Explore Sailing Voyages in Fiji 🇫🇯

This was the final leg of the 1200 mile passage from Tonga to Whangarei, New Zealand. After stopping at Minerva South Reef to make final preparations we set off heading clockwise out of the pass to see if we could catch some fish to stretch our provisions. The plan worked and we landed two large wahoo which yielded a total of 120 steaks. We then had 2 days of motor-sailing in light winds before encountering heavy seas up to 5m leading to green water over the deck and some soggy cabins. This lasted 3 days and some sailing was possible although we also had to motor at times. As we approached Tawahi Rahi island the waves moderated while the wind stayed above 12kts allowing us to sail the last few hundred miles, even flying the asymmetrical for a time. As we closed on the coast we saw more wildlife including dolphins, pilot whales and a possible sighting of a sei whale. Arrival into Marsden Cove Marina was straightforward and well marked. We tied up to the 'Q' berth overnight to await customs and biosecurity clearance together with 4 other boats, one rafted up.

A bright but overcast day. Following a morning swim with plenty to see on the coral reef at Yanuya, we stowed the dhobeying and got under way with light airs to motor all the way. Passing Monuriki, the island where Tom Hanks filmed Castaway and others where the television series Survivor and Love Island were filmed, we slowed to half speed on passing over a reef but maintained 4m under the keel. On anchoring in the busy Anchorage of Musket Cove, the rain started!

A breezy start with a fresh F5 from the NE, flukes winds as we headed south and passed the high ground on our port side. Wind died away to F1 and we motor sailed for the last hour and a half. Arrival Is in a beautiful anchorage with crystal clear water wind sandy beach and drooping palm trees behind.

Hoisted main a foresail before brief instruction on weighing anchor on the foredeck. Skipper was over excited and dragged the snubber hook over the gypsy, disengaging the anchor chain and this allowing it ALL to run out. Situation was quickly recovered and a pleasant downwind sail ensued with wind blowing F4 -F5 from the North East. Excitement dodging between reefs with only 2.5m beneath the keel at one stage but arrived safe and happy in a windy but calm anchorage.

The first sail after lifting, reparing and re-shipping the foremast at Vuda Marina. My sanguine and ever patient crew at last got to enjoy the delights of sailing Happy Spirit. Starting with a calm F2 from the direction we were headed, after a bit of motor sailing, the wind built to a healthy F5 from the NE allowing a rollicking end to the passage reaching 10.1 knots through the water. On anchoring, we discovered that the chain had tumbled upon itself in the anchor locker so would not release. Jenny coped admirably at the helm as we sorted the situation. The newly fitted brake wished to demonstrate its efficiency so continued to hamper efforts to let the chain out unless pushed against. All was well that ended well.

Sunday 26th October we set sail from Minerva Reef North for Minerva Reef South. It's about a 20 - 25 nautical mile journey which we had to do mainly on engine. We did raise the asymmetric for about an hour but it only gave us about 3.5 knots which meant arriving around 2300 and we didn't fancy entering the atoll in the dark. When we arrived, about 6 hours later, there were only 2 boats anchored inside the reef, both widely spaced. We dropped the anchor in just under 3m (it was low tide) half a mile or so from Goose, whom we met briefly back in Tonga. Indioko looked like a Caithness or Murano ornament in a sea of glassy green. It looked so fabulous i decided to go for a swim round the boat. It turned out my timing was quite good as one of the local grey sharks cruised by about an hour later after I was dried off and sitting down to an excellent carpaccio dinner prepared by Iain.

Checkout was remarkably straightforward although navigating through the construction yard to get to the customs office was a challenge. After clearing the decks and stowing any loose items Brioni raised the anchor and we motor-sailed north-east out of the bay at around 1400. We've started on a roughly 4- hour watch pattern. That gives everyone 8 hours off but it's interesting getting to sleep inside a washing machine. With 20 knot winds and 2.5m waves that's what it was like! After a glitch in an electronic alarm system led to dash up top i had a brief episode of seasickness. Some fresh breeze and a dramamine took care of that and probably helped me sleep too. Day 2 Rinse and repeat. On watch 0200 to 0600. Several squalls requird sail changes accordingly. Wind still generally 20-25 knots and the sea swell 2.5m so we now had one reef in the main and 2 in the genoa. It was a relief to see the sky brightening in the east as sunrise approached. Next watch conditions had calmed down a lot to 10 - 15 knots and 1.5-2m swell. Time to fly the "Kraken", a custom asymmetric spinnaker which pulled us along at 8 knots instead of the 5 knots we had been doing. By sunset the wind had freshened again so we altered course to windward and set genoa and main sails for night running. After a hot meal, bed, to rest before another early morning watch. On approach to Minerva Reef two other sailing vessels appeared on the horizon. We flew the Fachan to get up some speed but couldn't quite get ahead so we finally dropped the anchor in 5m inside Minerva Reef.