04/08/2008, 19deg 20'S 170deg 19'E
We have had an excellent sail today. The wind was up to low 20's for a while and so the miles just peeled off. In fact, the run today has brought us a bit too close to Tanna. The harbour is not recommended for nightime entry so we will be going slowly this evening with entry at daybreak tomorrow. Our Vanuatu landfall was made an hour ago. The island of Futuna was clearly visible to the southwest. Not surprising really as it is 600m high. Tanna is higher again at 1084m, plus the volcano apparently can be seen at night. The South Tropical Current has pushed us along as well, flowing at up to a knot toward the west. We did observe an unusual blue shape just under the surface. Not an obvious shark or ray or sunfish. It was about 1.5m diameter, vaguely ovoid in shape. Who knows? Andrea and I have been able to make headway on our books. We have also indulged in philosophical debate about the future etc etc.
| 08. Fiji to Vanuatu |
|
Comments [0]
03/08/2008, 18deg 45'S 173deg 28.5'E
We did really well in our first 12 hours at sea, notching over a 100nm but in the evening the wind faltered and went into the east. After several hours of hotting up the angle and crash/boom opera we gave up. The motor went on at 0330 this morning. Well, we had to charge the batteries anyway. By 1100hr there was just enough breeze in the SE to allow us to sail at around 5.5kts under the code zero alone. About 4pm we swapped back to jib and main as the wind had built up to 12 knots. We are almost at the halfway point and anticipate arrival in Tanna island on Tuesday midday-ish. We are looking forward to skedding with Des tonight. He was hard to hear last night but there is something quite reassurring about his gruff voice. Sunset was stunning this evening. Golden towering cumulus blending into the pink higher altostratus. The usual liquid accompaniements were provided by the cabin staff. We have had a number of minor gear issues but the most annoying is a recurrence of the separation of jib foil segments. I have already repaired this once and we had the jib mended. Hmmm.
| 08. Fiji to Vanuatu |
|
02/08/2008, 18deg 00'S 176deg 08.5'E
The Island Cruising rally to Vanuatu got off to a good start today with 19 boats crossing the line at 1000hr. An early withdrawal was forced when one boat developed autopilot and rudder problems. The fleet cleared the outer reef pass around 1150 and quickly split into the two groups. We had dolphins keep us company for a short while. Our group of six yachts is on a heading of 243 deg to Tanna which is now less than 400 nm away. We have a steady SE breeze of 15-20 knots and are doing low 8's boatspeed. The day has been quite hot but with sunset is cooling off nicely. We have had a sundowner consultation with an excellent riesling and are making preparations for the night to come. Hopefully these conditions will continue as forecast. Diomedea feels good in the water.
| 08. Fiji to Vanuatu |
|
01/08/2008, Musket Cove, Malolailai island
It is blowing 12 knots SE here in the bay and all the yachts are getting ready for our departure this morning. There are two rallies from Fiji to Vanuatu. One to Tanna island, comprising seven boats, and the other to Asanvari on Maewo island to the north of Efate. For us it is 450nm to Tanna, about three nights of sailing. We had a farewell dinner at the island bar last night and cleared customs during the day. There have been many other boat jobs of course but we feel that we are reasonably prepared. Once in Tanna we will hopefully climb the active volcano (must remember factor 2 million sunblock) and do the highly recommended jungle walk. There is also a non-participatory fire walk demonstration. From Tanna we plan to sail up to Port Vila on Efate island and meet our friends Peter and Vicki for some cruising and diving. I will try to give more frequent blogs as we sail onwards from today.
| 08. Fiji to Vanuatu |
|
