Off the beaten path - Vanuatu: A cultural and cruising paradise

Vanuatu: A cultural and cruising paradise © Noonsite

SY Uhuru of London cruised Vanuatu for three months from May to August 2023 and have only good things to say about the country as a cruising destination.

Owner James Ashwell comments, "It truly amazes us how there aren't way more cruisers here. The country is in the top 3 of the 30 countries we have visited in the 6 years we have been cruising. It is no exaggeration to say that this is how many of us imagined the Pacific to be 50 years ago, but incredibly, it is truly like that here."

James reports that they felt very safe and the people were incredibly friendly. Cruising-wise the prevailing winds allow you to sail downwind from Tana all the way to the Torres Island, and due to the shape of the island chain much of the sailing is in calm seas relative to the wind strength. "There is also a huge amount to see in Vanuatu, so allow a lot more time than you expect!", James continues. "Each island is rich in culture and the more effort you make to leave the anchorage and explore, the richer the experience you will have."

See James' detailed Vanuatu cruising report here.

The North West Passage (NWP)

Since the NWP was first crossed by Arctic explorer Roald Amundsen in 1906, more people have stood on the summit of Everest than have traversed the passage by water. The famed waterways were closed to sailors for several years, first due to the Pandemic and then when the Canadian Government extended their ban on pleasure craft and cruiser vessels. In 2021, only five vessels made it through the seven possible routes, in 2022 twenty seven were successful.

OCC Port Officer for the NWP, Victor Wejer, shares his overview on the 30 plus yachts currently tackling the North West Passage. Ice conditions show nearly all the Arctic with no ice, unlike anything seen since 2011. Read Victor's report here.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.