Yasawa Island Group, Fiji discovery cruise / 200nm / 1 - 13 Aug 2024

13 days / cat 3 expedition cruise / Event #2419 / SILVER FERN: LAST CREW POSITION AVAILABLE

The majestic Yasawa Islands group lies northwest of the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji and stretches 62nm into the South Pacific Ocean. Their remoteness, white sand beaches, clear blue lagoons and unique terrain, makes this remote, rugged and authentic group of 20 ancient islands, one of the most stunning regions of Fiji. Fortunately because of this remoteness to the mainland, commercial development has never taken hold.

Formed several million years ago by volcanoes, the southernmost islands of Kuata and Waya Lailai have dramatic elevations, incredible rock formations and summits at almost 600 metres above sea level. The pristine beaches and dramatic landscape provide a beautiful environment in which to relax or enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

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Passage Plan

Our cruising ground - The Yasawa Islands located up to 62nm NW of Nadi

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Shared cabin: AUD$8,750 (per berth)
13 days

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ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Itinerary

You can fly directly into Nadi Airport on or before the 1st of August 2024. When you arrive at Vuda Marina, we'll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. We will aim to depart (subject to weather) around midday on the 2nd of August and leave the Vuda Point Marina, heading NW for the first of our Yasawa Island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive but if you plan to arrive prior to the 1st of August, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.

The goal is to explore the Yasawa Island group over the following 12 days, stopping daily at selected bays, attractions and islands en-route. We will aim to sail back into Vuda Point Marina on the 12th of August and you can stay onboard on arrival before departing out of Nadi Airport on the 13th of August.

The islands are steeped in mystery and legend. The Yasawan people live as they have done for centuries, keeping the spirit of the islands alive with their traditional and simple lifestyle. Blessed with dramatic volcanic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches, the Yasawa Islands is a haven for nature lovers and its a sailors dream for an adventurous ocean escapade. Further north, turquoise lagoons surround white sandy beaches. It includes the famous Blue Lagoon and as the name suggests, the water is the most inviting shades of blue you will ever see.

Many of the Yasawa islands are home to traditional island villages and it's these Fijian people who help make this cruising adventure magical. This 12 day cruising adventure will include a series of day hops and overnight anchorages in peaceful sheltered bays at many of the following islands in the group; Kuata, Waya and Waya Lailai, Viwa, Naukacuva, Nanuya Balavu, Drawaqa, Naviti, Yaqeta, Matacawalevu, Nanuya Lailai, Tavewa and Nacula.

We’ll island hop our way through the archipelago to standout spots like the awe-inspiring Sawa-i-Lau caves, swim with mesmerising mantas and discover delightful underwater coral gardens. There are secret beaches to discover, deserted bays to snorkel and scenic lookouts where you can watch the sun slip into the sea.

Famous for its natural beauty, the ‘Blue Lagoon’, is ringed by islands with soft rolling peaks. Coconut palms line the whitest sandy beaches you have ever seen and the water is a mix of aqua and turquoise, so stunning that you’ll want to dive right in and discover the coral reefs below. In the midst of the Blue Lagoon is what’s considered to be the jewel of the Yasawas - ‘Nanuya Lailai’. Dotted with palm trees and surrounded by a coral lagoon, the island is truly one of Fiji’s gems. The surrounding waters are alive with colourful fish and coral.

Referred to as ‘the very heart of the Yasawas’, the majestic Sawa i lau Caves are one of the ‘must-do’ activities for sailors visiting the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The ancient limestone formations, carved by constant wave action, are hidden within a little island in the northern Yasawas. The history of the caves is legendary; the story goes that a young Chief once safely settled with his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival Chief. Every day he would swim into this hidden grotto with food for the girl until eventually they both escaped to the safety of another island and to be together forever. The sacred Sawa i lau Caves are also known as the resting place of the ten-headed ancient Fijian god, Ulutini.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

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Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Fiji and various stopover ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, Fiji Cruising Permits, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.