We are sorry about the lapse and lack of recent posts...I have asked crew to write and help send news, but that has not happened, at least not yet, After our 2:30 P.M. arrival in Savusavu, clearance was lengthy but relatively painless. The marinas charge a small fee to facilitate, and after multiple official visitations aboard, one walks about to pay fees at various offices.
We spent (only) 2 days doing necessary clean-up and provisioning (with requisite shopping for trinkets and Sulu's - tradtional Fijian/South PAcific dress), and we managed to leave Savusavu quickly, 3 days after arrival. While another day or more would have been nice to meet other yachties and exchange info and itineraries, leaving seemed smart as we have a short time span to cruise, and more importantly, there were light SE winds to sail and motor sail east, not the typical brisk easterlies.
So, now we are at Dukanubi Bay. Passage in through the fringing reef was straight forward, and we have good local info about the bay and anchorage - thank you Soggy Paws compendium! In Fiji, when you enter a bay, you are within the waters and "territorial environs" of a village. It is sort of like driving along and stopping for the night to pitch your tent in some one's back yard - it is appropriate to knock on their door and ask permission, and even bring a little thank you gift. Here, we dinghy in to the village and ask permission of the village chief to visit the village and to be in their waters. We bring a gift of Kava root, and the ceremony is called Sevu Sevu. We did our first yesterday.
More on the Sevu Sevu and our visit to Dukanubi to follow!
Best wishes from the crew of Visions of Johanna.
----
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Notes:
- Note: AIS satellite updates are now only coming once a day which means they are not getting plotted. I have removed the map from the page. You can go to MarineTraffic's website via the link on the right hand pane.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
New Zealand to Fiji - Day 8
Day Eight: Passage Opua to Savusavu
0730 Sunday 20 May 2013 NZST/1930 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 17 43.2 S/ 179 06.4 E
WInd ESE 12 knots/SOG 8 kn/COG 032 mag/Sea state choppy
187 nm motor and sailed 6 AM to 6 AM. 59 nm to go.
Nice sailing overnight for Visions of Johanna. We are currently making passage into the Koro Sea between Batiki and Wayaka Islands. Charts are not typically spot on here, and Fiji is infamous for a myriad of small (but very hard) off island reefs. For those who might be interested, in order to feel confident about my route, I did the following:
Using google earth geo-referenced charts, I reconciled reef borders on my C-Map Expedition charts with the satellite views. Using Fiji gov't Light House waypoints sent to me by my shore support (aka Gram) team, I reconciled positions of navigation lights on Expedition and Captain programs. I measured and cross checked distances between hazards and my route on Expedition and satellite pictures.
I drew my course on Expedition and Captain, and reconciled my "runway and avoidance zones" on Captain with my Expedition route. I then ran a course using google earth views with a third program, openCPN, on my laptop, and cross-checked waypoints with EXP and Captain.
I ran Captain and Expedition side by side on the pilot house video display while also viewing satellite charting on my laptop. Radar targets and first light of morning confirmed positions real time.
The wonders of technology! It was time consuming but somewhat easier to do than to explain.
As for other news: we caught a small yellow fin tuna yesterday. Lines are out as we speak.
For our al fresco dining in the cockpit at sundown last night, we enjoyed chicken curry with dahl and rice and green beans, and boysenberry ice crean for desert. We continued our ritual and watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house together before turning in.
I anticipate arrival in Savusavu at about 1400 hours - early afternoon today, and look forward once again to the reunion of my two precious Johannas.
Crew and vessel continuing to do well.
Bill
0730 Sunday 20 May 2013 NZST/1930 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 17 43.2 S/ 179 06.4 E
WInd ESE 12 knots/SOG 8 kn/COG 032 mag/Sea state choppy
187 nm motor and sailed 6 AM to 6 AM. 59 nm to go.
Nice sailing overnight for Visions of Johanna. We are currently making passage into the Koro Sea between Batiki and Wayaka Islands. Charts are not typically spot on here, and Fiji is infamous for a myriad of small (but very hard) off island reefs. For those who might be interested, in order to feel confident about my route, I did the following:
Using google earth geo-referenced charts, I reconciled reef borders on my C-Map Expedition charts with the satellite views. Using Fiji gov't Light House waypoints sent to me by my shore support (aka Gram) team, I reconciled positions of navigation lights on Expedition and Captain programs. I measured and cross checked distances between hazards and my route on Expedition and satellite pictures.
I drew my course on Expedition and Captain, and reconciled my "runway and avoidance zones" on Captain with my Expedition route. I then ran a course using google earth views with a third program, openCPN, on my laptop, and cross-checked waypoints with EXP and Captain.
I ran Captain and Expedition side by side on the pilot house video display while also viewing satellite charting on my laptop. Radar targets and first light of morning confirmed positions real time.
The wonders of technology! It was time consuming but somewhat easier to do than to explain.
As for other news: we caught a small yellow fin tuna yesterday. Lines are out as we speak.
For our al fresco dining in the cockpit at sundown last night, we enjoyed chicken curry with dahl and rice and green beans, and boysenberry ice crean for desert. We continued our ritual and watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house together before turning in.
I anticipate arrival in Savusavu at about 1400 hours - early afternoon today, and look forward once again to the reunion of my two precious Johannas.
Crew and vessel continuing to do well.
Bill
Shoreside Update
Just got a quick note from Bill, Monday morning, that he is just outside the pass between Wakaya and Batiki so they will arrive Savusavu today. Imagine the update will be a bit delayed as they will be a bit bussier than normal this morning naviagating between the various islands on the way up to Savusavu.
--Gram
--Gram
New Zealand to Fiji - Day 7 Update
Day Seven: Passage Opua to Savusavu
0700 Sunday 19 May 2013 NZST/1900 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 20 32.3 S/ 178 56.2 E
WIind NE 7 knots/SOG 6.8 kn/COG 359 mag/Sea state less than 3' swells primary from SE/Bar 1017.5
154 nm motor sailed 6 AM to 6 AM. 229 nm to go.
Light conditions and motor sailing continue for Visions of Johanna. Wind has been light, but on the bow. Yesterday was a second day with hammocks and chairs hanging on the mid deck, replete with boom box and dueling kindles. I effected repairs of port and stern nav lights, and vang stop preventer. Meanwhile, we continue to fish for the elusive and most desirable yellow fin tuna.
And yes...another great dinner al fresco in the cockpit at sundown last night - Brunswick stew with Brussels Sprouts and herbed potatoes. We continued our ritual and watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house together before turning in.
I anticipate arrival in Savusavu in about 30 hours - early afternoon tomorrow, Monday. A bit longer than ideal, but we have either had too much wind, or light wind on the bow. In the end, we accept what we are given and deal.
Crew and vessel continuing to do well.
Bill
0700 Sunday 19 May 2013 NZST/1900 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 20 32.3 S/ 178 56.2 E
WIind NE 7 knots/SOG 6.8 kn/COG 359 mag/Sea state less than 3' swells primary from SE/Bar 1017.5
154 nm motor sailed 6 AM to 6 AM. 229 nm to go.
Light conditions and motor sailing continue for Visions of Johanna. Wind has been light, but on the bow. Yesterday was a second day with hammocks and chairs hanging on the mid deck, replete with boom box and dueling kindles. I effected repairs of port and stern nav lights, and vang stop preventer. Meanwhile, we continue to fish for the elusive and most desirable yellow fin tuna.
And yes...another great dinner al fresco in the cockpit at sundown last night - Brunswick stew with Brussels Sprouts and herbed potatoes. We continued our ritual and watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house together before turning in.
I anticipate arrival in Savusavu in about 30 hours - early afternoon tomorrow, Monday. A bit longer than ideal, but we have either had too much wind, or light wind on the bow. In the end, we accept what we are given and deal.
Crew and vessel continuing to do well.
Bill
Friday, May 17, 2013
New Zealand to Fiji - Day 6
Day Six: Passage Opua to Savusavu
0700 Saturday 18 May 2013 NZST/1900 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 22 58.4 S/ 177 53.1 E
WInd NW 9 knots/SOG 7 kn/COG 014 mag/Sea state lessthan 3' swells primary from SE/Bar 1017
172nm motor sailed 6 AM to 6 AM. 397 nm to go.
Smooth motor sailing for Visions of Johanna. We caught 2 mahi-mahi yesterday morning - great teamwork bringing them in. Fish tacos with refried beans, rice and corn, for lunch were fantastic. Now we continue to fish for the elusive and most desriable yellow fin tuna.
It is with great respect that we appreciate the bounty provided to us by the sea.
Another nice gentle day yesterday. Zak took his mid day watch from a hammock on the foredeck - with my iPad to check data while facing aft to keep an eye on fishing lines. The rest of us did our watches in a more traditional manner! Another great dinner al fresco in the cockpit at sundown last night - quiche with a cole slaw salad. We continued our ritual and watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house together before turning in. I think crew is beginning to enjoy this passage. Good thing they have short memories!!
A few chores for me today. I have to check the port bow light which does not appear to be functioning, and I need to re-tension the vang preventer line - nothing major. The mainsail still needs a batten replaced, as well replacing reefing markers along the luff, but these can wait.
Crew and vessel continuing to do well.
Bill
0700 Saturday 18 May 2013 NZST/1900 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 22 58.4 S/ 177 53.1 E
WInd NW 9 knots/SOG 7 kn/COG 014 mag/Sea state lessthan 3' swells primary from SE/Bar 1017
172nm motor sailed 6 AM to 6 AM. 397 nm to go.
Smooth motor sailing for Visions of Johanna. We caught 2 mahi-mahi yesterday morning - great teamwork bringing them in. Fish tacos with refried beans, rice and corn, for lunch were fantastic. Now we continue to fish for the elusive and most desriable yellow fin tuna.
It is with great respect that we appreciate the bounty provided to us by the sea.
Another nice gentle day yesterday. Zak took his mid day watch from a hammock on the foredeck - with my iPad to check data while facing aft to keep an eye on fishing lines. The rest of us did our watches in a more traditional manner! Another great dinner al fresco in the cockpit at sundown last night - quiche with a cole slaw salad. We continued our ritual and watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house together before turning in. I think crew is beginning to enjoy this passage. Good thing they have short memories!!
A few chores for me today. I have to check the port bow light which does not appear to be functioning, and I need to re-tension the vang preventer line - nothing major. The mainsail still needs a batten replaced, as well replacing reefing markers along the luff, but these can wait.
Crew and vessel continuing to do well.
Bill
Update from NZ Maritime
I quiried NZ Maritme about the vessel VofJ was asked to go look for (mentioned in Bill's last entry) and figured the readers would be curious to hear the answer:
At present we have no new information. We believe the yacht SAINT ARMOUR has
effected repairs and is continuing on passage to Fiji. We have requested
that the Fijian authorities contact us when the yacht arrives. Two other
yachts went to her aid. The SHARD we have not been able to contact but think
it may have helped effect repairs, and KILICO IV when reaching the area
later could not locate the SAINT ARMOUR.
Please pass our gratitude to the skipper and crew of VISIONS OF JOHANNA for
their assistance.
Kind regards
John Ashby | Senior Search and Rescue Officer Maritime New Zealand | Rescue
Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) Nō te rere moana Aotearoa
T +64 4 5778030 | F +64 4 5778038 | E rccnz@maritimenz.govt.nz W
www.maritimenz.govt.nz/
I or Bill will post an update if we hear more or Bill can find out more in Fiji.
--Gram
At present we have no new information. We believe the yacht SAINT ARMOUR has
effected repairs and is continuing on passage to Fiji. We have requested
that the Fijian authorities contact us when the yacht arrives. Two other
yachts went to her aid. The SHARD we have not been able to contact but think
it may have helped effect repairs, and KILICO IV when reaching the area
later could not locate the SAINT ARMOUR.
Please pass our gratitude to the skipper and crew of VISIONS OF JOHANNA for
their assistance.
Kind regards
John Ashby | Senior Search and Rescue Officer Maritime New Zealand | Rescue
Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) Nō te rere moana Aotearoa
T +64 4 5778030 | F +64 4 5778038 | E rccnz@maritimenz.govt.nz W
www.maritimenz.govt.nz/
I or Bill will post an update if we hear more or Bill can find out more in Fiji.
--Gram
Thursday, May 16, 2013
New Zealand to Fiji - Day 5 -- What a difference a day makes!
Day Five: Passage Opua to Savusavu
0700 Friday 17 May 2013 NZST/1900 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 25 15.8 S/ 176 43.5 E
WInd South 5 knots/SOG 6.4 - 7 kn/COG 016 mag/Sea state 2-4' swells primary from SE/Bar 1018
160nm motor sailed 6am to 6am. 540 nm to go.
There was little wind overnight and seas are benign. The sky was full of sun by yesterday afternoon, and we all enjoyed some time in the cockpit. Fishing lines were out and we caught what looks like a small mackerel type of fish. Zak thought we had another hit, but line was not taught. In the end, we brought back the rod and it had lure without hooks. Something big!
We did divert course yesterday for nearly 2 hours, heading west toward the position of a reported vessel in distress. We were in contact with New Zealand Maritime radio and after steaming about 12 nm, we were able to call a boat that had headed to the area prior to us. We reported their findings (nil) and our own negative radar scans, and we were released from assistance at that point. Vessel in distress was a single-hander on SY St. Amour. I have no knowledge as to outcome.
Great dinner al fresco in the cockpit at sundown last night - Pasta Bolognese with courgettes. Then we watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house before turning in. We look forward to another sunny day today.
Crew and vessel doing well.
Bill
--Editors Note: I have checked NZ Maritime website and there have been no press releases regarding SY St. Amour nor any similar vessel in the area. Google search didn't find anything either. Will update if I find anything.
0700 Friday 17 May 2013 NZST/1900 UTC
South Pacific Ocean 25 15.8 S/ 176 43.5 E
WInd South 5 knots/SOG 6.4 - 7 kn/COG 016 mag/Sea state 2-4' swells primary from SE/Bar 1018
160nm motor sailed 6am to 6am. 540 nm to go.
There was little wind overnight and seas are benign. The sky was full of sun by yesterday afternoon, and we all enjoyed some time in the cockpit. Fishing lines were out and we caught what looks like a small mackerel type of fish. Zak thought we had another hit, but line was not taught. In the end, we brought back the rod and it had lure without hooks. Something big!
We did divert course yesterday for nearly 2 hours, heading west toward the position of a reported vessel in distress. We were in contact with New Zealand Maritime radio and after steaming about 12 nm, we were able to call a boat that had headed to the area prior to us. We reported their findings (nil) and our own negative radar scans, and we were released from assistance at that point. Vessel in distress was a single-hander on SY St. Amour. I have no knowledge as to outcome.
Great dinner al fresco in the cockpit at sundown last night - Pasta Bolognese with courgettes. Then we watched an episode of House of Cards in the pilot house before turning in. We look forward to another sunny day today.
Crew and vessel doing well.
Bill
--Editors Note: I have checked NZ Maritime website and there have been no press releases regarding SY St. Amour nor any similar vessel in the area. Google search didn't find anything either. Will update if I find anything.
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