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November 2007 |
Author: Toni
Departing Port Resolution in Tanna Island was our farewell to Vanuatu. God bless this islands.
It was an easy 160 mile passage with good wind from the right direction and we arrived in Lifou, New Caledonia safely. The anchorage on the north side had 20 meter visibility. An amazing sight.
We need to check-in with the authorities first before we make landfall, and after a rest headed off for the mainland Island of New Caledonia.
Again we had good wind and arrived at the barrier reef passage before nightfall.
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Lion Fish |
Well, the next day it was blowing like hell from the SE and waves were getting bigger.
Progress with engine only into the wind and waves slowed us down considerably. The outer reef did not stop the ocean swells. In a whole day we only managed 35 nm.
Yate Bay gave us some protection and we stayed there at anchor overnight.
The next day looked even worse and it is 12 miles to the inlet passage. The waves building up to 3 meters and the wind and current is against us. After 4 hours of getting nowhere, just barely covered 6 miles I made the decision to turn back and head back for Yate Bay and a safe anchorage.
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Two other yachts took shelter there too.
We are running out of food and decided to take the bus and go across the mountains to Noumea to sass out the check in situation and buy some food. It was a lovely trip through a rugged mountain passes and Noumea City was surprisingly nice.
Well, cut a long story short, we waited out the bad weather and eventually made it all the way to Port Mossel Marina in Noumea and cleared in with no problems.
We explored the City and re-supplied Little Swan with provisions.
The Marin Aquarium was top stuff. A must to see if you are in Noemea.
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Barramundi Cod |
Little Swan in Isl des Pins |
The other place to see is Isle des Pins.
It is 70 miles against the wind and motoring the only way avoiding reefs and battling against strong currents. We mad it just in time before nightfall..
We explore the bay with its interesting Limestone formations and clear blue water.
All too soon we had to return to Noumea to buy more supplies and check out heading for Australia .
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Driftwood |
Isl des Pins |
Just relax |
| Again strong stormy winds and rough seas delayed us another day but finally the weather was in our favor and off we go. |
| Little Swan is on its homerun to Sydney Australia only a thousand miles away. Bring her home safely is my wish. |
| The memories of sailing around the world will be with me for ever. |
