Bonjour from Noumea in New Caledonia,
The first step of this sailing journey is complete, the crew of Sam, Peter, Jeremy, David and James sailed from Bundaberg Australia to Noumea New Caledonia departing Sunday 15th afternoon arriving Friday 2pm. Not tacking the whole way the sailing was uneventful averaging 7.5 kts this took them 70 miles south of the rumb line, they entered the lagoon 15 kms out and cruised into a waiting family on the marina in front of the Le Bout de Monde caf . The fish were in short supply apparently and only a pod of dolphins were seen although a few dead decomposing flying fish were found under the rolled up screacher a few days after arriving. 2 large container ships full of NZ dairy products heading to China crossed their path, entertainment was mostly by Go Pro some viewed now and some to be viewed at a later time! Carol, Julia and Bonnie checked out Noumea while waiting for the men to arrive, staying at the Casa Del Sole high rise with the best views in town, close to all the night life and magnificent eateries of Baie des Citrons Noumea. They segwayed at the Parc Zoologique et Forestier and visited the L' Aquarium and Marine Centre all worth a visit. The public buses are very reliable, many other tours and adventures need booking and often with groups which we found a little frustrating and often buildings and events are closed without notice or are shut between 11am and 2.30. So the learning curve continues with the language barrier, and is appreciated in another culture! The early markets at Port Moselle are a must for fresh produce, we will stock up before our departure early next week here and at the large supermarket near the city centre where everything else can be bought.
While here we sailed out to Amedee Island ( Lighthouse) and Maitre Island(Thatched accommodation huts on a jetty in the lagoon) where we climbed the lighthouse with magnificent views and snorkled, Kayaked and viewed the reef which is world heritage and full of fish, coral and a rainbow of colour ( the biggest natural lagoon in the world). No fishing here as the yacht would be immediately impounded no questions asked and a huge fine as well! Jeremy took his surfing talents out to Passe de Dumbea and Passe de Boulari where he enjoyed the challenge of the reef surf on the stand up paddle board as we watched from our safe anchorage nearby.
Ashore during the day sail boarding is well practised in the Anse Vata bay, so the boys gave it a run and were great entertainment and enjoyed the use of their increasing and some newly found sailing talents.
James departed on Tuesday 14th to return to his studies, Jeremy returned on Thursday 16th to Jen and the family, and David,Julia, Peter and Bonnie return Friday 17th. We enjoyed the company of all very much, a place like this is appreciated when shared, many thanks to all for their company and time out of their busy lives.
Sam is keen to sail on now as he is tired of cleaning the nickel dust off the boat from the mine which is close and is an eye sore in the bay, but is the main exporter so the officials will never complain about that!
Aurevoir until the next poste.
Carol and Sam