Moving On South

We managed one night in Neiafu and with a bit of division of labour got everything sorted out without running around like mad. It's amazing the difference is makes having a couple of extra, experienced sailors on board. Its east having Jan and Tony, they know what their doing, understand the logic of a boat (if there is such a thing) and are relaxed about pretty much everything. Checkout with immigration etc was pretty straightforward except the Port Authority did not have a record of us arriving from Ha'api in September. We did inform them when we got back but somehow we slipped between the cracks or fell between the chairs if you're Swedish (odd how some expressions stick with you). Customs was a bit different as well. The customs agent, when filling out the clearance form, asked what type of boat we had, I said ketch. He didn't understand, asked if it was the same as a cutter and of course, I said no. Tony spelled it for him and then while he was completing the form, Tony drew out pictures of a sloop, ketch, cutter and schooner, labelled them and when we were done gave them to the customs agent. This distracted him enough that he did not inquire too closely when we were leaving. He did ask what time we were leaving Neiafu but not when we were actually leaving Vava'u. Immigration did the same thing and when they asked how long it would take us to sail to Ha'apai, he didn't think it strange at all that I said it would take us at least two days (it's only 65 miles!).
We also went once again to the fishing supply store and bought some 300 lb test line and new lure. Tony put together a shock line last night and tomorrow when we actually do sail to Ha'apai we are guaranteed to catch a nice Mahai-Mahi (if you believe, it will happen). For what I've spent so far on fishing gear, we could fill the bloody boat with fish. Never mind, it's the sport that's fun.
We sailed finally yesterday by 14:30 and headed first to Mala Island, too windy, then to Lapai Island, too windy, then on to Vaka'eitu where after a couple of attempts, got securely hooked by 17:30. We have a long sail today to Ovalau (4 miles maybe) but then it's an early morning departure (04:00) Saturday for Ha'apai.

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