Blog Entry 38 - 27th November 2008

Hi Folks,
Direct Gold Coast to Port Hacking arriving at 1210AM and after a good sleep came into Burraneer Bay with the tide to be greeted by family and friends.

We had a great time and would not hesitate to do it all again however next time via the Marquesas and Tahitian group in a Nordhavn of course.

As a matter of interest after successfully negotiating the many islands and on the Australian coast some 100 coal ships we nearly came to grief when it was necessary to turn sharply to avoid a yacht with only a weak mast head light showing visible for about 200 yards.  This yacht only showed as a pin point on the Radar and it was really touch and go.  Small boat owners do not realise the risk they run when a radar reflector on the mast would have saved a dangerous situation.  This said he will no doubt need to visit the laundry when he arrives at his next port and I hope the lesson will be well learned.

Love to all 

Jack.

Blog Entry 37 - 25th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Cleared Gold Coast Seaway 0600 pushing into a lumpy SE swell.  It was nice to get a mobile call from Harry who observed our departure from his high rise apartment.  Cleared Tweed Heads 0830 and being officially back in NSW reverted to daylight saving time which incidentally put me closer to lunch so it was a win win situation.  Lumpy and confused seas will eventually turn from SE to NE.  We are currently 6NM off shore running at speeds 9.5 to 10.5 kts. Swell SE, abeam Lennox Head 1325, Ballina shortly.  All is well and looking forward to coming into Port Hacking.  Will give an accurate E.T.A when passing Coffs Harbor.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 36 - 24th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Departing Runaway Bay Marina early 25/11 and heading south to take advantage of a favorable weather window.  

On arrival at the marina here we were pleasantly surprised to see Erin and Leon waving us into a good berth.  This was a remarkable feat when you consider we were at sea off Morton Light at 8AM when I rang to inform them that we were breaking the trip and entering the Gold Coast.  They were on the next plane out of Sydney and arrived at the marina in time to give our details to the marina office and still beat us by 10 minutes.  It was great to catch up with our old friends Harry and Sue and we look forward to their Sydney visit in the new year.  We were also surprised to see our old mate Niel Clarke who called in to have a yarn and spent some time with us at a local restaurant.  Erin and Leon went out of their way to make sure we had a happy time and were, as usual, excellent hosts putting on a superb barbecue at their Allisee apartment.  

Sadly our old mate Roger decided he had had enough of the good life and left for home in Tasmania a few days ago.  His dry humor and navigational expertise will be sadly missed however we are sure on this part of the trip it will be necessary to rescue those lost and confused Swedish female sailors and take them on board to safety.   

Love to all,

Jack.

BTW - When I get back I will tell everyone the real facts about our stabilizers, be careful not to listen to any rumors.

Blog Entry 35 - 19th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Small update on our progress.  We are currently 23 48S - 152 55E and after dodging large coal ships and fishing fleets we now anticipate an arrival at Fraser at 1400 today and Thursday morning at Morton light.  We received adverse weather conditions from our weather router and on nearing Morton light we will get a further report.  If adverse, we will go into Mooloolabah or alternately into Morton Bay traveling the back passage through to Southport.  Couple of days there we will probably see the expected gale force winds to blow through.  Best be sure than sorry.

Jack.

We have been towing our normal lure the past twelve hours and have caught nothing.  This lure has been really successful and I am not sure why the Australian fish don't want a piece of it. Come to think of it I had better check that there is still a lure on the end of the line...   Roger has just brewed a fresh batch of plunger coffee which is a new addition to the boat thanks to Bruce and we are going to have a slice of Christmas Fruit Cake.  At this rate I think I will need to put a piece of tree branch in a cup and throw some tinsel on it because although we are coming, so is christmas.

Lots of Love,

Scott.

JACK again:

I just read that and guess who's going to be swimming home.

Blog Entry 34 - 18th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Departed Mackay 5AM this morning and now abeam the Percy Group heading south to arrive at Morton Light (Abeam Brisbane Thursday 7PM) so at this stage should be home lunchtime Sunday.  This will of course depend largely on weather conditions which we believe will be favorable.  We are expecting a weather update from our weather router 'Clouds' which will assist in determining a more accurate eta.  

Love to all,

Jack and the boys.

Blog Entry 33 - 13th November 2008

Hi Everyone,

Well we are still in Mackay Harbour with light South Easterlys blowing.  We have our Customs clearance but that was only current for 24Hrs so now we have to apply for another one before we can leave Mackay.  Bruce had to return to Sydney because we are not underway yet and Jack and John Magiros are coming up on Monday.  Tuesday should see the wind back into the East Nor East which will allow us a good run south if we have a five to six day window we will make the run of 1000 odd mile with out stopping which will put us into port hacking on Sunday.  In the mean time we will be here twiddling our thumbs.

 

Cheers for now,

Roger.

SPECIAL POST

SCOTT: 

Hey all,

I wanted to make an extra note with this picture of Jack with Dick Smith while we were staying in Musket Cove.  We were fortunate to meet Dick, owner and founder of Musket Cove Island Resort.  In 1880's an American sailor sailed into the bay of Malolo Lailai Island, Fiji, and decided to stay. In 1959 Dick Smith sailed into the same bay and couldn't bring himself to leave either!  In 1976, he divided the Island in two and still owns half the Island today at the age of 75.  He had just returned to his paradise after visiting Sydney for hospital treatment.  It was an honor to meet him and we wish Dick and his family all the very best.

Blog Entry 32 - 9th November 2008

RECENT PICS!

Here is one of many bulk carriers we passed in the Hydrographers Passage.

This is 'The Waterfront' restaurant where the seafood is famous for a very good reason.
The little holiday island inside Port Vila Harbour.
A happy boy with our 12 pound fish.

Hi Everyone,

It is now 9:00PM Sunday in Mackay.  We arrived Mackay harbour at about 6:00PM Friday and at the wharf waiting for us were Customs, Immigration and Quarantine.  Formalities took some time – they were efficient and friendly.  The Quarantine officer did not finish with us until 7:30PM, after he had relieved us from a large store of food, including our stock of spaghetti bol – we were not too distressed about that even though it was a first class meal because we had eaten so much of it since San Diego, but the seizure of our frozen dinners was another thing and our steaks which I had been marinating since noon was our dinner that evening.  So after the friendly Quarantine officer bade us goodbye loaded down with our evening meal, frozen dinners and spaghetti bol, plus a stack of other stuff we walked ashore to the nearest restaurant and had a meal and a bottle of red – that softened the blow somewhat.  Our progress south to Port Hacking has stalled because of a south easterly change which came through last night and is expected to last until Tuesday and we then only have a narrow window to get south before the next front.  Scotty drove Brian to the airport at 5:00AM this morning with a car loaned by a friend and business associate of Jack’s, David O’Connell.  We lamented Brian’s departure over a Tapas meal and red wine last night – we all came away from that one hungry but had a good time.  Officially we are stalled here until the 21^st November because the vessel is being imported into the country and can’t move it out of Mackay until we receive written permission to do so but the Customs officer assures me he would fast track that so we can all get home.  Scotty will head over and pick up Bruce at 6:30PM this evening, so we are a crew of three again and when everything is in place we will move on south at the first opportunity.  We are looking forward to Jack joining us in Coffs Harbour if business permits. 

Cheers for now,

Roger.

Blog Entry 31 - 7th November 2008

Hi Everyone,

After a really enjoyable passage from Vila we entered the hole in the wall in the Great Barrier Reef - The Hydrographers Passage - 0600 today Friday and felt we had truly arrived in Australian waters.  It is now the hundred odd mile run into Mackay where we will clear in - that will be 1800 to 1830 this evening.  We are sad to see Brian leave us, he flies home to the USA on Sunday morning early.  He only intended to come as far as Honolulu to familiarise us with the systems on the boat, but decided to stay on for the experience - we are glad he did.  Big Bruce Munro will be joining us for the week and in that time I hope that we can make Coffs Harbor allowing for the weather and then its the 250 NM run to Port Hacking where I will hop on a plane for home.  Jack is still under the pump with business back home but hopes to join us in Coffs for the final leg.

Cheers for now,

Roger.

Blog Entry 30 - 5th Nov 2008

Hi Everyone,

We are at 18 40S - 157 21E.  Well the last two days have been extraordinary.  I haven't experienced conditions quite so calm - the wind has left us for the time being and the swell is barely noticeable.  One can walk around the boat without grabbing for a handhold.  Tuesday morning we set the line early, about 8 AM, and shortly after caught a 12 pound Dorado.  There are three meals in that one for the three of us and we have enough chardonnay to wash it down - it doesn't get much better than this.  Our cameras have been recording it all and when we get to Mackay (Saturday morning) Scott will patch them through to the blog site.  Although this experience has been very enjoyable home beckons us all and the company of loved ones. 

Best wishes,

Roger.

Blog Entry 30 - 5th Nov 2008

Hi Everyone,

We are at 18 40S - 157 21E.  Well the last two days have been extraordinary.  I havn't experienced conditions quite so calm - the wind has left us for the time being and the swell is barely niticeable.  One can walk around the boat without grabbing for a handhold.  Tuesday moring we set the line early, about 8am and shortly later caught a 12 pound Dorado.  There are three meals in that one for the three of us and we have enough chardonnay to wash it down - it diesnt get uch better than this.  Our cameras have been recording it all and when we get to Mackay (saturday moring) Scott will patch them through to the blog site 

Blog Entry 29 - 3rd Nov 2008

Hi Everyone,

Time: 1100 hours. We are at 17 43 S 165 09 E.  After re-fueling in Vila thanks to a substantial motivating probe (bribe) from Jack (they don't normally pump fuel on Sundays) we left Vila at 1100 hours on the thousand mile passage across the top of New Cal to the hole in the wall, known as the Hydrographers Passage.  This is a frequently used passage by bulk ore carriers transporting coal from Hay Point, just below Mackay, to destinations in China.  Once inside the protection of the Great Barrier Reef, and out of that south east swell that Speedbird doesn't like, we make our way through the maze of reefs that will take us to Mackay where we intend to clear in.  This passage is well marked but intricate with a number of course changes that will take us through the outer reef and into Mackay.  This territory is familiar to me having spent time here in the early eighties.  Then its the coastal hop south some one thousand miles to Port Hacking and the end of our very enjoyable journey.  Jack had to leave us in Vila and fly home regarding business and remarkably the weather took on a state of complete tranquility with soft winds and smooth seas for our final destination to Aus.  There may be some crew changes and Jack will re join us for the final passage home.

Cheers for now.

Roger.

Blog Entry 29 - 1st Nov 2008

Hi Folks,

After spending the greater part of the day running around government offices involved in a paper chase we located the 'O' ring seal and Brian has repaired the steering.  I am flying back to Australia at 7 AM in the morning for meetings and the boys have an excellent weather window for the trip to Mackay where the boat will clear into Australia.  We might have to leave Scotty like the flying dutchman never to return on land as he thought his passport looked a little grubby and decided to leave it in the pocket of his shorts when he did the washing.  Fortunately we had copies so all should really be well.  It is unfortunate that he has lost the record of his numerous journeys over the years.  We dined last night at the waterfront restaurant beside yachting world and the food was excellent.  I had a lobster that was so big I had great difficulty in finishing.  This is a great place with friendly people and many ex-pat's from Australia and New Zealand.

Love to All,

Jack. 

Blog Entry 28 - Thirty First Oct 2008

Hi Folks,

We arrived at Port Vila early this morning and enjoyed an easy entrance to a deep wide bay.  We are currently on a quarantine mooring which the local cruisers have advised us that this government mooring breaks away, what more could you expect.  We have been waiting two hours for customs and trying to get clearance so that we can purchase the new seal we need.  Brian has dismantled the helm and it is an easy job to fix.  Thanks for your concern.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 27 - Thirtieth Oct 2008

CURRENT POSITION:                        18 20 S – 171 06 E

SPEED:                                                7.0 KTS

BEARING:                                                281T

Hi Folks,

We are heading towards Port Villa in Vanuatu with a following sea off our port quarter which causes us to rock and roll a little but it is in the right direction.  We have isolated the leaking hydraulic steering pump and we are running under autopilot, which does a better job than you can hand steer anyway.  All is well we will make contact again on arrival in Port Villa.

Love to all,

Jack.

 

FROM SCOTT’S DIARY:

Things got pretty real last night; this occurred to me as I hung by the grip of my hands from the table in the wheelhouse and noticed the ocean that was about one foot from coming into contact with our side windows.  Roger came running up the stairs with his shins all knocked about saying that he had been thrown form his bunk into the bathroom with the bulkhead collecting his legs on the way through.  We both looked at each other in shock and listened to a faint yet stern voice coming from the saloon “We are running an unnecessary risk here boys, turn her away from it” Jack said. We agreed and now that Brian had collected his expensive gyro binoculars from the bottom of the stair well he helped us change course to starboard.  Shortly after this we all recognised the need for sleep after the rodeo style positions had not allowed us to get any the night preceding.   Brian went down to his bunk to find a thick red waterfall sheeting down across the doorway to the master cabin.  Oil leak! He cried and as I went for a bucket and the thick and thirsty paper towel he started opening hatches and shutting off hydraulic valves to the main helm.  We had never used the main helm the entire trip because steering from the fly bridge gives a much better perspective when docking but whilst changing course in a hurry we went straight for the wheel in the pilot house causing a build up of pressure and a burst seal.  All is well now but I thought you would all like to hear this little passage from my personal log.  Fun times at sea.

Missing everybody,

Scotty.

Blog Entry 26 - Twenty Ninth Oct 2008

Hi Folks,
Slight change in route planning.  We have run into some wild weather with seas too large to take on the beam, also over powering trying to head into waves.  So a change of direction and now running with waves en-route to Port Villa.  Current position 19 06 S - 175 07 E.  Murphy's law has also kicked in and we have a hydraulic steering leak behind the main helm.  Brian has turned off the supply valve to that wheel and topped up supply.  The auto-pilot runs separate of this system so we are OK.  If the two auto's failed we still have the emergency tiller.  To decide who will operate that manual tiller we will take a vote and all fingers point to Scott.  It will take two days to get to Port Villa unless conditions improve and I will give you an update tomorrow.

Adventures in paradise.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 25 - Twenty Eighth Oct 2008

Hi folks,

Our weather window has been indicated to commence Wednesday however we will take a punt and left at 10 AM today.  It is now 11 AM and we have picked our way through badly marked reefs to enter the high seas shortly.  Leaving earlier should take us into reasonable weather off New Caledonia however with perhaps uncomfortable conditions for the first two days i.e. 4M seas and 25 knot winds on the port quarter gradually reducing.

The stay at Muskat Cove was relaxing, pleasant and a definite must see for any visitor to Fiji, I will update our blog site as we progress and hope to report nice settled conditions, with only 1885 NM approx. to get home via Coffs Harbor we feel we are almost there.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 24 - Twenty sixth Oct 2008

Hi Folks,
Email from Clouds Badham confirming we have a partial weather window for wednesday the 29th we are checking this with passage weather and buoy weather on the net which also gives weather predictions and feel with a little luck we can leave Muskat Cove on the 28th.

We have a safety net at new caledonia as our direct track to Coffs harbor to clear customs etc runs within 50 NM of port Mozelle so weather permitting we can stay on course for australia.

Assuming we strike some bad weather necessitating a reduction in speed we should arrive in Coffs harbor on November the 6th, say one day to clear customs and have a north wall combo, a steak and lobster dish at the pier restaurant we should arrive at the marina on november 8th or 0th at the latest.

We will be in a position to give an accurate eta on arrival at Coffs Harbor however a s promised we will go all out for a weekend arrival back home.  The weather here today is unsettled and according to clouds is left over from the recent QLD storms.

Love to all,

Jack.

Musket Cove!

Boys by the Barbie cooking up a storm.

Sitting down to eat with a nice Australian red.

Speedbird looking good in Musket.

Musket Cove!

This is the Island bar serving plenty of cold beverages to all the yachties.

Here is a picture of the wharf leading out to the Island Bar

This is the swimming spot looking out to the west.

The Island Bar.

Another one of the wharf.

Blog Entry 23 - Twenty Fifth Oct 2008

Hi Folks,

Speedbird has a nice stainless barbecue however rather than get this one messy with cooking our steak we took advantage of a Musket Cove service on the palm fringed island at the end of the marina where they supply numerous barbeque's for exclusive use by the yachties and all crockery, cutlery, sauces etc free of charge.  Of course they also have a liberal supply of beer, spirits, wine etc at normal costs.  We cooked our steak, or rather Brian and Scott were the chefs and with electric table lamps and colored lights in the trees, music quietly playing in the background this is really a nice setting.  Being stink boaters we felt we were not really connecting or perhaps it was just me not wishing to connect, so we returned to Speedbird for an apple strudel dessert with a choice of two ice creams liberally drenched with rum.  Scott and Brian returned to the island bar and had a great evening talking to kindred spirits who are waiting on weather to visit the various ports around the world.  

While waiting for our weather report we thought the enclosed photos of Musket Cove might be of interest.

Fiji Facts:

POPULATION: 825,000 with around 50% Fijian islanders or due to the Indians leaving its probably swung towards Fijians.

LOCATION: 1600km north of Auckland, 2720 km north of Sydney and 5088 km west of Honolulu.  333 islands covering 18336 sq. km.  The two largest Viti Levu (10429 sq. km) and Vanua Levu (5556 sq. km) making up seven eighths of the total land area.

HISTORY: First settled 3500 years ago when Melanesians and then Micronesians populated the islands north of Fiji before moving south the first European to discover the islands was the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1643.  More than 130 years later in 1755 Captain James Cook came to Fiji.  In 1789 Captain William Bligh sailed through the islands after the infamous mutiny on the Bounty.  In 1970 Fiji gained independence from Britain and in 1987 it was declared a republic.  

Was this a good or bad move for Fiji? makes for a lively discussion.  I will make suitable comment after leaving the area.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 22 - Twenty Fourth Oct 2008

Hi Folks,

Berthed Mediterranean style at beautiful Muskat Cove bow at anchor and stern to the dock.  We cleared Fiji customs etc. at Port Denarau 2pm with intentions of running an adverse weather window detailed in a report from 'Clouds' (Roger Badham), however after 2 hours cruising it was necessary to go close to Muskat cove to clear the reefs.  My well trained nose for food detected the tantalising aroma of pig on spit so throwing caution to the wind we all voted that this would be a great layover for the deteriorating weather conditions and safely negotiated the reefs into Muskat Cove reserving a table for the evening meal.

Its a hard life, had we not stopped our evening meal was to be Barbecued steak with all the trimmings followed by apple strudel and ice cream plus a nice cheese platter with appropriate drinks, all in air conditioned comfort while the auto pilot continued its work.  This is a great piece of equipment, never complains, doesn't require feeding and we named it Fred, couldn't use a female name or it probably would have gone off course and started winging.  

Speedbird is a beautiful creation, nicely balanced and attracts much favourable comment and enviable looks I'm confident her design and pedigree will continue to stand us well.

Muskat cove consists of golden sands, turquoise water, palm trees and is surrounded by undulating hills with a deep narrow palm fringed channel to the floating marina.  As I look over this scene I feel sad as our friends who take the trouble to follow our progress can't be with us to enjoy the adventure, perhaps i need a larger vessel.

Hopefully we will get a favourable weather window over the next few days so that we can leave with the 8 boats moored an berthed here all waiting for good conditions to go to New Zealand for the cyclone season.  We remain flexible in our route and can either return via New Caledonia to clear into Queensland or direct into Coffs Harbour, whichever it may be, I should get out of here before i get too tropical and relaxed as i am slowing down to the point where the locals laid back lazy lifestyle is getting less annoying and that's not good for me.

Scott has just returned from a reef surfing morning and stated that it was the best few barrels he has ever had so Muskat Cove caters for all requirements. 

Roger just put a frangipanni flower in water on the table so I am locking my cabin door tonight.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 21 - 23st October 2008

WE ARE IN FIJI! 

This is the Speedbird lying alongside the ferry ship which services the islands of Samoa.
This is a nice moment during the crossing from Pago to Fiji.
The Westin hotel's lighting of the flame ceremony while we enjoyed a drink on arrival in Fiji.
The crew sipping on Fiji Premium.
The beautiful Musket Cove.

A word from JACK:

Hi folks,

We arrived at Port Denarau early Tuesday Fiji time after losing Sunday crossing the date line.  It was necessary to stand off the coast until we had sufficient light to work our way through the reefs as half the navigation lights shown on the charts and GPS systems were either not lit or missing.

It was great to see Erin on our arrival waving us into our berth, which required Mediterranean style anchor over the bow reversing into the floating marina.  She had arrived two days earlier with some engine filters so as usual had everyone G’d up and the Port Denarius marina staff fully organised.

At Erin’s insistence we hired a fast boat yesterday and cruised various islands which were absolutely amazing so we will clear out of this marina today, Thursday, for a stop over at the beautiful tropical, yes David with excellent restaurants, musket cove.

Of course after clearing Port Denerau it is frowned upon to stop however I believe we may have an urgent medical reason, like chardonnay withdrawal, which will make it necessary to pay a visit.

Muskat cove is a world-renowned must visit destination for all yachties and incidentally is highly recommended by Jerry from our marina. 

We have mixed signals from our weather router ‘Clouds Badham’ so we may swing past New Caledonia to clear into Australia somewhere on the Queensland coast or weather permitting direct to Coffs harbour.  If we pick the wrong route we could get mauled my southerly winds so this aspect will be given much serious consideration.

Another beautiful day in paradise but don’t get upset, someone has to do it, to get the boat home.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 20 – Twentieth Oct 2008

CURRENT POSITION:             18 23.54 S - 179 05 E

CURRENT SPEED:                        8.5 kts

HEADING:                                    248T

JACK:

Hi Folks,

We are 150 NM from Fiji travelling down the Nanuka passage between the numerous islands mostly obscured today by mist so the GPS and radar are very important navigation tools.  We should reach port Denarua marina in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

This marina had been described by Erin as state of the art and is built on a reclaimed mangrove swamp, how’s that for progress!  She has already arranged a berth specially set up for Speedbird.  We are to clear customs, immigration, health and agriculture at 9am at a cost of $700. This charge is normally applied to boats arriving outside office hours however the efficient marina staff have special arrangements so that their visitors are not inconvenienced by going through normal channels which would require clearing in at a government facility with all the red tape that would include.  Once again the power of the buck is apparent. 

As a matter of interest, an article on cruising tips in the ‘Latitudes and Attitudes’ magazine states, without a shadow of a doubt Fiji provides the ultimate check in paper work.

·      Health – two forms, each to be filled out in triplicate.  This will get you health clearance for FJ $30 to be paid at the downtown health office.

·      Customs – Three forms here, two in triplicate, one in duplicate.

·      Agriculture – One form, in triplicate.

·      Port Captain – Two forms, one copy only of each plus a payment of port fees of FJ $15.

·      Customs – again to prove you have done all the above.

·      Immigration – One form, single copy for each person on board

·      Cruising Permit – from the appropriate government department, to allow you to cruise outside of Suva. 

This example was for three people on board that totalled 22 forms and took approx. 4 hours to get through excluding the trips to the downtown health office and government departments. All offices provided carbon paper.

When dealing with un necessary bureaucratic nonsense I am constantly reminded by Roger of the saying “ Where ignorance is bliss, tis folly to be wise”

Love to all,

Jack.

 

SCOTT:

I don’t want to make anybody too jealous but this has been a really nice run.  Let me paint a picture…  Last night, sirloin steak sizzling away on the barbeque with a cold corona and fresh lime in hand.  Temperature about 25 with a warm tropical breeze whispering through at about 8 knots while the sun kisses the horizon and explodes with colour.  Jack and Roger sit back inside chatting away in air-conditioned comfort, scotch in hand.  After eating our steak, which was served with onions, vegetables and a warm garlic mushroom sauce, the major debate for the evening was which DVD we would watch before bed.  Sorry about that but I really hope this inspires you to drop everything and just go cruising because truth is, yesterday the boys and I reeled in a Barracouta the size of my right arm which is pretty massive and we will do it all again tonight!

The only thing missing is all of you and I really look forward to arriving home very soon.

Regards,

Scotty.    

Blog Entry 19 – Sixteenth October 2008

CURRENT POSITION: 14 40 S  -  172 14 W

HEADING: 259T

SPEED: 9.3 kts

JACK:

Hi Folks,

We cleared the picturesque Pago Pago harbour this morning and I must say it was sad to leave the characters we met over the past few days even the taxi drivers were unhappy if we didn’t choose their cab for transport.  The name Speedbird spread quickly no doubt through our method of acknowledgement for services rendered, i.e. a few bucks in a handshake.  It was interesting when requesting permission to leave the harbour by VHF radio to the port captain graciously invited us back, wished us well and a safe trip.  He then answered a request from a French warship that he had failed to acknowledge despite their calling for 30 mins. 

General synopsis of conditions etc. at Pago Pago confirmed there are some 60000 residence spread over 7 islands with a total land mass of 36.1 square miles, of this of course two thirds is mountainous terrain and unusable for building.  In the year 2000 the median age was 21 years.  The residence are heavily supported by Uncle Sam with a per capita income as at year 2000 of 5000 dollars.  Primary income sources are from canned tuna, government services and retailing.  The tax structure mirrors the US except for territorial tax and most importantly investment incentives.  These generous incentives include a minimum 4% tax rate on personal income, 34% of so much of the taxable income as exceeds 75000 but does not exceed 650000, 5% excise tax on items imported for commercial resale, no gross receipts, property, export or value added tax.  The governor of American Samoa can grant exemptions from local tax on some or all taxes from up to 10 years for the establishment or expansion under the industry incentives act.  Foreign sales corporations established in the territory may receive an eleven-year exemption of corporate taxes dividend distributions, custom duties and other taxes.  There is no requirement to maintain an office or agent or to hold shareholders meetings in the territory.  There is no restriction on the repatriation of funds etc. 

So when I tell you there is already one McDonalds established near the airport and another McDonalds under construction in the port area i.e. 2 for just 60000 people you will see why they are they establishing themselves in Samoa.  With cruise boats coming back to the area and a previously used cable car allowed to fall into disrepair and a mountain overlooking the port a great opportunity exists for a casino and resort.  Also noted, roads and new buildings are already being constructed by Australian companies. 

The government being aware of their alliance of the fading tuna industry currently employing some 2000 people they will go all out in assisting tourist orientated ventures.

We expect to arrive in Fiji on the morning of the fourth day at sea it is now happy hour so we will catch up later.

Blog Entry 18 - 14 Oct 2008

Hi folks,

After 2265NM from Honolulu we have arrived at the island of Tutuila (14 17S, 170 40W), now universally known as Pago Pago pronounced pang-o pang-o after the main port of entry.  This island like the Tahitian group is mountainous and is considered to be one of the best ‘Hurricane holes’ in the south pacific, hopefully we will not need a hurricane hole.  This is a commercial port for the large fishing fleet and tuna-canning factory.

Even with the short break at Fanning Island this trip has been a little tiring, bucking the trade winds, 3M swells that strike the port quarter and port side.  The stabilizing fins are superb and necessary for an ocean trip in a motor vessel. 

The restaurants are described as ‘unremarkable’ in our pilot books and whilst we will seek a good restaurant even an unremarkable one that stays still will do.  In fact we had lunch today at an ocean front restaurant and were given extra beer because the 4 meals did not arrive together.  The meals were excellent and when this beautiful port comes up to tourist standard it will be the place to visit.

The crew are happy and well, and Speedbird is superb.  She is burning 3.7 US GPH plus 1.5 US GPH to run the generator to give us air-conditioned travel.  The garbage compactor is great and allows us to compact and store a large volume of rubbish in a confined space.

We have met the requirements of customs, immigration and port authorities and will get a spot to anchor in the harbour tomorrow.

Love to all.

Jack

Blog Entry 17 – Eleventh of October 2008

POSITION:                 09 27S, 167 30N

SPEED:                         8.0kts

HEADING:                       199T

BRIAN:  

Como ninguem me-falou que a ultimo entrada no blog foi bom ou ruim, eu vou fazer outro para vocês.  Esta semana foi muito interessante, comprido, legal, e chatô.  Fanning Island é igual uma cidade bem no interior da Bahia, mas o interior mesmo.  Não tem electricidade ou communicações com o resto do mundo.  Não tem telefone ou internet.  Tem um cara com um HAM radio só.  Tem dois out res carros que anda, menino corrindo nu na rua, e as casas são feito da cocôqueira, que tem muito.  A agua é bem clara, turquoisa, linda.  Praias maravilhosas.  Nosso barco foi a terceira que parou lá este ano.  Tres dias atráz a gente cruzou a linha do equador, duas horas da manana – um brinde de rum para todo mundo…  Agora nós estamos no posicão 9˚S 167˚W.  É para chega segunda-feira no Pago Pago, Samoa.  Este semana que passou o mar ficou mais chatô ainda, e pela a primeira vez em minha vida eu ficou expulso, rejeitado da cama!  Fui voando contra a parede – por causa das ondas…  Mas é isso.  Todo mundo está esperando a chegada na terra firma.  A gente vai comprar comida e combustível, relaxe um pouco, come bem, e depois o dono vai pegar avião para Australia e eu e os outros dois austalianos vai para a isla do Fiji.  Mai sou menos tres dias de viajem da Samoa.  Os aussies são felizes a estam no hemisfero deles, no sul, e para mim a aventura vai continuará.  Goodbye, amor, beijos e abraços.

ROGER:

Hi everyone,

Its 1230 local time and we are at 09 27S, 167 30W.  Since leaving Fanning Island there isn’t much to write home about except the difficulty of staying on our feet preparing quick and simple meals and dealing with the incessant roll of the boat in 3M swells on our beam.  The south east trade wind strengthens each day and mercifully sometimes at night drops off leaving conditions a little more bearable.  I set up a mattress on the floor of the saloon and whilst off watch I sleep there but keep sliding off it, so I now sleep on one of the recliner chairs in the saloon.  I can wedge this across the saloon between table and sideboard and feel reasonably confident the recliner and I won’t part company.  Jack has the best berth on the setee in the saloon, Brian in the master cabin where on one particular rough night he finished up on the floor.  Scott moves about the boat like a cat trying to find the most comfortable place to sleep whilst off watch.  We have another full day and two nights of these conditions before reaching Pago Pago, ETA late AM Monday our time.  So far this passage has been voted the most uncomfortable and we are all looking forward to getting into Pago.  Love from us to all.