Exotic sailing holiday? What about Tonga?

by Cruising Editor on 31 Jan 2006 Following the successful Kalia Cup of 2005, the tiny Kingdom of Tonga will once again welcome the 2006 rally in October this year. The quaintly named Vava’u Islands are the cruising grounds chosen by the organiser, Mariner Boating. While Tonga consists of around 170 islands, the Vava’u Islands have just 50 spread around shallow lagoons and coral waters, where the water is around the same temperature as the air, and the area is also known for excellent scuba diving and snorkelling.

For more information about Tonga see the recent article (opens a new window) and search News for ‘Tonga’ , or the http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/tn.html!World_Fact_Book!same or the www.matangitonga.to!Tongan_Newspaper!same , Matangi Tonga or the http://www.tongaholiday.com/!Tonga_Tourism_Bureau!same. For more information about the Rally itself, consult Mariner Boating.

In the meantime, just to whet your appetite, here’s the proposed itinerary:

THE KALIA CUP PROGRAM

Wednesday October 5 – Depart Sydney for Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga. Transfer upon arrival to overnight hotel accommodation in the recently renovated International Dateline Hotel.

Thursday October 6 – Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Neiafu in the Vava’u group. There you will board your yacht at The Moorings charter base in Refuge Harbour. In the evening there will be welcome cocktails, dinner and a show at the Mermaid Restaurant after check in.
Friday October 7 – Race 1 to Hunga Island – Distance 10 miles
The course will take the fleet in a South-Westerly direction down a narrow passage, that’s only a mile wide in places, past the spectacular Kitu Island. After entering Hunga Lagoon through a key-hole entrance you will enjoy some real Kiwi hospitality at the Ika Lahi Lodge.

Saturday October 8– Lay Day
Spend your time relaxing in the lagoon or hire Steve from Ika Lahi Lodge for a game fishing expedition. Alternatively, motor down to the Blue Lagoon Resort where the legendary Fredyl will prepare a meal to remember in his restaurant. Bookings are essential.
Sunday October 9 – Lay Day
Sail across to Vaka’Eitu and snorkel on the coral gardens or enjoy lunch or dinner at the Papao Village resort and restaurant.

Monday October 10 – Races 2 & 3 – two short races of 8 miles each
Race 2 will be work to the uninhabited island of Fonua’one’one where there will be a stop for lunch and a swim. The snorkelling here is superb and the sand beach rarely sees human foot prints.
Race 3 to Port Maurelle – Sail across the wind back to Port Maurelle, which has a spectacular sand spit at its eastern end. There will be a beach BBQ and coconut bowling competition at Port Maurelle. If we have enough starters a star mooring that will facilitate a moving cocktail party may be an option here.

Tuesday October 11 and Wednesday October 12 - Lay Days
There are two excellent restaurants and a host of anchorages within easy reach of Port Maurelle. The Mounu Island Resort is famous for its cuisine and La Paella on Tapana Island, is known for its slightly outrageous flamenco parties.

Thursday October 13 - Race 4 to Utangaki Island – Distance 8 miles
After rounding Katafanga Island to starboard this race will finish in front of the Tongan Beach Resort, which offers an excellent restaurant and bar as the venue for the post-race presentation, drinks and dinner.

Friday October 14 – Lay Day and Race 5 (at Twilight Time)
We are planning a sea-kayak regatta in the morning and the management of the Tongan Beach has offered a sumptuous lunch to the winning couple. Alternatively the Swallows Cave and the Mariners Cave are both nearby; one you can motor your dinghy into, the other you have to dive into through an underwater entrance!

Later in the afternoon we’ll return to Neiafu to join the Friday twilight race around Refuge Harbour (the results of which will count in our series). This race will also involve some of the cruising fraternity who pass through Tonga at this time on their way across the Pacific. The race presentation will be held at Ana’s Bar & Café.
The final night dinner and rally presentations will again be held at the Mermaid Restaurant after which there will be live music in the wake of the twilight race at Ana’s. A big night is promised.

Saturday October 15 – End of organised Rally period – lots of other opportunities if you’re not ready to head for home yet.