Exploring Punawan Island

Thursday 26th September.

Our first full day at Punawan Island.. Blue skies wind E-SE 10-12 knots.

We went ashore this morning to be warmly welcomed and given a guided tour of the island.

Walked to the eastern shore via a water well in the middle of the Island. The water is brackish and only used for washing and cooking. The locals rely on coconut water for sustenance. We also watched the locals preparing the Copra for transport to Alotau. They are all from Brooker Island (35 nm East) and will be returning there over the next weeks.

This afternoon about 13  Sailaus arrived enroute from Legend island (to the west) on the way to Brooker Island. They will overnight here at Punawan. 

The Louisiades is one of the few places in the world where the outboard motor and long boat have not yet taken over. Nearly all trade and transport is via the Sailaus.

Also this afternoon, we traded for some crayfish and coral trout. As an example, for two crayfish we traded, one tee shirt, 2 fishing reels with line and hooks, four AA batteries and a plastic bottle (for bailing out the Sailau).

Life is still tough in Paradise.

Chopping up Copra for Market

Climbing to collecting PNG PK!(chewing gum)

Salacia off the beach at Punawan

Punawan Island

Thursday 25th September 

Punawan Island, Bramble Haven  11 11.43S, 152 01.58E.

We left Nivani Island 0800 this morning and had a delightful sail to Punawan Island approximately 32nm to the SW. Wind 12-15 knots ESE, two sail reaching at 8-8.5 knots. 

We crossed the main shipping channel again (Jomard Channel) and sighted 5 large cargo vessels on the way across. This channel is very busy as it is the main one for shipping between Asia and Australia.

We are the only boat at this anchorage which is fantastic. All the rally boats have gone  in different directions for a few days and will reconvene at Bagaman Island on Friday/Saturday.

As soon as we entered the anchorage we were guided by a local on the beach on where to drop the anchor. He was soon out to meet us in his dugout canoe to meet and greet and take our crayfish order. We are hoping he delivers in time for dinner!

There are three families from Brooker Island living here temporarily to harvest the copra before returning back to Brooker. 

Anchored at Punawan Island

Ron on the spreaders, guiding us into the anchorage

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