Mamanuca Islands, Mana Island and Musket Cove

The Mananuca Islands are yet another bunch of beautiful, picturesque islands. They are really great to sail by, but few have an official anchorage.  

                                     

                                     

                                     

I had, however, noticed a small pencilled anchor on the chart Dad had lent us, just between Navadra and Vanua Levu.  Dad told me the anchorage looked beautiful, but the wind direction and swell weren't good when he was here last season.  

We decided to just have a look as we went past.  The wind direction was fine, and forecasts said it would get even better.  The same was said for swell.  

As we sailed in, the sun glistened off the sea lapping at the long white sand beach and shadows played on the dramatic headland.  It looked like paradise.  A small swell was rolling in, but it was gentle so we weren't concerned.  The temptress captured us, and we decided to stay the night.

As always, just as night fell, the swell got worse.  Then, it got worse and worse.  Glasses were smashing against each other, things were falling off shelves and we were being thrown around in our bunk.  Gary went to sleep on deck, to avoid the constant clattering and keep anchor watch, while I "slept" starfish across the bunk.  Suffice to say, neither of us actually slept that night.  At first light, we left without even a swim.

Desperate for some proper sleep, we headed to Mana Island, which has a good fringing reef and sheltered anchorage.  15 miles and 2 1/2 hour later, we were again in paradise, this time in completely flat, crystal clear water.  We wandered around Mana Island Resort and had lunch at "South Beach".  After seeing many of the resorts in Fiji, I would say this is one of the best.  

Mana Island Resort

Musket Cove was next on the list.  Known as a sailing mecca, Musket Cove lived up to the hype.  A big, sheltered bay to anchor in, moorings available as well as a marina, a store, and a small resort with a good restaurant and pool.  Shame we could only stay one night.

Dick's Place at Musket Cove

Dick's Place at Musket Cove

Musket Cove Anchorage

Musket Cove Anchorage

We are trying to keep the momentum going, so that we can make our mid-September due date in Australia.  After our whirlwind tour of Fiji and the Yasawas, it is onwards to New Caledonia Tomorrow!