Year Two
Date: 22/8/2009 16:30
Weather: clear but breezy
Location: Musket Cove (17 46.38' S, 177 10.98' E)
Author: Peter.

A week has now passed and we have a little to catch up on. We left Yadau Island on the 17th having seen none of the rare Fijian iguana's that are special to this island.

Fijian iguana.

We then sailed straight across Bligh Waters to the top of Viti Levu before over-nighting along its north western shores (17 25.215' S, 177 41.174' E). The next morning saw us again on the move however this time we traveled very slowly as the wind was non-existent. The narrow maze of reef channels we sailed through at times felt very close and it was good to know we could turn on the motor at any moment if the need arose. Looking back in time, to when boats did not have this luxury I believe these sailors must have been very skilled and brave to have moved about these waters.

That afternoon we anchored up just off the town of Lautoka (17 35.986' S, 177 26.568' E). This large industrial town boasting a big sugar mill, tall wood chip pile and a thriving port. The port was our first stop ashore as we checked in with customs and updated our cruising sheet. Once our forms were filled out in triplicate with the friendly workers at customs we were off to explore the the thriving dusty town and to pick up some extra provisions for our future guests. The streets were crowded with locals and cars and each shop and street had unique smells, both good and bad. Lautoka was to be our guest meeting point but I felt a change of pickup destination was required. Although the grip in the mud is terrific I made the change because of a number of factors; it was further away from the airport, at times there were some rather nasty smells coming across the water, ash from the sugar cane mill kept falling out of the sky and it was a rather long and unpleasant ride out to the boat for mum. It also meant we could provision at Nadi which had a few more options and choices.

As a result of the change the next day we sailed a further 9nm south to Vuda Point Marina (17 40.854' S, 177 23.821' W) where after another very slow sail we arrived shortly before midday. This marina is somewhat different to any we have stayed at in the past. It must have been some kind of circular pit or mine in the past as once you entered it is lined with concrete like a giant swimming pool. There are also no fingers. You tie one end of your boat to the outside wall while the other is hauled out back toward the centre of the circle by mooring lines. They can fit 95 boats in this way. It is rather interesting to see and seems quite popular as they were almost full the entire time we were there. Also of interest is the long term hard stand. Boats coming up for the cyclone season are first lifted out of the water, their keels and rudders are then lowered into a hole in the ground and the hull of the yacht sat on tires. I assume come that time of year they are also strapped down.

Mum Dad arrived later that afternoon by Taxi at around 15hrs local time, before we spent the rest of the evening getting them squared away.

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