This past week was the 5th annual Regatta Vava’u. It was a 5 day regatta that involved all of the cruising yachts that are here in Vava’u.

 

The very first night there was a fancy dress (costume party) pub crawl in Neiafu. Phil and I managed to pull something together; we cut out eye masks and used sail bags as capes ad went as ‘sail bag super heroes.’

 

The next afternoon was race 1. There was no handicap system in place for the races, so it was hard to tell actual performances. The Sea Monkey was one of the smallest yachts and we sailed extremely well. The first race was in the harbour and was extremely light wind; Sea Monkey came 2nd!

 

The second race was a long distance race out to some of the eastern islands in the Vava’u Group.  We met 3 people who were looking for a boat to crew on, so invited them on the Sea Monkey. The Tongan, David, had his guitar going throughout the race.  Again, we sailed well and finished either 6th or 7th (they don’t t really track results that much, as this is a very fun and relaxed regatta and have no handicap/rating system) – but Phil and I took it pretty serious non the less. That evening everyone anchored off and there was a full moon party organized, complete with black lights, dancing, bonfires, and jam sessions. Thankfully the next day was a lay day, where we all spent the day relaxing.

 

(Above: our crew for Race 2)

 

The third race was another long distance race back to town. Again, we found some extra crew for the race. It was a breezy race and we finished either 5th or 6. We passed 2 boats right at the finished by having great boat handling and good tacks. Many people were coming and telling us how impressed they were with the Sea Monkey in this regatta, as we were so much smaller than most of the others yachts.

 

During the price giving we won $300 towards hardstand/haul out fees in New Zealand for coming 2nd in the race 1. (There were lots of sponsors from different marinas in New Zealand). We also won a free meal at a resort in Vava’u.

 

It was a very well run regatta with attention paid to many small details that made all the more enjoyable. We met a very friendly boat from St. Maarten, who we spend most of the weekend hanging out with.

 

(Above: Us and our friends at prize giving)

 

 

Connolly