My my, what lovely Manta Rays you have!

“Now don't be alarmed dear, but there’s a pervy human taking a picture of the both of us” - Manta Ray number 1 to number 2 (probably)

Musket Cove and its modern amenities were bid a cheery adieu, as Silver Fern’s expedition crew finally got down to some serious expedition-business. Drawaqa Island was our next destination, as the winds finally decided to come out and play with Silver Fern’s impressive carbon fibre sails. Dot and Gary mastered the intricacies of working at the mast and a quick hoist of the mainsail with a reef in, meant that we prepared for any sudden surprises Momma-nature could throw at us. As we ventured towards the wilderness of Fiji’s outlying Islands, some of the crew fought their personal demons of sea sickness, as Allison became one with the mainsheet. Stuart discussed local Island village code of conduct and decorum whilst Gary showed me pictures of his various spear-fishing conquests, since well before his first grey hair began to appear. Passion about anything in life can definitely make woes seem a bit insignificant.

Sue making all her friends jealous on a Tuesday morning after drift snorkelling with Manta Rays

As we approached our anchorage, the limited number of yachts around us definitely meant that our Skipper had made a great anchoring decision. Angie took a break from lounging off the tip of the bow, to give me a hand in getting the anchor set. An immediate dip into the inviting turquoise water was on the cards, as we then went exploring to the nearby Smoked Mackerel beach. It took great levels of concentration and coordination from all the crew to avoid the delicate corals underneath, as great RIB control allowed us to reach the most beautiful sandy beach along the bay.  I did a couple of trips across the treacherous bit of sea, just for kicks. Great joy can be sought from risking things dear to oneself for a few minutes of pleasure. Its thoughts like these that will ensure that I never venture to Las Vegas.

Ciaran searching for coffee on the seabed, but I don’t think he’s going to have any luck

As the crew settled in around some delicious steaks, mashed potatoes and multiple salad options for the veggie connoisseur for dinner. The lack of wind around us, meant that everyone had to find an adequately windy location to sleep at night. Since my skipper, Iain was not a fan of fans, (he’d turn off the only cabin fan at night, in Fiji!! I suspect he may have had a traumatic incident in his childhood, wherein a fan may have fallen on him whilst he was asleep. More on that later!) I would venture out to the cockpit to get some sleep in the fresh air. The moonlight is definitely a better bedfellow than a night light.

Did you know the human brain cannot imagine a new colour?

The next day started off with a bang as Iain and I completed a quick snorkelling safety brief and took our first load of crew for their snorkelling-with-Manta-Rays adventure in Drawaqa passage. I spied a Manta Ray from the surface on the West side of the narrow channel but our intrepid snorkelers were no match and couldn’t catch up to them. I couldn’t help but admire the Manta Ray’s candour and will to completely avoid and ignore the human snorkelling voyeurs. Sometimes, late at night, when in bed, I wish I was a Manta Ray. Back in the present, Angie was the first one to spot one! Ecstatic high fives were exchanged amongst the crew, but secretly, I was a bit disappointed that the thrilling game of hide and seek was now over and the shy Manta Ray had lost.

Snorkelling with the Manta Rays costs most Fiji visitors FJD$399, for just 45 minutes. The Silver Fern crew get to snorkel all day with the Manta Rays and its just another activity thats included in their Ocean Sailing Expeditions experience.

Gary didn’t choose the Fiji life, the Fiji life chose Gary

The majority of the day was spent admiring the bashful Manta Rays as I also managed to sneak in a nap with the fan on! What a luxury! Jo and Angie decided to defect to the nearby Resort for a night of air-conditioned sleep for one night. What a bunch of weaklings! The remainder of the crew braved on and were rewarded with Allison and Dot’s rendition of Chilli-con-carne, which was, in my opinion, probably the best meal of this trip. The night brought no wind with it. Surprisingly, the Manta Rays drifted along to say hello in my dreams. They weren’t quite so timid this time. I distinctly remember riding one along the waves of the South Pacific. I pray the Manta Rays win at hide and seek tomorrow.

- Arjun Thimmaya, Chief Mate, Silver Fern