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Post by Fogg on Aug 25, 2023 17:35:23 GMT 12
Nice update, thanks CZ.
Have you considered doing a video update at all?
Last Q: are you connecting to local cellular for Wi-Fi or using Starlink?
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Post by ComfortZone on Aug 25, 2023 22:32:06 GMT 12
Nice update, thanks CZ. Have you considered doing a video update at all? Last Q: are you connecting to local cellular for Wi-Fi or using Starlink? Never thought about a video update. We have been running local cellular for the trip, have SIM's from both providers, Digicel and Vodafone and we have been able to connect to one or both of them just about everywhere in Vanuatu. Network has been expanded significantly since I was here in 2019. Vodafone focuses on the main centres whilst Digicel has generally much better coverage regionally. In general the cell network coverage has been far better than you get in NZ. Starlink will be installed for our NZ Summer cruise as GF needs continuous connection to work, and if we could get one we would have it for New Caledonia as cellular connection for tourists there is extortionately expensive.
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Post by ComfortZone on Sept 1, 2023 16:15:40 GMT 12
Cleared out of Vanuatu (Port Vila) this morning, topped up on food, water and duty free fuel. Will spend the night at Mele Bay and as long as forecast holds up will be on our way to Noumea in the morning.
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Post by muzled on Sept 1, 2023 17:42:03 GMT 12
Cleared out of Vanuatu (Port Vila) this morning, topped up on food, water and duty free fuel. Will spend the night at Mele Bay and as long as forecast holds up will be on our way to Noumea in the morning. Cool, hope the trip goes well! Will it be a 3 day trip?
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Post by ComfortZone on Sept 1, 2023 22:21:01 GMT 12
Cleared out of Vanuatu (Port Vila) this morning, topped up on food, water and duty free fuel. Will spend the night at Mele Bay and as long as forecast holds up will be on our way to Noumea in the morning. Cool, hope the trip goes well! Will it be a 3 day trip? Bit less if PW modelling is correct, 48 hrs to Havanna Passage (215 NM), then another 30 miles to Noumea, so expecting to arrive Noumea Monday afternoon. Key is catching the incoming tide thru Havanna Passage, low tide there Monday is 0315, high 0925, need to pass thru there before 0700 or will need to wait for next cycle
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Post by Fogg on Sept 3, 2023 10:42:13 GMT 12
I enjoyed the markets in Noumea and the French vibe in certain cafes & bars. It’s the best baguettes and croissants in the S Pacific.
But not cheap - although I’m out of date compared to other high-tourism spots like Fiji.
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Post by ComfortZone on Sept 4, 2023 16:53:16 GMT 12
Arrived in Noumea just after midday today, departed Mele 0700 Saturday. An OK passage, bit much motorsailing with light winds to much on the nose, about 2/3's of the trip, but I am no purist, just want to make good time for the passage. Max wind was 22kts, sailable winds around 15-18kts, CZ gets sticky below about 12. Reached our time slot at Havannah Pass at 0600 in bright sunny conditions with wind dying away, saw SOG of 9+ knots with motor at 1500rpm. Disappointingly weather packed it in close Noumea, drizzly rain. Sitting in Port Moselle marina, Quarantine have already been and taken the little produce we could not eat. GF had a big cook up on the way to use all our eggs. Will spend a couple of days here restocking and catching up on sleep, then as soon as weather clears head out for a few weeks. Will provide feedback about high prices, expect we will not be disappointed. Stocked up pretty well in Port Vila, really only fruit and veges we are after, plus a few "comfort items"
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Post by Fogg on Sept 4, 2023 17:16:59 GMT 12
Was disappointed we never made it out to the Ile des Pins which looked great in the brochure - hope you can explore.
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Post by ComfortZone on Sept 4, 2023 17:22:37 GMT 12
Was disappointed we never made it out to the Ile des Pins which looked great in the brochure - hope you can explore. From my 2019 visit, will repeat for sure
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Post by Fogg on Sept 4, 2023 18:29:58 GMT 12
Do you have a drongo?
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Post by ComfortZone on Sept 5, 2023 17:59:54 GMT 12
nope, pictures were taken by Dan off the big yellow cat. Shortly thereafter the drone had a bit of a swim. Last time i saw it, it was in pieces on the dining table.
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Post by ComfortZone on Sept 13, 2023 14:38:35 GMT 12
weather not exactly cooperating here either, had originally intended to head for Isle of Pines on Monday but did not like the look of the weather on the day or the outlook. Has not got any better, currently raining and going to keep doing so next few days. We are up the top of Baie de Prony in a very sheltered anchorage. Bit of a blow coming on Friday, Noumea forecast to see 40+ kts, not so much here. we are at the white dot, comes up on Marine Traffic we have good cell reception here so GF can keep working on her web sites. I have my GST return to do (boring) some indoor boat maintenance and plenty of paper backs to read. Anchored next to us is Oro, on of the first Ron Given 14m cats built by Grant Mitchell for New Caledonia in the late 80's. The original owner subsequently had the 15m version Norma built, also by Grant, and still owns her. She is often seen in the BOI in NZ's summers. When in Noumea I was wandering around the main haulout yard and saw Slime (John Hughes old cat) with axe bows being added.
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Post by GO30 on Sept 13, 2023 15:29:15 GMT 12
After much discussion the team can't understand why you'd think CZ has someone who purchased a Riviera or Maritimo on board with him.
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Post by Fogg on Sept 14, 2023 9:53:17 GMT 12
After much discussion the team can't understand why you'd think CZ has someone who purchased a Riviera or Maritimo on board with him.
[/quote] I wasn’t asking about plastic pollution.
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Post by Fogg on Sept 14, 2023 9:53:48 GMT 12
After much discussion the team can't understand why you'd think CZ has someone who purchased a Riviera or Maritimo on board with him. I wasn’t asking about plastic pollution.
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