sv evi

Sailed up to Rambi in some crazy wind to reconnect with Riada.  This island is a different culture and the people are of Banaban decent and speak Banaban and not Fijian as their first language.  Their culture is from Banaba and similar to the Kiribati people.  The first kid who paddled out to Guava in a sweet dugout canoe, Dominic, was 15, going to school and spoke 4 languages…Fijian, English, Hindi and his native tongue..wow.  He had never been on a yacht (that’s what everyone else in the world calls a sailboat, doesn’t necessarily mean a fancy, decadent sailboat…just any sailboat.  Power boats are called a launch) so i had him come aboard for juice and snacks.  He looked around and had many questions about the electronics, motor, sails as well as some of my personal items and artsy stuff hanging about.  Sent him on his way with some new fishing hooks and line.  

The next day we sailed up to the north end of the island thru reef riddled waters.  I had two sources of waypoints plotting a “safe” course thru the maze.  It was only about a 15 mile sail but thru all the reefs it made it quite exciting.  I did manage to hook a big fish tho failed to land it.  The last couple of bites have shaken loose.  I did manage to land a few in the past weeks.  I imagine this is as good a time as any to divulge some sailing mishaps this cruising season.  There have been no less than 4 boats wreck on the reefs in and around Fiji this year.  Typically every year this happens and I had heard that before my arrival but it is different when you hear the radio reports from a boat washing up on the reef on the neighboring island…where you just had been anchored.  A couple of weeks ago a boat Touche’ had departed from an anchorage and ‘bumped the reef’ on the way out the pass.  Worried there was damage the decided to return to the anchorage they had just left and slammed right into the reef.  This time it was no bump, the hull was stove in and the vessel sunk and was subsequently washed up on the reef where she was bashed and broke apart.  The people were ok as they were very close to shore…too close..but it was a total loss.  Riada said the Fijian Navy was present for a couple of days scavenging parts and gear.  Riada returned with some locals to help them acquire any other gear that may be useful.  Again, last week a boat traveling from Tonga to Fiji slammed into an island at night at full speed.  The facts on this incident are less clear but a 50+foot sailboat (yacht) with 2 aboard were overnighting and drove straight into the island.  Obviously on autopilot and not checking, maybe fell asleep, who really knows except the 2 on board.  Well, the search and rescue as well as other cruisers in the area, have found debris from the wreckage, the uninflated  liferaft,  but have yet to find the dinghy or the people.  They were talking about this on the morning ham radio info programs the cruisers host.  Tragic…

So arriving in the new anchorage Albert Cove, a tiny little hook with a narrow entrance between the reefs.  Nice and protected in most weather, clear, turquoise water, calm and upon arrival there was Riada, who motored the last past of the way and Guava sailed the entire way.  Beautiful day of sailing around the island, thru the reefs to arrive in this paradise.  Sarah Jean II, Norm and Beth, from Vancouver, BC was here as well.  I met them North Minerva when I was anchored on the Japanese yacht wreck.  They came over and dove the wreck while tying up their dinghy to Guava.  Sweet people.  Had us all over for dinner on Sarah Jean that first night.  They had purchased a fresh Waloo from the local fisherman.  Very warm welcome.  The next morning was July1st and Canada Day so I flew my Canadian courtesy flag in their honor.  I have penned a song for them and managed to choke it out in the evening after some liquid courage.

O Canada  (The Ballad of Sarah Jean)

    chorus D Cish G D  (G walkdown)

          verse            D C  G D A

Chorus

O’ how we want to be like you

O’ to be from Canada too

From where you come we don’t have to ask

The flag is sewn onto your backpacks

The mountains & beauty can’t be beat

That maple syrup is O’ so sweet

But when the Canucks lose the Stanley Cup

Vancouver got trashed, the town all fucked up

Chorus

They offer to help O’ so quick

Enter Albert Cove they’ll guide your pick

Not there, raise it, your on a bommie

Right here, it’s sand, and sure to swing free

Chorus

And so July 1st came about  (said with heavy accent)

Big red leaf flag they got it out

O’ Canada played on the rag, just for a sec

Made patriotic cupcakes…ah what the heck

Chorus

Again to help out, pain pills in hand

O’ how they’ve traveled throughout the land

O’ Canada is all that I have to say

So thanks, hoser, have a good day, eh?

Chorus