Thursday 5th August

Back in Port Vila Tuesday is spent doing laundry, provisioning, getting a cruising permit as we are heading to the north Islands of Epi and Espiritu Santo and checking out. We had planned on leaving Wednesday morning but some of the boats that had stayed longer at Musket Cove arrived and Yachting World was hosting a belated welcome party that night, so our departure was delayed until Thursday. A fantastic party was laid on with a three-course meal and endless beer and wine. We also met up with two new boats that are joining the rally in Mackay Australia. Gavin, Lica and daughter Shay on Sol Maria and Guy and Simone with Hugo (aged 2) and Juliette (aged 4) on Laroobaa.