Day 8: Passage & Arrival to Fiji

The consistency of winds on this passage has been remarkable; steady 20-27 knots, have not changed out our sails at all, just changing the amount of reefing. The passage itself is a notorious one due to various high and low pressure systems, as well as where those systems interact with these trade winds. The goal is to avoid areas where various systems meet as much as possible (conversion and squash zones). We currently have “reinforced trades” from a low in the Tasman Sea.

So overall, I’d say this was not a “bad” passage – uncomfortable, yes. The waves have not been too large, just at the wrong angle. It makes us want to avoid any passages where the wind and waves are even slightly ahead of the beam.

Goal today: eat all our fruits and vegetables! Last night I made a broccoli potato dish (Broccoli Aloo Sabzi) to use up those veg. I spent hours today chopping up and processing fruits and vegetables in different forms, such as all our apples into applesauce and eating potatoes for lunch. In Fiji, we have to hand over honey (we have 1 jar), pork (none), and fresh fruits and veg (a small amount).

The waves and winds are finally moving from behind us! We hit a new 24 hour average record for this passage: 176.6nm.

We are now in the Koro Sea, the large body of water in the middle of the Fiji Islands. At noon – LAND HO! We spot an island. Overnight, the seas continued to move behind us and we were flying! Had to change our course around a large fishing boat and tender in night, but then back on track. It was very dark overnight, following our course carefully to avoid the numerous reefs of Fiji.

We put up our Q flag and Fiji flags in the morning. Downwind sail with our Code Zero to Suvasuva. It was calm enough for us all to take a much-needed shower, as well as clean up the boat a bit for Customs. The aqua waters, the palm trees, so glorious!

Called Nawi Island Marina as we approached and they sent out a tender to bring us into the narrow channel, leading us to the Customs dock. Welcomed with a hearty BULA, they tied our boat up (not able to leave Terikah until fully cleared). Here we wait; we are in FIJI !!!!

Lowlights of this passage: the close-together waves ahead of the beam, inability to move around the boat easily or leave the cockpit, the noise, lack of sleep

Highlights of this passage: making sushi with Calder underway and the beautiful tuna he caught, talking and singing with Cora on nightwatch, consistent winds, safety, friends cheering us on, spotting land again, and our relaxing mellow sail into Suvasuva.

Total miles covered from Opua, New Zealand to Savusavu, Fiji: 1,337 nm

Average speed of passage: 7.1 knots

Thanks everyone for your continued support on our voyage!

Now, time to clear Customs; then a nap and dinner out.