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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
We set off on Thursday morning to head south to the Maskelyne islands. We arrived at Uliveo island on the afternoon. Too late to go ashore.That didnt stop two locals we had meet before (Stewart and Philip) from coming out in their boats to great us.
On Friday we first went to visit the school. Gina and Alex our previous crew had left us books and pencils to add to what we already had.we also took the boats guitar as i still haven’t learned to play it. Hopefully the kids will be better at it then me.
While I went back to Imagine to load the dinghy with more things to donate, B enjoyed talking with Phillips wife who was patiently preparing the dying colors and dip the hand rolled bananas leaves that will be used to craft braided mats and baskets.
Next we handed out the last of the pillows and kids clothes that Kmart gave us. We also had some adults clothes and a couple of blankets. We left Stewart (the islands tour guide) a small anchor for his boat. We could see he was useing an old meat grinder as his anchor. Im not too sure how well it worked.
After lunch we motored across to the neighbouring island Awei and we left a jar of honey that we are not going to be able to take into Fiji, a hammock and some more rope.
This morning we set sail again. The sun hadn’t quite made the horizon when we hauled anchor. The light rain made it a hazy morning. Heading south to Port Vila, the sun has came out making it a warm trip, but by evening we were greated by two squalls. As it got dark we had to rely totally on our instruments, chartplotter, radar and AIS to see where we were going and see small fishing boats. Very few have lights on them, but you may get a glimpse of a touch light (If they have one). It was 1am by the time we glided through the dark to our anchorage.
