Nearly there, hard to believe we have been sailing for 8 days straight. We must be getting closer to land as we heard a conversation in French on the radio not so long ago. Today we are enjoying better sailing conditions although the seas are still up and as we are side on to the waves we are getting a few good whacks when a wave breaks on the starboard side. It will also be great to finally be able to prepare a meal without having to contend with it sliding sideways!! This morning we have been preparing to enter port by getting our flags organised. We are to fly a courtesy flag of the country of entry so we have the French flag (New Cal being a French Colony, it is the Tricolore ) ready to hoist on the starboard side. Entering a new country, also means we will need to clear with Quarantine and Customs before we can get off the boat. Flying a smaller yellow flag, called the' Q flag' underneath the French flag, alerts the relevant authorities that we need to be cleared for entry. We also have the Australian Maritime Ensign flying proudly on the stern..this is a lovely handmade flag as opposed to a printed one and looks very smart. When conditions were a little calmer this morning, Bern finally had a shave..he hasn't been game up until now, because of the motion of the boat, he feared he would cut himself! The two other boats we are sailing with will arrive in Noumea quite a few hours before us. However, we will be in touch with them by radio and aim to drop anchor near them. It will be good to finally catch up with them all tomorrow. Hopefully we will be able to pick up some croissants, baguettes and some French wine in the next day or so! Au Revoir for now!