New crew of Patrick, Theo and Aurora now started a serious exploration of Vanuatu - this glorious archipelago of about 83 islands, quite a few uninhabited. You have to get an Inter-Island Cruising Permit, and pre-notify the authorities of the islands you wish to visit. We went north of Port Vila given the direction of the prevailing wind. First stop after Efate was Maskelyne Island where we met Chief Sovereign and exchanged a gift with his daughter India ('Each Peach Pear Plum’ which we had been remotely reading with Charlotte). India seemed very happy with this! Then on to Ambryn Island where the team hiked 42 km round trip to Mount Marum to see the volcano. It is very much still active with 2 craters of lava. Patrick announced himself exhausted, particularly as his footwear was not up to hiking standard - Theo and Aurora took it in their stride of course. Then on to Santos which is the most northern of the islands visited. Santos is famous for its beautiful beaches which did not disappoint - Champagne Bay and Palikulo Bay were spectacular.