We are racking up the miles, having just completed a very uncomfortable downwind 280 mile journey from Tonga to Fiji. It is a widely accepted fact that the term “rock and roll” originated in the South Pacific as sailing vessels were sailing downwind and being violently and continuously tossed from one side to the other.
In order to feel better about our ordeal one of our fellow fleet members shared Captain Bligh’s experience after he was tossed off the Bounty by Christian Fletcher in Tonga. Bligh survived in these waters with no charts being chased by cannibals and covered 4000 miles in an open boat = Respect. We all ceased our moaning after that tidbit of information.
Addressing old-business a jubilant Sailing Vessel SALT shared a victorious message that after a 5 week rampage the RAT finally died. The rat had eaten through cables and cushions and shoes causing untold damage. SALT even stayed in Niue for an extra few days and “hired” three local cats to get rid of the rat, to no avail. Finally the rat succumbed to the poison that was all over the boat and the ecstatic skipper treated the fleet to champagne.
Fiji is a large country consisting of over 300 islands. We have checked in to the Lau group of islands and will slowly make our way to Nadi and a marina where we can haul out and send our sail off for a repair.
We’ll be looking for more beautiful anchorages and paddle boarding opportunities on our way. The fleet has a new SUP club which includes drinking rose, don’t want to miss any meetings.
Sailboat Matilda 
I recall Taveuni as a very beautiful place and diving around the Wall there as utterly spectacular ! Looks like you’re having too much fun to start a mutiny!
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When do you guys reach Sydney. I’m here for the month and would love to be there for your arrival- too soon?. Hope you don’t mind I share your updates with friends and family – we are all invested in your fabulous adventure and safe passage. Take care. Love julz
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We are landing in Australia in Mackay and heading north to Cairns and then over to Darwin. It would have been cool to sail through the heads and under the bridge. Next time!!!
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I hope that the worst is behind you. Fiji looks gorgeous
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It is – heading to the Bay of Islands – apparently one of the most beautiful anchorage s in the world
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Awesome!
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Your new SUP is so cute! I will have a glass of Rosè today and toast you and the girls!
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You are very thoughtful!
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Great post! Sailing in spirit with you! No mutiny on the Matilda allowed. RIP Ratty. Lookin’ good on the SUP Fi.
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Beautiful anchorages keeps the mutiny away
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That water is stunning!!! Stan and I spent our honeymoon in Fiji 41 years ago this July. Kudos to all the women who have joined you on your journey across the sea. Where do they plug in their hair dryers? ( and now you know why I’d never be able to participate in such an adventure!) I get seasick watching my grandson on the swings at Lacy Park! 🤢🤢🤢.
Hope the winds will favor you in the days to come. Yo-Ho!
xo,
Catherine
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Hah – blow dryers not allowed on boats hence the popularity of hats!
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Hats make perfect sense. You need to protect your face and décolleté from the strong sun, reflecting off that beautiful water! I actually look fabulous in hats but my sea sickness would always be a deal breaker for a long voyage.
Question: what food or creature comfort do you miss the most that you enjoy on land: at home?
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