It gets windy in Fiji, luckily that causes Silver Fern no concerns.

The top of the Yasawa Islands is aptly named, Yasawa Island, and Silver Fern finds herself anchored in 26 knot gusts safe and sound in the knowledge that she will be sailing tomorrow. That’s how it is cruising in the Yasawas, sail, snorkel, swim and walk by day, relax watching the sunset at anchor by night over a delicious cooked crew meal.

The decision was made to poke our bow out North of Yasawa Island with a hope of circumnavigating the Island and although we could have achieved it the 30 knot gusts with a building sea put off the intrepid crew of Silver Fern and we turned tail for the westerly more sheltered passage. Comfort over adventure for this lot. Silver Fern is happy either way.

That night at anchor in Lands Harbour the 30 knot gusts continued with 80m of chain safely in place to ensure the skippers got a good nights rest before heading off again only to be met by dolphins just as skipper Iain visited the toilet. “Dolphins!” shouted Chris, Jo, Kevin et al. Jo demonstrated how a couple of her female crew at the NZ Sailing Trust engaged with the dolphins to keep their company longer. Lots of loud, high, excitable cooing (she did mention screaming, tears and snot). Accompanied by dolphin sounds on Spotify . To our absolute delight the dolphins stayed prancing on the bow for well over half an hour. Spinner dolphins apparently, although no spinning today.

Deep reefed and fancy free in 30 knot gusts Silver Fern pushed south dodging reefs and then dodging whales! Rarely to be seen in Fijian waters not only did we see whales but the whales throwing their head out of the water and crashing back down. Humpbacks no less!! What a thrill for all on board. We considered briefly turning Silver Fern to follow them but decided to leave them be, beautiful creatures that they are.

Eventually the wind died and full sails were deployed to push us forward.

The final anchorage was Paradise Cove where after a brief snorkel we carefully made our way in the rib over to Paradise Cove resort for late afternoon drinks before negotiating a tender ride back from the resort. The waves were washing through the middle of the cove and apparently I have a habit of getting people wet, I need some entertainment at times :)

Andy kept me company in the rib on the way back. He got wet…..

Anchor up, sails set and south we go this time passing down the east side of Waya where the crew fondly remembered the ministers sermon from earlier in the trip. A highlight? I think so….

Then the wind stopped. We entered a wind shadow from the main island, it’s not always there but when it is the area becomes calm, that’s sailing for you.

We are gently making our way back to Vunda Marina, returning Silver Fern safely to where she started and eventually after the fine crew have departed Silver Fern, we will make her ready for the next Yasawa Island adventure.

Iain - Skipper, Silver Fern.