Fun Race in Deboyne Lagoon

Tuesday 24th September.

Still at Nivani Island. Wind 15-20 E-SE.

It has been another busy day with the locals.

In the morning the "dim dims" were taken sailing on the locally built Sailaus. A great experience.

We reciprocated by taking the locals sailing on our boats in the afternoon in a fun race in Deboyne Lagoon. We took 350-400 locals out on the 20 rally yachts and gave them popcorn and cordial etc. Every one had a great time. Salacia took 16 extra "crew" who were really excited when we put up our spinnaker and overtook the fleet.

The day finished with feast/Mumu and prize giving ashore.

Salacia Crew ashore for the feast

Salacia's new crew on the rail

Nivani Island

Monday 23rd September. 

Wind 15-20 SE.  Nivani Island 10 47S, 152 23E 

Nivani was once a coconut plantation but now abandoned. Understood to be freehold and is for sale!!

New breeze in overnight so a lot cooler. Busy day today at Nivani Island.

Started with a welcome ceremony followed by swimming races, canoe races, lunch and a Sailau Fleet race.

Nearly 50-60 locals came over from Panapompom for a fun day with the Dim dim's. Over forty Sailau's came for neighbouring islands for the big race around the lagoon. HEX the largest Sailau at 12m won the "division 1".

All for the amusement of the Dim dims. 

Ron preparing for the canoe race

Sailau race

Welcome Dugon Dance Nivani

Panasia to Panapompom

Sunday, 22 September. 

Winds southerly up to 5 knots and very hot.

Delightful morning start in Panasia where the two J160's posed for photographs with the shear limestone cliffs as background.

Two J160's at Panasia

We left Panasia about 1030 for Panapompom approx. 21nm to the north. Entrance into the new lagoon was narrow but with Ron in the spreaders and good visibility it was an easy passage.

After anchoring off Nivani Island (Next to Panapompom) around 1330 we went snorkelling on a submerged WW2 Zero fighter. It was still in remarkable condition.

Sailau on the beach at Sunset

Still in Paradise

Saturday 21st September. 

Wind 10knt SE.

We embarked on a dinghy trip around to south side of Panasia via coral reef at western end.

We were welcomed by lovely sing sing by young female group at south Panasia. The song had been composed especially for the rally.

After arrival we climbed up to limestone cavern where we all had a swim in cool refreshing water. Then back for traditional Mumu lunch at the village. Mumu is the cooking of food above the ground but under palm leaves covered by hot rocks.

After Mumu returned to main anchorage for quiet afternoon before drinks ashore to watch the sun go down.

Still in paradise!!!!

Limestone Cavern for a swim

Mumu Lunch at South Panasia

Ron charming the local children

Welcome at South Panasia

Another day at Panasia

Friday 20th September. Wind ESE 5-12knts

We spent another day at Panasia.

Activities included a visit to a Skull cave on an adjacent island with a very steep climb, lunch ashore prepared by the local women and a party ashore in the evening.

We are certainly being very well received and entertained. It is real joy to watch the young children play with glee and be so happy.

We are still getting use to the temperature and humidity. We have also ordered some more crayfish for tomorrow.

The water maker has been working a lot to supply extra water for the locals. They rely on rainwater and have had no rain for 4 months.

Appreciation of a new hat

Bill Grun from Avante blowing bubbles

Locals singing their natioanl anthem 

Ross at Skull Cave

Island of Panasia

Yesterday, we departed Duchateau at  1000 hrs for the Island of Panasia only 10nm to the North. On the way, we tried trolling and lost our best lure on 120lb wire trace. Not happy!

We were guided into the anchorage at 1215. Local knowledge was important due to the surrounding reef and isolated "bombies".

Once inside, we anchored and awaited customs and immigration clearance. The officers came in especially by boat to clear the rally yachts. This was the prime reason for Salacia joining the rally. The alternative was to sail to the PNG mainland on the way to the Louisiades and on return for clearance and exit. Apart from not wanting to visit the mainland, the extra distances would be significant.  We will get departure clearance from Misima on 4th October.

Panasia is an idyllic anchorage straight from the "text book". It has heavily vegetated vertical limestones cliffs with a deep blue lagoon protected by reef. It is one of the best anchorages I have ever experienced. Calm water and beautiful with fine white sand beach.

We met the locals briefly tonight on shore and will be having a welcome feast ashore tomorrow, as well as visits to the limestone caves on Panasia and the skull cave on a different island.

Anchorage at Panasia

Dawn at Panasia

Locals at Panasia

Feast on the Beach at Duchateau

Yesterday, the wind was ESE 10-12 knots and we are still at anchor at Duchateau group.

Wednesday was leisurely with our time spent on maintenance and cleaning/washing. This was followed by a lobster feast at sunset on the beach.

The feast was all cooked by the locals from Brooker Island. Over 100 painted crayfish and fish caught during the day and barbecued for 78 yachties. No shortage of seafood here! The food was fantastic and the locals very friendly.

All well on board