Champagne sailing

Wednesday 22nd

We departed Ile Nou 0530. Although it was dark we used the track form the night before to guide us out.

The Wind was ESE 15-20 knts and we covered the 90nm to Lifou in 11hrs.

This was Salacia sailing at her best. Headsail and staysail set, we were flying.

Arrived Baie de Gaatcha on Ile Lifou and anchored of the little village of Doueoulou at 1630.

In time to watch the sunset enjoying a glass of wine.

 

Thursday 23rd. 

Today was Dian’s birthday so she was allowed some time out of the galley. Stephen cooked breakfast and received a “pass” mark.

Went ashore this morning and explored the village.

A local girl, Marie, showed us around. She was home on holidays from attending university in France. She also represented New Caledonia playing Rugby? Interesting and informative person.

We have decided to stay here another night as we are the only yacht here and it is a very pretty anchorage.

 

 

 

Champagne with the sunset tonight for Dian’s birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaving Noumea

Monday 20th July.

Arrived back in Noumea late last night and spent the day re-provisioning and working down the job list.

Dinner last night with our friends from Texas Lady, who were in the cruising division of the Brisbane-Noumea rally.

Tuesday 21st 

After Leaving Noumea 0600 we motor sailed until 1030 then had a pleasant sail in ESE 15 knts.

After being concerned about a rough passage through Havannah Channel, we were pleasantly surprised.

We passed the Goro Nickel mine and the surrounding Lateritic cliffs which were very prominent.

By 1330, we were safely anchored behind Ile Nou on South East corner of New Caledonia.

22 15.606E 167 01.652S

This anchorage is well protected and we are the only vessel here. Very tranquil after the Marina at Port Moselle.

Plan to leave early again tomorrow and sail to Lifou (Baie Du Santal), Loyalty Islands.

 

 

 

 

Isle de Pins

We left Baie de Prony 0530 for Isle de Pins. With 15-25knts from ESE, we motor sailed very slowly do to very confused and lumpy seas. These waters are not protected by the outer reef.

Anchor down in Baie de Kuto 1300 hrs. This afternoon we went for a short walk ashore and to book a hire car for tomorrow. Have already seen several turtles in the bay. Only one other yacht here, which was surprising. Banded sea snake visited the stern during the early evening.

Salacia, Baie de Kuto

On Wednesday we circumnavigated the Island by car. Unfortunately our targeted restaurant for grilled lobster was not open. The island is very quiet due to off season and cold weather. Highlight of the day was Ross’s magical mystery tour to the Grotto (deep water filled limestone caves). We had a very disappointing alternative lunch at the local resort. Rest of day spent on boat jobs. Joined in the afternoon by Kerumba and Eleni (“TSA Management” in the Race). Sundowners aboard Kerumba tonight.

Ron Stephen& Dian. Baie de Kuto 

Thursday morning we departed for trip back to Noumea. Very little wind, so motor sailed again!  Occasional rain showers! Magnificent rainbow as we exited Canal Woodin.

Enjoyed the scenery of the mountains coming down to the sea.

Rainbow Canal Woodin

Also passed Patriot and Ragtime on their way to Isle de Pins. Spoke to them on VHF radio. 1540 hours. We arrived at Baie Uere which is a beautiful anchorage just outside Noumea. Into Noumea tomorrow morning to tidy up Salacia and back to Brisbane for a couple of weeks.

Baie Uere

Ile Ouen and Baie de Prony

We arrived at Baie Ue on west coast of Ile Ouen 1300 on Sunday after a lively motor sail from Noumea. E-SE’ly 15-20 with gusts up to 32knts.

Relaxing afternoon and evening in a very calm anchorage.  All had a great sleep.

On Monday morning we motored to Baie De Prony and spent the day exploring parts of it. Although large parts are scarred from Nickel mining, other parts are really beautiful.

We explored the Baie de Kaoris by dinghy and experienced swimming in a hot spring pool and viewing waterfalls.

Hot Springs

Waterfall at Kaoris

Finished the day on a mooring at Ile Casy where we explored ashore and met the “Resident Dog” that is the caretaker of the Island. He accompanied us/led us on a walking tour of the island.  He survives here totally by himself. Some of our crew were upset by this but he looked well fed. Probably survives on Cruiser gifts plus lizards and fish?

Casy Island with the caretaker dog!

Abandoned resort here with a cemetery that has guests dating from 1870’s to 1927.

Will head to Isle de Pins Tuesday morning.

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!!

Social Sail on Salacia

Last night was presentation night and the highlight was of course Salacia winning first prize for Cruising division and Navigation award.

Happy Faces on Presentation Night

Entertainment on Presentation Night

The race committee also announced a race to Noumea in 2018 with fleets to come from Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland.

Going cruising for a rest!

Salacia is back to Noumea at the end of the week, prior to the Vanuatu via Loyalty Islands leg of our trip.

Brisbane to Noumea - Day 5 (Monday, 22 June 2015)

Strong breezes afforded a very fast sail overnight with two sail reaching and the first sight this morning was not a whale, dolphins or an albatross but alas Beau Geste around 5 nautical miles to our port side and passing us doing at least 20 knots!  What a sight…she will achieve line honours at the very least and perhaps race record, well earned and well sailed!

Ross having a hard morning at the helm

With only 100 nautical miles to go all crew are enthusiastic about arriving into safe harbor later this evening and passing the finishing line that has been marked on the electronic chart with a blue cocktail glass!  Think the Skipper is pre warning all what may lay ahead after a dry crossing!

Around 70 nautical miles from the finish line and the Pacific Ocean gave us a taste of what it is capable of - big solid swells and 32 plus knot winds!  Salacia sailed through with great helmsman ship from the Skipper, Ross & Ron …. well done boys you rose to the challenge!

Ron and Annette enjoying the stronger breezes

Salacia and her crew sailed across the finish line at 2304 Australian Eastern Standard time and were greeted by a Zodiac with officials from Cercle Nautique Caledonien/Noumea Yacht Club.  They kindly escorted us to our protected berth and we welcomed aboard the Race Officials and members of the Club who handed us a huge bag filled with French fare including but not limited to baguettes, cheeses, salamis, Bordeaux wines and French beer…what an incredible welcome at the early hours of the morning!

The entire crew sat in the cockpit hugging and congratulating each other for a fantastic passage and safe journey to calm waters and of course toasted with French beer, Australian red wine and finished off with Guatemala Ron Zacapa (for the uninitiated that is a liqueur type rum) and deemed nectar of the gods…we all agreed and had another toast and then crashed to our respective cabins for a peaceful, calm sleep!

Five's at Sunset

Brisbane to Noumea- Day 4 (Sunday, 21 June 2015)

Finishing the 0200 shift on deck the fortunate crew hit the pillows with the sound of rain falling on deck and the next round of crew dealing with mild conditions and rain.  Oh well, Salacia had a wash down too!

Di on dawn watch

The early morning greeted crew with fluffy clouds over the far eastern horizon hiding the break of day however a low flying albatross swooped and dived over the stunning deep violet blue waves and flew alongside Salacia enjoying the company, but perhaps more the thought of catching the spectacular silver and blue flying fish coming out of the big southern swells. It was another glorious start to the day for all on board. 

The southerly arrived and with it some great winds giving Salacia her task to ride the great southern swells and 15-20 knot winds.  Great helming by Skipper, Ross and Ron and superb sail trimming, ensured we made great miles today – well done boys!

The swells and wind created a washing machine feel in the galley and caused some trials and tribulations, not to be outdone the galley girls proceeded with the menu of French scrambled eggs on home made toast with grilled organic bacon and oven baked, vine ripened tomatoes with balsamic vinegar … sound good enough to eat for a hungry crew?

Cooking a new batch of eggs

Well Salacia thought so too!  A rogue wave hit the starboard side just as the 14 or so organic eggs and half litre of cream were all whipped and ready for the pan! The bowl remained in the sink; the egg mixture flew over the entire fridge, freezer and louvered timber doors! The expletives just may have been heard in Brisbane!  The helmsman got the message and lightened off the mainsail and from the remaining egg cache the mixture had to be re-done to ensure a great brunch could be enjoyed by all …. sorry to say Noumea customs we will have no eggs to pass in!!   Credit where credit is due the great helmsman of the moment spent over an hour emptying fridge, freezer and cupboards for the mammoth clean up!

A stunning day finished off with Sand Crab Lasagna compliments of Cherie who is on a holiday of her own in USA!   No hiccups in the galley tonight!

Happy day at sea