Look out Fiji! The Doyle Pacific Rally fleet has arrived
by Island Cruising on 1 Jun 2016
Doyle Pacific Rally Island Cruising Association New Zealand
After briefings, drinks and last minute provisioning trips, the fleet headed out of Opua in calm conditions for what was a dream run, if a little light on wind, to Fiji. The engine sure got a workout on this passage, although there was enough wind to sail on a number of days.
Windflower also had a stowaway aboard. Continuing our quest to help our environment we were asked to drop off an oceanographic monitoring buoy. This device monitors currents and wave heights which we cast adrift just before South Minerva Reef.
Exactly five days from clearing Opua, we dropped anchor in South Minerva. The dinghy was launched, the snorkelling gear brought out of hibernation, given a quick clean and it was off to explore the underwater delights of the inner lagoon. It was wonderful to slip into the tepid crystal clear waters and admire the multitudes of tropical fish, along with the multi-coloured mantles of the numerous clams strewn across the coral and sand.
It was wonderful to see numerous beche de mar of varying sizes and colours, attesting to the good health of the reef, as well as not being targeted by Tongan fishing.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/145151
