Thursday, August 14, 2008

Tonga, 12h30 15 August 2008

Tonga, 12h30 15 August 2008


We have arrived at Tonga this lunchtime, having just cleared customs and immigration.



At daybreak this morning, we were sailing along the coast and saw our first whales of the trip, two off the starboard bow - it was an amazing sight, and one we hope to see more of over the next few days as the islands of Tonga are apparently one of their main playgrounds!


We are in the northern island group of Vavau, at the port of Niefu. It is situated in quite a long and winding lagoon and I was lucky enough to be on helm as the skipper called out the ship's course - it was a great experience, all 20 degrees on the port side, back to midships, 20 degrees on the starboard side (presumably a bit of oversteer then!!). It was fantastic, a few smaller boats coming up alongside and waving to the crew, it felt very special. So I may not drive in Brussels, but I can say that I have steered a tallship into the port of Niefu in the island group of Vavau in Tonga!


The rest of the journey was fairly uneventful, late afternoon yesterday we had to go back to motor sailing as the wind had dropped again, but the evening watch was good fun as the sky was very clear and we were able to look for the stars again. It was also pretty special to stand on the bow looking out on forward watch, feeling all alone as the ship made steady progress towards Tonga.

Now we are at anchor in the harbour, preparing for lunch and then an afternoon in the town. We all have some logistics to do, like going to the bank and then internet café for me and this blog, before some local exploring. Tomorrow we plan to move around to another anchorage in the islands, to relax there and then enjoy a local feast in the evening - hopefully not a feast following too much local traditions if you get my drift!!

Rob

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