Hi from skipper
Steve,
Firstly apologies for our inconsistency in posting
logs, but after many frustrating hours I have at last mastered this Vista
software and we are back on line sending and receiving mails. I am unsure
whether you have been writing to us as most of the emails appear to have been
lost in the ether, (perhaps there is someone out there in Wagabubo land
who is having great fun reading them as few have come through to
us) so it would be great to hear from
you!
We have just left Tonga ,Vava'u for the passage to
Fiji. a distance of just under 500 nm and we anticipate arrival over the
weekend.
Tonga was not for me as expected, it is
much poorer than Polynesia their culture being quite different and possibly akin
to our rural life maybe 100 years ago. The island chain is magnificent and the
tourists are just starting to arrive for the 3 month season of Humpback whale
watching. Unfortunately we were a little early and these magnificent
creature had not as yet arrived on their annual migration from Antarctica
to the peaceful Tongan waters to give birth to there calf's and
mate. The highlight of our whistle stop stay here was undoubtedly the
choral singing from the main Cathedral, breathtakingly beautiful. I managed
to sneak in to a christening service yesterday (Tuesday evening) there must have
been 300 in the congregation, no books, no song sheets but everyone new every
word of the service hit every note in perfect pitch and it proved a most
humbling and heart warming experience. If ever Christianity is thriving it is on
these islands.
For me this is the final part of this leg with
the girls as crew and I will miss their infectious enjoyment and energy for
life.
I think they have enjoyed the experience of life at
sea with it's trials and tribulations and will have good memories from the time
on Kasuje. The leg has been varied both in sailing terms weather and places
visited. The opulence of French Polynesia and the regatta parties!! the decay of
Raratonga and then the beauty of the singing in Tonga. Mixed weather a few
storms and some great sailing have all contributed to a wonderful leg. Demanding
and a little tiring but for the majority of time great fun.
For now it's the passage to Fiji, we have received
a weather report from Bruce our weatherman and it is looking favorable for a
quick crossing after the first 20 hrs or so. There is a possibility of showers
and squalls so we will be as ever scanning the clouds and the radar for any
signs of rain or strong winds. Kasuje is all set for the passage, rigged and
fuelled and the girls have prepared in advance all the meals etc for the
passage. (The yacht training must be working)
They have even worked out the watch system they
wish to complete, although I am yet to look at it and I bet I've got the dog
watch. Jim and Katy are already in Fiji and have phoned saying both are well and
starting to explore the wonders of the island then Jim flies back to the Uk on
Sat and Katy is rejoining Kasuje whilst in Musket Cove. I fly back to London on
Mon returning to Fiji on the 30th.
Bye for now
Skipper Steve