Vaka Motu Okeanos - Rotuma is sighted. Leaving an island is always difficult, but I learnt not to say goodbye as that meant you were never coming back. The connections we’ve made and continue maintaining through this kaupapa are solid and we instinctively know these beautiful shores and smiley faces will embrace and shine upon us again in the not too distant future. I must say leaving was that much easier knowing that the renowned Rotuma lay but a few moons beyond the horizon. We exchanged waves with our Fijian Family until we were out of sight, raised our sails, turned to starboard until the southerly wind swept over our port quarter and headed northwest past the offshore islands to the open ocean. This was to be our maiden voyage together as a core crew, and since there are a number of canoes represented- kinda like a waka salad- we thought it important to be ‘drinking from the same bowl’, or at least tying off on cleats the same way….Te Matau styles of course. Extra impotence was also given to a comprehensive briefing with 3 young Rotumans (whom I failed to mention in my previous blog) joining us as passengers, heading home for a break from the bright lights of Suva. Do not, however, be fooled by the term “passengers”, as in this context it means you’re on watch 4 hours in every 8. Which I’m certain is fine with these responsive, energetic, and inquisitive young stallions. As they absorb waka life, we’re entertained by tales of life on their island, inducing elevated levels of ‘can’t waitedness’. As keen as we are though to beach on the golden shores of this Polynesian paradise, we remain staunch to our oath of erring on the side of caution - remembering that it’s not the destination but the journey as we happily change our genoa out for the working jib before dark or through isolated squalls. Tawhirimatea’s relatively active in these parts, creating what’s known as the trade winds which are of the easterly nature at these latitudes and set to propel us nicely to our northern destinations. I must also mention and thank our matua Master Mausio whose presence we thought might grace us through to Kiribati but has since decided to honour prior commitments and farewell us when we depart his hanua (whenua). It’s been a pleasure sailing with such a knowledgeable, witty, and humble man. We look forward to being hosted by you…and our young stallions of course. As I write this blog, Rotuma is spotted and everyone’s excited. At 8 knots we continue to eat up the remaining few miles of our 330 plus mile voyage in what will be just over two days! The crew must be commended having not only worked tirelessly through rain at night and unforgiving sun in the day, but also cooked, cleaned, caught a prize wahoo, and trained our guests all with smiles. As the sun sets we have our last meal at sea before we anchor off the northeast coast. Jonnywell on the hoe doing 8 knots… Thanks for all the well wishes, mauri ora ki a tatau katoa! Rai & crew
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 10:18:53 +0000
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