Posted: 3rd November 2011
………….. so the story continues. As with many fears the reality didn’t live up to the expectation. Maybe due to proficient boat handling or it could just be down to use of the engines, Captain Paul and crew managed to coax Scally towards New Cal and arrive at Havannah Passage an hour before sunset. This masterful display of seamanship also timed the arrival on a rising tide which shot Scally through the passage at 8 to 9 knots.
Encouraged by this, a decision was made to navigate the 
additional 40 nautical miles to Noumea in total darkness under a moonless sky, eventually dropping anchor at 2300. Early the following morning Scally was moved around to Port Moselle marina and duly cleared in to New Caledonia.
There followed a week of surviving mainly on baguettes and brie whilst exploring the strange and mainly unsuccessful blend of French and Kannac culture. The First Mates new language skills paid dividends as she could now say hello and goodbye and was even occasionally understood.
However, the crew could not dilly dally too long as Australia was calling and the onset of cyclone season threatening. This morning they cleared out of New Caledonia, left the marina and are currently sitting on a mooring off the holiday island of Ilot Maitre. Reluctantly the beer fridge has been turn off as the crew needs to retire early and sober in order to be up at first light in a fit state to face the challenges on the start of tomorrows passage to land of bonze medal holders.
Paul & Glor
SV Scallywag
Current Position:
22 19’56.43 S, 166 24’23.20 E
11-11-03 16:51:52 +1100 +0000
Click here to see our current position on the google maps.