Leg 11 - Fiji (Part 2) (Late July, 2006)
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Vunda Point Marina:
Departing Kandavu Island, we chose to duck inside the barrier reef each night to anchor in the protected
harbors along the south shore. While safe for the night, this meant that we would be sailing into the sun
in the early morning, making it difficult to read the water and see the abundant, but often uncharted coral
heads. Sure enough, one morning just after lifting anchor, we hit one of the coral heads despite going
slow and keeping a watch on the bow of the boat. Fortunately, we made contact with the front part of our
keel, one of the strongest parts of the boat. We pulled off and inspected the damage which, while
significant, was not threatening to the function or safety of the boat. We decided however to sail directly
to a boat yard, and a couple of days later, we were laid up in the Vunda Point yard, undergoing repairs.
We were fortunate with the quality and speed of the repair work, and were back to our travels before the
end of the second week. Vunda Point itself was a delightful, hospitable marina.
Departing Kandavu Island, we chose to duck inside the barrier reef each night to anchor in the protected
harbors along the south shore. While safe for the night, this meant that we would be sailing into the sun
in the early morning, making it difficult to read the water and see the abundant, but often uncharted coral
heads. Sure enough, one morning just after lifting anchor, we hit one of the coral heads despite going
slow and keeping a watch on the bow of the boat. Fortunately, we made contact with the front part of our
keel, one of the strongest parts of the boat. We pulled off and inspected the damage which, while
significant, was not threatening to the function or safety of the boat. We decided however to sail directly
to a boat yard, and a couple of days later, we were laid up in the Vunda Point yard, undergoing repairs.
We were fortunate with the quality and speed of the repair work, and were back to our travels before the
end of the second week. Vunda Point itself was a delightful, hospitable marina.
Sugar Cane Train
Lautoka:
Close to Vunda Point is Lautoka, the second largest city on Vitu Levu (after Suva). Lautoka has a large
population of Asian Indians, and the atmosphere, environs and culture were dramatically different from
both Suva and the remote island of Kandavu. Because virtually all the land in Fiji is owned by the various
Fijian Tribes, Indian immigrants rarely own land. For this reason, much of their energy and entrepreneurial
talent has been directed towards owning and operating businesses, most of which are indeed owned by
Indians. There is an underlying friction between the two cultures.
Close to Vunda Point is Lautoka, the second largest city on Vitu Levu (after Suva). Lautoka has a large
population of Asian Indians, and the atmosphere, environs and culture were dramatically different from
both Suva and the remote island of Kandavu. Because virtually all the land in Fiji is owned by the various
Fijian Tribes, Indian immigrants rarely own land. For this reason, much of their energy and entrepreneurial
talent has been directed towards owning and operating businesses, most of which are indeed owned by
Indians. There is an underlying friction between the two cultures.
Musket Cove:
Following our repairs, we sailed for Malolo island where we found the popular and well done resort Musket
Cove. In this beautifully sheltered anchorage, the resort owner has installed numerous mooring balls and
has opened the resort for the use and enjoyment of the visiting yachts. An island bar sits astride the
marina entrance, and each night the bar features inexpensive drinks, and open grilling pits…just the thing
to attract the sea-weary sailors. All you need do is come ashore with whatever you intend to grill each
night, light a fire with the ample wood supply, and enjoy the evening – the helpful bar personnel supply
dishes and cutlery, and even clean up after the meal. Add to this the marvelous scuba diving and
snorkeling in the area, and it is easy to see why Musket Cove nearly all the yachts transiting through Fiji
find there way here at one time or another. We enjoyed several nights here, catching up with friends on
other yachts before deciding to sail on for Vanuatu, our next stop about 4 days West of Fiji.
Following our repairs, we sailed for Malolo island where we found the popular and well done resort Musket
Cove. In this beautifully sheltered anchorage, the resort owner has installed numerous mooring balls and
has opened the resort for the use and enjoyment of the visiting yachts. An island bar sits astride the
marina entrance, and each night the bar features inexpensive drinks, and open grilling pits…just the thing
to attract the sea-weary sailors. All you need do is come ashore with whatever you intend to grill each
night, light a fire with the ample wood supply, and enjoy the evening – the helpful bar personnel supply
dishes and cutlery, and even clean up after the meal. Add to this the marvelous scuba diving and
snorkeling in the area, and it is easy to see why Musket Cove nearly all the yachts transiting through Fiji
find there way here at one time or another. We enjoyed several nights here, catching up with friends on
other yachts before deciding to sail on for Vanuatu, our next stop about 4 days West of Fiji.
| As always, just click on any picture for full size impression |
All fixed!
Oops
Relaunch
Vunda Pt