1130 Anchored at Ile de Houn in D’entrecasteux Reefs NW of New Caledonia. These magnificent reefs are part of a French managed conservation reserve. As such there are lots of rules, and we had to obtain permission from French authorities to visit here - more than worth the effort!
Left Aore Island 0045 on Tuesday morning after spending a delightful week with Naomi, David, Lucy and Stella.
Highlights of the week at Aore, include the family friendly nature of Aore Resort, the colourful fish in exquisitely clear water, and taking Lucy to the local junior school by a 5km walk! All the children on Aore walk to school, hence the numbers at the junior school at 47 pupils, however the school is amazing, many thanks to all who contributed financially, either off shore non residents or locals in the structure of this important addition to Aore.
We also had a return visit to Rotua Island Resort for lunch which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, how could one not enjoy BBQ prawns with sand tickling your toes…see the earlier photo!!
Access from Luganville to Aore Island is via an open punt. Can be wet in windy conditions.
Every member of Salacia and surrounding yachts and visitors commented on the incredible hospitality and the truly genuine interest from all the locals, referred to as "Ni-Vans, their honesty, integrity and willingness and wish to please all foreigners is outstanding…they would have to be one of the friendliest and open race of humans that we all felt we could learn an enormous amount from! May they never change - we all take away some very special memories and happy times!
During our time at Aore we were also in company with other yachts we knew including, Patriot, Alvis, Kerumba, Allusive, Wind of Change, Sea Whiskers and Haven 3. Patriot, Alvis and Kerumba are heading to Chesterfield Reef and we will see them there at the weekend.
Our last night at Aore Resort was Island night which included Kava tasting, buffet and local dancing and singing. We restrained ourselves to only a few drinks with dinner as we were in for 3-4 hours of sleep before setting sail just after midnight to our exciting new destination….Ile de Houn which would be approximately 30 plus hours of straight, alcohol free, sailing!
We are the only yacht here at Houn and with easterly winds it is a delightful anchorage. Something out of a picture book. We went ashore where lots of Masked and Brown Boobies were nesting. We did not stay long as we did not wish to disturb them. Short swim off the beach in beautiful clear water and returned to Salacia.
We will head off to Chesterfield Reef on Thursday evening.
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