There was much ado about a lot, as the sun decided to send quite a few firsts to Silver Fern. David Hows dropped by to catch up with the crew and check on their Fijian getaway. I briefly pondered getting a haircut to upturn the trip’s fortunes but quickly rubbished the idea away. I truly did believe that something much better was in store for our Expeditionists!

The terms of life and laughter remain unchanged in people of all colour, background, gender and other diverse variables. The one unifying factor amongst the crew of Silver Fern, is our love for the sea. Therefore, the crew decidedly in unison ventured to go explore the nearby underwater cave features, with some assistance from the local, ever-smiling Fijian guides. Despite my boat briefing, reminding everyone not to succumb to peer pressure, everyone (except for Stuart, who’s done it eighteen times earlier) went through an underwater cave tunnel. Looking back through the worn out pages of history, the US-Vietnam war was won by the locals, overcoming incredible odds, by embracing guerilla warfare and underground tunnel tactics. Our crew could’ve easily crawled through any of those petite vietnamese tunnels.

`Skipper Iain giving us his best ‘mole-person-rescued-after-being-reported-missing-two-weeks-ago’ impression`

Cooling rain droplets dove headfirst into the ocean as the Yasawa Islands were blessed with cooling rainfall after almost three months. I sensed a change in our trip’s fortunes as mother nature embraced us all in her gloriously loving arms. David decided to go back to his loving better half, Danielle (who was waiting for him on the mainland, rather impatiently) and we decided to pour all our attention into diving deep into Fiji’s beauty. We were, after all, in paradise…remember?

`Sue bringing her silhouette-A-game to the Fijian shores`

The next step was to change location to an anchorage just off Korondole Point. Our mission for the day, was to find some gluten-free fresh groceries for the gluten-free people who demanded (nicely of course) some gluten-free treats from the local shop and to go snorkelling at Nanuya Lailai Island, near Malakati Village. But, the anchor had different ideas for the day. It decided to take a day off as we were able to raise it without a hitch, but as we approached our anchorage, it refused to budge! I coaxed it all I could, but nothing worked. Our skipper went around our anchorage spot for the tenth time as I decided to take the crew to the snorkelling spot/ gluten-free snack mission on the tender. I got the tender away from the moving yacht with utmost care and precision along with our precious cargo (the crew). Our approach to the snorkelling spot looked scrumptious as the fish were literally almost jumping into the tender. I had no time to stop admire the beauty around me, as the anchor still needed a proper look. Coming alongside Silver Fern as she made graceful turns did give me some James Bond-vibes. As I reached onboard, it was evident the Anchor was now operational! An unnamed crew member had accidentally pushed in the anchor windlass circuit breaker in the bow cabin! Was it the same unnamed crew member who had lost our snubber ‘accidentally’ overboard?

Yes!

Was I now on high alert for a possible anchor-saboteur?

YES!

`Sue, Angie and Allison trying their best to avoid eye contact with me as I signal them to get their life-jackets on`

`Stuart’s attempt at fake-sleeping as I direct him to get his life-jacket on`

Anchor fixed, gluten-free treats in the bag and multiple fish sighted at the most gorgeous snorkelling spot, we headed to our next destination, determined to get the sails out once we were clear of the ever looming reef-risk. But, the anchor was still not done with its tantrum. As I positioned to get it back home into its resting place, the boat ever so slightly swung to port and that was when the anchor decided to wedge itself sideways into the the tiny guideway. No amount of pushing, pulling or bargaining my soul with the Devil himself would get it to move. It was at this point, that Dot came up with the idea to rig up a line to the winch on the port bow, securing the anchor, hoping to gain some leverage over the stubborn anchor. Lo and behold! Just a few turns of the winch and it was free! Finally, time for some sailing! (Sidenote: The suspect anchor-saboteur was nowhere in sight and hence, I decided to drop the investigation, for now)

`Allison and Dot treated to some five-star treatment because my foot's cut seemed to have healed`

`Paradise Cove looking brilliant as the sun bids us good night`

Our sail upto Paradise Cove gave us some much needed ‘sail-time’ as part of the crew were appraised about the intricacies of a downhaul and an outhaul on the main sail’s reefing system. They were a bit unhappy about all the different coloured lines and sheets, but then, won’t simplicity just kill all the fun?

Our entry towards Paradise cove will remain embedded in my inner eye, as the sun sparkled like diamonds on the ocean and the cove welcomed us to its inner sanctum. The crew enjoyed my superior reservation-making skills, as they went off to the exclusive Paradise Cove Resort for some poolside pizzas and live music. I stayed back onboard to make sure our manor didn’t float away. Plus, I’m more of a burger-man.

`These guys really like taking a break from doing the dishes`

As the night wound down, our plans for our penultimate day at sea were revealed by our brave Skipper. A quick motor-sail whilst dodging the reefs would lead us to Yalobi Bay. As the sun shone down on us the following morning, we could do nothing but admire and wonder at the mountains of Yalobi as I imagined a great game of Jumanji-esque tag being played on the steep cliffs. As we entered the bay, I was pleasantly surprised to see my beautiful old friend, Te Kaihōpara anchored in the bay as well. Obviously, the first thing we did as we anchored up was take a few keen eyes along to check out the glorious Ketch. I had to make sure she was being well taken care of, by the very capable duo of Jo and Hannah. Next on the agenda was a visit to the nearby Yalobi Village.

`School days on an idyllic village of budding Fijian future leaders`

`Various stages of sitting cross-legged on the ground displayed by Iain (horrible), Allison (gave up) and Dot (perfect as always)`

`Allison making friends with the cutest little munchkins`

The crew went to pay the villagers a visit as I quite deftly dodged some tricky reefs and corals on the tender. As I went back to pick them up after a few hours, I was surprised to see the inflatable kayak trying to make a run for freedom and glory! Someone had left their knot incomplete (Did the anchor-saboteur strike again on a different target?!……YES!) Alas, I had no intention of letting the kayak escape. I brought it up into the tender and went on my way to pick up the crew. The Village Chief, Jimmy, had obviously witnessed my kayak capturing abilities and came down the beach to shake my hand and introduce himself. I think I was the first Indian he’d ever seen carry an inflatable kayak on a tender with such grace and panache. I was also offered a Kava ceremony by him, whenever I desire it. None of the other crew members were offered this unique Fijian honour. Thus, my return to this beautiful Island in the future is now inscribed in the glorious mountains of Yalobi.

- Arjun Thimmaya, Chief Mate, Silver Fern

Heavy drama with tuna pasta on the high seas

Walk the plank!

Do you smell what the ocean is cookin’?