Omokoroa's Hugh and Heather Reynolds Pacific Cruise

10 June 2010
Hi there.
I came across the following extract from the Captain's log - " with the appropriate instruction and practice it is surprising how much one can sleep. Given time this also develops a healthy appetite and thirst and so a habit is established. Is this the onset of a strange and rare tropical complaint?"

Back to reality, from memory is 2008 the weather in Tonga was indifferent. Accelerated trade winds accompanied overcast conditions. What a contract we have experienced this time and how this has influenced our impression. For the past three weeks the words of a marketing guru would have failed. Clear blue skies, moderate to light trade winds, spectacular sunsets, star studded skies and crystal clear waters. How soporific. This has allowed us to explore many different anchorages and snorkel more coral reefs. Tonga 2010 has surpassed our expectations.

We finally made our delivery for residents here in Vavau. What a delight to meet Elke and Werner who live in their slice of island paradise on 8 acres facing west, watching most beautiful evening skies and living the simplest of lifestyles. They are in the process of building a more substantial home, but still the most basic. Oh how we humans do have a tendency to add unnecessary clutter to our lives!!!!

Live on board Pau Hana is in an easy rhythm, lots of games, socializing, sleeps, waving of fans and odd jobs when it's cooler which isn't often!!!

Until next time.
The Cabin Boy Hugh and Mermaid Heather.
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30 June 2010
Our final get together for the 12 yachts going north on the beach, a drink, a nibble perfect sunset and talk of weather.

After experiencing perfect cruising in the colorful waters of Vavau, we set sail for the northern most isles of tonga to Nuiatoputapu 160nm north. Ideal winds, messy seas, close encounter with a whale as near as 20m from Pau Hana. I think we sailed over a pod as the depth sounder went crazy indicating interrupted reception with the sea bed. That's my theory!!
We happily snuck through the leading marks in a building sea through the coral reef - the gap of only 20m? wide.

The condition and presence of the marks to follow weren't ideal but with a keen eye albeit sleepy we found a cosy anchorage in the lee. The brisk winds kept up, but whilst at anchor we had an island community who wrapt their arms around us and were very proud, caring and happy.

We were shown the devastating effects of the tsunami last September, the great works in roading, shifting villages to higher ground. We helped repairs motors, had brought bedding, clothing and other much needed medical supplies from the mainland.

The islanders are very generous in the fun, feast and entertainment that we as kiwis are happy to reciprocate. They have very little in western terms. We enjoyed long tramps, some absailing,and the local umu (hangi) dinners. The views from the top were massive, we're told on a good day you see Samoa some 150 miles north.

Now we set sail for Fiji

Off to a dodgy start nudging coral, as others did. Powering the engine to get back through the reef pass, sails up, line out for fish with a new improved arrangement. Within 1/2 hour a Waahau about 1.3m, we're in heaven with fresh fish to keep us going for the 3 night passage.

We struck a frontal system with torrential rain, high winds up to 4oknots, lightning, building seas. We say "what comes up quickly, goes down quickly. Sure enough we're then bathed in sunshine in pleasant winds. It all keeps us on our metal. Who needs the gym or Outward Bound Course.

Mostly using the headsail only, we romp along at 6 - 8 knots. Top speed surfing down a nice wave 12.3knots!!!!

Over the nights on watch how do you pass the time one may ask?? "IPOD music to sing to, star and moon gazing, eating scroggin one piece at a time, identifying in the dark, chewing completely then having another!!! That takes a fair while. A sharp look out for lights and whales - sadly the latter too few.

The winds drop, the heat builds and our seawater bathing began. We're in sight of Savuvasu Bay where we will clear customs and spend the week having fun!!!!

Until next time.

Love The Captain and Mermaid
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22 July 2010
Bula Bula!!!

Now we've Been up and over the top of Vanua Levu and had lots of interesting times.

Savu Savu is always fun, this year a good number of our crowd challenged the local junior sailors in Optis and Lasers for some pretty competitive races in the river. Hugh watched the first heats, thinking well it's about 30 years since I was in my 3.7 dingy racing - can I still bend and bob as quick as before??? Answer Yes and didn't disgrace himself either giving others a good run for their money!

Visited the huge Cultured Pearl Farming business - for Fiji it's a great industry, were taken out to the oyster farm and now have a much better insight into how these pearls are created. Japanese pearl surgeons are brought to Fiji twice a year to carry out the very delicate operation of inserting the fake pearl starter and different pieces of tissue to create the variety of coloured pearls.

The sailing up the north eastern coast was brilliant - rather like a large scale Hauraki Gulf. We Anchored off Rambi which was given to the people of Kirrabatis islands following the desolation after the phosphate mining in the 1950's. Although we didn't go ashore we did see them sailing their dugout canoes with blue tarpoline sails - a bit of a hoot as we use them to cover our trailers and the like.

The fishing hasn't exactly been brilliant as every time we throw the lure over we retrieve it only to have the nylon line. Something big gets the lure and trace each time. May be I say it's a good thing we didn't have to haul the big fish in and then where would we store it?? However others in our now small ICA group of 6 boats have had luck.

Have had perfect weather but for 3 days. Having arrived at anchorage at Also Island, the wind whipped up and over several hours we were rotating on anchor and luckily in mud were stuck like glue. The heavens opened and were glad to fill all water tanks and containers. A real treat, shower, washing and all in the middle of the night!! After three days the lifting of anchor was a mission in itself and oh the mess of mud!!

We ventured up to Kia the furtherest island in Fiji and experienced the most amazing cultural afternoon and evening. Such welcoming and friendly people. Generous in every way. Gave us the wow factor.

All well on board

Cheers Captain Hugh and Mermaid Heather