inside the lagoon. There we continued with the glasses and got dropped back on Villomee at 3pm. Ended up by helping 35 people with glasses. Another good day and everyone very appreciative. Today is a free day so we are heading out to the reef to do some snorkeling. It is a glorious day, not a cloud in the sky, no wind.
Anchored at Matuku. We went in the long boat with the Matuku Island nurse Ron and Jesse to 2 other villages and while Ron did his clinics we did the reading glasses a total of 21 pairs amongst the two villages. When we got back to the boat they all came onboard for a cuppa and a chat.
We are been picked up at 0800 this morning to be taken to another village of about 100 people and the next Tuesday are been taken to the two villages on the other side of the island. Hopefully we will have enough glasses as we are running terribly short of the 1.25-1.75 range which is the most needed.
Every one here is super friendly were given boiled buns with local marmalade for lunch and there is a lot of talk about the upcoming 7's world cup. Who is going to win Fiji or NZ hopefully we get to see some of the games.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Did our sevusevu and then went strait back in to do the reading glasses gave out 14 pairs and there are only 20 families in this village. Going by longboat today with chief Cheko to the other 3 villages to do the same.
Went for a nice snorkel with good coral but had to cut it short as we could see the front approaching and wanted to get back to the boat, Got there just as the wind and rain came, wind swung from north to south but only in the 20,s.
Anchored at Matuku Is. Arrived 1130 yesterday after a nice but slow sail from Nauku-I-Laau. No fish but are now in a very sheltered bay, in to do Sevusevu today.
Departed Namuka-I-Lau 1400 hrs and heading to Matuku. Should arrive around 11 am Sunday. Very calm night, calm seas. Had the MPS up since 2200hrs. All is good on board Villomee.
Anchored at Namuka-I-Lau.Went Into the village and did the glasses with the village nurse. Did 49 pairs here they generally needed higher strength glasses here wonder if it is because the population here is mainly of Tongan decent whereas in Fulunga only 26 miles away they are mainly Fijian.
Anchored at Namuka-I-Lau. A few showers yesterday but it cleared as the day progressed. Went for a snorkel in the morning then did a bit of a beach clean up of plastic. Heading into the village today to do glasses with the nurse.
Anchored at Namuka-I-Lau. Took the dingy right up to the end of the island and walked to nice big sandy beaches then did a drift snorkel over some bombies. saw one small cray the coral is pretty broken but beautiful clear water here.
Had a fire on the beach with our sun downers lovely day.
Anchored at Namuka-I-Lau. Had a nice day yesterday did the walk into the village for church,great singing then to Atu's family for lunch Jan took another chocolate cake and they gave us deep fried fish spinach cooked in coconut cream with onion and cassava and guess what icecream whoopee. On the way back to the boat we met two other families about 15 kids going to the beach for a picnic so we chatted to them for a couple of hours and they got us 10 drinking coconuts to take back to the boat.
We are been picked up this morning by longboat and taken round to the village to do reading glasses we have brought up with us. there are over 300 people in this village so we could possibly run out of the most used strengths the 1.25 & 1.75.
Anchored at Namuka-I-Lau. Had a great sail from Fulunga, lost a large fish on the way it straitened a good gamefish hook. Did the hour long walk into the village to do Sevsevu. It is a nice walk and the track is pretty well defined. They are now trying to charge a $50 anchoring fee, we are having a debate about this as we a giving out glasses to those that need them and we am trying to explain that if they start charging then yachts may not come and the village would miss out on help like this from the cruising fleet. Seems to falling on deaf ears though.
Fulunga, Village anchorage, Had a huge farewell dinner on board yesterday evening, Pork done in the lovo, curried pork, curried veges, cassava ,local yams and roti. Jan had made tuna cakes,chips and dip, a humungus sponge with cream and peaches on top and a chocolate self saucing pudding. I produced a bunch of kava so one of the lads had to run into the village to pound it up (a 20 min walk each way for us) and that got the party going with lots of talking and laughter.
So all in all it was a great end to our stay in Fulunga.
Apparently all the leaders of the Lau group are coming to Fulunga next week to discuss the drugs that were found here. Tai a local elder is saying that there is a very good possibility that they will close the Lau again. We will have to wait and see on that. The locals don't want it to happen as they are benefiting from the majority of cruisers that visit. lets hope not and hopefully all cruisers coming to the islands will respect their culture.
Fulunga, Back in the village anchorage, will have a farewell dinner with our host family this afternoon.
Fulunga, Sand Spit. Repaired the dingy, found 2 old patches were leaking so replaced them with the new hypalon glue we got in Whangarei that is very good. Also had to repair the seat that Ma broke (big Lady) when her and her son took the dingy to get clams.
Fulunga, Sand Spit nice sunny day yesterday, gathered 4 l of coconut juice, great for re hydration.
Fulunga. Moved to the sand spit anchorage calmer here than the village landing anchorage.
Anchored in village anchorage Fulunga. Very windy.
Anchored in village anchorage Fulunga. Windy all night, off to church and Sunday dinner again. Jan busy in the galley cooking chocolate cup cakes and fish cakes for the shared lunch.
Anchored in village anchorage Fulunga. What a great day yesterday. Headed into the Meke around 9.30. We had seen 3 long boats arrive from Ogea. That is the island about 6 miles to the east. As we walked into town you could see everyone preparing for the big day. The woman were busy preparing food. They were all having their baths and getting dressed up in their good clothes for the day. 4 shelters had been erected during the week to house each village. Each village, four of them sang and danced and presented a donation to our village. During the dance our village would shower them with powder and cloth and various gifts. A lot of laughter and fun. These Fijian people really know how to enjoy themselves. $8614 was raised for the church. Amazing. During the whole proceedings there was a lot of Kava being drunk in the shelters. We got back to the boat just after 5 but I'm sure the partying would have continued all night. We are supposed to be going clamming and fishing today, but very windy.
Anchored in village anchorage Fulunga. Had a bit of a slow day yesterday. Trevor experienced no pain all day. Went for a long walk at low tide along the sand flats. Headed into the village late afternoon to dress Kete and Georges legs. Both looking really good, nearly at the stage they can take their bandages off. Big day today in Fulunga with the Meke. The 3 villages from here and the village from Ogea are having a big dance off. All the food is being prepared this morning and the donations go to the church. Should be a great day. We will also be distributing our glasses to the people of Ogea while they are over here.
Anchored at Fulunga. Windy all day yesterday SE-SSE 15-20 in our sheltered anchorage and a cold wind too. Did not feel like hopping in the water so went for a Tiki Tour in the dingy round all the small islands and bays by our anchorage. Found a nice fish that had recently been speared but also found the owner snorkling further on so returned it to her she was most grateful.
Anchored at Fulunga. We are anchored off a small island with in the lagoon, have an island all to our selves, nice. Collected some drinking cocnuts yesterday and snorkeled for some clams. May do a spot of fighing with in the lagoon. Pretty breezy and coolish. Trevor is drinking a lot of water, had a bit of pain last night. All if OK on Villomee
Anchored at Fulunga. Had a pretty quiet day yesterday. Trevor had had no sleep as had experienced very strong pain just above the hip and slightly back towards the spine. Spoke to our friend a paramedic, Ron on the radio getting his opinion, he thought appendicitis and lucky we have a doctor on board another yacht in here and she came over and was with us all morning and she thinks he has a kidney tone. She is quite sure it is not the appendix. Trevor had experienced the same thing 3 days ago but it only lasted about 2 hours and again he experienced it 2 1/2 years ago on our way from Galapagos to Marquesas. The pain has gone and Trevor had a good nights sleep. Ate a small dinner last evening. A bit of a concern. We went for a slow stroll into the village as we thought some exercise may be good and that is about all we did yesterday. Had the doctor over again last thing just to check up. All seems OK at the moment.
Anchored at Fulunga. Church yesterday. They had a preacher do part of the service in English and the sermon was based on sailing. A lot of thought had been put into it. Had a lovely lunch with George, Ma and Tai.
Anchored at Fulunga. Great day yesterday with most of the village and the 16 yachts here having a picnic together at the sand spit. plenty of nice food including a pig cooked in the ground (lomo)which was delicious. Sunday today so off to church but going for a snorkel after lunch, hope the sky clears by then now into our third day of nearly 100% cloud.
Anchored at Fulunga by Picnic Island. Going into the village anchorage early to pick up a lot of the villagers and all the children with a few of the cruisers for a picnic out at the sand spit with all the 14 yachts that are here and the village children. there is a couple of cats here with children on son they will have plenty of company. Wish our grandkids could be involved. Nanna and poppa say hi Kai.
Anchored at Fulunga by Picnic Island. Going into the village anchorage early to pick up a lot of the villagers and all the children with a few of the cruisers for a picnic out at the sand spit with all the 14 yachts that are here and the village children. there is a couple of cats here with children on son they will have plenty of company. Wish our grandkids could be involved. Nanna and poppa say hi Kai.
Anchored at Fulunga by the sand spit. What an amazing day yesterday. No wind, blue skies, glassy calm conditions and stinking hot. Took the opportunity to jump in the water and snorkel the pass and surrounding areas. Water is so... clear. Amazing. Also headed out into the outer lagoon between the island and the outer reef. Snorkeled a few bombies out there, looked like crayfish country but didn't see any. A brilliant day. In the afternoon we headed into the village to do more fiberglass work on the village boat and deliver some cupcakes and scones to Ma and George. Will do some more snorkeling today. Back to Villomee late in the afternoon to watch the sun go down and have a G&T
Anchored at Fulunga by the sand spit went for a long kayak from the sand spit area to the village anchorage through a maze of small islands very pretty there must be a couple of hundred of them just in this area.
Anchored at Fulunga by the sand spit having a few days off.
Anchored at Fulunga. Went down to the bottom village in the morning to give out the reading glasses. Presented our Sevusevu to the chief. Very friendly chief and people. Gave out 10 pairs, just a small village. We were also able to help a young girl with glasses who has a brain tumor and her vision has been badly affected, she is now able to read. Came back up to the village anchorage and headed into the village to do some more work on the village longboat. We are teaching one of the younger men Aquilla how to repair the boats. Will head back in this morning to do some more fibre glassing and bogging.
Anchored at Fulunga. Going to the village at the SW end of the lagoon to see who needs reading glasses there then back to the main village to do some more work on the village longboat.
Anchored at Fulunga. Pretty slow day with the fishing yesterday. Very calm and the waters are very clear in the lagoon. Ended up with 17 fish for the day. Made date scones, pizza and little meat pies for Ma, George and Junior. Headed into watch the rugby test last night. In to church and lunch today.
Anchored at Fulunga. Taking Ma, George and George Junior our host family fishing today. Hope the wind stays down.
Anchored at Fulunga. Repaired a hole hole in Jan's Kayak and fiberglassed the transom of our dingy that had split were it joins the hull.
Anchored at Fulunga. Dived the pass and the false pass had a rather large reef shark that got a bit to inquisitive for our liking at the entrance but buggered off when I slapped the water as it got near. Lots of fish and good coral.
Anchored at Fulunga. Spent the day distributing reading glasses that the lions have donated in 2 of the villages, gave out 63 pairs of glasses. Noted that the elderly population in most cases needed very little magnification it was the younger ones that needed the stronger glasses??? Fulunga is now offering a laundry service $15 per bag wash and folded you supply the washing liquid see Ma or Tai.
enjoying Fuluga with 4-5 other boats
Anchored at Fulunga. Did sevusevu. Returning here was like coming back to your old home town, lots of people we have met here before stopping us for a chat. They can always remember your name I wish I could do the same but Jan is doing a lot better job of the name association than me thank goodness.
An amazing night last night, no wind and clear sky with the stars so bright you felt as if you could touch them, but because it was so calm the stars were duplicated on the water so it made you feel that you were floating in space and instead of falling off the boat into water you would of just sailed off into space.
Avg: 3.9knts
24hr: 93.3nm
Motor sailed last 24 hours. Wind of about 5 kts from the east. Seas calm. Very clear night last night with the sky ablaze with starts right down to sea level. Stopped around 1 am being 7 miles off Fulunga. Will gradually start motoring in but cannot enter pass until around 1 pm. A big effort will be put in to catch a fish, will have the 3 rods out while trolling along the outside of the reef.
Avg: 4knts
24hr: 96.9nm
Left Kadavu yesterday 1230 hrs and are heading for Falunga Once we got out of the Astrolabe Reef we had good sailng with the wind NNE. During the night we have had rain and lightening with the wind changing into the south and now east. We are motor sailing at present. Lines will be out today hoping for a fish
Anchored at Kavala Bay by the store and will probably move up to Ono Is later today and looks like a departure for Matuku Is tomorrow.
Moved to Kavala Bay to get some Kava and for better wind protection, got a nice rainbow runner on the way so fish for dinner tonight. Got 2 Kg of Kava for $105/Kg $5/Kg cheaper than Ron did, there is a very well stocked store here where you can get fuel as well.
Anchored in bay with no wind and very hot and humid conditions then at 1727 a dark cloud band approached wind went from 0 to 30 gusts higher with rain. Wind was in a southerly direction and moved more to the SE over the next 2 hrs slowly moderating but with steady rain.
Anchored at Namara Is Great Astrolabe Reef. Had our first swim yesterday nice to be in clear water again.
Departed Suva for Kandavu Is final destination unsure depends on which model is correct but both predict light winds from some easterly direction.
At anchor Suva Harbour. Check in today then we will get our cruising permit,washing done and some fresh fruit/ veg and hope to be able to leave by Wednesday for Kandavu.
sounds pretty nice in Suva but cloud will come and go
At anchor Suva Harbour arrived 2100 02/06/2018. Had a good trip up all beam reaching except for 20 hrs of tight reaching thumping into the odd wave. Our fastest trip yet 6 days 9.25 hrs. All is just honky dory on Villomee.
Bloody hoons.
Avg: 6.9knts
24hr: 165.8nm
Has been a bit of a tough 24 hours. Wet, windy and a soggy and tied crew. We have now just gone through very heavy rain and the wind is now deciding what direction it is going to come from We will arrive in Suva late tonight
Avg: 9.3knts
24hr: 222.2nm
Had a fantastic day of sailing yesterday. Sunny with blue skies. Put the lures out but had no luck. Cloud has built up in the night. Keeping the speed up to try to get into Suva before the northerly hits. Eta Saturday evening
WOW you guys are hooning.
Hamish leaving tomorrow.
Great to hear you have been
The wind dropped away a bit yesterday so that slowed down our progress. Went through the edge of a front 1800 hours last night. Had a couple of squalls last night. All is well on Villomee ETA should be Sunday, Suva
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.4nm
Arriving Suva late Saturday
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 202.6nm
Still sailing well Have decided to head straight for Suva Had a couple of albatrosses keeping us company yesterday and the nights a well lit with the full moon up all night. Sunny skies yesterday and warming up. All is well on board Villomee
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 185nm
Great sailing Not as cold tonight and water temp up from 16 to 21 now. Both have managed some sleep All good on board Villomee
Left Opua yesterday midday heading to Minerva or Fiji. Dolphins accompanied us out from the nine pin then we had a couple of albatross keeping us company for a while. Had great sailing all night Alls well on board
On Anchor Opua fitting new water pump on engine then all good to go
At anchor about to head to Opua to go through Cat 1 so will be ready to head north after that, probably mid May though.
Have spent a good part on the NZ summer visiting our son'and his family in Queensland then spending time with our other son and family in NZ and on the boat.
Intend to head back ton the Lau and distribute reading glasses then off to New Cal
On Anchor Twin Lagoon Bay. More varnishing
Hi Trevor and Jan, I have
On Anchor Twin Lagoon Bay. More varnishing
On mooring Russell. Off to Auckland for 3 Days
on anchor at Paradise Bay Urapukapuka Is. Stunning morning I think summer is here off for a walk.
On a mooring Russell. Great day fishing yesterday 3 snapper between 5.5 and 6.5 Kg plus a few pannies. doing the Russell to Okiato walk today to pick up the car from Opua.
on anchor at Omakiwi Bay Bay of Islands. Nice to see some blue sky again off fishing.
on anchor at Omakiwi Bay Bay of Islands. Windy and wet day yesterday looks asb if it will clear later today would be good to get off the boat.
on anchor at Omakiwi Bay Bay of Islands. Varnishing finished for now
on anchor Paradise Bay BOI, still varnishing but maybe with a bit of fishing.
Opua on anchor More varnishing
Opua on anchor More varnishing
Opua on anchor More varnishing and shopping day
Opua on anchor More varnishing and washing day
Varnishing, washing and
Opua on anchor
Opua Marina
Arrived Opua 1155 yesterday 7 days 20 mins Lautoke to Opua this would of been one of if not our fastest trip from Fiji to NZ.
Nice to be back.
Avg: 8knts
24hr: 192.2nm
Had a great days sail yesterday. Sunny all day. Late in the afternoon the wind backed more around to the NE and now it is in the N. We can see the front out to starboard. Web are 20 miles off the Nine Pin. We will be having the last of our Fiji bacon and eggs for breakfast with a glass of champagne.
It has been a good trip, actually the quickest for us in 16 years of cruising. It will be just under 7 days from Fiji to NZ. Have noticed a lack of sea birds out here. You usually see quite a few storm petrels, sooty shear water and the odd albatross but have only seen about 6 sooties, no storm petrels and no albatross. Thanks Dave and Patricia for all the weather info. We will catch up with you when we are down your way.
Avg: 8.5knts
24hr: 205.1nm
Had a great days sail yesterday with the wind moderating to around 20 kts. The sky cleared in the night, the first time in 6 days. A cloud bank now moving in from the east. Just under 200 miles to Opua. ETA tomorrow morning. Water temp 18, don't think we will be getting any scallops for a while!
You’re making great progress.
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 183.5nm
Hopefully we will be able to hear you on the radio today. Our wind instruments are not going so the wind is a guesstimate. We had wind 30+ all day yesterday, with heavy rain all day. We had Villomee trucking along at 8-9 knots but it all got too much so reduced sail and slowed the boat right down making it a lot more comfortable. The seas built and got very messy but the skies cleared towards evening and the wind and sea state dropped a bit making it a lot more comfortable. Both have had good sleeps last night. Hopefully today will be a better day. ETA around midday Friday. Yahoo...... Saw our first NZ sea birds yesterday morning. A juvenile gannet and sooty shear waters.
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 176.1nm
Had a great sail yesterday. Wind dropped off half way through the night but has filled back in early hours. Alls well on board
Avg: 6.2knts
24hr: 149.9nm
Had a very rocky rolly day yesterday but the seas calmed down during the night. The skies cleared but the cloud has come back in this morning. Have been motor sailing since yesterday afternoon. Finding it impossible to get the gribs in in the mornings but are getting the weather faxs in. All is well on board.
Avg: 7.7knts
24hr: 185.1nm
Wind picked up yesterday afternoon. Sailed most of the night with 3 reefs in the main and the Ganoa furled to match. Lightning and thunder in the sky and had a wee shower. All is well on board. Wind seems to have dropped away this morning but have had great speeds through the night and made a few miles. Back to full main and Ganoa
Avg: 5.2knts
24hr: 124.2nm
Left Lautoka 1130hrs. Had the wind directly behind us as we headed down the channel, then it faded around 2000hs. Had lightening in the SE all night. We motored until the wind came in around 2330 ESE. Very pleasant sailing. Will put the lures out today Morgan. All is well on board.
Lautoka. Checking out for our trip back to NZ this morning if the weather for the trip looks the same.
Vuda Pt Marina. Topped up with fuel,water, Lpg for a probable departure for NZ Saturday.
Lautoka.
Lautoka.
Lautoka. What a difference a days sail makes. Gone from nice clear water,sandy beach and virtually nobody around to fireworks,cars horns,clanking of containers been unloaded,loud music from onshore,murky water and internet and shops. Don't miss the wind at Yadua though.
Lautoka. Had a fast sail from Yadua Is to the big smoke. Hopefully the wind will stay in this direction and we should avoid the soot that covered the boat last time.
Yadua Is.
Yadua Is.
Yadua Is. The importance of wearing underpants. A longboat came alongside yesterday wondering if we could help them with a electrical problem they had with their outboard. I wearing only a sulu hoped aboard to have a look and promptly slipped over and ended up arse up on the bottom of the boat,a gust of wind came and apparently blue my sulu up exposing all. So as my dear old mum used to say Trevor always put on clean underwear you never know when you could be involved in an accident!!! We sorted the problem though so all ended well.
Moved to a small well protected bay on the NW corner of Yadua Is
Anchored at Cukuvou Harbour Yadua Island. Had a fantastic snorkel on the outside of the reef at the entrance to the bay before the wind got up.
Anchored at Cukuvou Harbour Yadua Island.
Anchored at Cukuvou Harbour Yadua Island.
Anchored at Cukuvou Harbour Yadua Island.
Anchored at Cukuvou Harbour Yadua Island.
Anchored at Cukuvou Harbour Yadua Island. Windy last 24 hrs but the smoked fish turned out OK and it was nice spending the 5 hrs ashore out of the wind. Also fingers crossed fixed a couple of air leaks in the dingy.
Anchored at Cukuvou Harbour Yadua Island. Survivor program arrives at Yadua, well Trev and Jan style anyway. we caught a Trevalley and rainbow runner on our way over so went ashore and have built a smoke house from bits of roofing ion we found ashore to smoke some fish today. Also got a nice ripe Pawpaw we are having for breakfast and a breadfruit. So last nights delicious meal was green salad, breadfruit chips and fresh trevally bet the real survivor's wish they were eating like this.
I bet they do too, grubs,
Anchored at Nananu-I-Thake. Off to Yadua Is this morning
Anchored at Nananu-I-Thake watching people been dragged across the water by kites some were even on their feet. Off to Yadua Island tomorrow.
Left Muscet Cove yesterday for Yadua Is via Nainanu-I-Ra. Anchored south of Vitia wharf at position given above. Small resort there anchorage is out of the wind chop and most of the wind. Early morning start to try and beat the wind as the captain got a little grumpy for the last part of yesterday motoring into 20knts of headwind for 3 hours.
Anchored at Musket Cove. Had a good night at the yachties bar for Bill's Birthday.
Anchored at Musket Cove.
Anchored at Musket Cove.
Anchored at Saweni Bay. In Lautoka yesterday all stocked up again and been to the Dentist Dr Mukhtar Mohammed of City Dental and are all prepped up for three crowns arriving in a fortnight all for $825 NZ dollars. We have had good reports about him from other cruisers and you certainly can't beat the price.
Off to Musket today via Vuda Pt to refuel. Bill on Liberations birthday on Friday so we will celibate that with him.
Anchored at Lautoka. Just read a article on carbon emissions saying one of the best ways to cut down is to have fewer children as each child equates to 56 tons of carbon,give up your car and fly less. Woke up this morning to a boat covered in ash from the sugar refinery that's belching smoke, 3 large ships at the wharf doing the same, bush fires on the hills. So it's fine for industry to carry on unrestricted we just have to make all the sacrifices. Guess the partners of the future instead of saying "not tonight darling I've got a head ache" will be saying "not tonight darling think of the planet"
Anchored at Lautoka. In the big smoke literally.
Anchored Navandra Is. Had a great snorkel yesterday and then a beach bbq with all the people in the anchorage. Nice moon to go with it and no insects apart from the ever present ants.
At anchored off Ndrawaangga Island Southern Yasawa Islands. There is some of the best coral and fish life we have seen in the pacific round these islands with the added benefit of seeing Manta Rays when they are in the pass. Down side is there are resorts on both islands so can get very busy especially when the Manta's are around.
Moving on today to Navandra.
At anchored off Ndrawaangga Island Southern Yasawa Islands
At anchored off Ndrawaangga Island Southern Yasawa Islands
At anchored off Ndrawaangga Island (try and pronounce that)by Nanuya island where the Manteray resort is. There is great snorkling here especially off the resort great coral and a huge variety of fish perhaps it is a reserve anyway the fish are not scared of you and plenty of them.
We are hoping to see the mantarys that come to either of the two passes each end of Ndrawaangga Is but we think it can be a bit hit and miss.
At anchor Somosomo Bay. Lots of papaya trees here so now have papaya to go with the mangoes for breakfast. Got a nice rainbow runner yesterday so we are living of the land/sea so to speak, all good stuff love the foraging for food.
Heading down to see the mantarays today.
Moved back down to the Blue Lagoon yesterday. Had a great sail luckily we had our track saved as it was overcast and light showers for most of the day but nice with 18-24 ENE on the beam.
Lots of Mango Tress here so we went for a walk and collected a big bag of them. Still a little green but they ripen in about 4 days Yummy.
We will be making our way slowly down to Lautoka this next week. I have lost another bit of tooth (suspecting scurvy) and we need to extend our visa's .
At anchor in Narewa Bay Yasawa Is.
At anchor in Narewa Bay Yasawa Is. There has been some good snorkling round the peninsula between this bay and Cololevu Bay where we were anchored before.
Found out yesterday that the village that owns these bays Bukama has a ban on smoking and the drinking of Kava and it's been in force for over a year now, probably the only such village to do so in Fiji I would imagine.
We don't know what the Chief Ratu Sami did with the kava when we presented it to him for sevusevu someone said he gives it to the neigbouring village we did not know about the ban at the time and nothing was mentioned.
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At anchor in Cololevu Bay Yasawa Is.
At anchor in Cololevu Bay Yasawa Is. FOR DAVE Yesterdays pping to 10 mid afternoon then back up to 15 late evening
At anchor in Cololevu Bay Yasawa Is.
At anchor in Cololevu Bay Yasawa Is. Beautiful bay with white sand going right up to the shore with a long sandy beach.
At anchor in Blue Lagoon. Heading back up to Likuri Bay Yasawa Is this morning.
At anchor in Blue Lagoon. Looks like the dingy repair went ok. Still windy but nice onshore,lovely white sandy beach and warm water for swimming and snorkling and some good walks.
At anchor in Blue Lagoon. Repairing the dingy yet again hopefully found the little leak we have.
At anchor in Blue Lagoon.
At anchor in Blue Lagoon. Had a great snorkel yesterday on a large bombie. Probably the best variety's of coral we have seen all trip. Would be a good tank dive as the water round it is quite deep.
At anchor in Blue Lagoon.
At Anchor.
At Anchor. Blue Lagoon. Making bread and doing odd jobs.
At Anchor Likurie Bay Yasawa Is. Moving South to the Blue Lagoon today.
At Anchor Likurie Bay Yasawa Is. Walked across to the other side of the island to do our sevusevu as the bay we are anchored in is owned by the village of Bukama on the eastern side of the island. The Chief Ratu Sami is well into his 80's and speaks no English but Daniel the head man who introduced us to him spoke really good English and translated for us. This was the best sevusevu we have done very traditional and Ratu Sami is a great old man and enjoyed a good chat. The whole island is very happy with the 8 month contract they have for the production of the Swiss and French Survivor TV shows as it is providing a lot of employment for all the local villages.
Beautiful day yesterday clear sky and lovely warm water.
At Anchor Likurie Bay Yasawa Is. Well protected anchorage from SE through E to NE. Good snorkling, a track up the hill to a road for walking and a nice sandy beach you can get your dingy into.
Found out that they are filming the Swiss survivor then the French one so they have exclusive access to a lot of the beaches on the island till November. Must be bringing in lots of money to the local villages so that's good but a bit of a bugger for visiting yachties as it excludes us from a couple of anchorages.
At Anchor Land Harbour. I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts- collected 4 liters of coconut juice yesterday from one of the beaches where they are filming the survivor program. They were obviously drinking bottled water as there were empty water bottles and the carton they came in still on the beach. So much for surviving off the land and looking after it but I guess that's not what the program is about.
Had a good snorkel but the water is a bit murky as the sand is very fine and stirred up a bit with the windy weather.
At Anchor Land Harbour..Survivor hits Yasawa Is. Arrived and dropped anchor behind a nice little island that would stop the little bit of slop that is rolling down the main island and with good shelter from the expected 20+ E winds, a nice long sandy beach to explore in front and reefs for snorkling,perfect. But no sooner had we dropped the hook a long boat came out and asked us to move as they are filming the Survivor TV program and have rented the main island of Yasawa for 7 weeks 3 of which are still left to run and they DID NOT want Villomee inn the background.
Moved to a bay about a mile south and not to sure on what bays we can anchor off so if heading up this way maybe leave it for a few more weeks.
At Anchor Sawa-I-Lau. Moving to land Harbour this morning as the wind is predicted to strengthen to 20-30 so better shelter there with good sandy beaches to explore and plenty of reef area to snorkel. We will let you know.
At Anchor Sawa-I-Lau. Grey day with showers and rain. Jan cleaned the boat I did didly squat.
At Anchor Sawa-I-Lau. Had a good snorkel down the NW side of Sawi I Lau Island in the morning. Afternoon went coconut gathering for the juice ended up with 3 liters and all my fingers still intact. I am getting pretty good at opening them now and we use the extendable boat hook to reach them. Best drink ever on a hot sunny day.
At Anchor Sawa-I-Lau. Did Sevusevu on arrival. A pretty anchorage when anchored by by Sawi I Lau Island.They are now charging Fj$55 per person to go through the caves. Will probably stay here still the wind moves back into the south East.
At Anchor Blue Lagoon Yasawa Islands.
At Anchor Blue Lagoon Yasawa Islands.
At Anchor Blue Lagoon Yasawa Islands. Had a good sail up from Somosomo Bay yesterday. Big resort here now that has really expanded since we were last here 13 years ago. You can now get fuel from them.
Went for a good walk over the island to Lo's Tea House for the best ever made on the spot doughnuts and lemon tea. Great walk with nice views of the lagoon and through some really great gardens presumably to supply the resort as there was a hydroponic set up for lettuce.
At Anchor Somosomo Bay leaqving this morning to head 20 miles up the chain to the Blue Lagoon.
On anchor Somosomo Bay. Lovely sunny day yesterday best we have had for a while. Jan's finger is healing well we have been leaving the bandage off for the last couple of nights and this is helping it dry out. Hopefully we will be back snorkling soon. Went for a big walk from Gunu Bay to Somosomo Bay yesterday a lot of it was in the shade through the bush and Mango trees and also through some of there garden areas that had pumpkin,banana,lots of kasava all at different stages of growth,local spinach, and pineapples. This whole are was also hit by TC Winston and you can see that in the bush the trees have lost a lot of there large branches and there is now a lot of new growth or simply dead trees that did not recover and most of the houses in the village have new roofs and some have had to be completely re-built.
TC Winston formed 7 Feb 2016 off Vanuatu moved across parts of Fiji and Tonga then intensified and moved back over Fiji Feb 19/ 20 it's center passing over Vanua Balavu in the Lau with 306 km/h wind gusts were recorded. Highest 10 minute sustained wind 280 km/h , highest 1 minute sustained wind 285 km/h so you can imagine the damaged done. We were talking to some people when we were in Vanua Balavu and where they were all there hoses were destroyed along with all the contents they did not have anything left,food,clothing or water it simply disapered. They survived the cyclone by sheltering behind a large rock that had a old Banyan tree in front of it.
On anchor Somosomo Bay. Moved across the bay to Gunu Bay to get out of the swell.
On anchor Somosomo Bay. This area must of been hit by TC Winston no nuts on the coconut trees and they have very few leaves and the good coral which we saw 10 years ago has also been damaged.
On anchor Yalobi Bay Waya Is Yasawa Grp. Bit of a rolly anchorage will probably move on to Somosomo Bay.
On anchor at Saweni Bay. Moved round here after we had had Jan's finger attended to to get away from the smoke of the Sugar cane refinery.
We originally went to the hospital but there were at least 60-70 people waiting so went to the Avenue Medical Center. The doctor there is very good and e would recommend this as preferable to going to the hospital. We were charged fj$45. The doctor said the finger looked pretty good and most of the infection was cleared up. The yellow we could see under the flap of skin that we thought was puss was in fact fatty tissue. He removed the flap of skin and told us to continue with the course of Trysul antibiotics.
So we are now off to Likuliku Bay on the NW side of Waya Is in the Yasawas.
Avg: 3knts
24hr: 71nm
On anchor at Lautoka. Arrived 1717 hrs yesterday. 8 other boats here including Calypso and Out of the Bag so had sun downers without the sun with Bill and Jean. Off to get Jan's finger sorted this morning but it is looking a lot better after the change in antibiotics to Trysul and putting the Manuka honey on as a Balm.
On passage from Yadua Is to Lautoka. Have to get Jan to the hospital as she has a very badly infected little finger. Have been treating with antibiotics but there is a lot of infection under the skin. The original cut was quite deep and close to the knuckle so we are worried about the infection getting into the bone.
Craig and loran off Revilo were in the bay and they supplied us with trysil a stong antibiotic and and a whole range of other natural remedies including Manuka honey to put on the wound. The inflammation seems to have gone down this morning but still a lot of puss under the skin that will need to be released.
Hope you have a fast passage
Moved round to Navi Laca Bay on Yadua Is yesterday as there was great vis and calm seas. Did our Sevsevu at the the village you can dingy there from this bay. The village was not as neat and tidy as it was when we were last here 13 years ago and all the traditional thatch houses have been replaced by wood and corrugated ion ones.
Went for a short snorkel in the bay but the water was very murky and the coral was in bad shape and covered in silt.
At anchor Cukuvou Hbr Yadua Is. Had a great sail over from Cocoanut Pt Vanua Levu and caught another 2 Mahimahi so freezer is full.
Arrived Coconut Point 1330 yesterday departing 0900 today for Yadua Island. Had a good sail down pretty much hard on the wind all the way but nice conditions and caught a nice Mahimahi so lovely fresh fish for dinner last night.
Departed Savusavu for coconut Point at 0600
At anchor Savusavu. Great day in Labasa yesterday. It is a 2 and half hour bus ride from Savusavu and costs only F$6 and you get to cross the islands mountainous spine to the other side where they are growing sugar cane. Labasa is Fiji's second or third largest city with a lot of indofijians who were originally brought here as labor for the cane fields but now run most of the business here in Fiji as well.
My dentist was excellent replaced 3 of my 4 fillings that had fallen out since leaving NZ for $F 150 and lined the other which he said would need a crown that would be have to be done in either Suva or Lautoka for about $F 500. So much cheaper than NZ.
Also had a great lunch at the Hari Kishna restaurant. Went there several years ago and are happy to say the food is still fantastic $F 12 for two people including vanilla ice cream and all without the bells,drums and chanting.
At anchor Savusavu. Off to labasa to the dentist
At anchor Savusavu. Hope you had a great super hero birthday party yesterday Harvey
At anchor Savusavu.
At anchor Savusavu. Had a good night at the Savsavu Marina pot luck dinner with great music keyboard,bass and acoustic guitars there's some amazing talent floating around out here.
At anchor Savusavu.
at anchor in the big smoke of Savusavu. Lots of boats here only a few spare moorings. Off to the dentist on Tuesday.
Avg: 4.4knts
24hr: 105.8nm
Left Little Bay, Vanua Balavu 1300 hrs yesterday bound for Savusavu. Nice sail until we passed Taveuni and then we lost the wind. Motoring now. Will arrive in Savusavu around 1100hrs. Back to civilization. Not sure whether I am happy with that.
At anchor Little Bay.
At anchor Little Bay.
At anchor Little Bay. Went for a ok snorkel on reef just outside the bay by about 1/4 mile then managed to find a lot of nice Pawpaw's in the bush off one of the sandy bays in Horse Bay to the west of us.
Little Bay in n Lau
Moving from Susui bay to little bay this morning to snorkel a reef about 1/2 mile off the bay which is meant to be good
Moved from Lomaloma to Susui a better sheltered anchorage. Did Sevusevu and was not asked about a anchoring fee we had been told they charged here.
Village is pretty small and again badly hit by Winston NZ and Oz aid apparently arrived quickly. Each house has a new green plastic water tank and most new roofs and 5 completely new weatherboard houses.
There is a marine reserve here so we are off to look at that today. Went for a snorkel round the perimeter reef of the bay yesterday a lot of fish and the coral looks to be coming back.
Moved down to Lomaloma yesterday and now have good internet so able to call all the family and catch up on emails the first time in about 6 weeks. Also managed to get fuel for the outboard, fresh bread and some fresh vegetables from a man who has a amazing garden that supplies a lot of stuff to the locals and any yachties that can find him. Nice guy had a good chat about growing tomatoes which we used to do commercially in another lifetime.
You can see lots of damage from cyclone Winston here and all down the coast. Just about every house had lost its roof and some a lot worse building still going on and a barge laden with building supplies has jut come in as I am writing this.
At anchor Little Bay Vanubalavu. Off to Lomolomo today to get some internet hopefully.
Avg: 2.8knts
24hr: 66.6nm
At anchor Little Bay Vanubalavu nice small sheltered bay that Navionics says you can't get into. At the end of the bay it opens into a large lagoon through a very narrow and shallow (dingy only) pass between high hills.
In the lagoon you can see a very distinct track where all the trees have been killed from the Winston looks like it may of spun up a mini tornado here. Unfortunately right in it's path were a few houses all with shiny new roofs now. Could not imagine what it would of been like.
At anchor Bavatu Harbour Hope you had a great day yesterday Amber and we are waiting for your first email off your new i-pad. We went for a walk to a look out on a plantation here. You have to go up 271 steps and the quickest a person has done it is 56 seconds we took about 15 minutes but we were taking photos as well.
Lots of blown down trees here from cyclone Winston and all the rest have new growth but there are some of the biggest trees we ever seen in Fiji. looks like our Kauri tree.
Also had a snorkel and in a bay where we saw four turtles and some very nice coral.
At anchor Bavatu Harbour
Avg: 4.9knts
24hr: 117.8nm
Left Namuka-I-Lau midday yesterday and are hanging off the entrance to Andavathi Pass, Vanua Balava, Northern Lau until we have good light to head in. Decided to make a jump up here to meet up with friends who we have travelled with from USA. They will be heading west a lot quicker than us so we are having a farewell dinner tomorrow night of Roast Lamb and Pavalova. We will stay up here an explore this area for a couple of weeks.
At anchor in Namuku-I Lau. Lovely calm anchorage off to do do Sevsevu this morning 1 hour walk each way then a beach bbq tonight.
At anchor in Yangasa Southern Lau. May move over to Namuku-I Lau today.
Avg: 24.7knts
24hr: 593.8nm
At anchor in Yangasa Southern Lau. Had a great sail over from Fulunga yesterday saw some pilot whales then a humpback as we entered the lagoon. Went for a snorkel down one side of the island we are anchored behind but the coral was disappointing mainly a hard rock bottom but had some nice and different fish round the few bombies and large rocks scattered around.
this spot, a bit rolly at high tide, is about 20nm north of Fuluga
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. Super yacht struck the bottom coming into the pass yesterday but it was an incoming tide so they managed to get off after about 15-20 minutes.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. Supply boat arrived yesterday so fresh lemons for the G&T's.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. Fishing day today. Had a great birthday meal for Ma yesterday with a huge mud grab that was absolutely delicious as one of the dishes.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
It sounds like you're having
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. Doing some fiber glassing on one of the village longboats.
still in Fuluga
At anchor in Fulunga. Into the village for church. Went fishing yesterday with Ma and George our hosts and got 54 fish for the Sunday feast so everybody happy.
At anchor in Fulunga. Off fishing with our host family today then in to watch the All Blacks play the Lions tonight. ope the weather improves. Had a great day yesterday as the people of Fulunga put on another picnic, great food, music,dancing and Kava. When that finished we went to gather clams with our host family to use as bait today and for Sunday lunch.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. Had another great snorkel in the pass lots of fish and nice coral. Into the village today to check out the carvings. Fulunga provides a lot of the carvings sold on the main island some finished here and others to be finished on the mainland so you get them at at least half price.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. ICA arrived yesterday. We were anchored with just one other boat nearby now we have 18 with a few more scattered around. The village chief will be getting a load of Kava today.
Avg: 22knts
24hr: 529nm
have a problem with Pactor so no email until this is sorted
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. Great day yesterday big picnick on a island beach. At least 60 people with villagers and cruisers combined plenty of yummy food, music, kava and games.
We are off fishing today with our host family and as they have one of two televisions in the village we will go in and watch the All Blacks V Lions game tonight.
At anchor in Fulunga. Off to a picnick with the other boats in the anchorage and all their host families. Pig & Fish lomo and all the trimmings cruisers contributing with a dessert. Music and games. What a tuff life we have.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga.
At anchor in Fulunga. Arrived 11.30 lot of current in the pass as it was mid ebb and small standing waves for a while, we were only making 0.5 knt against it for a while but got through OK. Beautiful atoll amazing blue clear water. Did our sevusevu then back to the boat for dinner and a good nights sleep.
Wow, that looks a beautiful
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 133.1nm
Given the all clear to resume our course to Falunga at 1500 by the RCC as the Fiji navy is sending a boat to pick up the 3 persons that were on the yacht Jungle who are all thankfully OK. Not sure about the status of the yacht though. Apparently there were some locals on the small isolated atoll that they ran into so it would of been interesting to see.
We have motor sailed since sunset as the wind dropped and it has now backed from the NE around to the south. Should be entering the pass around 1130am.
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 180.8nm
Diverted from our course to Fulunga by RCC at0745 this morning to aid the 65' yacht Jungle that has let of their EPIRB at 21 07.7S 179 51.6W on the atol of Tuvana-i-Ra or Tuvana-i-Tholo.
Wind has moved to the NE as the days worn on but still on a tight reech. Should arrive early morning if we can maintain 6-7 nots.
No Fish son far
Our thoughts are with you.
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 83.8nm
Left Suva 1730 and heading to Fulanga, Southern Lau Group. Had lightning and thunder most of night and some drizzle. Hope the wind will back more around to the NE during today. Hope to be in Fulanga tomorrow. Great to be out of Suva
Suva possibly leaving PM for Fulanga Lau Grp
Suva
Back in Suva. Picked up the membrane ready to head to the Lau probably the 22nd
At anchor Malumu Bay Bequa. Part arrived for water maker so looking at heading back to Suva when the wind dies.
At anchor Malumu Bay Bequa
At anchor Malumu Bay Bequa Cleaning the hull and going for another Kayak
At anchor Malumu Bay Mbengga. Had a great sail over from Suva in 18-23 ESE. Off for a kayak.
At anchor Suva Harbour,looking at heading to Kandavu Is tomorrow.
At anchor Suva Harbour,
Avg: 4.8knts
24hr: 114.7nm
At anchor Suva Harbour, all cleared in off to the markets this morning. Have a new Fiji phone number (+679) 712 6822.
Avg: 3.5knts
24hr: 83.3nm
a good day in Suva
At anchor Suva Harbour,arrived at 1745 last night after a good sail from North Minerva Reef. Will be clearing customs this morning. 11 other yachts in the anchorage. Bit of a change now hearing the hum of a city instead of the roar of the surf at Minerva.
Congratulations on a safe
Having a nice sail. 68 miles to Suva will be in there before sundowners. Caught a small yellowfin tuna yesterday.
Brilliant, you'll be there by
Avg: 7.1knts
24hr: 169.9nm
Having a nice sail, would be nice if the wind goes around more to the East. 3 lures smoking out the back. 220 miles to Suva. Hope to arrive tomorrow late afternoon
Having a nice sail, would be nice if the wind goes around more to the East. 3 lures smoking out the back. 220 miles to Suva. Hope to arrive tomorrow late afternoon
Lifting the anchor in North Minerva 6.30am Tuesdsay to do the final leg of this passage to Suva. Expect to be arriving Thursday. Had another great day on the reef. A couple more crayfish and great snorkeling. The water is so clear and heaps of fish life.
A great stop over.
left N Minerva at 6am
likely will leave tomorrow for Suva
Hi Jan & Trev wishing you a
Avg: 4.5knts
24hr: 107.5nm
will leave for Suva when there is DECENT wind
Hope you have chance to catch
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 141.3nm
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 134nm
N Minerva tomorrow evening/
Good to see your progress,
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 126nm
all well. Info from Pilgrim
Hi both, glad to hear all is
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 140.6nm
via relay
Avg: 14.4knts
24hr: 344.5nm
Had a very good night of sailing, not too cold either, making good progress. Yesterday saw dolphins, albatross, sooties, sunfish and a shark, wonder what today will bring. Listening to Northland Radio last night and he had 50 boats on his rollcall, so there are a lot of us out here this week.
Left Opua 1100 hrs, bound for Suva Fiji. Motored to the 9 Pin and now the wind has filled in and we are having a nice sail.
All is good on board.
We're so pleased to see that
Have put off leaving Opua. Weather just too unsettled. We will be waiting for the next weather window.
At Opua looking at departing Saturday for Suva Fiji
Keeping our fingers crossed
Well done for being so
Anchored off Russell waiting for suitable weather to depart for Suva, Fiji
Anchored in Parenui bay BOI waiting for suitable weather to depart for Fiji Passed Cat 1 so now all ready to go
Avg: 1632.1knts
24hr: 39170.3nm
YIT did a auto fill for our Lat Long and put us at the Auckland Art Gallery. Wish we were on this rainy day at Russell BOI
Waiting for the last of our items to arrive so we can get our Cat 1.
Been frustrating as they should of been here ages ago. Keeping our fingers crossed for Monday then looking for a departure to Fiji as soon after as possible.
Avg: 8.4knts
24hr: 202.5nm
Arrived Opua Q dock 05015 light rain blast of a sail into good old NZ with the NW good to be home great passage one of the best thanks GH radio.
Hey Trevor, let us know if u
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 167.7nm
8th day out. Had a nice day sailing yesterday with sunny skies. Wind has dropped off in the night but has not changed around to the north yet. Saw our first ship last night must keep a good look out tonight. Estimated time of arrival is around dawn tomorrow morning.
Avg: 6.5knts
24hr: 155.4nm
7th day out. Started to encounter front at 1700 hours yesterday and seem to be nearly out of it now. A rough 12 hours with a lot of sail work and not much sleep. A pretty grumpy crew. Hopefully things will improve today and only another 48 hours or so to go
Avg: 11.2knts
24hr: 268.5nm
6th day out. Had a great day yesterday. Sunny, winds 10-13 ESE, nice sailing and not on too much of a heal. Wind dropped in the night been motor sailing all night and wind gone on the nose with basically no wind. Still hope to be in early hours on the 2nd. Fingers crossed.
Avg: 3.9knts
24hr: 92.8nm
5th day out. Caught a nice Mahimahi yesterday. Crossed the dateline in the night, on the east now after being on the west for 2 1/2 years. Looks like it's going to be harder on the wind from now on. All happy chappies on board the good ship Villomee.
Avg: 7.6knts
24hr: 183.5nm
4th day out. Past Minerva Reef. Put on the long pants, scarf and wooly hat last night. Good sailing so far. Didn't put the lines out yesterday as on too much of a heal but perhaps today we will. All is good on board.
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 180.9nm
Heading for Opua but will check the weather and hear your comments today Dave before the final decision is made.
Avg: 11.3knts
24hr: 271.6nm
Second day out heading for NZ/Minerva Reef, may stop but keeping an eye on the weather. If it looks good we will just head straight through to Opua. Have had a great 24 hours of sailing.
Later. Had a chat to Jan on the radio, talking about whether to stop at Minerva or not. They look as if they will carry on so will have an eta mid next week.
Avg: 5.3knts
24hr: 127.5nm
Departing Neiafu Tonga for NZ/Minerva Reef
On mooring Nieafu
On mooring Nieafu Looking forward to the All Blacks thumping the Wallabies tonight.
Looking forward to the All Blacks thumping the Wallabies tonight.
Back in Tonga enjoying the sun and warm water after 5 weeks back in NZ with the rain and cold.
Back in Tonga enjoying the sun and warm water after 5 weeks back in NZ with the rain and cold.
at anchor in Neiafu Tonga
at anchor
Arrived Tonga 1550 on the third at anchor
making great progress to Tonga with eta noon tomorrow
On Anchor at Niue. Been helping with whale research for the past 2 weeks and are hoping to head to Tonga either tonight or tomorrow when the wind changes to the S/ SE
8 boats in Niue and 3 are sharing whale watching duties 2 days on and one off
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 157.7nm
On passage from Bora Bora to Niue
Avg: 14.8knts
24hr: 355.4nm
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.1nm
On passage from Bora Bora to Niue
Avg: 7.4knts
24hr: 177.1nm
great progress after the ind did a 360 last night. All settled now
Avg: 5.5knts
24hr: 130.9nm
On passage from Bora Bora to Niue
Avg: 6.6knts
24hr: 158.2nm
slow and steady progress
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 140.5nm
On passage from Bora Bora to Niue
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142.2nm
Niue in about 4 days, 12Aug. They want a spinnaker pole for Christmas. (Hint hint)
Avg: 7.5knts
24hr: 181.1nm
On passage from Bora Bora to Niue
Avg: 7.3knts
24hr: 174nm
about 700nm / 4days to beveridge reef but may continue to Nuie
Avg: 6.4knts
24hr: 154nm
On passage from Bora Bora to Beverage Reef if time and weather permits as we have to be in Nuie by the 15th for some whale research work. Ripped our genaker on the spreader so no downwind light air sail anymore. Running almost dead down wind under genoa only.
on passage BoraBora to Nuie
At anchor Papeete, outside Tahiti Yacht Club nice quite anchorage 20 min dingy ride to the city or catch a bus. Big supermarket 10 min walk away. Going to Heiva dance and re provisioning. Food expensive but great selection of cheeses and meat Been here a week after a great time in the Tuamotu's.
On a FREE mooring at Fakarava North, arrived yesterday from Kauehi had to motor the last 30 miles as the wind died. Will stay here for a couple of days then head down the 30nm of the atoll to the southern end for great diving/snorkeling especially the pass.
At anchor sand & coral shelter from ENE-S, SE end of Kauehi Atoll Tuamotu, Good snorkeling and beach combing.
In Tuamotus. GHRadio are amazed to make contact so far east. Welcome back Trevor and Jan!
In Tuamotus. GHRadio are amazed to make contact so far east. Welcome back Trevor and Jan!
At anchor in Hakaotu Bay Ua-Pou Is. Had a great day sail up from Hiva Oa. This bay has very clear water and the flowering pebbles a floral coral growing on the rocks. Good shelter here as long as there is no S swell. Had a great snorkel lot of small reef fish in very clear blue water. You can also go for a long walk up the hills.
At anchor Tahuata Island Hanamoenoa Bay. Clear blue water 60+ feet vis white sandy beach. Hard to beat.
At anchor Heva Oa arrived 1200 on the 9th May Best Passage ever, 30 boats in the anchorage. Very easy check in.
Avg: 7knts
24hr: 168.1nm
about to gibe onto 260T in a few hours and that should hopefully take us to Hiva Oa Monday morning local time. Still got the MPS up great sailing.
Avg: 6.1knts
24hr: 145.7nm
Wind steady in the SE MPS up for last 36 hours
Avg: 5.7knts
24hr: 137.2nm
spent most of the day at 3-4 kts wind trying to go from the NE to SE finally managed it at 2200 utc slow day
Avg: 5.4knts
24hr: 130.3nm
lovely sailing calm seas can't get much better.
Avg: 6knts
24hr: 144.3nm
on passage to Hiva Oa
Avg: 5.6knts
24hr: 135.4nm
Heva Oa Bound
Avg: 2.8knts
24hr: 67.2nm
on passage Galapagos to Hiva Oa
at shelter bay marina colon panama ready to transit the canal on the 16
In Kingston Jamaica about to Depart for San Blas Islanda on Our way back to NZ
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