We had a quiet night passage up to the main island of Vanuatu, to the capital Port Vila. We could see land with the morning light. We motored most of the way and didn’t even unzip the sail bag as the forecast was for no wind. Certainly on my shift there was nothing but Rowan picked up some wind between the islands and got the jib out which pushed us along at about 5 knots for 3 hours which was perfect as we did not want to arrive in the dark. It was a wiggle of an entrance around a big headland and then looking for channel markers to guide us around the reefs between a few little islands. We finally got there at 7:30am and decided to pick up one of the mooring balls at the far edge of the field, we could always move later when the office opened at 8am. We managed a fairly slick tie onto the mooring ball, always a challenge as we are so high off the water. I can reach the buoy with my boat pole fully extended but can never get it up high enough to thread the rope through. So we have to thread it at the back of the boat and then slowly make our way forward. Luckily it all worked smoothly, we could see the other boats Alia Vita and Jiyu all tied up.
After we had rested up we went and checked in at the marina office and headed into town to do a bit of fresh produce shopping. Sadly the Fresh produce market at the waterfront has been condemned by the latest hurricane, so we caught a bus into town and found it’s temporary new location. I loved the flowers the most, and had to get some. We stoked up on a few more of the basics, no tomatoes, but plenty of lemons, essential for our hummus and G&T’s. From there we had a little walk to the biggest supermarket on the island and stocked up a little further. Loaded with bags we caught a bus back to the marina. The bus system is fantastic, endless minivans, you just tell them where you are going. All extremely friendly and chatty…… they are not called the friendliest country on earth for nothing!
Rob and Frances had booked us into a fire dancing show at a beach bar. We caught a bus up to the bar, about 20 minutes away. It is a bit like Africa there is a constant stream of mini busses, which makes it so easy for getting around. We had a good supper and the fire dancing was pretty impressive. Can’t believe it is very healthy for them, but it is very energetic so must keep them very fit and lean, not your typical islander physique! I was exhausted from our lack of sleep from the passage watch, it was lovely to get back to a very calm and quiet boat.
On our way to Port Vila
Navigating our way in
Port Vila
Our marina
Gorgeous flowers at the market
Pandanus tree
Fire dancers
No health and safety here as they waved these fires over our heads!
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