Wednesday 28th

0600 Left Havannah Harbour to sail 60nm to Lamen Bay, Epi Island.

Great trade wind sailing, 25-30 knts SE and averaged nearly 10knts for the trip.

Attempts at fishing failed.

 

 

Anchored horse race was conducted on the airport strip!!

 

Lamen Bay and went ashore in the afternoon. We found ourselves among the Independence Day (30/7/15) celebrations which go for a week.

We missed the horse race but watched the mens Soccer play off for 3rd and 4th places, whilst the girls were playing volleyball.

 

 

 

 

 

As usual, all of the locals were very friendly and the children cute, happy and healthy looking. The local policeman, Daniel, was very informative and explained how appreciative everyone was from the support from Australia for the aftermath of cyclone Pam. Normality has only returned to Epi in the last month. We could still see some damage to the out side walls of the secondary school.

That night, whilst having an after dinner drink in the cockpit, we were spoilt with the night glow of two volcanic  eruptions on Ambryn Island, 20nm to the North. Very special.

 

Thursday 29th.

0900. Left Lamen Bay and sailed to Awei Island, part of the Maskelyne Islands at the southern end of Malekula.

As we were leaving Lamen bay we passed lots of locals including children heading back from their villages for further celebrations. 

 

 

 

Again trade wind sailing with 25-30knt from SE.

Quick trip and anchored in time for lunch.

There has been some speculation about a cyclone forming near the Solomon Islands, but our forecast says the low pressure system will be gone by Tuesday next week.

We are watching but not concerned.