Freedom and Adventure: Settling into Port Vila Vanuatu

Freedom and Adventure perfect sail © Andrew and Clare Payne / Freedom and Adventure

We extended our Visa in Fiji and waited an extra three weeks to get a good weather window to sail the four day trip to Port Vila Vanuatu.

Rain rain go away

Upon arrival we moored to the wharf at Yachting World Marina and spent the next two days getting phone and Internet access after numerous trips to both Digicell and TVL.

It rained solidly for the next three days, not a good start for a new location. It didn't stop us from venturing out with umbrellas and wet weather gear.

We went exploring once the sun came out and saw Parliament House, The Convention Centre, a low security goal and we watched girls teams playing a Rugby League match.

Getting to know you

We didn't know what to expect in Vanuatu and to all reports it sounded less developed than Fiji. However we have found Port Vila to be very progressive with good shopping. Both the supermarkets and the local fresh food market are excellent. We can get everything we want easily. A nice change from having to fossick around and buy things when you see them in case we don't get another opportunity. In particular, the good quality beef, French cheese and baguettes are a welcomed change.

A good feeling

Went over to the Boat Yard in Port Vila where we will leave Eye Candy in November for the cyclone season before flying home. It was very pleasing to see the yard nestled at the foot of a mountain with substantial trees on all sides. The yard itself is fairly basic but it has good steel cradles and heavy tie down chains fixed to the ground. During the last cyclone there was no damage to boats on cradles in this yard. After our visit we are happy and reassured that Eye Candy will be safe. We realise of course that there are no guarantees, but it is a risk we are prepared to take.

What a surprise

The yard doesn't supply dehumidifies so upon advice we set off to find Wilco Hardware. We flagged down a mini bus and after paying the $1.50 fee the driver took us out of town to the industrial area and dropped us at Wilco Hardware which was every bit as good if not better than our Bunnings. The industrial area was quite a shock, many of the big name stores and car yards were represented. Unfortunately we did not get a dehumidifier but Martie at the boat yard who recommended Wilco said she will continue the hunt for us.

Take a look

Andrew has been helping a fellow yachtie with his radio which has not been performing for quite some time. He has been over on his boat a few times and so yesterday I went for a walk with the camera along the waterfront and around town. The water front is lovely with a good walkway, gardens, playgrounds for children, coffee shops, bars and al fresco dining. There is a traditional building with a comprehensive display our local arts and crafts and I came upon the tail end of what looked like a Master Chef competition. There was a large crowd dispersing and they were packing up the cameras etc; pity I missed it.

So far Port Vila has been a wonderful surprise. Good medical and dental, duty free shopping, many good restaurants and boutique shops, The local people are very friendly and we feel welcome here. Tonight we are meeting up with friends at the Yacht Club Bar for drinks,

So what's next

On Friday we are flying south to the Island of Tanna and spending three days at the Evergreen Resort. We want to do the Tanna Volcano Tour and also the Eco Cultural Tour. But more about this next time.

This article has been provided courtesy of the Freedom and Adventure.