There is some excellent news for cruisers visiting Fiji this year. Instead of having to clear into Savusavu (for those coming from the East) before beating into the trades to explore the Lau Group, a new trial clearance facility will be open for 10 days in Vanua Balavu from today, June 10th to the 20th.

While originally set up for the arrival of the 25 yacht strong Oyster Rally that arrives today, Fiji customs have decided to extend the service for a ten day period to accommodate the ICA Rally which is due to arrive on the 15^th June. During this time, they will also be providing for general yacht traffic.More info here…

International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Nominated Expert Tom Wilson delivered a weeklong training course that aimed to help existing experienced sailors develop the techniques required to coach sailing within their club, region or country.

Dan Jaspers, ISAF Training and Development Manager said of the training, “This is the first Course of its kind that Fiji has hosted and we are very glad for the support and feedback of the Fiji Yachting Association. We will no doubt see the Fiji Yachting Association be able to further grow sailing at all levels in Fiji.”More info here…

Tourism Fiji has recently launched a new website to showcase our beautiful country and all it’s attractions. The new website is part of the recently announced global rebranding of the country’s tourism effort under the slogan ‘Fiji – Where Happiness Finds You’. It is part of a major overhaul and brand transformation announced by Tourism Fiji last year in celebration of the industry currently responsible for providing over a third of Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The interactive site allows holidaymakers to research and book most aspects of their trip before they even begin to wonder if they will still fit in last year’s swimmers!More info here…

The Fiji Navy Search & Rescue operation is already equipped with the skills and know-how to keep you safe while cruising Fiji’s waters. This essential service has been further enhanced with the addition of aerial support provided by Helipro.

In addition to the luxurious charter helicopter service offered by the company, Helipro has been working closely with the Government of Fiji to enhance the existing Search & Rescue operations. These services include professional training at all levels of search & rescue procedures.More info here…

‘Trader’s’ general store and café at Musket Cove Marina fell victim to a freak lightning strike on Saturday evening (13th April). Unfortunately the building was completely destroyed by fire but luckily no one was injured, and no damage caused to surrounding buildings was reported. A yacht that was moored in the marina was also struck but thankfully suffered nothing more than electrical damage.

The Trader’s store is a popular stop for yachtsmen and women making use of the Marina facilities at Musket Cove, or just passing through to pick up a fantastic range of supplies, including a great selection of imported cheeses, frozen food, fresh vegetables and meat.More info here…

The first A330 arrives home here in Fiji TODAY and before touch-down, will do a fly-by over certain locations in Fiji (take a look at the fly-by scheduled route below) – so look up to the sky as soon as you hear a plane overhead  and join us in shouting ‘BULA’ to welcome her home.More info here…

You can pick up a copy of ‘Fiji’s Clean Boating Programme’ from any marina in Fiji. The programme is part of an international environmental initiative through which many marine related businesses and recreational boaters aim to improve their environmental performance. The Clean Boating component provides educational materials to help us all play our part.

As boat owners, we all want to enjoy healthy, safe and pristine waters.

More info here…