Fiji 2018

After spending a week in Savusavu re-provisioning, refueling and catching up with friends it was time to explore. I sailed east overnight toward Viani Bay. The winds were forecast to strengthen so I chose instead to anchor in Nasasubo Bay. A more sheltered anchorage in south east winds. There I met members of the Rounds family who owned 700 acres growing mainly copra. They were extremely hospitable offering fruit, vegetables and fish. It was a very pleasant quiet bay surrounded by mangroves and hills.

Nasasubo Bay with fringing reef

Nasasubo Bay

The reef

Nasasubo Bay

A week later I returned to Savusavu in a brisk 20 to 25 knot south easterly wind. More and more yachts had arrived including the World ARC. I was not able to get a mooring at Copra Shed Marina so instead found a mooring with Waitui marina. When the winds settled down I sailed westwards toward the island of Viti Levu and it’s west coast. This is a minimum 4 day passage on Sadiqi navigating past the many reefs.  I managed to fly Big Bertha the asymmetrical spinnaker for several hours in the 8 to 12 knot winds. Sadiqi slipped along at 5 to 6 knots in flat waters.

Flying Big Bertha

Sunday July 15, I dropped anchor at peaceful Nananui-i-cake near Rakiraki on the north of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island.

Nananui-i-Cake anchorage

After several days enjoying the serenity I motor sailed, navigating around the many reefs, to Lautoka. I re-provisioned in Fiji’s second biggest city before motoring to Saweni Bay.

Saweni bay

Sunrise Saweni bay