Had a great time, met lots of wonderful people. Good to catch up with old friends in Savusavu and see that the young sailors at the Junior Sailing Club have improved their sailing, representing Fiji in the South Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
Let the photos tell the story.
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| We had some rough times on the passages, but also some lovely magical moments | It was great to meet up with old friends in Savusavu, Fiji |
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This is a view of Savusavu harbour from Freewind’s mooring | I spent about 2 months in Savusavu, helping the kids of the Junior Sailing Club |
 Optimist sailing in Savusavu |  Laser sailing in Savusavu |
| While the next generation of sailors were improving their skills on the Optimist boats in Savusavu Bay, the seniors were practising their racing tactics for the big event of the year – the South Pacific Games 2011. The games were held in Nouméa this year, and opened on Aug 27th. Four sailors from the Savusavu Junior Sailing Club represented Fiji in the Laser racing competitions. The Copra Shed Marina, the Savusavu community, and visiting yachties all contributed to the great fundraising effort to send the sailors to the Games. |  |
Saturdays were devoted to training and racing, but Sundays were for leisure sailing. Geoff’s refurbished boat Talanoa and Freewind were out enjoying Savusavu Bay, with the Cousteau Resort beach a favourite lunch spot. |  |
| Sunday morning sailing in Savusavu Bay | Geoff Taylor’s Talanoa |
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In mid-September I set out with Tim and Finn on the passage west to New Caledonia, meeting up with the Fiji Laser team and coach Geoff Taylor in Nouméa. The Games committee in New Caledonia did a fantastic job preparing a great venue for the sailing at Coté Blanche, Nouméa, and were perfect hosts for the South Pacific Games. Even though our Laser sailors didn’t win medals, the sailing was great, the competition world class, and everyone enjoyed the event tremendously.
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The flags represent the 6 sailing teams: Samoa, Cook Islands, New Caledonia,Tahiti, Fiji, Papua New Guinea. | Coach Geoff and Mikey preparing the Fiji boat for the race. |
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The Cook Islands team before the race | The beautiful beach at Coté Blanche was a perfect setting for the races |
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| Lasers sailing towards the Start line | Fiji men’s team Laser sailing |
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See you on the water,
Ron
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