Denarau to Nananu-I-Ra: Tropical Low, Provisioning, Broken Stuff and Kiting

After Musket Cove, we headed back to Denarau to pick up some parts, do some provisioning and be better prepared for the tropical low that was forecast to likely develop.

The weather models were all disagreeing but as predicted by Gulf Harbour Radio and Met Bob, a low did form over the Yasawas and headed down our way.  Check how fast the winds built - the time scale is 30 minute with the newest wind on the top.

We moved before the wind hit to have a big area to ourselves off Denarau.  In our anchorage a mega yacht dragged anchor as did several smaller yachts.  We were glad we had left Musket Cove before the storm as there is less space there.

Not much to do but wait so Johnathan and I did our "22 pushups for 22 days for Veteran PTSD awareness"

And then to the dock for a few days which is boring according to the kids.  Note Exodus tied up down the dock from us.  If you need a catamaran ready to go she is for sale.

Getting ready to head north

Getting ready to head north

Getting ready to head north

On our way out of Denarau the newly serviced autopilot drive stopped working.  As we let the anchor out, the windlass stopped working ... oh, the glamour of cruising ...

My able assistant as we troubleshoot the windlass

Interesting, the roll pin sheared.

Heave ho ... Shouldn't have anchored in 60' of water ...

but we have kid power ...

Then in the next anchorage I anchored too close to the ferry dock.  The captain of this ship - Spirit of Love - said it was okay for us to stay but we decided to give him more room anyway.

Local boat off Nananu-I-Ra.

Liz ready to go.

Liz ready to go.

And Phil from SV Silhouette came over for a drink.  We first met him in San Diego before the Baja Ha Ha.

and just hanging out ...

Musket Cove - Hobies, Camping, some School and Farewells.

After escaping the boat yard we went over to Musket Cove to play with friends, wait for parts to arrive and do some kiting.

Rush hour in Sigatoka

Commuting into Laukota

Cane cutting season near Vuda

And then to Musket Cove ... The little boat on the right is a 60+' motor yacht (Really nice Canadian folks on the MV Infinity) rather dwarfed by SY Encore and Atlantic.

The regatta was happening so even the sandbar was busy.

the boys hanging out at the bar.

Johnathan and Samuel sailing with Tim from Honey.

Victoria heading our with the Tika crew.

Victoria and Jayia out in Trickle

Benjamin getting trained up for surfing

Johnathan getting a fast ride with Russel of SY Tika on the windsurfer.

Me up one the board (briefly)

Lunch delayed for a spot of adventure.  The windlass let go on this boat beside us so Johnathan and I head over to jury rig some snubbers.

and some time for school with SY Honey

The kids camped ashore and then built a raft to come back to the boats.

The kids camped ashore and then built a raft to come back to the boat.

Sad farewells with the crew of Honey.

Sharing Canadian Thanksgiving with Tim from Exodus before he too departed.

Thanksgiving onboard.

Birthday Season on Fluenta

September/October is birthday season in Fluenta with three of the five crew having birthdays.

First up is Liz's birthday.

Surprise party ashore at Musket Cove

Rather windy so lighting the cake was a challenge

Earlier in the day, Victoria made a birthday brunch for Liz's birthday: Eggs Benedict with homemade english muffins and hollandaise sauce.

The cake by Victoria and Ella

Cake Detail

 

Ella of SY Honey

Victoria's birthday breakfast, by Victoria

and then a party at Cloud 9 with some of her friends

and then a party at Cloud 9 with some of her friends

Benjamin wants to jump too !

Getting ready for a swim.

Birthday party kids.

Fluenta anchored off Cloud 9 with Exodus.

Victoria and Ella made this one for Victoria's birthday.  It was in the planning for months - she taught herself to make the flowers by watching YouTube videos when she was back in Halifax.

Johnathan wanted a bit more adventure so he and Samuel (from SY Honey) swam 1.3 km ashore, climbed to the top of this hill and swam back.  If you look closely you can see them heading off.

The adventurers returning from their trek.

Followed by dingy surfing

Followed by dingy surfing

The log cabin cake Johnathan planned and made himself.

and, of course, Victoria made a cake for his actual birthday a few weeks later.