Fiji

Copra Shed Marina, Savusavu

 The weather on the passage from Samoa to Fiji was a mixed bag. We expected big seas and we had them. We decided to sail north of the Samoan islands to give us some protection from the 4 metre swells. The strategy worked until we turned south and set our course for Fiji. Although the swell was set to decrease, it was still big. The wind began to rise after dark as squalls came over with constant rain and wind speeds from 8-24 knots. Lightning flashed around us.

SD moored in Savusavu Bay

The second day was much the same with squalls shifting the wind from SE to N and deluging us with rain.  By the third day we were motoring, sailing, motoring with wind speeds only 1-8 knots. Day four was very calm with the light wind going all round the compass. It was hard to believe we were in the SE Trade Wind belt. In the evening, the wind picked up and we had two days of good sailing all the way through the Nanuku Passage to Savusavu on Vanua Levu Island, Fiji.

About to explore the beach, Namena Island

We called Copra Shed Marina on VHF 16 and we were directed to a mooring buoy. Two hours later, four officers arrived representing Customs, Immigration, Health, Quarantine and Biosecurity. Jeremy parted with 170FJD in fees for  two of these departments. On the next day, we obtained the Cruising Permit which was free, except for the 10FJD administration fee. We walked to the Health Department to pay their fee of 163.50. After food shopping, sorting out yet more SIM cards and taking on water, we both took advantage of the hot showers provided by the marina. A drink of local beer in Savusavu Yacht Club completed our day.

SD moored off Namena Island

We paid our marina fees of 93FJD for three nights and Jeremy went for diesel after we had eaten a hearty lunch at Waitu Marina. This was followed by course planning for the following day.

Poisonous sea snake on the beach at Namena Island

We had a fast sail on a beam reach to Namena Island. Submerged reefs surround the lagoon, so we were cautious as we went through the unmarked pass. There was one mooring buoy and it was free in both senses of the word. We spent two lovely nights there swimming, snorkelling and exploring ashore. In the evening a private motor yacht anchored a fair distance away, but we had the whole place to ourselves during the day.

Fijian sunset

Naturally, there was more course planning to do for our passage to Vanuatu. We decided to clear out at the historic, World Heritage Site of Levuka on Ovalu Island, where the British had set up their headquarters many years ago. We motored all the way on a flat, gentle sea with the sun shining down from a blue sky. Ah yes! We really were in the tropics.

Inside the Roman Catholic Church, Levuka

There was a Dutch yacht anchored in Levuka Bay. We dropped our anchor inshore of it and spent the evening catching up on emails and other messages.

The lounge of the Royal Hotel, Levuka

Today is 17^th July. The Dutch yacht has gone. We have been ashore several times and provisioned for our next sea passage.

Street view, Levuka

Diesel has been bought, water tanks have been filled, the museum has been visited and Customs and Immigration have cleared us out of the country. We set off tomorrow for a six day passage to Port Vila in Vanuatu.