Jasmine and Numbatou went out for a double-handed sail yesterday with Adam (Little Wren) as part of the Mini Globe Race inaugural Vuda Marina ‘Coconut Cup’ mini Olympics. It was also a really useful shakedown sail following repairs and changes to the boat.

In both races Numbatou finished 3rd, and in the second race timed the start to perfection with the Tandem Patents spinnaker sail flying to cross the start line first.

There’s some work to do now this morning. The electric outboard needs some attention, a jammer needs replacing and a winch needs servicing. Then it’s finishing stowing, check trim and hopefully another confirmation sail this afternoon before the evening reception and leg 2 presentation.

Day 1 of the mini olympics was brilliant fun. There was croquet, tug of war, egg throwing, blind-folded dingy rowing, soduka and a paddle board race complete with skirt, bra, balloons, lipstick and beer! Just what everyone needed to relax.

Start day is this Saturday and will be live on the Mini Globe Race FB and YouTube.

to one of Jasmine’s main sponsors @hillsprint who are based just outside Thirsk. They are one of North Yorkshire’s leading suppliers of standard and large format printing. https://hillsprint.co.uk

Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

Econ Engineering

Goodechip

Vision PVC

#mouseythompson

Axel’s Trading Company Limited

To support Jasmine please consider a donation

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jasmine-harrison-MGR

Get ready for a thrilling competition that will ignite passion in young sailors and boost their skills.

This championship is set to be a highlight in Fiji, welcoming sailors to a three-day adventure of optimist sailing fun!

Discounts for early registration/ confirmations with the option to participate in the 3 day coaching clinic prior to the Championship.

For more information: admin@sailing.org.fj, mobile +679 9272043.

• 18th — 20th April 2025
• National Sailing Centre
• Suva — Fiji

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FsrTHnh28

• Blessing Of The Fleet
• Live Entertainment
• Refreshments From 1.30pm
• Free Keg
• All Day Drink Specials
• Prizes And Giveaways

Royal Suva Yacht Club Annual Sail Past Schedule

• 10.00am Briefing
• 10.10am Opening Speech
• 10.20am Fleet Manager Briefing
• 10.30am Opening Prayer
• 11.00am Depart Royal Suva Yacht Club
• 1.30pm Return & Hand Out Prizes
• 1.40pm Live Entertainment

1. One to two tropical cyclones (TCs) are likely to pass through Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone during the 2024-25 TC season.
2. Of these, one TC is likely to reach severe Category (Category 3-5).
3. There is equal risk of TCs affecting any part of the Fiji Group.
4. While the peak TC activities are usually from January to February, TCs can form at any time during the season. Out of season TCs cannot be ruled out.
5. It does not take a direct hit or a severe TC to cause considerable damage or life-threatening weather. Tropical disturbances or depressions that do not attain TC intensity can and have previously caused strong winds/gusts, widespread heavy rainfall, landslides and flooding.
6. All communities should remain alert and prepared throughout the TC season and take heed of all advisories whenever it is issued.

Figure 1: Total number of TCs forecasted for the Fiji region.

Figure 2. Number of severe TCs forecasted for the Fiji region.

Additional Information

1. To predict the outlook for the 2024-25 TC season, analogue seasons were identified, that is, seasons in the past (from 1980) with similar background climate. These seasons were 1983-84, 2000-01, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2016-17 and 2017-18.
2. On average, around two TCs affect Fiji every season. Thus, near normal tropical cyclone activity is likely for the Fiji region this season.
3. The TC season in the southwest Pacific extend from November to April, with the peak TC activities normally experienced from January to March. However, TCs have occasionally occurred in this region during October and May, and rarely in September and June. Out of season TCs cannot be ruled out this season.
4. In the past, tropical depressions also had significant impact on Fiji, especially heavy rainfall and severe flooding. Thus, it is important to take heed of all-weather advisories seriously.

Seasonal summary so far – January 2025

Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nadi – Tropical Cyclone Centre – Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Outlook – 2024

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_South_Pacific_cyclone_season

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone_intensity_scales#Australia_and_Fiji

The week-long event will be held from September 11-15 2024.

Musket Cove director Will Moffat shared his thoughts on the upcoming competition.

“We will have around 100 boats again this year.

“It should be good, we’ll see our traditional people coming the Kiwis, the nosy is doing their Pacific lap and also the world cruisers coming from as far away from the UK and Europe, down through and picking up through America and through the Panama Canal and across to Fiji so I think it should be should be a good mix,” Moffat said.

Musket Cove Resort manager Joe Mar looks forward to an entertaining week.

Musket Cove Regatta officials and sponsors Front row: From left; Liane Orlina, Grace Daveta, Mere Lisoni Back row; From left; Rajeev Reddy, Epeli Raivoka,Ratu Suliano Bogileka,Will Moffat, Sakiusa Koroi,Nitesh Chand, Wayne Deed and Hamish Black at Musket Cove Island Resort yesterday.PHOTO: Anasilini Natoga

“Last year we saw a fantastic global entry of yachts from Australia, New Zealand, USA and the United Kingdom with over 350 yachties and support crew arriving for the event.

“We‘ll have a packed schedule of events and entertainment this year for competitors, family and friends so register early to ensure you don’t miss out.

“With live entertainment each evening, the Friday night party theme this year is ‘Party Like It’s 1982’,” Mar said.

This event is one of the longest-standing international sporting tourism events held in Fiji.

The event will be sponsored by a number of companies including Motibhai Group, Marsden Cove, Vodafone, Victoria Wines, Tappoo, and Paradise Beverage.

Original : https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/100-boats-expected-at-musket-cove-regatta/

Designed for a multi-generational group of international and local yachties, the event program will feature barefoot beach parties interspersed with friendly regattas for sailing and motor yachts measuring over 22 metres.

Register your interest

The racecourse will weave through the volcanic archipelago of the Mamanuca islands, exploring the iconic setting of many a Hollywood film.

The south pacific superyacht rendezvous invites owners, friends, and crew to cast off and voyage to fiji to experience the cultural charm of superyachting in the southern hemisphere.

“The superyacht gatherings are all about building a strong community of owners and industry professionals in the south pacific,” explained founder Linda Berry. “together, we are working towards luring superyachts away from traditional cruising areas so that they can discover what this stunning region has to offer.”

The Preliminary Agenda

27th August

• Polynesian Welcome Party

28 August

• Captains Briefing
• Race 1
• Sundowners

29 August

• Captains Briefing
• Race 2
• Sundowners

30 August

• Race 3
• Sundowners
• Prize Giving

THE SUPERYACHT GATHERINGS 2024

SOUTH PACIFIC SUPERYACHT RENDEZVOUS – FIJI ISLANDS 27-30 AUGUST

FLAGSHIP EVENT – AUCKLAND 27,28,29 NOVEMBER

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.

Yasawa Island Group, Fiji Discovery Expedition Cruise – 20 Jul – 2 Aug 2024

• 200nm
• 20 Jul – 2 Aug 2024
• 13 Days
• Cat 3 Cruise
• Event #2419
• Vessel: Te Kaihōpara

Yasawa Island Group, Fiji

Itinerary

You can fly directly into Nadi Airport on or before the 20th of July 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 21st of July 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 20th of July, 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 1st of August and you can stay onboard on arrival before departing out of Nadi Airport on the 2nd 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.

Te Kaihōpara: Last Crew Position Available

• Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.
• SHARED CABIN: AUD$8,750 (PER BERTH)
• PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$23,625 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHS)
• 13 DAYS

The 72-Foot Yacht Te Kaihōpara

Te Kaihōpara is a 72ft, steel-hulled, 56-ton, ketch-rigged sailing vessel. Designed by Don Brooke and built in New Zealand. The yacht is a luxuriously appointed cruising ketch that combines the strength and safety of a steel hull, with excellent performance under wind and power through excellent design and waterline length.

Te Kaihōpara translates to The Explorer in Maori and has been renamed to capture the essence and purpose of our future adventures around this beautiful country. Built in 1976, Te Kaihōpara was formerly known as The Dove and Paul Markson II when originally launched. She has graced New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, crossed the Tasman and cruised the Pacific Islands for more than four decades under three previous owners. Te Kaihōpara was designed to explore New Zealand’s rugged coastline in all weather conditions, providing comfort with extensive indoor and outdoor spaces.

Ocean Sailing Expeditions purchased Te Kaihōpara in early 2023. She is currently undergoing a full rewire and upgrade of safety systems to meet the latest Coastal Survey safety standards with Maritime New Zealand, before relocating to her new home at The Viaduct Marina in Auckland, ready to commence sailing operations in September 2023.

Book here!

1. On average, around seven TCs affect the RSMC Nadi-TCC AoR a season. Thus, this season is predicted to have above average TC activity.
2. Around four TCs per season on average affect west of the Dateline in the RSMC-Nadi TCC AoR and around three to the east. This season, four to six TCs are expected to affect west of the Dateline, which means near average or above average TC risk. To the east, six to nine TCs are likely, which is an above average risk.
3. Three severe TCs, that is, Category 3 or higher intensity, on average affect the RSMC Nadi-TCC AoR a season. This season is likely to have five to seven severe TCs, which is an above average risk.
4. Two to four severe TCs are expected to the west of Dateline (long-term average is 2), which is near average to above average risk. On the other hand, three to four severe TCs are likely to the east of Dateline (long-term average is 2), which is an above average risk.
5. While the TC season in the region is between November and April, occasionally cyclones have formed in October and May and rarely in September and June. Therefore, out of season TCs cannot be ruled out.
6. The peak TC season in the RMSC-Nadi TCC AoR is usually between January to March, but TCs can form at any time during the season.

Number of severe TCs forecasted for the RSMC Nadi-TCC AoR

Figure 1: Total number of TCs forecasted for the RSMC Nadi-TCC AoR.

Total number of TCs forecasted for the RSMC Nadi-TCC AoR

Figure 2. Number of severe TCs forecasted for the RSMC Nadi-TCC AoR.

Additional Information

1. TC activities in the Pacific Island region are closely associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is a fluctuation of oceanic and atmospheric condition between the eastern and western tropical Pacific Ocean.
2. An El Niño event is established in the tropical Pacific, which is expected to persist through the 2023-24 TC season.
3. To predict the outlook for the 2023-24 TC season, analogue seasons were identified, that is, seasons in the past (from 1980) with similar background climate. These seasons were 1982-83, 1987-88, 1991-92, 1997-98, 2009-10 and 2015-16.
4. The TCs season in southwest Pacific extend from November to April, with the peak TC activities normally experienced from January to March. However, TCs have occasionally occurred in this region during October and May, and rarely in September and June. One of the analogue seasons (1997-98) also had an out of season TC. Thus, out of season TCs are also possible this season.
5. Tropical disturbances or depressions that do not attain TC intensity can also cause strong winds/gusts, widespread rainfall, landslides and flooding.
6. Please contact the respective Pacific Island National Meteorological Service for detailed national level information.

https://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=tcoutlook

Expect great Fijian cuisine, an informative guest speaker, an island-hop, a beach BBQ and an exclusive networking experience.

The Superyacht Gathering FIJI 2023

• Fiji, South Pacific
• 23-24 August
• Denarau Island & Malolo Lailai Island

An Event to Remember

The Superyacht Gathering community comes together in exclusive environments, with limited numbers, to enjoy experience-based events that focus on the issues important to the superyacht life – society, environment, technology and inspiring success stories from our clients, peers and colleagues.

“Luxury used to be about gold, marble and chandeliers, grand lobbies and glitzy hotels. It’s now about what guests can take away from an educational and emotional point of view. One of a kind experiences, secret locations and education are quickly becoming the ultimate indulgence.”

Vogue Living Australia

About Our Superyacht Community

Since it was first founded in 2019, the mission of The Superyacht Gathering has been to foster personal connections that promote positive change within our unique industry. The numbers of attendees at any gathering is purposely limited, ensuring that by the end of the event, you will have had a chance to speak with, exchange contact details or make plans to catch up with most of the people in the room.

But though we are petite group, we are also a powerful one. Through the Superyacht Gathering, owners, experts and influencers have been inspired to be part of the better good. Altruistic undertakings that have have been shared with our community include the Manta Ray Conservation Project on Kokomo Private Island and the Live Ocean Foundation with founders Blair Tuke and Peter Burling using their high profiles for the better good.

The Superyacht Gatherings – 2023

• Fiji Islands 23/24 August 2023
• Auckland NZ 23/24 November 2023

By Helen Sykes, Marine Ecology Consulting, FIJI

Coral reefs are ancient, living organisms, which have seen and adapted to many changes over millions of years.

It’s one of the oddities of the human race that we expect natural systems to be constant, but as the climate and environment alter, so do reefs around the world, and those in Fiji are no exception.

As you travel around Fiji you will soon come to realise that there are many types of reefs – spectacular hard coral walls, colourful soft coral bommies, dramatic and spooky rocky passages, rubble patches filled with weird and wonderful critters.

What you may not realise is that these reefs change year by year, react to pressures in many different ways, grow and adapt like any other natural ecosystem.

Scientists surveying reefs around Fiji for almost 20 years have recorded many kinds of events that impact the reefs in different areas, and in turn seen how these reefs recover and change after such events.

Things that can affect the amount of live coral on a reef include cyclones, outbreaks of coral-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish, overfishing of key reef-cleaning organisms such as Sea Cucumbers, and sea water temperature rise which leads to coral bleaching.

What is remarkable about Fijian reefs is the speed at which they can recover and restore themselves.

2014 – 2016 was a rough time for many reefs in the South Pacific.

As well as high water temperatures and Crown of Thorns Starfish outbreaks, Cyclone Winston broke up many shallow corals in its path across Fiji in February 2016. Thankfully, 2017 has been more favourable, and it is amazing to see how quickly new coral growth has started on affected reefs.

This is thought to be due to good water quality (Fiji is FAR away from sources of large-scale pollution), high biodiversity (Fiji has more than 1,000 species of reef fish and over 340 coral species) and the wide range of reef systems across the country (it is rare for any coral-damaging event to affect all our reefs at the same time, so there are always healthy corals surviving to spread new coral spawn to affected areas).

Many branching, finger and table corals can grow more than 5 cm a year, and so any small coral colony smaller than your closed fist is probably new coral that arrived after the cyclone.

Reefs in Northern Fiji

During May 2017 surveys by Marine Ecology Consulting, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Vatuvara Foundation in Northern Lau, we saw immense reef walls in the clearest waters found in Fiji, where corals in one section, broken into rubble during the cyclone, were immediately next to pristine walls of spectacular hard coals which had survived unscathed.

In other areas, corals that are normally very sensitive to high water temperatures were healthy and prospering in very warm water, giving a positive indication that corals in Fiji are adapting to water temperature rise.

See National Geographic Ocean Views blog : https://voices.nationalgeographic.com/blog/ocean-views/ and search for “Coral reefs in Northern Lau”.)

In the Vatu-i-Ra Passage and on the Namena Barrier Reef, south of Vanua Levu, hard corals on the shallow reefs tops broke during Cyclone Winston, but flexible soft corals and sea fans were able to ride out the storm, and fish life was teeming around the reefs.

New hard coral growth was already starting to cover old skeletons, but the most exciting thing was to see thousands of newly settled “baby” corals all over the bare rock tops, as coral spawn broadcast in October and November took advantage of the newly cleared spaces to settle and grow.

We counted the new corals under a frame, and in some areas there were more than 30 new corals per square metre of reef top.

On the shallow reefs fringing Taveuni Island, coral rubble from storms is already consolidating into stable substrate and being colonised by new corals.

In some places, hills of this rubble are protecting branching coral gardens behind them from strong waves, and newly settled baby corals can be found starting to reclaim the sea beds.

Baby Coral Gallery

All corals pictured were less than 10 cm (4 inches) across in July 2017, probably less than two years old, and have appeared since the cyclone of February 2016.

They are worth searching for, as with an average growth rate of 5 cm (2 inches) per year, they won’t stay this tiny for long.

Changing Reefs – Hard to Soft

Not all corals make hard calcium skeletons, some make leathery skins instead.

Once such is Sinularia leather coral, which forms large gardens resembling golden wheat-fields, notably at North Save-a-Tack Passage in the Namena Barrier Reef, and at Honeymoon Island in northern Taveuni.

Flexible soft corals have a survival advantage over brittle hard corals during strong waves, and may come to dominate a reef after a cyclone, taking the opportunity to extend their territory in a process called a “phase shift” from a hard coral to a soft coral habitat.

As you can see in the photo, many fish don’t seem to mind the change at all.

So, as you dive and snorkel around the reefs this year, look closely, and see how many new corals you can see. It’s an amazing time to watch the reef literally “re-cover” itself.

Acknowledgements

These surveys and photos were only possible with the support of the following organisations who continue to carry out and support coral reef research – the only way we will ever gain understanding of the processes affecting marine life around our islands.

Thank you all very much.

• Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages, Taveuni
• Nai’a Dive Liveaboard
• Vatuvara Foundation
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

This article first appeared in  2018 · Fiji Shores and Marinas .