Niue & Tonga

After the whale 20/8/12 - 23/8/12 

After a week of work, we are glad to be coming to the end of the repairs. Dennis does a trip up the mast - No problems there besides a sheave block being ripped out for the spinnaker halyard, we are now seaworthy!    For those that missed it.  We had some serious damage caused by a whale.  Details in a previous blog post.

Three whales pop up only 100m behind the boat. The other boats are much amused to see Dennis standing at the bow of our boat, yelling "Go away!" The whales are huge and powerful, it was awesome to see them swim by.

Lakepa village fair - A chance to enjoy some Niuean culture Javelin throwing.

Traditional band.

Niuean dancing.

 Weaving - with a little twist....blindfolded! 

Niue is home to the sea snakes. Highly venomous! It's a good thing their mouths are too small to bite as they often bump into you coming up to the surface for air!   This pic was taken as Dennis worked on the bow.

An island tour to the wild side.

Togo chasm.

A big thank you to the Niue Yacht club, especially Keith (the Commodore) and the other yachties who helped us out in our time of need and got us safely cruising again!

24/8/12-26/8/12 Passage to Tonga! 260 Nm fast downwind sail. Smooth sailing.

Dennis struggles with another large Dorado. 

27/8/12-15/9/12 Tonga, Vava'u group.

 These islands are famous amongt cruisers, with the sailing being very similar to that of the Whitsundays in Queensland Australia.  Check out this awesome view from the top of Mt Talu.  So many islands to go explore.  

This sand island disappears on high tide.  

Nikki's about to get very wet! Blowhole. 

Anyone for oysters? 

A relaxing wander through the plantations. 

Our friend Chris, from sailing vessel Privateer, getting us a few coconuts. 

Whale watching (from a safe distance!).

Tonga n feast - to raise money for the local community. 

No feast would be complete without singing and dancing.