Avoiding sunburn

Sorry, that's not the kind of blog title you want to hear as autumn approaches in the northern hemisphere but the west side of Fiji has certainly lived up to its reputation for delivering hot, dry weather.

We had some good coastal and inter-island sailing over the past couple of days so have had a nice beat to windward followed by enjoyable downwind legs where both the 'Irish Flag' and the 'Blue Monster' spinnakers have been flown.

Amy helming upwind...

..and downwind

We were recommended an anchorage in the north-east corner of Naviti Island by Jimmy and Carol who sail a catamaran called 20:20 Vision. We first met them in Fulaga and, as the boat name suggests, Jimmy is a retired ophthalmologist so they carry supplies of used reading spectacles to give to people in remote villages. They told us of a lovely walk across to the eastern coast of the island where there were an elderly couple living in a very traditional Fijian house known as a bure. They gave us a set of glasses to give to the lady, Claira, and she was absolutely delighted that she could suddenly read small print again; a wonderful moment.

The traditional bure

Claira,very happy with her new glasses

Last night we returned to Navadra anchorage which was a lot busier that on our last visit. We had neighbouring boats of very different character - Legacy and Bonne Femme.

Legacy - 150 ft with a professional crew

Bonne Femme, 26 ft with a Canadian single-hander we first met in Tonga. Phil's chat-up line of 'come and see my yacht' seems to have paid off, however, as he now has a very bonne femme abaord.