News Update and Jaguars Sailing Programme for 2007
Newsletter from Auckland, Date: Mon May 07, 2007 03:24:44 am Europe/London
It's time - The southern winter is on the way!.
'Jaguar' is being prepared to sail from Auckland to Suva in Fiji at the end of May 2007. The cyclone season in the southern Pacific has ended and the warmer weather beckons. We have advertisements and brochures out for a volunteer crew to join us on the short voyage of around ten to eleven days to Suva. We will stay in Suva for around one month, maybe more, then sail to New Caledonia. The third destination is Vila in Vanuatu. Finally, we will sail to the Solomon Islands for slipping of 'Jaguar'. Weather will dictate our sailing plans from that time..
The voyaging plan for 'Jaguar' in the south west Pacific will be :
Approx. 31st. May 2007. Auckland to Suva, Fiji. From all reports we should find Suva, calm and welcoming to tourists, despite the recent troubles and now with a military government in charge.
Approx. end of June early July 2007. Suva, Fiji to Noumea, New Caledonia. Helen and Ron have not visited New Caledonia with its French culture and influence. From all the good books we read Noumea is a busy, modern city with a delightful French influence. We are told expect prices in the capital will be a little higher than we would have experienced on our Pacific voyage of 2006. Time spent in New Caledonia will be dependent on the measure of enjoyment and comfort but will be around one month - anchorage or berthing permitting.
Approx. end August early September 2007. Sail for Vila in Vanuatu. We have read and heard promising accounts of this tropical group of islands (formerly New Hebrides). Three languages are spoken, Bislama, a form of pidgin English (the national language) and English and French are widely spoken. Port Vila - the face of Vanuatu, better known than Efate the island on which it lies, is known as a tourist treasure trove. A pretty town with a great climate and an exciting range of activities and events. The joint government of the French and English at the commencement of the 20th century to deter the Germans, the USA forces which arrived in 1942 during the Japanese advance through the Pacific, adds to the colour and intrigue of Vanuatu.
Approx. early October 2007 we will sail toward the Solomon Islands. In the words of Lonely Planet "The Solomon Islands remain an undiscovered gem for adventurous travellers, divers and those seeking an authentic Melanesian experience." Weather will dictate our sailing plans from that time. Late May to early December is known as the dry season. Mid December to mid May Monsoon winds come from the west or north west bringing the wet season.
However, being around 8 to10 degree south of the Equator, the Solomon Islands do not lie in what is considered a dangerous area of "cyclone belt". There are purported safe 'cyclone holes' for yachts to seek shelter should a cyclone be threatening. Cyclones can blow up between January and April. We are considering staying in the Solomon Islands until the next dry season if safe anchorage can be found and of course the measure of enjoyment and comfort.
Our Web Master, Terry Munson, will place some of the information currently on our website into archive, leaving space for news and reports of the next voyages of 'Jaguar'. Brief details of voyages from October 2005 to November 2006, together with photos will be able to be viewed in the website. Expressions of Interest forms and an example of the Crew Agreement form will be available through your request on the website.
Our daily position on the voyaging will be transmitted to Terry each evening for him to bring you up to date on our position, as was done during 2005/2006.
Over the next three weeks it is all go, go, go in the final preparations for sail. We purchased, three days ago, another generator as a backup to our existing 240/380V Volvo and Perkins. Ron is locating this 25KVA Deutz in the engine room at this time. (We also have a 6V emergency standby generator above decks.) Whilst in port, modifications have been made to the main engine exhaust lines, decks, rails and bulkheads have been painted and also there has been some refurbishment of the crew areas.
Our berth at West Hobson Marina, alongside the Maritime Museum:
Auckland is a beautiful city, vibrant, multi-cultural and in a magnificent location. Weather wise she has soft spring like weather with the odd wild winds and storms. Our berth at West Hobson has not been as comfortable as we would have liked, due to our height of hull and upper structures above the floating pontoon walkways. During high winds and surges from passing fast ferries, it has been a battle to hold "Jaguar's" berthing lines firm to stop her from ramming the pontoons and other wonderful yachts alongside! All in all, our location at the doorstep of the city has been quite remarkable. The city folk are very friendly and helpful and the stores well stocked with products from around the world. Supermarkets are filled with a wonderful selection of foods and wines. I am preparing my victualling list at present to ensure we are fully stocked for the next short voyage.
Ron and I look forward to hearing from you from time to time and we appreciate the wonderful "feedback" and comments you make through the website. Any message to the website is forwarded on to us by e-mail. If our voyages for 2007 are of interest to you as a crewmember we would love to hear from you.
Keep happy and well
Helen and Ron Devereux
"JAGUAR"
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