We enjoyed the Bay of Islands so much that we had to go back after the feast. There was still so much exploring to do there and the weather at Susui was atrocious. There is one particular bommie there that was just like swimming in an aquarium. It wasn’t very big but it was stunning. Here are some more pics including some drone shots courtesy of Dulcinea (another boat in the rally).
The village of Susui on Vanua Balavu, Fiji invited the rally for a tour of their hidden lagoon, snorkeling off the beach followed by a traditional sevusevu ceremony and feast. The villagers, including the school children had spent days preparing the feast, decorations and performances. The school children performed songs and dances and the rest of the village participated, even inviting random members of the rally to join in the dancing. The feast was fabulous with two different pork dishes, fish, taro, cassava, potato and many other dishes that I can’t put names to.
We arrived in Fiji a few days ago and once clearing customs we sailed north to the Bay of Islands. Fantastic place! Photos don’t do it justice but will post some drone shots (thanks Owen from Dulcinea) once we get better internet.
Our time in Tonga was too brief and quickly over. We departed Vava’u yesterday and expect to arrive in Fiji tomorrow morning.
Wind is good and consistent, but too squarely behind us so it is a little bit rolly, otherwise a great sail!
We left the Ha’apai group this morning after spending several days cruising in some very enjoyable locations. The weather even turned fantastic for a day or so! We celebrated by breaking out the BBQ…. great NZ meat supplied by Churchill’s…. delicious
The 60 nm sail from Ha’apai to Vava’u was in perfect conditions and we had a blast! Dave was very excited, but ultimately disappointed when the huge fish he hooked decided that he’d go in a different direction to where we we sailing. The evening sees us at anchor in a beautiful bay and looking forward to a snorkel on a nearby reef tomorrow morning.
