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Day 1: Embark at Santo
On arriving onboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 to 10: Island hopping to discover the diversity of Vanuatu cultures
Sailing north up the east side of Santo we will stop and anchor, probably at famous Champagne Beach.
The northern Banks and Torres islands are the most inaccessible in the group. Named by Cook in honour of Sir Joseph Banks they stretch 60-100 miles from Santo. These rugged and mysterious islands are entirely untouched by modern tourist development and this voyage will be a truly unique chance to see an area beyond the normal reach of other travelers.
The islands and anchorages we reach will largely be dictated by the wind and weather conditions. The prevailing trades are from the South East which will allow us to sail to the north east corner of Santo island, perhaps visiting the French settlement at Port Orly before sailing north to the steep volcanic island of Gaua the first in the Banks Group.
RA
North is Vanua Lava, the largest island and administrative centre of the Banks and Torres with Port Patteson as it's a large and scenic bay. We may prefer to spend a day at nearby Ra Island and enjoy its perfect white beaches and brilliant coral. The custom dance particular to this island is the Snake Dance which is a spectacularperformance.
UREPARAPARA
Time and wind direction will decide whether we visit Mota Lava or the uninhabited Reef Islands Lagoon before making to the island of Ureparapara at the north west end of the Banks. This last anchorage is inside the huge breached crater of the volcano that constitutes the island and its steep, spectacular walls make for a strenuous but rewarding hour's climb through the jungle to the crater rim. Here we visit the well established village, see custom dancing and have the chance to buy wood carvings.
We should expect to have to make to windward back to Santo and will sail or motor sail down the protected (leeward) west side of Vanua Lava stopping at a good snorkeling anchorage we know with a thunderous waterfall falling to the shore. We might make an overnight passage to maximise our time ashore. If there is time, it is worthwhile sailing into Big Bay on the north coast of Santo. Here the Portuguese navigator Quiros first discovered and named the land, thinking it was the fabled great southern continent, and the rugged hills and dense rainforest are just as he would have seen them in 1606.
Alternatively the master may choose to sail down the west coast of Santo, calling at the coastal villages there who see very few visiting boats.
ON WATCH
A duty watch system will still operate while we are under way but this will be less exacting than on an uninterrupted ocean passage. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the 13 permanent crew and you, the Voyage Crew, are free to explore ashore. Most nights will be at anchor as sailing distances between the islands are perhaps only 20-70 miles. We will usually weigh anchor early each morning and aim to arrive at our next anchorage by early afternoon although there will be the chance for a couple of overnight sails between the islands.
When at an anchorage we use Soren's 17 ft inflatable boat for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has masks and snorkels for all those who want to swim from the ship.
VILLAGES
We will be visiting some fairly remote places, and we are fortunate to be able to see life in their village communities. People live in traditionally built bamboo and thatch houses, cook by heated stone ovens and are without electricity. They are extremely welcoming of visitors even though our lifestyles are literally worlds apart. There is no problem about photography, but we should be considerate when using cameras or video.
Where there is a modern school we've found that paper and writing supplies are extremely useful and the ship brings school books for them each year. If you have room when packing for a couple of clothes items that you wouldn't mind leaving behind, these are always very gratefully received in the villages.
If a local cruising permit is levied on the ship by Vanuatu officials then this will be shared and charged individually. (Maximum $40-50 per person. Last year the authorities did not charge the ship.)
Our sailing between anchorages in the island groups may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However this allows those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get involved in handling the ship under sail. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system as Voyage Crew which will operate while we are under way and you may have your turn at the helm, on bow lookout or helping trim sail or help tack ship.
Going aloft is a unique experience but is not compulsory and everyone can decide when or if they'd like to. People of all ages join us and many have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Disembark at Santo
The voyage finishes back at Luganville on the southern side of Santo and it would be worth spending a day or so here after the voyage if your time allows. The town was the main American base in W.W.II and today is the only main town on the island. When the Americans left, they chose to bulldoze all their war surplus equipment into the sea rather than leave it behind and the huge collection of trucks, jeeps, and stores lies just off the shore at Million Dollar Point. It now forms a colourful reef to dive around or seen with snorkels.
For experienced scuba divers the US President Coolidge is a must. The 1930's luxury passenger liner was sunk by a friendly mine and now lies intact on its side in 70-200 ft of water. We can organise diving groups through a local diving operator for what is the most amazing wreck dives in the world. There are also guided tours around this island of contrasts.
Espiritu Santo, a short internal air flight north of Port Vila. Vanuatu is a Malaria Risk Area so insect repellent is vital and it is recommended that you check with your own doctor whether malaria medication is necessary or suitable for you.
Included meals: Breakfast
