Another 1,300 nautical miles have been added to Freewind's log after completeing the ocean passage from Savusavu, Fiji, back to Opua, New Zealand. The route this year was via Noumea, New Caledonia. It was only a short stopover, for the important business of checking out the venue for the 2011 Oceania Pacific Games. Geoff Taylor, coach of the Sauvsavu Junior Sailing Club joined co-coach Ron as crew on Freewind for the trip from Lautoka, Fiji, to New Caledonia. The Club intends to send four young sailors in September to represent Fiji in the Sailing events, so coach Geoff wanted to do some reconnaissance on the facilities and conditions, and brush up on his French. Turns out he managed to communicate better in Fijian and Pidgin English, but on the whole, it was a very successful trip, with lots learnt and new connections formed.
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This sunset photo was taken before leaving Lautoka, on the west coast of Viti Levu, Fiji.
Sunset on west coast, Viti Levu, Fiji
Freewind left Fiji heading south-west, passing close to the southern islands of the Vanuatu group, and sailed into Noumea, New Caledonia, 5 days later.
Some of the Noumea Sailing Club's boats on the beach Freewind at anchor in Noumea, New Caledonia
Geoff and Ron were shown around the Noumea Sailing Club's facilities and were definitely impressed; boats and rigs were lined up along the walls of the club - all new and of top racing quality.
Geoff - definitely impressed! A sample of the club’s fleet
All new rigs at Noumea Sailing Club
Impressive as this may be, the Savusavu kids know that you need more than top gear to win races - they will be training hard in the Optimists and Lasers throughout the coming year with hopes of winning medals at the Games in September 2011. For some great photos of the kids’ sailing, see our September posting.
