Saturday 12th July
Phil gets the team up before dawn and we’re heading out of the bay as the sun is rising – the sails are up by 6.15am. It’s 70 miles to Port Vila with a big sea and 20-25 knots of wind. We’re averaging 8- 10 knots on a broad reach and after a good sail we make good time arriving in Port Vila at 3pm. There are lots of big boats anchored in the mouth of the bay and we hear over the radio that Kealoha is too big to get under the power cable to get to the main anchorage. This causes a bit of concern but when we get close Mandy kindly manages to get us a slot before the power cable where we can tie stern to next to Into the Blue. This suits us perfectly as we’re right by the centre of town. Our new crew member, Kevin is waiting on the quayside to help us tie up and seems to have got to know most of the Arc crews already! Steve and his crew on Kasuje have very kindly arranged a curry night for us and others as farewell. As Ian and Annie are suffering from quite severe curry withdrawal, this is a welcome feast, great music and a lively party which finishes off in the Waterfront bar. A huge thankyou to Steve, Norfy and the whole Kasuje crew for hosting such a great night.