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Old 21-07-2015, 21:44   #1
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Smile Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Hello everyone,

We are sailing from Samoa to Port Vila via a short rest in Fiji, early next year Jan.-Feb. any advice?
Also, want to stay in Port Vila for about 7 months, anyone know of a good berth in Port Vila for a 100ft. (30meters) steel hull yacht?

Any info much appreciated.
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Old 22-07-2015, 14:57   #2
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

You might contact "No ties" here on CF. He is in marine services in Vila, and would know if such a berth is available. I kinda doubt it, though...

Jim
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Old 22-07-2015, 15:46   #3
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

The only "berths" in Port Vila are the stern to moorings on the waterfront.
100ft ? maybe...you should contact Yachting World in Vila
see : Yachting World marina Port Vila, Vanuatu

Jan-Feb is NOT a good time to be cruising around Vanuatu - it is right in the middle of the cyclone season.

See : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Pam

This was in March but they can happen anytime from December to April.

Most sailors choose to be out of the South Pacific in the cyclone season.

Cheers
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Old 22-07-2015, 23:36   #4
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

I second Jim's thoughts. No ties is your man for this.
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Old 23-07-2015, 10:11   #5
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

You could put a cannon on that thing and moor where ever you want...smile...
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Old 23-07-2015, 12:53   #6
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

I've only been there by Boeing, but no doubt you are aware that devastating tropical cyclone "Pam" went through Vanuatu May 06, 2015 There was much damage to infrastructure. Im sure repairs are still going on. It was the worst cyclone in the recorded history of Vanuatu. I was there quite a long time prior to that and yachts were either on swing moorings or at anchor in Port Vila Bay which appeared semi sheltered. If you plan staying at Port Vila or in that part of the Pacific for 7 months you will be in the cyclone season again. There have been bad cyclones in that general area including the Coral Sea in the last year or so. Some of them have brushed past us in Auckland NZ, though at much much reduced intensity, coming from either roughly the Coral Sea or Fiji direction. But with 100' of steel under you, you would hardly notice a cyclone even if you ended up on the beach. But then you might stay in Port Vila more than 7 months. Auckland NZ is a safe place to be even though we can get summer cyclones at reduced intensity. Queensland Australia has also had its share of bad tropical cyclones. During one cyclone there a year or two back most of the vessels in one marina ended up in a heap on the shore when the tidal surge lifted them over their mooring piles. It is a bit of a lottery though whether or not you get hit by a cyclone.
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Old 23-07-2015, 18:39   #7
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Much as I would like to get you here as quickly as possible so I can make lots of money out of you I would strongly recommend NOT coming here in those months as the heightened risk of Cyclone activity at this time due to El Nino. That being said, we had plenty of warning for Pam but those whose boats got trashed failed to take adequate precautions. If you were prepared to beat a hasty retreat to sea then Vila is an option. There is one resident 90' steel dive support boat that is stern to on a private berth that has room for one more boat or there is a large, very nice concrete wharf a bit further along where the owner might entertain berthing but it wouldn't be cheap. Yachting world don't supply any berths during cyclone season so are not an option but the neighbouring property has berths available but very expensive ($130/day). Is Vila essential or would you entertain the idea of Luganville which has a greater range of berthing options.
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Old 26-10-2015, 19:04   #8
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Apologies for the late reply as I've been away from our forum for a couple of months.

Thank you for the advice. Vila is where we'll be based. we may later in the year take in a few of the more isolated islands. Will make sure to take all the necessary precautions.

How about Fiji? Any recommended berths for a little one or two day break, coming in from Apia?

Thanks again.
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Old 27-10-2015, 03:37   #9
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Sam.
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Old 27-10-2015, 06:53   #10
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Re: Sailing Samoa - Fiji - Port Vila, Vanuatu

In Fiji, Denarau Marina has the space to accommodate 100' vessel. Port Denarau Marina, Fiji – Fiji's Premier Marina Facility And it's a 10 minute drive to Nadi town and the international airport.


On the other side of the island Suva harbor is large, but it's mostly commercial. And filthy. And it rains constantly.
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