Final Report from JAZZ PLAYER-TPF in the 2014 Melbourne to Vanuatu race

After 10 days, 6 hrs of racing, we crossed the finish line at the entrance to Port Vila harbour in the early evening of Thursday.

The last day we had nice 10-15kt easterlies which allowed us to make good speed to the finish - 7 to 9 knots all day. This appears to have been a narrow escape from the high pressure and light winds that have now taken hold of the fleet. Our passage through Noumea was slow but steady and we were pleased when the easterly filled in Wednesday evening. It was unusual crossing the line in the dark, taking our own finish time. We had to drop anchor overnight in the harbour as Customs had gone home. Sadly, this meant another lamb shank dinner (trust me, it was getting tedious). A nearby cruising boat delivered a few welcome beers and by 930pm, it was bed time.

We have reflected a little on this sailing adventure of the last 10 days and it's fair to say that it's something both of us will remember for a long time.

It was a tough race and aside for the last 2 days, was nothing like the 'brochure'.

On behalf of Matt L and I, thanks to everyone for following us on Facebook and your messages of support.

Thanks also to the ORCV for organising this great race. And finally, to Andrew Lawrence for so generously lending his boat to Matt and I.

Until next time.

Cheers,

Matt and Matt.  

Many thanks to Denise Setton for the above photo.

Thanks also to Paul Whybird, crew memeber on the retired GEOMATIC, now in Port Vila, for the 2 photos below.