The first spit of vegetated land

The lookouts could finally discern something in the distance. The first spit of vegetated land was in sight. Soon after, the lookout had something else to report, humpback whales. Closer to the first island, several smaller whale watching boats were hovering along the coastline trying to get a glimpse of the whales. We were still sailing as we came close to the coast and had plenty of time to take down the sails before the pilot came onboard. He manoeuvred Europa safely into the port area where we got busy preparing the mooring lines and fenders. Slowly we approached the pier where Vai, our agent in Vava’u and previous deckhand onboard Europa was waiting for us. For many of the permanent crew this was a happy reunion with Vai since Europa was in Vava’u last time in 2024. 

With clearance out of the way and the gangway nicely fit to the pier, we were free to explore the town of Neiafu. In the afternoon, the sails were furled and the yards braced in the correct position for stability in the wind. After yet another lovely dinner onboard and the plans for tomorrow laid out, Lizze gave us a wonderful show singing La Vie en rose.