fiji

EXPLOREfijiWORLD RALLYFiji is known as the Soft Coral Capital of the World, anetwork of brilliant coral reefs surround the islands with athousand species of tropical fish and several hundred typesof coral and sponges, Fiji offers a unique diving experience,as Stephen and Debbie Gratton from Amelie found out.“Snorkelling around the reef off Navadra was excellent asthe coral was varied and healthy. The fish were plentifuland we observed a Nurse Shark dozing on the seabed. Weended up diving in the bay to release our anchor chain thathad become wrapped and trapped around an enormouscoral head. The exertion used up our air and a few corallacerations later we were ready to lift the anchor. The skyhad darkened and visibility was not perfect, so we reanchoredand stayed another night - a real hardship!”“The following day we followed other members of the Oysterfleet to a bay off Naviti, in the Yasawa group. We swam withManta Rays in Tokatokaunu Pass, between Drawaqa Islandand Naviti. We observed these huge, majestic creaturesgracefully swimming over and past us. Later that evening,Amelie hosted a roast lamb supper for several of the OysterWorld Rally fleet. The next day, we travelled to the BlueLagoon anchorage, Matacawalevu (where the film of thesame name was made starring Brooke Shields). We had awonderful supper ashore in true Fijian style; pork, chickenand fish in coconut frond woven baskets, are placed on theheated rocks buried in the ground. Banana leaves and morecoconut fronds are placed over the top and left to cook fora few hours. The food was succulent and plentiful with aselection of sauces and vegetables plus home baked bread.We sat crossed legged on the ground and devoured ourfeast, with flame torches and the stars for light whilst ourhost Semme and his family serenaded us. We returned thenext day to offer gifts for their hospitality and warm welcome.It was an absolute delight to see the children gnawing onice-cold chocolate from Amelie’s fridge.We made one last visit to the Manta Rays, although theywere shy this time and then had a magnificent sail toMusket Cove, Malolo Lailai Island. Amelie became a lifelongmember of the Musket Cove Yacht Club on arrival and wehad a memorable stay in yet another beautiful spot. Wemoored stern to overlooking the bar on the sandy islandopposite. We had our final Fijian party on the beach with abuffet dinner and a live band. We danced the night awayon the sand with the additional sight of Debbie with atambourine dancing to Mustang Sally and Dancing Queen.”104 | Floating ASSET - November/December 2013November/December 2013 - Floating ASSET | 105