Awei Island

THURSDAY 30 JULY 2015

Safely anchored in Awei Island for a restful afternoon after a lumpy sail but master Ross decided it was a day too long to have a blonde hold the current record of this short trip for speed at 12.6 knots! He now holds the record at 14.2 knots … the challenge is on!  The skipper thought the experienced yachtsman was many degrees off course to achieve that speed!  Let us see what the weather throws at us over the next few days!

It was wonderful to see a father and three young sons paddle out to Salacia at anchorage in a home-made dugout/outrigger,  to say hello perhaps, but more to find out if we knew how to repair a very old video play station screen?!?!?  Wrong demographics on board for that task!  Father seemed happy we couldn’t repair it however the sons appeared disappointed but were easily cheered up with new caps for their heads and off they paddled to shore after informing all on board that they had always lived on this island and there were a total of 17 people between three families, all related, that lived here….sounds like bliss to us!   

 

FRIDAY 31 JULY 2015

Stella Sparling’s first birthday!  All on board were thinking of Stella and looking forward to celebrating with her soon…

We enjoyed a wet sail from Awei to the beautiful, safe harbour of Port Sandwich.  Tried trawling for yellow fin tuna or wahi wahi, but to no avail, the winds probably too strong for even the deep water fish, one person on board thinks that another person on board does not want to catch a big fish because of the work involved to bleed it out…however everyone is now looking forward to maybe catching a big, deep sea fish some day soon!!  

All aboard Salacia are fascinated with some of the names of the islands, they tend to go from Indonesian, French, to  even Germanic sounding names so a little more research needed here.  A rest afternoon was called upon by the skipper after a quick run around the port in the tender with rain squalls surrounding us so back on board for a great couple of hours catching up on some reading and rest for all - life is tough here!

No fish so roast pork with red wine sauce and roast potatoes etc were the order of the evening with a great nightcap of a single malt under the stars and a full moon before a wonderful nights sleep in a very quiet anchorage.

SATURDAY 1 AUGUST 2015

Awoke to another great day and five other yachts in the safe harbour.  Following breakfast we headed to shore for the walk into the local village of Lamap.  What wonderful, friendly villagers we met, all walking to the local “garden” with their machetes and young children for a day of harvesting the coconuts.  They hand cut and gather the coconut and take them home in the evening for roasting so they can harvest copra, which is the flesh part of the coconut.  We could only interpret,vaguely, that they sell the copra off shore, which is how they obtain their frugal funds to provide fuel, this is the main source of their income that provides fuel for their motor dinghies that enable them to reach outer islands and surrounding bays for the catchment of fish for food.

The local children and families appear happy and very accommodating of foreign visitors to their provincial shores and lifestyle.  There was an abundance of pigs, piglets and chickens that would add to their basic diet.  We all found it interesting listening to the dialect of the locals being very strong pidgin english rather than a French influence heard throughout Noumea and elsewhere.  We all have great admiration for the self sufficient sustainability and joy for every day basic life they appear to relish in!  

 

 

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.

Cruising Villa

Sunday  1500

 

 

Entry to Port Villa

 

Cleared customs at Port Vila and proceeded to moor at Yachting World Marina. Mediterranean moor against the sea wall.

This involved reversing into a seawall and using a narrow long plank to get on and off Salacia

Dangerous after a few drinks!

 

Monday 27th.

Spent the morning attending to immigration formalities and reprovisioning.

The food (and wine) choices at Port Vila supermarket and fresh food markets were significantly better than Noumea.

Pamela arrived from Brisbane in the afternoon. So now a crew of 4.

Explored downtown Port Vila and found the Kava Emporium, “Happiest Store in the World”.

 

Out to dinner Monday evening when 3 of us enjoyed Coconut Crab. A new and delightful experience.

Ross especially enjoyed himself!

Port Vila appears to be thriving, partly driven by reconstructions activities resulting from Cyclone Pam.

People are very friendly and positive and keen to help.

 

Tuesday.

0800. Some more last minute shopping and a visit to the “Linen Shop”.

Also to the Chemist for Malarone as we were attacked  on Sunday and Monday night by mosquitos.

1000hrs  Departed Port Vila after refuelling.

1330 Anchored Havannah Harbour. 20nm north of Port Vila.

Pamela went swimming to check the rudder after it touched the bottom at the sea wall. All good.

Water temperature 25 degrees C. Getting warmer!

 

 

Off to Vanuatu!

Friday 24th

After another delightful evening at Doueoulou, with successful bread making and delicious meal, we moved to the northern end of Baie de Santal. Anchored off the township of Chepenehe.

Went ashore via a natural dinghy landing for a midday walk. Unfortunately shops were closed as it was “siesta” time. 

Spent the afternoon replacing oil in Auto pilot ram whilst listening to the loud music from the village.

 

 

 

Saturday 25th

0600. Left Chepenehe for Port Villa (200nm).

Good sailing conditions with 15-20knts ESE.

 

 

Sunday 0800

Arrive Port Vila and tried to arrange clearance but needed to get Pamela to ring from Australia as we could not make contact. 

 

 

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