Te Kaihōpara’s latest adventure has begun in Fiji. Eight new passengers assembled from the greater Australasian area to the warmth of Viti Levu and Vuda Marina where the Fijian ‘winter’ had us sweating within minutes. Simon travelled from Sydney in company of John 9 and John 11 while Sally and Kingsley caught the later flight with a more sensible wake up time. From Whangarei NZ came Lisa, and leaving behind negative temperatures was Callum from Tekapo. Having just bought a hot water bottle in the Gold Coast, Patti swapped 16 degree days for 26 degree days instead. This competent but motely crew has been fantastic so far and we’ve had some fun adventures to start the trip.

After an exhilarating safety brief, we threw off the dock lines and headed out of the Vuda Marina at low tide. I don’t think the depth sounder has seen numbers that low since we were on the hardstand. Skipper Jo did a marvellous job at keeping the keel off the mud (only confusing port with starboard one time) and once clear, we set the mizzen and genoa sails. A slow downwind run sent us all the way to Musket Cove which was lit up like a Christmas Tree. More boats than the Vuda Marina itself were anchored up in this glorious bay. Beaches lined with coconut palms, soft white sand interrupted by jetties. We launched wee duckie (the tender) and let the crew loose upon the island. The crew ended up at a resort bar spinning yarns and getting to know each other. After water uber back to the boat (myself in the tender) the crew set alight the BBQ for our first meal on board. Ripping success, we collapsed into bed after an extremely triumphant first day on Te Kaihōpara.

Day two we arose to milky orange skies over an oily sea. As the anchor lights turned off one by one, we caffeinated ourselves and hopped into wee duckie. Early morning snorkel trip for the win! There’s a reef behind Musket Cove (draggy anchors beware) which was fascinating to snorkle on. New corals and baby coral farms surrounded the tender which were full of appropriately sized baby fishes. I saw one crown of thorns star and Lisa saw a puffer fish and coral snake. It wasn’t anything to write the King about but how amazing to see a regenerating reef in action.

Up anchor at 10:30am on the dot (captain’s orders and they shall be obeyed!) and onwards to Wayasewa islands. This is a small group of islands that start the Yasawa Group at the southern end. On the way we dodged reefs and outcrops while sailing with the main, genoa and staysail. I’ll be out of a job by the end of this trip the way crew’s going so far! Anchor down at a rolly anchorage, we went ashore for ‘sun downers’ accompanied with cheese, crackers and watermelon. When in Fiji, do as Fijians….

Exploring the beach we found baby goats and some friendly locals who work on a banana plantation here. We’re anchored off Kuata Island in the company of three other cruisers. Tide coming in, Simon and John 9 anchored wee duckie off the beach while Kingsley discovered his talent of being a beach waiter during cocktail hour. We trundeled back to Te Kaihōpara before sunset. Lucky us, we watched the sun go below the horizon unobstructed and some of the crew reckoned they saw a green flash - I just got sore eyeballs. That’s all for these last two days. Dinner is on the table!

Hannah - Chief Mate - Te Kaihōpara