They all saw us anchored in the Bay. First to come to us was Tom. He lives on Uliveo island and runs the island tourism. He was eager to tell us about swimming with the dugongs and his village will put on a traditional dance and meal for us. Just the two of us. I told him I k new of his village and had been swimming with the dugongs last time. I told him we would get to his island when we were ready.
Next our friend Sovren came in his canoe. I told him we have some things for him and Joslin (his wife).
Ten minutes later we went ashore with clothes for Joslin, reading glasses and reef shoes for Sovren. We had size 41 shoes. They were no where near his size. So we have to find something bigger for him. He showed us around his village which had sustained minimal damage from the cyclones. But he said their gardens were ruined. They have since replanted but have little vegitables till they grow.
Back on Imagine chilling to the rain dripping of the boom and the patter of raindrops on the still water. The sound of the waves crashing on the reef interrupted by the laughter of kids playing in their canoe in the rain.
We then were approached by another canoe with three guys in it. Jimmy said he was the grand chief of the area. He offered us pompelos in exchange for biscuits and books. I said we were going to take the books to the school and gave him the size 41 reef shoes. Off they went.
This afternoon has been quiet. Just having another attempt at fixing the slow leak in the dinghy.
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It was an early morning start. Hauled anchor at dawn. We motored our of the harbour and found there was only 7kts of wind. That meant Genaker time. We sailed for about 2 hours before the wind got too high. Then we switched to head sail.
By lunch time we were sitting in the middle of a squall that stayed with us until evening. We had taken the screens off the cockpit two days ago to let more air flow through. This alowed the rain and wind pour in so much i had to put a raincoat on to keep dry and warm. The squall kept changing the wind direction and speed, so we eventually has to pull in the head sail and motor.
By night there was no moon and heavy cloud cover, we couldn’t see the mast. This meant relying totally on the charts, as we made our way through the reef and into the shelter of Awei Island.
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Morning brought a very overcast day. Combined with the breeze left us with cool day. Only one swim today. After breakfast it was exercise on the fore deck. Then Emma took to the hammock for the day. I did a few things around the boat before chilling out.
There was no drinks and nibbles on deck as there was no sunset with such heavy cloud cover. Instead it was card games before dinner.

Imagine has survived a couple of cyclones, several weather bombs, two floods and now a tsunami. Well a tsunami warning. We didn’t realy notice any wave where we are anchored. Emma’s hammock rocked a little but that’s all. So, yes we are safe.
Another tough day of snorkelling, swimming, reading, fishing and relaxing. The hammock makes for another great spot to be on the boat. There is absolutely no worries out here just enjoying the beautiful Vanuatu.

Early morning swim was followed by breakfast on the foredeck. We then decided to move across the bay to Moso island. Anchoring was tricky. The sea bed came up from 40m only 100m from shore. We dropped anchor when the bow had 2m below us. The stern was still in 15m of water. We have been watching the wind and tide currents which are keeping us from swinging onto shore.
The water is so clear you can see the rocks and shells on the bottom. Even the fish can be seen. The first thing that had to be done after anchoring was to jump in for a swim. Emma snorkled the few metres to shore and back.
Then it was down to the days routine. Lie I the sun, go for a swim, lie in the shade, go for a swim, have lunch and then we had to repeat it all. Island cruising wears you out.
The sun is going down and a glass of wine awaits.