The sail from Ouvea to Port Vila took us exactly 24 hours,
and the entry formalities were soon completed so that we could discover the
joys of this dusty, chaotic town which does have its attractive elements. Re-provisioning, re-fueling and laundry
duties were completed with enough time for some frivolity. Several days later we spent a night in Havana
Channel before sailing to Lamen Bay on Epi Island. As we made our way to shore we could hear
laughter and singing and soon discovered that it was Childrens' Day. The very friendly people encouraged us to
join the fesitivies as we watched a very charming ceremony where the children
were garlanded with flowers by their mothers.
Even the boys enjoyed themselves.
A wind change soon had us scurrying back to the boat where
we prepared to depart for the Maskelyne Islands at the southern tip of
Malekula. We anchored in a sheltered
lagoon just before sunset with a boat from Holland, one from Germany and one
from NZ who we soon joined for drinks and excursions ashore.
Stuart hoisting the new courtesy flag as we entered Mele Bay, Port Vila
Isis at a mooring in Port Vila before we moved to the marina
Joining the Childrens' Day festivities at Lamen Bay, Epi Island
The mothers with their garlands of flowers ready to present to the children
A welcoming smile from Mariana as we arrived at Aweii Island in the Maskelynes
Stuart buying a huge bunch of bananas from Mariana
The fishermen from nearby Avokh Island came net fishing every day
And offered us a selection of goat fish for lunch
We were invited to Avokh village by the Chief and the boys are making kava in preparation
A ceremonial canoe dance was performed for our small group of yachties
The women were privileged to watch the performance and nervously posed for photos
James, the Chief's son, showing us the kae kae prepared for us. It was delicious.
The sun shone as we sailed north and dozens of dolphins came out to play
And then Stuart had the fight of his life to land this Wahoo
At Litz Litz, Port Stanley we ordered a taxi to take Brigitte to the airport - how stylish
The airport lounge at Norsup Airport just before Brigitte squeezed into a commuter flight to Vila, and on to Brisbane
Sailing regatta Malekula style - eat your heart out Hood Sails
We were invited to attend Independence Day at Uripiv Island, and this is a typical village house
The celebrations for Vanuatu Independence Day get underway with villagers coming from many other islands
Nick was chosen as guest of honour representing us all and is being presented with a lei - he had to sit and listen to long speeches for hours with the dignitaries
Hans with his ukelele had us all singing with other cruising couples who we sailed with over a period of a week. It was drinks onboard Isis that night
Stuart feeling very overdressed
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