Jean

Unless it has changed recently there is no bond for New Cal. A great place to go. Good temperatures nice anchorages. Isle de Pin is beautiful as is Ouvea in the Loyalties. Easy sail to Vanuatu. Santo Island has some great beaches. Lots of anchorages in Vanuatu. But a month stay costs a bit as far as I remember but definitely worth it. If you want to get away from the tourist horde as in Fiji. Vanuatu North from Villa is the place to go. And Tanna is worth a visit all on its own. But If you want to just laze around in resorts dont go to Vanuatu.

https://www.facebook.com/roger.foley.180/posts/1859954887577548 Radio NZ interview with one of the crew from Jungle. Wow a big expensive boat like that not insured. You would think an uninsured boat would be a bit more careful with their navigation. Although uninsured or not careful navigation around reefs is a must. In the interview only radar is mentioned re navigation I wonder what was happening with charts/electronic or others. Not sure if I am right but I thought Fiji require boat owners to dispose of any wrecks on reefs etc.

Cruising with kids .... its been many years since our kids were small... but we found that sailing in the Christmas holidays was enjoyable if we targeted one area. Waiheke Channel area is good when the kids were quite little. Some good beaches for the kids, close anchorages to suit all wind directions. The same goes for Barrier, Coromandel and the BOI, just don’t try to do all three in one holiday!!!....too much sailing can put the kids off but also not enough involvement in the sailing...pulling ropes etc, can also put kids off. Sail in the afternoon the kids can have a sleep... depen