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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South Pacific Cruise – 2011

www.sailbayofislands.com

Back from four months in the South Pacific. Tonga – Fiji – New Caledonia.
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.

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
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.

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.
The Cook Islands team before the race	The beautiful beach at Coté Blanche was a perfect setting for the races
Lasers sailing towards the Start line	Fiji men’s team Laser sailing

   

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 It’s great being back with family and friends in New Zealand and I’m looking forward to another charter season and plenty of fun in the sun.
 See you on the water,
                                                                    Ron