Salacia: A Great Week in Noumea

We left today (Sunday) for 5 days cruising around Ile Ouen and Ile de Pins after a hectic week in Noumea. We are without Pamela as she flew home due to work commitments.

Since finishing the race on Monday night, we have had a busy week welcoming the other racing yachts, helping with repairs and participating in most of the social functions organized by our hosts, Cercle Nautique Caledonien “CNC”.

The hospitality exhibited by all we met here has been outstanding. We were made to feel very welcome and special. Each yacht had a “Godfather” appointed by CNC to ensure that we were well looked after. Salacia’s Godfather, Roy Parfitt, did an outstanding job, even driving us around Noumea when required.

Ron and Annette even had the opportunity to go sailing on a Sydney 38 on the Noumea equivalent of WAGS. Herve’ from Noumea Yacht Services was kind enough to host them.

On Wednesday we were reunited with our dinghy and outboard and other cruising gear after the container was finally released by customs. Salacia’s extensive spares inventory became useful for other boats. Best return was receiving a nice bottle of Red for the “right size” hose clamp.

Dinghy Arrival

We also walked a lot around Noumea to ensure we worked off a few of the calories imbibed during the evening functions. Several trips to the chandlery that had great deals on French boat shoes (?)

On Thursday we took out some friends and guests for a sail on Salacia. In total, the head count was 18. Two sail reach down to Ilot Maitre, anchored for morning tea (baguette and pate’ and petit foir) with champagne, and returned. Coming home we were often sailing at 10+ knots. Of course we thought that was pretty fast, but probably didn’t impress some of the guests from Beau Geste!!