On to Port Vila…and Pause

We set sail from the island of Erromango, Vanuatu on an overnight passage of 85 nautical miles, destination Port Vila. We had mixed emotions as we’ve been on-board Adina for 20 months now and we are stopping in Vanuatu’s capital for 4 months to sit out the cyclone season; sad as we’ve had the adventure of a lifetime up until now, but also looking forward to it as we need a little landlubber time. Let’s face it, we’ve crossed two oceans, sailed numerous passages and lived on water for quite some time now.

The seas were sloppy, a strong current against us, the wind directly behind us meaning rolling goose-winging – all reminding us we needed a break. To heck with it, we put the engine on and motor-sailed.

Dawn broke and we made our way into Port Vila. James Ryan, our friend from London now living in Port Vila with his family, came down to wave us in which was much appreciated. We tried to return the salute and take Adina closer in and nearly ran her aground! James and his wife Carolyn made us feel very welcome with James treating us to our first kava cup in Vanuatu – and he knows a thing or two about it – followed by a nice evening at their home and we were certainly a little envious of their island lifestyle.

Tom and his father, Keith

Tom’s father is now with us for a holiday and has arrived laden with goods for Adina (and us!). We took him out for a little day sail before taking the sails down and starting the process of laying Adina up for her rest.

Adina in her cradle makes her way out

Adina has just come out of the water and is relaxing in Port Vila Boatyard. This involved a cradle on a trailer being pushed into the water and Adina then being manoeuvred into the cradle. It’s always a slightly nervy process for any boat owner when your pride and joy is hauled out of the water. At first we were a little concerned as the boatyard boat nudging Adina from the side to help steer her into the cradle failed and then the one side of the cradle fell over. But once she was in the cradle a slick team got to work, tying her in and all went well, as she was slowly winched onto dry land. So far we’ve been impressed with the boatyard and the team have been helpful and friendly.

Adina out of the water enjoying a high pressure clean!

So what for us now? Life never sits still. Tom’s father is visiting so we look forward to spending time exploring the island of Efate with him. We have some house sitting lined up in lovely looking properties and shall do our best to help out. We’ll both hunt out a bit of work – Susie has even admitted she is looking forward to it! And there’s a lot of research to be done for next year’s sailing. No easy pilot books or charts out here – you have to research and rely on people who have been before you. We’ve got an idea of where we want to go as we head west but need to check it all out and come up with a plan/schedule. We do thrive on adventure so more of that please. Adina goes back in the water sometime in April 2015. Before then we need to give her some love and care. A little polishing, a little tickle of the belly.

So yes, all comes to pause on this little adventure. Have we enjoyed it? Utterly! Has it lived up to our expectations? It’s blown them sky high out of the water! Has it changed our lives? Absolutely!

Of course it’s not all seashells, lobsters and sunsets. The boat maintenance that goes on has been hard work. And yes, we’ve had some tough passages, some bumps and rides. But swap it for anything? No way! The sights we’ve seen, the people we’ve met and the adventures we’ve enjoyed have all been off the Richter scale. And very importantly, the support we’ve had – we are ever so grateful to the many, many people who give freely in so many different ways. We couldn’t do it without you. We offer our sincere and humble thank you, and can we please, please get more of the same next year?

But this is just a pause. Our adventure will continue on land and Adina will be back next year – and set for bigger, more heart wrenching explorations, ploughing boldly forward, cresting the waves, seeking new frontiers with her two little explorers hitching a ride.

Gin and tonic anybody?

Pause.

No – don’t hit the pause button! It’s jammed. Oh – is it broken? Let me get the manual out – blasted thing…

Adina – South Pacific 2014