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  Beyond lies Ambrym where we can do an all day jungle trek to witness custom Rom dance of hillside village, then relax at the hot springs beach and ‘lava river’ there. At Malakula we visit the isolated communites of the east coast, or call at the small communities of the Mescalyne islands.
At anchor at Epi, if we’re lucky, we may swim with the tame dugong there. The serene anchorage at Pt Havana makes a great overnight stop at Efate. How many of these fascinating islands we can see will depend on time and sailing conditions but this will be a very special trip. Much about these islands look as they would have done two or three hundred years ago, even the vegetation has an untamed and wilder look than much of the rest of the South Pacific, with jungle covering steep hillsides almost to the shore line.
A duty watch system will still operate while we are under way but this will be less exacting than on an uninterrupted ocean passage. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you, the Voyage Crew, are free to explore ashore.
 Most nights will be at anchor as sailing distances between the islands are perhaps only 20-40 miles. We will usually weigh anchor early each morning and aim to arrive at our next anchorage by early afternoon although there will be the chance for a couple of overnight sails between the islands. When at an anchorage we use Soren's 17 ft inflatable boat for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has masks and snorkels for all those who want to swim from the ship.
 Our final destination, Pt Vila is the capital of the islands and in complete contrast to the rest of the islands is a large modern town with every tourist facility, a good range of shops and restaurants and well organised luxury resorts.
Vanuatu is a Malaria Risk Area so insect repellent is vital and it is recommended that pills be taken before/after your voyage - but check with your own doctor for the requirements this area.
 Villages - we will be visiting some fairly remote places, and we are fortunate to be able see the life in their village communities. People live in traditionally built bamboo and thatch houses, cook by heated stone ovens and are without electricity. They are extremely welcoming of visitors even though our lifestyles are literally worlds apart.
 There is no problem about photography but we should be sensitive when using cameras or video. Where there is a modern school we've found that paper and writing supplies are extremely useful and the ship brings school books for them each year. If you have room when packing for a couple of clothes items that you wouldn't mind leaving behind, these are always very gratefully received in the villages.
If a local cruising permit is levied on the ship by Vanuatu officials then this will be shared and charged individually. (Maximum $40-50 per person. Last year the authorities did not charge the ship.)
 On arriving onboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works.
 Our sailing between anchorages in the island groups may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However this allows those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get involved in handling the ship under sail. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system as Voyage Crew which will operate while we are under way and you may have your turn at the helm, on bow lookout or helping trim sail or tack ship. Going aloft is a unique experience but is not compulsory and everyone can decide when or if they’d like to. People of all ages join us and many have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary.
There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship who are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard.
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Vanuatu Discovery 
Formerly named The New Hebrides by Captain Cook, Vanuatu, which gained independence in 1980, is one of the most culturally diverse groups in the South Pacific. Ritual and custom, ancestor worship and local cults, dancing and drumming and colourful ceremony are part of everyday village life here. Melanesian ritual and creative custom varies greatly from one island to another and one of the most exciting aspects of this cruise is the contact and exchange with the open and friendly islanders.
Tacking across the south east trade winds means we shall sail down the west side of Maewo, Penetcost and Ambrym, following much the same track as Cook’s Resolution did when he charted the islands on his second Pacific voyage in 1774. 
The local chief here has always welcomed the ship and her crew and the display of traditional custom dancing and singing is is very impressive .
PRACTICAL INFORMATION 
Now famous for providing sail training adventure voyages and as the star of the BBC’s classic series "The Onedin Line", the Soren Larsen was originally one of the last cargo carrying sailing ships trading throughout Scandinavia, northern Europe and Britain. Built of oak by the Danish ship building company of 'Soren Larsen & Sons' in Nykobing Mors in northern Denmark, she carried timber, grain and general cargo from 1949 to 1972. Purchased in 1978 by Tony Davies and his family, she was taken to Colchester on the east coast of England and lovingly restored and rerigged as the graceful 19th century brigantine she is today. Captain Davies specialised in period film work and so the Soren Larsen began her working life again in early 1979 starring in "The Onedin Line". Other projects followed including "The French Lieutenant’s Woman" and "Shackleton". In 1982 she was invited to pioneer sailing for the disabled for the Jubilee Sailing Trust in Southampton before being chosen, in 1987, to be Flagship of the First Fleet Re-enactment Voyage to celebrate Australia’s Bicentennial. She led a fleet of squareriggers on an ambitious 22,000 mile voyage from Portsmouth via Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town, arriving to a tumultuous welcome in Sydney in 1988.
After a major refit in the UK at Gloucester, Soren Larsen returned home to Auckland. She established herself as 'Flagship of the City of Sails' and has won Tourism Awards for Adventure and Experience categories. This illustrious ship celebrated the Millennium with a spectacular round the world voyage, the 2000-2001 Global Odyssey, visiting 25 countries and sailing 30,000 nautical miles. This 2008 project sets out to visit the further corners of the Polynesian Triangle and visit the very best of the untouched tropical South Pacific. 
