Neiafu to Suva
Boundless 1
Richard Clennett
Sun 31 Jul 2011 04:19
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19.15 S 177.27 W
We spent an enjoyable few days in Neiafu after Barb
and Andrew left, until leaving there on saturday morning for the 480 mile
passage to Suva, Fiji. We have just ticked over 200 miles, so making good
progress and expect to get in to Suva on tuesday morning. The first 30
hours has been interesting in that inspite of the SE 10-15 kts forcast, we have
had just about everything else! Squalls and 30+ knots from every other
direction, now settled into 20kts from the NE! Main reefed, shaken out and
reefed again, never a dull moment. We are sailing in company with another
Australian catamaran with a professional skipper, two paid crew and the owner on
board - we're holding our own, and of course there is just that hint of
competition. The AIS is a great way to keep tabs on what their
heading and boat speed are!
Caught up with many boat jobs while on the mooring
in Neiafu, met many expats and had some fun at the Aquarium Cafe,
including spending an evening wining and dining and listening to 6 X 6
minute talks (with powerpoint presentations) - three from local people and three
from"Palangi" (foreigners). Another insight into life n the Vava'u group and how
people end up in such places.
Fortunately Mike from the Aquarium Cafe,
bought several boxes of our excess grog, so the boat is now lighter and we are
getting ready for entry to Australia!
Also caught up with others in the anchorage we had
met since coming through the Panama Canal.
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