From Fiji in to Vanuatu , 2006
Nick's perspective from the deck continues with his account of the voyage.

"Where were we?

Fiji! Thats right. So after our jaunt through the Yasawas it was back to Levuka to refuel and resupply. As we were in port the deckhands did what comes naturally in port and ran like hell to the nearest boozer. We arrived in town with the usual plan: post office, Internet, beer (in that order so that the first two get done!). Much to our dismay after visiting the post office the power in town went out so we had no choice but to proceed with the rest of the plan.

Once back on board and the usual dramas of customs and immigration were sorted out we were away into a nice fresh breeze. It proved to be very fresh so we anchored for the night and set sail early next morning with a reef in the main and our sights set on the distant land of Vanuatu!

The next day was Sunday which is the crews favorite day of the week as Sundays on board ship mean three good things; no maintenance, roast dinner and Captain's shout! The first fish of the voyage was caught as well, a nice tuna. Good one 4 til 8!. Monday rolled around with us still rolling around on the ocean the usual sea time routine now firmly embedded in our institutionalised minds. Sails were patched, ropes spliced, sections of timber sanded and painted and the show went on. At almost exactly the same time as the day before the 4 til 8 watch caught another fish, a bigger one this time.

Then came Tuesday, the next day of the week. More sail handling, maintenance and eating and thats right, once again the 4 til 8 caught a fish straight after we'd finished a fire drill (which was quite considerate as usually they hook themselves during the fire drills!). This one was a whopper! A massive sail fish that threatened to pull the valiant fisherman down with him. The epic struggle concluded with the deckhand and the first mate heaving with all their strength to throw the mighty leviathan on deck, the deckhand slit the beasts throat and the mate went and washed his hands.

Our passage to Vanuatu ended with quite a blast, we sailed in to Port Villa Wednesday morning doing 8 knots with just the lower topsail set! Thats pretty good you know. We stayed in Port Villa for the day and the following arvo where we sailed off the anchor and headed north through the islands of Epi, Malekula, Ambrym and Maewa.

We reached Epi first and once anchored a few brave scouts were sent ashore on a reconnaissance mission to find a suitable site for the time honoured Søren tradition of the beach barbie. A fire was built and not long after the willing participants were sent ashore for a tropical evening of fireside dining and moonlight mingling with the locals.

We were greeted with smiles and happy faces everywhere we went, the people of Vanuatu being some of the most friendly we have encounted. We saw turtles and waterfalls, went on hikes and watched traditional dancing, purchased or traded for baskets and wood carvings ate local food and of course drank kava. Which loosely translated means limb disabliser I think.

Each island we visited had their own unique characteristics and secrets and if I wrote them all here now it would spoil the surprise, you will have to come with us next year to discover them for yourselves!"

Nick.
Sept 06

Soren Larsen will be visiting these destinations again in 2007 -