Your Essential Guide to the Shores and Marinas of Fiji
Our hardworking friends at Fiji Islands Customs & Revenue (FRCA) have just released a new ‘Advance Notification/Inward Report for Yachts/Small Craft’ document (C2C Form) for inward bound yachts and small craft which replaces both the old “Advance Notice of Arrival”, and the “Inward Report” forms. More info here…
In a vision to unite ancestral wisdom with the best of modern technology, Pacific Voyagers has created a family of traditional sailing canoes powered by renewable energy and designed to provide a system of inter-island transport that is both culturally meaningful and environmentally sustainable. The three types of vaka (canoe) include vaka moana (open ocean canoe), vaka motu (inter-island transport canoe), and vaka hapua (lagoon canoe).
The Pacific Ocean encompasses one third of the Earth’s surface and is dotted with thousands of small islands, all connected by miles of vast blue. Pacific cultures share a rich heritage of seafaring and deep sea voyaging that is guided by a profound understanding of nature and non-instrument navigation. Today, inter-island transport is largely dependent on ships powered by polluting fossil fuels.More info here…
Levuka is a historical town on the eastern coast of the island of Ovalau. Formerly the Capital of Fiji, Levuka has just been listed as the country’s first World Heritage Site!
The news was welcomed on behalf of the Fiji Government, and described as “historic” and “a wonderful day for Fiji” by the Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Art’s, Filipe Bole, and the Attorney General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Both Ministers said the declaration was a landmark day for not only the people of Levuka but also the entire nation.More info here…
Our friends at Nadraki have kindly given FijiMarinas.com the heads-up for heavy swells due to coincide with spring tides over the coming weekend (June 22nd & 23rd).
Indications are that Fiji could see swells of up to 3.5 to 4.5 metres in amplitude (7 to 9 metres crest to trough) over the coming weekend commencing later Saturday and peaking Sunday night. More info here…
There is yet another great excuse for cruising on in to our Nations Capital and paying a visit to Fiji’s oldest Yacht Club – The Royal Suva Yacht Club! In celebration of Fiji’s live music scene, close to 40 of our most respected and seasoned musicians will reconnect from all over the world to perform on Saturday the 22nd June at 7pm for a night to be remembered!
This historic event showcases the crème de la crème of Fiji’s performing artists of the 60s, 70s and 80s, joining together to commemorate the country’s live music history.More info here…
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 15th 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…