Sailing New Caledonia & Vanuatu

A relaxing week sailing down to the very south remote islands in New Caledonia; Isle de Pines. The sand is so white here, but not a seashell to be found. The rain evidently followed us up here from New Zealand, but we won’t complain, we are so grateful for such a rich life.

Soon we said goodbye to New Caledonia, and our new French friends that we made here. We enjoyed learning about the country from these locals. Barbara and Kim treated us at their delicious restaurant “Hanahana” and later we took them out for a spectacular sunset sail.

Much discussion on local Politics, culture and family similarities. The capital city here is Noumea, and is bustling, a bit dirty and very French. We found some fun spots, the Catholic Church, some ruins from 1881 and even bought a new dingy for a California cruiser friend in need. (Not saying any names here, btw) 🤣

My favorite aspect of Noumea is the fact that it’s free for us for both check in/out and the 3 month visa. The wines, cheeses and diesel was not cheap, however. But feeling very grateful! 🥰 We soon set off to Vanuatu at first light, about a 2 day sporty sail, aiming for Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu. 4-5 boat friends from last year were waiting for us around here. Feeling happy and so loved! 💕

Once in Vanuatu, we rested, rinsed the salt off Kalea and soon were ready to explore the town again. Meeting up with our cruiser friends was such a highlight. It had been nearly a year since we have seen them. We were here in Port Vila last October, but with a different season came different produce.

Vanuatu is an archipelago of more than 80 islands stretching roughly 1,300 kilometres through Melanesia. The islands are volcanic in origin and several remain active, most visibly Yasur on Tanna, which we hiked to the rim last year, which erupts continuously. The landscape ranges from rainforest and black-sand beaches to limestone plateaus and reef-fringed lagoons.

Taking a bus up to the Ekasup Cultural Village was a total experience, learning this villages Kastom (custom) ways and traditions was very interesting. This village, like many rural villages in the remote areas of still are living the ancient ways, barefoot, no cars, refrigeration, or cell phones. Love this! Discussion of Cannibalism, Dowry’s for brides, unique fishing and hunting techniques, tusked pig skulls, and the differing chores of men vs. women. Watch and listen below, this was a 2 hour walk through of their 200 year old village.