We are back at Vuda Marina in preparation for our departure and passage to Port Vila in Vanuatu.

This is where our Fiji adventures started back in July 2016 and what an adventure we have had.

We are feeling a little sad that our time here is coming to an end but we have lots more adventures to look forward to in Vanuatu and beyond.

 

                   Arrival Day at Vuda – 4th July 2016

 

 

 

Bruce Garmston (aka Bruiser) arrived yesterday to join us for the passage to Port Vila which is around 540Nm and will take us around 4 days.

Bruce has settled into life on board with amazing speed.

 

 

 

While we were having a wonderful time cruising around Fiji waters we heard the news that a Melbourne registered boat ‘Shenanigans’ had been arrested in a drug bust.  On board were the well known colourful racing identities – the Nikolic Family who are now enjoying some hospitality on the Fiji Penal system.  The boat is now impounded here at Vuda Marina.

 

 

 

We have often spoken of the poor charting in Fiji and never to fully trust the chart plotter – the other day on our return to Vuda we had a very interesting experience.  Firstly we lost our position fix, which happens from time to time, but what made it really interesting is that when the GPS found us again we were reported as doing in excess of 1100kts – that would certainly make our passage home to Australia quick!!

 

 

 

We have been enjoying our time back at Vuda.  On Sunday we went to the Boathouse for lunch and the Sunday afternoon music session which is always fantastic.

Have been stocking the boat for the passage and been preparing a little passage food to make things a little easier and getting the boat passage ready.

If all goes to plan we will catch the bus tomorrow morning for our final trip to Lautoka to do a final shop for some fresh produce. 

The next step is to clear out with the Customs and Immigration Officials on Thursday, spend the night at Momi Bay, which is the anchorage closest to the Navula Passage, and be on our way early on Friday morning.

 

The weather forecast at the moment is looking good with 15-25kt South Easterly to Easterly  winds forecast and our course is due West so should be a lovely broad reach to Vila.