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The South Pacific Cruise of Diomedea: The vortex of Musket Cove

Posted 1 month, 11 days ago

The South Pacific Cruise of Diomedea: The vortex of Musket Cove
We had a pleasant sail and motor from Vatia Bay to Lautoka, giving the code zero another outing in the nice flat water conditions. It was as if Diomedea had been transported to another planet where there are no big seas nor big winds. Wonderful. Lautoka is Fiji's second largest town and is home to a big sugar refinery (formally CSR now FSC)and to a woodchip mill. Large docks take big ships that carry away Fiji's bounty to overseas destinations. We were required to do an internal customs clearance so had a one hour stopover to achieve this purpose. Then it was a further six miles down the coast to Vuda point and the marina. This is approached through a channel dynamited through the reef with 2.2m at LWS. Phew, we just made it. Boats of all nationalities are ensconced within and substantial haulout facilities are available. The cyclone pits are also seen here. Holes in the ground lined by old tires serve as "hardstand" for boats staying unattended during the summer months. We had thus completed an east to west traverse of the entire Fiji group in three and a half days. Felt a bit weary, did the crew of Diomedea. We briefly tidied the boat and then it was off to Nani airport to meet our daughter Hannah. It was great to see her after so many months. We had a nice meal at the yacht club at the marina and chatted till 10 before crashing. Today, being Saturday, was market day. So Abdul the taxi driver drove us back in to Lautoka for shopping. Excellent markets with a good selection of fresh produce. The supermarket nearby is of course Morris Hedstrom and also had a reasonably good range of items. Finally it was Liquorland for a top up on the ballasting supplies. Back to the boat by 830 am and a late breakfast. Hannah had just awoken so timing was perfect. We left the marina about 11 and motored the 12 miles to Malolo in very light breeze. A moderately tricky three mile passage through reefs awaits the mariner. However we are now secured to a good mooring in a beautiful bay. We have caught up with several rally boats including Windflower, Runaway Bay, Claude William, Loafer and Destiny. Many other yachts are here, obviously entrapped in the temptations of this area. Some clearly do not leave... Many years ago we had come to nearby Castaway Island (aka Qalito island) for holidays with the then young children. It is only 4 miles up the road so we will try to get there as the snorkelling/scuba is excellent. Otherwise we will just chill in this island paradise. Full Story »

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