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As we were out of fresh fruit and veggies, we needed to do some shopping. At Musket Cove being a marina it is expensive. Two small zucchini’s $17. So headed back to the mainland.

We arrived by lunchtime yesterday and went ashore.We caught a bus into Nadi. We checked out a couple of supermarkets and found the prices better than Denarau. Denarau is a shopping centre next to all the resorts and you pay tourist prices.

We also found the fresh fruit and veggies market that the locals go to. The prices were much better than anywhere else and much cheaper than Vanuatu. We also found a good butcher where we got mince, sausages and chicken.

This morning we were going to get fuel at the Denarau marina, but there was a power outage and the pump wouldn’t work. So it was time to head back to an island for more swimming and snorkeling.

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The water was still this morning, so after doing a few jobs on Imagine we snorkelled the near reef. The clear water and plenty of fish made it an interested time. We returned to Imagine and I thought I would fly the drone over the reef.

Just as I was set up a turtle popped it’s head up along side us. I quickly got the drone in the air but couldn’t find the turtle. The drone got great video as it flew over the reef. As it reached 800m away the remote control lost connection with the drone. When connection is lost the drone is supposed to return to its takeoff point. We waited, but no drone. We jumped into the dinghy to see if we could get to where it may have been and reconnect. No sign of the drone. It didn’t come home. So now we won’t have any more nice aerial shots to show you.

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It started with breakfast at sunrise and a swim. We then headed ashore to check out Musket Cove. One way up the hill of the Island.It was only 10am and we couldn’t resist to an Ice cream at the resort. We walked back around the shore line.

Back on Imagine the wind and swell had changed so we hauled anchor and moved closer in the Bay. Then it was an afternoon of sleeping in the shade on the back deck, few swims followed by games of cards.

NOTE: We figure out that the Baraccuda we caught 2 days ago was in fact a Crocodile-needle fish.

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This morning there was no wind and no clouds. We knew it was going to be a hot day. First up we headed into Denarau to stock up with fresh veggies. Then we motored out across the bay to Malolo island. We were almost here when the wind came up. From this side of the island we can see the mass of boats across at Musket Cove for the race week.

We chilled out as the 20kt wind kept things cool. In the afternoon we went for a swim around Imagine. We set off in 20kt wind and in the time we had gone around the boat the wind dropped to nothing and has stayed like that.

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This morning we were on deck at sunrise. After breakfast I went ashore and picked up Marion (who was going to join us for the trip from Vanuatu). Once everyone was onboard we hauled anchor and headed across the atoll, looking for somewhere with clean water, for a swim. There was no wind and the water didnt have a ripple on it. On the way I tried fishing. It only took 5 minutes and I had a Barracuda on the line. We stopped at lunch time (Barracuda) at Yanuya island across from Castaway island, where Tom Hanks and Wilson was filmed. 
We swam and snorkelled for an hour in the beautiful blue water. We could see the anchor sitting on the bottom 18m below. Unfortunately the swell was coming in the bay so after lunch we headed north. As we set off the wind started and over the next few hours it increased to 25kts. This gave us the chance to sail. By 5pm we were anchored and having drinks and nibblies on the back deck in the Bay on Kuata island. Tomorrow we will explore the island.

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We made it. Four days and four nights. 570 nautical miles. We are officially in Fiji. We are also stuffed. We arrived at Denarau at 5.30pm. Then it was a mad rush to get customs clearance. Now we sleep. 
We made it in one piece. Unfortunately our flags need replacing. Can anyone tell us what flags they were?

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Today started out like the others, with a blue sky and sun shining. B took advantage of it and found a spot in the cockpit to relax. By mid afternoon thinks had changed. We have been attacked by squall after squall most bringing 35kt winds (70km). One would push us off course and the next push us back on track. Its been a lot of reefing and unreefing the sails. We are now heading into our eighth squall. B is looking forward to tomorrow morning when we will be inside the atoll and sheltered from this 3m swell. We then make our way to Denarau and customs.

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Today is more of the same, eat, sleep, do your shift a the helm. The ocean swell is predominant, but we are getting an annoying short wave chop in between. This is making B a bit sea sick, but we are still making good time.

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Daybreak was herald by a beautiful sunrise (the best thing about the day). We have had 2m waves and 20knt winds just off the bow most of the day. This has meant a nice speed of 6kts, but an uncomfortable ride. Our day consists of do our watch (on the helm), have something to eat and drink then try to sleep. At least we have plenty of percooked meals. B has realised how draining it is trying to rest while being bounced around. We are trying to get as close to Fiji as possible before the wind swings to the east which will slow us down as we will have to tac a lot.

The day is ending with a beautiful sunset.

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After spending the past few days preparing Imagine and ourselves for the passage to Fiji, the day finally came. We had been watching the weather and a window appeared. The wind is moving more southerly, giving us a good run to Fiji. The two crew going to travel with us had decided to go to Tana to see the volcano. They were cutting it fine to get to Imagine in time to set off today. Then their flight got cancelled.

With the weather window closing we had no choice but to set off with out the crew. With the usual waiting at customs and immigration we finally left Port Vila at 3pm.