Hi from Skipper Steve
We have just made landfall at the island of Tanna in the Vanuatu group after a rather bumpy passage from Fiji. For the sailors reading we had constant 30 - 35 knot winds gusting to 40 knots for the whole passage,sailing on a beam reach with just a handkerchief of main and Genoa. However the strong conditions have given us a speedy crossing (460nm in 60hrs) and we are here ahead of our schedule. For the first time on this leg we have a new moon to see us in and what a difference a little bit of moonlight makes to the enjoyment of night sailing.
The crew are reasonably well, Chris as ever in good form, Dawn and Robert enjoying the experience more, as each hour passes and they become acclimatized to the motion, but poor old Mike however has had a dreadful time with Mal der Mer which has completely spoilt his enjoyment. There is a big question mark over whether he should or indeed wants to carry on, I will keep you posted. Kasuje has once again handled the conditions impeccably and I am starting to understand how humans can fall in love with pieces of machinery when they look after you so well.
We have experienced these strong stormy conditions since leaving Bora Bora, and I think that it is now time for the World Arc sailor, who managed to upset the Almighty in French Polynesia, to spend an extended time in the confessional and pray for lighter conditions!!!
We can expect quite strong conditions for the next week, so, I think we will stay put in Tanna Port Resolution for a day or two and give Mike time to recover There is the worlds most accessible active volcano on the island along with other delights so a few land based activities and some snorkeling will keep us occupied.
As for me I'm back in the swing of boat life and apart from worrying about the others having a great sail.
Kind Regards
Skipper Steve