The Loyalty Islands

After a quick re-stock in Noumea we met Stuart and Brigitte at the Yacht Service Agent's office, where we were efficiently cleared for departure by the gorgeous Chloe.  The next morning we sailed to Port Boise and spent the night anchored behind a reef  in fresh Trade Wind conditions.  It was a boisterous sail to Lifou Island the next day, so the white sandy beach looked very inviting on our arrival.

 At anchor on Lifou next to Aurora from Brisbane - one of the very few yachts we saw.

 Exploring Lifou

 The gardens were well tended with chooks everywhere

 Marie-Pascalle took us to her house to show us the  vanilla that is grown and dried on Lifou

 This teacher asked his class of 1st graders to pose for us - note the stick (no wonder they were so well behaved)

 Saying goodbye to the Chief Jean-Louis who had been very friendly and helpful

 After 4 days at Lifou we sailed to Ouvea and Stuart was relieved to retrieve the outboard fuel cap that had fallen overboard.  It was a dive down 6 metres to find it in crystal clear water.

 This boy's younger sister was much more friendly than he was.  We met them on the beach.

 Going shopping

 The shop was well stocked and the baguettes delicious

 The larder stockers on our way back to the boat at sunset

St. Michel was built in late 1800's.  Brigitte and I joined the locals at church on Sunday.

Grand Mato in Southern Lagoon then Crew Change

From Ilot Kouare the Isis crew had a fantastic sail to the reef surrounded island of Grand Mato.  This was the final island stop before our sail back to Noumea where sadly Grant (Ganga), Carolyn and Stumpy (Phil) departed for Australia.

Champagne sailing from Ilot Kouave to Grand Mato

Look out spots Grand Mato

Navigating between the reef to get into the security of the Grand Mato anchorage

Champagne lunch follow champagne sailing

Solar system gazing from the cockpit of Isis on a perfect night - you just had to be there!

Gerry the Giant Trevally at over a metre long became Grant's new best friend

Gerry GT posing for shots from the dinghy

Gerry GT being feed by hand

Grant asking us all to be patient as Gerry arrived for his (her) breakfast

The perfect sunset signalling our last night at Grand Mato

Isis at peace and enjoying her cruising

No crew you can't stay here in the dinghy

Sailing back to Noumea after a fantastic cruise for Carolyn, Grant and Phil

It was drizzling but the boys were happy to be sailing

Phil, Grant and Carolyn packed for the sad departure back to Australia and leaving Nick & Alison in paradise

Ilot Kouare our 1st stop after Ille des Pins

The weather window finally improved and with some local knowlege we ventured into the Southern Lagoon which is south of Noumea.  This area is a labyrinth of reefs which is dotted with stunning islets.

Look out duties perched on the boom

One of the entrances into the lagoon showing the breaking rollers

Our lookout at the bow

We caught a great tuna on the way

Arriving at Ilot Kouare

How good is this!

Only one other lone fisherman

Exploring the island

Venomous sea snake equally happy on land but not usually aggressive due to small mouth

Isis viewed from the middle of the island

Ghost crab

Grant's proud catch of an iodine bream - not edible

Crystal clear water for snorkelling in ideal conditions

Come and join us

Life on Isis

After a request from Blog followers in Melbourne we have put together a selection of shots from our life on Isis.  You will note that this life is under very trying conditions.

We proudly fly the Australian Red Ensign

The French courtesy flying above the Royal Queensland Club ensign

Life before the mast

Anchoring duties

Galley duties

Dressed in uniform for drinking duties with nav station to left

Showing the layout of saloon and versatility of the saloon table

The "Owners" stateroom which is out of bounds to the common crew

Phil in his Hobbit Cave tucked in for the night with a great book

Cockpit layout under sail

Sailing on a perfect sea

If you can read the numbers its 7.4kts boat speed in 10.8kts of wind

Cockpit layout for lunch and French champagne tasting

Cockpit layout for fishing

Isis at anchor at midnight