I was desperately clinging to shore, not ready to change countries just yet. But sadly, the time to depart Fiji had arrived.
We left Denarau to check out at Vuda Point at an exceptionally low tide and proceeded with caution. As we entered the Vuda channel, the depth sounder was showing only 2.5 m of water (with an additional .5 m of depth ‘safety’) and Amandla’s keel is 2.3 m.
We set out about an hour behind our friends John and Leilani from SY Amazing Grace in Force 5 winds and sailed fast covering 180 nm the first day. The Single Side Band Radio (SSB) allowed us to keep in touch with SY Amazing Grace twice daily throughout our journey.
I have to admit that I am a bit uncomfortable on my first day out on passage, especially if we leave in the evening as we did from Fiji. It takes me a bit of time before I get used to the boat’s movement, the watch cycles, and responding without having to think about what I am doing. But somehow, after the first night, I reconnect with the sea and it all seems as it should be, absolutely fabulous.
On our second day out, The Captain caught a beautiful Mahi Mahi while I was happily slumbering in my bunk. I woke up just in time to take a picture.
After 2 days of flying at an average of 7.7 kts, the winds shifted to the east and we slowed tremendously with sails flogging. We rigged a wing- to -wing configuration and then unrigged it because the wind disappeared and we were dead in the water.
We decided to motor sail but just before we cranked up the ‘Iron Genny’, the winds kicked in again and we started sailing at an acceptable 5 kts. At the end of my night watch, we were treated to a majestic moon set.
On the fourth day out, the winds completely died at 2200 hours and we had to turn on the engine for 17 hours. The seas were calm enough to allow me to sleep far away from the engine in the forepeak so I managed to get some rest. At 1500 on our fifth day out, the winds finally kicked and we were flying again.
‘Are we there yet’ is the furthest question from my mind when sailing a long passage. Arrival always seems to come too quickly. While looking forward to seeing all that New Caledonia had on offer, I knew I would miss the peaceful rhythms I find only at sea.
We entered Havana Pass in New Caledonia behind a cargo ship in the early hours of our sixth day.
And now the excitement of arriving in New Caledonia started to take over. The 56 nm passage to Noumea was très jolie!
The only disappointment when I hit these shores was when I was adjusting my polarizing lens and it rolled into the drink.
So how am I liking my new backyard? Well, too soon to tell really. So much to explore and not much time. We plan to sail to Australia with the next good weather window, so change is coming again soon. The longer we can stay here, the happier I will be.
F0r The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Change
It looks like it was a fabulous passage, Lisa, & nice mahi Fabio!
Ya know, it was a really nice passage. I hope we are as lucky with the sail down to Australia ?. Maybe you will want to come for a visit while we are there!
Glad you had a safe and beautiful journey. Can’t wait to see the images from New Caledonia!
Well thank you Karen! I hope to find a couple images in my new backyard lovely enough to share with On Your Doorstep
Great post! Stay safe! We wish you fair following winds!
? Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the well wishes.
So good to hear more about your journey, Lisa. Absolutely gorgeous pictures, as usual. I adore “First Sunset” particularly. So pretty.
Thank you Britta! Always a pleasure. I am enjoying watching your journey through Thailand (and life) as well. I’m glad to have met you here in the blogosphere.
I enjoyed your update- so many gorgeous photos! Sorry about your lens. I hope you enjoy your explorations- it must be so invigorating to constantly see new things and experience so many new places. I travel with you vicariously!
I enjoyed finding positivity both in your most recent post and in your lovely compliments here! Thank you Michele! Travel is a wonderful treat and I am glad to have you by my side virtually. And its funny, I was just thinking how my adventures will diminish for a period if I am able to get a 6 months contract in Australia from November to replenish the cruising kitty. But then I realized that working in another country will an experience unto itself and with that in mind, I know that the ‘adventure’ continues no matter what I do. How lucky am I!
Lisa, I really liked how you described the day-to-day work that you all do. I had no idea (well, a little I guess)! I’m not sure which photo I like more, the moon set or the sunset, all stunning and tell your story! Can’t wait to see your next posts! Oh, you know what would be cool is to see a map of where New Caledonia is.
? I appreciate your visit and kind words as always Terri. Great to see that you have restarted your Leisure Link. Plan to participate once I am finished playing catch up. And check out the map on my sidebar to find out where New Caledonia is.
What an amazing place New Caledonia seem to be. Absolutely stunning photos as always.
Am delighted you enjoyed the photos! Still settling in to life in our new backyard but hope to have more beauty to share soon!
The beauty of your First Sunset photo literally brought tears to my eyes. I know next to nothing about New Caledonia so I’m anxious to see and hear more!
?Well aren’t you lovely to say so! Thank you for your kind compliment Janis! We are slowly getting used to our new backyard enjoying the city buzz baguettes, cheese, and wine on the main island. Hope to get out to the surrounding islands soon!
So glad to hear you had a safe and enjoyable passage. Have fun in New Caledonia!
Great to hear from you Margo! We sure missed Steve’s company on this passage but the weather cooperated so it was a pretty easy trip. Any chance we might be able to get you two to visit in Australia?
I love all your photos, but I have to say my favorite of this group is First Sunset. I just love the sunsets, and this one truly touched me.
Ahoy Eva! I am delighted that you liked all the photos. The first sunset was my favorite of the bunch too ?. I hope you are having a lovely fall.
Street art, poke, and first sunset–you are living the good life. Great photos! Sorry to here about the polarizer–did you get it out? looking forward to more photos.
? ’tis a good life indeed. The lens is now at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean unfortunately. I have checked in the local camera stores but can not find a replacement here so will have to wait until Australia. On the plus side, have found some good murals here and the food is yummy!
Now thats an adventure Lisa!
It was lots of fun Marty! And it looks like we may be pulling up anchor again and sailing to Australia sooner than planned. Perhaps as early as October 8. Adventure awaits.
I’m just going to have to jump on this pile and rave about the First Sunset photo – WOW! Everything is stunning – the light, the shadow, and the focus on things both near and far. That is a prizewinner! (Glad the sailing was good, too, by the way.)
?Thank you Lexi! Am glad you liked the image. And it looks like we may be setting sail again sooner than expected. Weather looking good to head to Australia on 8 October so our time in New Caledonia may be limited. Change is constant as you put so beautifully in your most recent post. Once we get to Australia I am hoping to get a 6 month contract to replenish the cruising kitty, so my life is in transition too!
Oh, I just asked the question in my post comments that you have answered here! Best of luck with the next leg and with the longer land stay. Transitions are tough – hope yours goes well!
Thank you for your well wishes Lexi!
Congratulations for making it – new horizons – new street art – looking forward to more of your adventures.
? Have found some great murals here in Noumea after my Fiji street art drought. Will share them in a post soon!
Great capture of the light reflecting off the water in these beauties.
Thank you for your kind compliment! Greatly appreciated
Where will you port, Brisbane?
Ahoy Allan! Current plan is to arrive New Castle and then head to Sydney.
Oops, but rather the lens than you in the drink. 😉 Were you sailing during the super full moon?
? Definitely better the lens than me. We were sailing during the super moon but we weren’t in the right area to get that beautiful blood moon. Still, the full moon offered wonderful light throughout the entire journey ?
That sounds lovely. We didn’t see the super full moon; too cloudy. The night before and the night after we saw a lovely big moon.
? How is your spring unfolding?
At the moment it’s very windy. Great gales going on!
Well then I’m glad I’m not sailing in NZ right now. Hope the winds calm soon!
They have calmed here now; hopefully for the night.
I think you may have sent your winds north. They are blowing strongly here today ?
Ah! Hold on tight.
Hi Lisa, it is always worth waiting for you here. We are treated to an enticing narrative and stunning photos. Despite the wind playing hide and seek, and loss of a lens, it was an uneventful journey and that is the best part, to hear you are safe and sound.
I have read above that the first sunset is an absolute winner, and I join the crowd! But let me not forget to say that the lady and the street art are priceless. I cannot wait to see what you will find out there. It looks promising.
Enjoy New Caledonia and see you soon here.
Cheers!
You are absolutely lovely Lucile! Thank you for your many kind words and warm welcome. It is wonderful to be seeing street art again. It was the only thing missing in Fiji! I got lucky catching that lady at just the right moment. A great way to kick off my short visit here.
First Sunset is so Beautiful and all your photos are so pleasing to the eyes. Lovely stories too… Thank you for all the likes. 🙂
I greatly appreciate your compliments Jeann. Thank you so much! And you are welcome! There is so much to like on your blog.
🙂 Lov3, Hugs and Kisses for you …. haha!
Beautiful photos! Made me smile 🙂 It sounds as though you are having a great time and experiencing some magnificent views! I love photographing water, so many things to experiment with! Love it as always. Olivia <3
‘Tis wonderful indeed Olivia. Thank you for sailing with me virtually and for your kind words! I totally agree photographing water is always a treat!
Lisa, what a fascinating post. I’ve never sailed, and always thought I wouldn’t enjoy it. You make it sound, and look, idyllic!!
Am glad you enjoyed the passage Jill. Would be great to see you out on the water someday! It is truly sublime ⛵️
That sunset looks amazing! Makes me wish I could hop on a boat right now!
? Thank you. Delighted you liked the photo!
Dear Lisa,
good to know that you reached Noumea. At first I got a shock seeing the blue yacht on its side and reading about the depth of 2.5 m, but then I saw it’s not Amandla on the dry.
How do you find the street pictuers? I didn’t see this one in Noumea. Did you test the bakery and the restaurants we recommended?
Hugs & Love
Thomas & Annette
⚓️ Ahoy Thomas and Annette! While we did accidentally manage to beach our dinghy temporarily in The Yasawas, we’ve been lucky enough not to beach Amandla.
Have been very much enjoying the murals in Noumea after a street art drought in Fiji! And loving the pastries and cheese too!
Had been planning to go to Aux Petit Cafe this evening (menu looks delicious) but may have to wait until next year because we’ve got a weather window opening to Australia and may end up checking out today! We shall see ⛵️
How long were you in Fiji? Do you normally spend a bit of time sailing around a new place Lisa? What a fascinating life you lead! I think I’d be scared to be at sea like that.
Hi Nicole! With your adventurous spirit, I think that you would do well at sea. And I find your life as a Social Advocate to be so much more interesting than mine ?
We were in Fiji for four months. We normally spend a bit of time sailing around a new place but unfortunately, we will have to wait until season to explore New Caledonia. We arrived here at the beginning of the month and were planning to stay about 21 days. However, a favorable weather window has opened for a passage to Australia and The Captain wants to use it. Sadly, we leave tomorrow at first light.
Wow four months! Incredible! 🙂
Not a bad lifestyle Nicole. And there are lots of families out here. A few of them got together and wrote this book (http://www.voyagingwithkids.com/) on voyaging with kids. Maybe it will inspire you to set sail with your family. How cool would that be!
We’ve now arrived in Australia and I am again playing catch up but hope to visit your pages soon
Wow, that is really cool Lisa! I must admit I’d be very fearful of sailing like that. Maybe it was reading Unbroken that freaked me out but I think I’d be nervous about being in rough waters. I also get really seasick on cruise ships!
Wow four whole months! Looking forward to your next destination!
Fascinating post as always Lisa. As a landlubber myself (I love looking at the sea just not being on it!), I am so interested to read about your sailing adventures. The photos are so beautiful – I can really get a feel for the places you are visiting! Safe passage down to Australia when you set sail for these shores – hopefully you can make it to the west! 🙂
Looks like we will be setting sail for Australia at first light tomorrow. About 15 days ahead of schedule but we’ve got a good weather window and have decided to take it. I do hope I can manage to make it west! It would be lovely to meet in person. Thank you for sailing with me here and for your very generous feedback.
You’re very welcome Lisa and hope you have a smooth passage “Down Under” 🙂
This sounds like a scenic trip with good food so far, Lisa. Love that sunrise shot. What warm hues in that photo and it makes me feel warm and I’m sure you felt all warm looking at it as the winds blew in your face 🙂
Sailing to Australia, where I am. How nice. I hope you have a safe trip and welcome 🙂
Ahoy from Newcastle Mabel! Arrived here safely from New Caledonia and Will be going to Sydney by the end of the month. Hope to make it to Melbourne at some point and will give you a shout when I head that way. It has been a wonderful trip. I am delighted that you liked the sunrise shot!
Truly impressive what you did. I will recommend your blog to my in law, he loves sailing but mostly in Europe. Are you considering to write a book about your sailing trip? Consider me as your future book reader 😉 Be safe!
?You are very, very kind Indah. Maybe I will write a book someday….. And I may need to get some tips from your in law when I make my way back to Europe. I’ve done some sailing there but would like to do much, much more.
Interesting, so fascinating… 🙂
⛵️ Ahoy from Australia Drake! I am delighted that you enjoyed the post.
Bravo Lisa! I saw some of the same things as you did, but somehow, you saw them better, and captured the essence of life with your lense. Keep it coming! xxoo Leilani
You are absolutely wonderful to say Leilani! If John’s estimates were right, you should be arriving in Opua anytime now. I truly hope you will come visit me in Sydney! We would have a blast!
P.S. Don’t know if you guys got our msg, but will keep same sked on SSB while you are on passage to Aussie. Looked for a few times now, but no joy. I’m sure you didn’t get our msg yet. Hopefully this will reach you…
Sorry to have missed you on the SSB. I don’t get updates from the blog at sea, but we did manage to get John’s message when we checked our @mailasail a few days after we left. It was nice to keep up with John on email after we left even if we weren’t able to speak on the SSB.
I am truly sailing vicariously through your posts! I remember the “watches” and sleeping with the iron genny! I actually had a harder time adjusting to returning to land than I did to the sea. I always felt like I was being rocked to sleep at sea. Yet on land everything seemed too still. I saw that you mentioned in a comment that you get a contract for 6 months. What would you be doing? (If you don’t mind me asking) Will you still able to get in any sailing?
Okay, first of all, the sea is SCREAMING at you to return. The ‘ being rocked to sleep and the greater comfort on sea than on land’ are the last bits of evidence I need to know that it is time!
It is possible that I will still be here when you arrive in June and if so, we can take you out for a sail or two. Maybe you will want to join on a passage 🙂
As far as the job goes, I am looking at contract opportunities that can leverage my extensive Program Management experience and if possible, build upon my burgeoning digital media experience. We shall see. My industry was Financial Services, but my skill set is industry neutral, so I am casting the net a bit wider. I wish someone would pay me big bucks to be a full time travel blogger, but I think I will be sitting behind a desk for awhile.
Hopefully I will still get out and sail weekends when The Captain returns from a 1.5 month visit home to Italy.
The sea always seems to call to me. I really do need to make more of an effort to answer! 🙂 It would be great to sail with you. We can keep in touch as the time gets closer to see if you are still in Australia. I think you would be an AWESOME full time travel blogger!!! Is there anyway to pursue that?
Would be great to sail together! Unfortunately, I think I can make more money behind a desk than travel blogging, but I do enjoy sharing experiences here ?
What an AWESOME adventure! Great photos, especially the sunset photo. 🙂
? for your visit and lovely compliment ?