Voyage Log 2002 Tallship Soren Larsen

Vanuatu Discovery Southbound.
27th September 2002
Asanvari Towards Ranon 26/09/02
Skipper Tod Thompson has taken over from Tony - who has returned home to Auckland as planned.

Our first night of the trip after our departure from Santo was spent at anchor in Paikulo Bay [quite rolly, unusually]. Tuesday saw sail and line handling instruction incorporated with inspecting the just-bent-on outer jib and foretopmast stays'l. Any sweat on the brow was then rinsed by a snorkelling session. Set off after lunch bound for Asanvari. Great sailing with the sunset being followed by the nearly full moon. Arrived just after breakfast.

Had a good visit yesterday(25/9) with Chief Nelson and the villagers of Asanvari. Some new building was underway: for a new "Yacht Club/ Visitors area, a Woman's Craft Collective and a small bungalow for visitors to sleep ashore.

Most of the crew visited the school (the kids seemed to appreciate the interruption!), the Waterfall and some went snorkeling. The evening traditional dancing/singing/kava drinking/feast was enjoyed by all.

The dancing/singing was immediate (inches away from us), primitive/almost childlike, skilled and performed in good humour.

The kava lived up to its reputation as being more potent than else where! The evening saw the occasion of my first public speaking on behalf of the Soren Larsen; thanking Chief Nelson and farewelling him and the village until next year. Some school supplies and clothing were left in his charge for the village.

We sailed south in the western lee of the island chain to Ambrym and anchoring off Ravatlan village we organised a day's excursion here inland, through the rainforest jungle. Voyage crew also went to see the Rom dancing and custom ceremony at Vanla, a village about an hours walk inland.

At Ambrym anchor cables fouled and we stood off in the lee to clear them - which kept the crew busy while the shore party enjoyed their excursions.

Enjoyable one and half days in Maskelynes (at the southern end of Malakula) Snorkelers grew in confidence and enjoyed their dives, Robyn hitched a ride aboard a sailing dugout and a pleasant tropical twilight happy hour on deck was had by all.

Last night Sulua Bay on Emai (1st Oct 03) and ETD 1500 to head on to for Vila/Mele Is.
Captain Tod Thompson

3 October - Ships reports in from Port Vila and the end of the trip. Soren is now in Vila for 10 days maintenence and will next departure for New Caledonia on 14 - 24 October.

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15th October 2002
Ex Port Vila , Vanuatu.
We have had a scheduled break between voyages for maintenance and to allow crew a well earned break. After 10 days in Vila its good to get going again. New Voyage Crew joined yesterday morning (good to see David P. back again!) and after taking on some fuel and introducing everyone to the ship we sailed around to Mele Island in the late afternoon sun. This morning, several went over the side for a leasuirely swim after breakfast and the plan is to up-anchor after morning tea and get underway for Tanna island.

Tanna lies southeast from Vila and this will involve a motor sail to windward. the tradewinds consistantly blow from the southeast but we'll try to make it as swiftly as possible to Pt. Resolution harbour.

Reports will follow from Tanna.

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NEW :See Malakula Custom dancing pics here