What a mixed bag of sailing conditions we’ve had on this last leg home, which is probably apt given the mixed emotions we’re feeling. On the one hand we’re so looking forward to seeing our family and friends again, but on the other hand the thought of having to adjust to the ‘rat race’ fills us with dread, and there’s also a deep sense of loss at having to forego our freedom and travels and part ways with our cruising companions. So this is our challenge, to reconcile all these conflicting emotions and embrace the changes to come, all the while safely sailing the mighty Toucan to her new home port in Pittwater. Continue reading “Great Southern Land – passage to Australia”
Shredder – Huon Reef, New Caledonia
Remember Shredder in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie? He was the big bad villain and we suspect he’s alive and well and living at Huon Reef… Continue reading “Shredder – Huon Reef, New Caledonia”
Take A Walk On The Wild Side – Huon Reef, New Caledonia
Although perhaps not as geographically remote as the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia, this place is about as wild as you can get. Huon Reef is part of D’Entrecasteaux Reefs to the north-west of New Caledonia and is a dedicated marine reserve. We asked permission from the French Department of Environment (email dam-nc@gouv.nc) to visit both here and Chesterfield Reef, and all they require in return is for us to fill out some survey forms after our visit – how easy is that! Continue reading “Take A Walk On The Wild Side – Huon Reef, New Caledonia”
Easy Living – Ratua Private Island, Vanuatu
We were keen to get out of Luganville in order to catch up with our cruising buddies on ‘Rehua’ who we hadn’t seen for a couple of months. They were anchored off Ratua island, just a few miles away, and what a stunning location it is for a rendezvous. Continue reading “Easy Living – Ratua Private Island, Vanuatu”
The Clearing – Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu
Clearing in is always an interesting process when you’re on a yacht. It usually requires a large helping of patience, good humour, stamina, and orienteering ability, and Vanuatu didn’t let us down on any of these counts. Continue reading “The Clearing – Luganville, Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu”
Into The West – Passage to Vanuatu
So here we are again, chasing sunsets (and our friends on Rehua) as we travel ever further west across the Pacific towards Australia. During our voyaging we’ve experienced a whole gamut of passages – boring ones, bumpy ones, beautiful ones, downright nasty ones but never have we experienced such a frustrating passage as this one to Vanuatu. Continue reading “Into The West – Passage to Vanuatu”