We ended up staying 8 days in Vanuatu, and while some of that was enforced by another infected leg, it did give us some great opportunities to get to know the island of Efata a little.

Vanuatu was for many years jointly controlled by France and UK leaving an independent nation whose first foreign language is English, unless you grew up in a French speaking family! The legal system is English but respect is paid to the Napoleonic code. When occupied the Franch gendarmerie and English Bobbies ran the island together.

Port Vila, the capital, is slowly seeeing the signs of development but still the hub of the city is the main fruit and vegetable market, which operates 24/6,

Arriving yachts have to clear customs, bio-security and immigration, before being released into the nurturing arms of the Yacht World Marina, which has ster-to docking or several moorings. Run impeccably for 40 years by Elsie and Leimara, it provides same-day laundry, fuel, an excellent bar/restaurant and an in-depth knowledge of where to get anything fixed.

A tour of the island by car found greta diving and snorkelling, unbelievably beautiful beaches, some impressive ranches and a least one 5-star 17-room hotel. The people are all extremely friendly whether you meet them on the road, in the market, or in their villages. It was our favourite place so far.

We left on Tuesday in glorious sunshine ad 20 kts Easterly which carried us nicely until the night time squalls. For once we did not escape a serious downpour and winds gusting up to 35kts. With both of us in decent health for once, the relief of a dry-out morning was enormous and we gradually warmed up as the wind lessened throughout the day to leave a glass-like surface by 16:00. The sun was starting to dip down to the horizon and flocks of birds were skimming the surface searching for their last meal.

In the midst of this sea of tranquillity the glass was broken by the spurt of a blue whale, travelling alone and seemingly asleep. We got close enough to be reminded once again of the magnificance of these creatures as they roam the oceans with such commitment and purpose.

Off we go - 500 miles to Noumea!