The Big Shave-Off

 www.sailbayofislands.com

From the Savusavu Yacht Club's notice board: “Our Junior and Youth Sailors are off to Viti Levu to defend their titles in both Lasers & Optimists on the high seas off Uprising Resort in Pacific Harbour. The team comprises 8 Optimists Sailors, (6 lads and 2 lasses) as well as 4 Lasers (3 young men & 1 young lady). The team is headed up by Master Coach of 25 years Sir Geoffrey Taylor... …on Sunday, Aug 5th, the Yacht Club will hold the big fundraiser for the event, the 'Shave Off' between the Pirates of Savusavu, namely Ron & Leon. "Thee who raises the most funds by 4pm Sunday (5 Aug) lays claim to a Bucket of Pirates Rum". The Shave Off by two renown barbers will take place at 5pm on the club lawn. A red hot fresh goat curry, complimented by a vegetable curry, puri & rice prepared by the famous Special Occasion Chef "Ali Hussein" over a wood fire on site will be available from 4pm Sunday (F$10p/p - all proceeds to Youth Sailing)."                                   photos: Lorna Eden	The Savusavu Yacht Club’s notice board: Fundraising for Kid’s Sailing

The “port & starboard” pirates: Ron and Leon	Ron surrendering to the barber
…and its almost time to look in the mirror	Ron, red beard in hand
No going back now	“Where’s that bottle of Rum?”

  In the end, it was all well worth it. Over FJ$ 1800 were raised by the event – thank you to all those who helped, supported, shaved, cooked the great food, and to those who donated funds for the cause – Vinaka Vaka Levu to you all.
  We wish the Savusavu sailors all the best for the Pacific Harbour races starting August 15th.
  Savusavu’s very own Lewa Rauqeuqe, crewing with Graham Southwick, is in first place (ahead of the Australians) at the Oceania Hobie Cat Championship being held in Pacific Harbour at the moment – well done Lewa!

And before someone decides to shave the hair off my head too, I think I’ll start preparing Freewind for the trip back to New Zealand.

Will update you on that next time.
Bula Vinaka,   Ron

Footnotes from Fiji

Bula! Once again posting from Fiji, where I’m enjoying the tropical breezes and smiling faces.

Ron relaxing Fiji Style

It was good to meet up with the old gang at the Savusavu Yacht Club The Three Musketeers – Tim, Geoff and Ron at the yacht club. After delivering “Flip Flop Fly” to the Savusavu Junior Sailing Club and watching some great Laser sailing performances from the kids I decided to give it a go myself. Couldn’t beat the expert young sailors in the races, but had lots of fun anyway. More photos of Junior Sailing racing here.

Ron racing on Flip Flop Fly

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I also had a chance to try out my new camera and although I’m still learning the ropes
I’m quite pleased with the results so far, especially my sunrise and sunset pictures.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy:

   

                                                     Sunset in Saweni Bay

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It was great to have the family on board again for a short holiday this month, (see Freewind’s blog),
 and it all ended too soon as the girls had to get back to school.
Time sure flies when when the sun’s shining and the scent of fresh tropical flowers is in the air!


Before you know it, it will be time to set sail south back to New Zealand.
But until then, greeting from Fiji to you all,

Ron

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Summer Sailing in the Bay of Islands

www.sailbayofisalnds.com

Freewind’s blog

Seems like it was only yesterday when we were planning the Christmas and New Year’s cruises, and here we are almost mid-February. The summer is passing like one of those swift breezes that we have experienced recently here in the Bay of Islands. Unlike our neighbours in Australia and the South Pacific, here in New Zealand’s Northland the weather has settled down and we are currently enjoying some lovely days and great sailing. As always, I am really enjoying meeting our guests - people of all ages and nationalities, and sharing the Bay of Islands experience with them. The fishing’s been good, the wildlife plentiful, and the scenery – as always – fantastic.		Freewind posing for a sunset shot, Motorua, Bay of Islands
Approaching the Hole in The Rock near Cape Brett, Bay of Islands		A sheltered anchorage, Bay of Islands

While my youngest daughters have done a great job crewing on Freewind over the summer holidays, it’s now time to start training the next generation – my grandson Zethan - who was very keen to take Freewind’s helm and steer her into a safe anchorage. Let’s hope it won’t be long before he can give me a hand trimming the sails too. It’s been great having Eleanor and Melanie crewing on Freewind and I will miss them now that school has started – hopefully they will still be able to join the ship on weekend sails.

If you’re planning to come up to the Bay of Islands, we would love to see you on board for one of our overnight cruises, or just a day trip from 10 am to 4 pm,

Wishing every one plenty of sunshine and good breezes,

Ron