Bye Bye Volcano
[Log reads 1,750NM (somewhat over 3,000kM)]
Monday
morning, we had a last brief goodbye to the folks ashore and promptly set sail.
We were headed for a place on the East side of Melakula called "Black Sand
Beach" which would be protected from an anticipated Westerly change.
Sailing was great most of the time (our SECOND good sailing day in
Vanuatu) until the wind died to nothing. We had been making excellent time and
had decided to press on to a better location called "Crab Bay". We had to motor
the last few hours with the lack of wind. No problem really because we use the
motor infrequently.
We made it to the wide reef opening by 1600 and came
into the lagoon here. The water was murky and we could not see the internal
reefs. However, again our scanning sonar (which shows what is in front of us)
allowed us to find a spot right in the middle of the three reefs. The sonar
showed we had 160metres between reefs and so we were able to anchor in the
middle. We anticipated we would swing around with the wind change in the night.
If we had used the publicised GPS waypoint in a couple of cruising guide, we
would have been on the reef at about 0300 when the wind did indeed come around
from the NW.
Today, Tuesday, is a snorkelling and exploration in this
deserted place which has recently been designated a marine sanctuary and is Tabu
for a number of things (which we will not be doing). Reports from Will and Paul
(who are already in the water) are that the coral is the best so far in Vanuatu.
Tomorrow, we head off for Luganville on Espirito Santo as we want to get
our Northern Cruising Permit and maximise the time in the Banks Islands before
setting off for the Solomon Islands.
The Crew
John Cunliffe: Hi, Glad to finally see your logs. They are very interesting. Hope you are all well. Love Dad. (06/05/06)
Annette: Great to keep track of your movements. Plenty of adventures! All going well back at the ranch. (06/04/06)