B and I were up to watch the sunrise. After breakfast we headed off to DHL while Wilson and Danielle chilled out on Imagine. The two kilometre walk was worth it. Although we could see the parcel which was the outboard, the weekend staff didn’t want to give us the goods. However, after about half an hour another staff member arrived and we were able to get the parcels released. They were not going to be delivered, but we not only got them to deliver but we got a ride back to the marina with them.
We didn’t wait to commition anything – we just got out of Port Vila. And 5 hours later anchored back in Port Havana where we had a nice swim. I mounted the inverter and wired it up. We now have power! We may watch a movie tonight!
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

Today was a slow day. I went to the market picked up a couple of things. Then went up to DHL. There I was told it would defenatly be delivered by the end of the day. Well it’s the of the day and all that turned up was B. B is joining us again this time only for 10 days. Sometime this morning one of the freezers was accidently turned off. Luckily it was the veggie freezer, that was only half full. All the veggies had defrosted by the time I realised the freezer was off. I made a run to the supermarket and got more frozen veggies, while Wilson and Danielle cleaned the freezer out. Danielle made dinner using as much of the veggies as possible.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

The day was overcast with showers, so after breakfast we hauled anchor and set sail for Port Vila. The first part was a nice sail and we were escorted by a pod of dolphins. As we rounded the point the waves and wind were on the nose. This made for an unpleasant ride into the harbour.
Once we were on a mooring, we had lunch then headed into town. We picked up a few veggies and pineapples at the market. The supermarket on the hill had mandarins and wine.
The parts had still not arrived by the time we got back to the marina. Maybe tomorrow.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

The gale force winds grew during the day in the afternoon getting over 90kts and gusting higher in the evening. The anchor was holding her steady, keeping the boat pointing into the large storm surge waves. That was until another boat hit the bow breaking the anchor chain. It only took minutes to reach the shore. The high winds and storm surge waves lifted the boat well up the beach and dropping her on her side.
In daylight it is obvious it would take a crane and tug boat to get her back in the water.
So there she lies, a 50m ketch, with no way of getting her off the beach. The Blue Gold has been the talking point since cyclone Pam put her on the beach in 2015. A sobering reminder of how mother nature can turn on you so fast.
That is why I always check the weather and I’m always cautious when anchoring on these coral shelves near the shore. Unfortunately in these islands you have no choice as the drop offs can be 100m deep.
Danielle and Wilson kayaked around the bay to have a closer look at the beached yacht. Over the years she has been stripped of most parts. The owners are still paying the villagers every month while trying to work out what to do with the Blue Gold.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

The day started out nice. A few fluffy clouds dotted around the blue sky. We got a bit of sunbathing and reading out on deck.
We had heard of a tourist attraction called the American Pool. It was built in world war 2 by (guess who). The Americans had a base here, as they did in most Pacific Islands. There is a clear fresh water stream coming down from the mountain feeding into the American-made concrete swimming pool. The excess water pours out and into the Bay.
So we lowered the dinghy into the water and rowed ashore. It was only a short walk along the road to the pool. Mmmmm we investigated the pool and decided we didn’t really want to go for a swim.
The water from the stream looked clean enough, but the rafts of algae floating across the pool and what ever it was growing off the bottom was not inviting. The cracks in the concrete and brocken stairs indicated that it’s been a while since it was a tourist attraction.
We returned to Imagine for more relaxing and reading.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

Overcast and windy today, so we went for a sail. Wilson and Danielle took it in turns on the helm. We had a few sail changes as the wind went from 10 to 22knt and back. We have now anchored in Port Havana harbour. The rest of the day has been another relaxing afternoon. The golden sunlight is trying to break through the clouds as we enjoy cheese and crackers with a drink.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

From Dani – Another beautiful day off of Moso Island! After breakfast and some light reading we all took to the deck to sunbathe. We were greeted by several squid dancing around the bow of Imagine. Following that Andrew tinkered with the anchor some more while Wilson and I worked on our journaling.
After a lunch of wraps and fresh pineapple, Wilson and I inflated the kayak to explore the beach. There was a bit of a headwind but nothing we haven’t dealt with before. 😉
Once on shore, we were immediately drawn to the collection of brilliant seashells. We made a pile of keepers and then continued on to explore a cave. Full of rock cairns and evidence of fires, it was apparent we weren’t the first people to explore this beach – but it still felt off the beaten path. We headed back to the kayak and narrowed our seashell keeper pile down to 4. The wind had died down and we enjoyed our paddle back over the colorful coral. Now back on Imagine, we are enjoying drinks on deck during a rather cloudy sunset and planning more exciting days to come.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

We were out on on deck to watch the sunrise this morning. The darkness slowly turned golden. The clouds turned pink as the glowing sky gently changed to blue as the sun rose.
The wind came up about 9am so we decided to haul anchor and move around to another Bay. That’s when we discovered the relay for the anchor winch was playing up. An examination revealed it was beyond repair. OK, so I hot wired the winch.
We moved around the corner out of the wind. Before lunch was safety training. Wilson and Danielle put on the Lifejackets and jumped overboard. They were surprised at the feeling of constraint when it was triggered. After lunch we jumped in the dinghy and rowed to a nearby reef, where we spent a couple of hours snorkeling. When we returned to Imagine we just chilled out, did some sunbathing.
Now we are having a drink and nibbles, watching the sky turn golden as the sun goes down.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

First up this morning was to get fuel. Wilson took the helm, I guided him in and he parked it perfectly at the fuel dock. One look at Danielle on the bow with the dock line and the boys from yacht World came running to catch her line. It’s seemed strange but they didn’t assist with my dock lines.
After fueling Wilson took Imagine out of the harbour and into the Bay. Danielle and I put up the main, then they swapped. Danielle took the helm while Wilson pulled out the headsail.
We sailed most of the way, but had to motor around the end of Lelepa island. We tried to get in to the Bay on the northern side but the gap in the reef was a bit narrow. So we have found an anchorage just inside Port Havana.
We anchored, put the sails away, then in the water. Nice and refreshing but the current was a bit strong at mid tide so didn’t stay in long. Danielle got out the fishing rod and it wasn’t long before she caught a small fish. She is making pork, mash potatoes and veggies for dinner.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

First day for Wilson and Danielle on SV Imagine. The first part of it was prepping for leaving the marina in Port Vila; getting supplies, learning safety procedures and getting a tour of our storage capacity. Our afternoon followed up nicely with reading and snacks. Andrew checked in with DHL once again to both good news and bad news. Of the two packages we are waiting on one has arrived, however customs can’t clear them until the third arrives. We’ve been told everything will be ready for pick up on the 14th. We shall see… For now we will go without as tomorrow we will be underway out of the marina into secluded territory for a few days to Snorkel and hang out. Wilson
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.