Musket Cove - Fiji

Anchored in Musket Cove usually are cruising yachts from all over the world as this is a great stop on a worldwide voyage. Musket Cove Marina offers dockage for smaller cruising yachts and mooring balls. There are shower facilities, propane gas refills, diesel fuel and self serve laundry facilities, which are all hard to come by when cruising through the South Pacific and therefore welcomed by most worldwide cruising sailors. The Trader Shop offers a good selection on groceries and ice and on the marina grounds is a Tiki hut that can be used for barbeques with old or new friends met in the anchorage.


Musket Cove Yacht Club Welcome Sign

Musket Cove Yacht Club will serve as a mail stop for an additional charge for world cruisers and also offers a dinghy dock, water, garbage bins, telephones, fax and email. However no longer is the name of the yacht associated with a new member carved into the overhead beam, as that beam is full, and a great testament to the number of yachts that have been in Musket Cove over many years. Every September, the yacht club organizes and sponsors the week long Fiji Regatta which draws both locals and worldwide cruisers.


Musket Cove Resort Pool and Beach

Along with the Musket Cove Yacht Club there is also the Musket Cove Island Resort with single room bures, multi room villas, a restaurant, bar, spa, and gift shop that sells yacht club items. There is also a dive shop, offering diving and snorkeling, and other water toys and a very nice beach. Membership in the Musket Cove Yacht Club gives the right to use the resort facilities.


Fiji Beach

Musket Cove Yacht Club is well known to yachtsmen that have cruised through this area and should be a stop on a yacht charter through the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

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Crew of Bel Mare in Fiji

Following is the crew profile highlighting the native Fijian aspect of this crew, as it is this aspect that makes a charter on Bel Mare the true Fijian Experience, including that huge world famous Fijian smile.

CAPTAIN
NEAL ADAMS
A native New Zealander, Neal has spent over 30 years on charter yachts worldwide before settling closer to home in the Fijian Islands. Neal has a passion for cruising and chartering and has a knack for making people feel comfortable and enjoy their time while on board. He also enjoys the friendliness of the Fijian people and has identified this as contributing to the success of the Bel Mare.

CHIEF ENGINEER
JOSEPH SAMUELA
Joseph is a tall young, hard working energetic member of the crew.
Although he is a Class 3 commercial engineer and in charge of making sure all runs right, Joseph also can be seen driving the tender, and assisting with all the water sports. He is a great scuba diver. Of Rotuman/European descent, with a Fijian mother and European father, Joseph was raised on a Fijian island and now has a Fijian wife and two young boys. Joseph is always smiling and is very personable and friendly. And at night, Joseph has been known to join the other crew on the ukulele singing island songs.

CHEF
MANASA HERITAGE
Manasa is a native Fijian with a welsh grandfather. Manasa is married with 4 children and lives with his wife Litia in Lami, where in his youth, he was a talented wood carver.
Manasa has spent a large part of his life since as a chef and seaman working in the early days with Dilman Tanker and Gas ships plying the world, where his cooking repertoire was brought to gourmet standards cooking for European officers and their guests. Since returning to Fiji, Manasa has been the Chef on board several charter yachts, producing local Fijian culinary delights with an international flair. Manasa is very flexible and can produce any menu to personal requirements, and will also pick up a guitar and join in singing island songs.

HEAD STEWARD
MOSESE MARAWAI "MO"
Mo comes from the tiny island of Komo in Lau, which is the most remote eastern part of Fiji. Humble and courteous with a big smile, Mo welcomes everyone on board and is very attentive to every need. Mo's Grandfather is the Chief of his island, which is a hereditary position, that may one day pass down to Mo. As such, Mo is very well versed in island cultural ceremonies and dances and is the "cultural attache" on board to organize all village visits. He is the Bel Mare "Chief" when visiting villages and for the Sevusevu ceremonial presentation of Kava root to request permission for Bel Mare guests to come ashore.

Mo is also a talented musician and singer, having had a band in earlier years featuring Fijian music. Mo is the leader on board singing and playing the guitar to entertain the Fijian way, with music and island songs around the Kava bowl.


Village SevuSevu Presentation of the Kava Root

For those that want to scuba dive when in Fiji, which is an excellent scuba location, a Fijian Dive Instructor can be brought on board.

The top deck area of VvS1 was decorated with traditional Japanese lanterns, hanging on the Teppinyaki Grill area where we gathered for our on board Japanese experience. Chief Stewardess Liv Walford filled our glasses with a selection of cool New Zealand white wines, and served a starter of fresh miso soup while we watched Belinda get to work and dinner started to appear before our eyes. Fish, shellfish, beef, and chicken sizzled on the grill with a variety of sauces as we enjoyed course after course. Grilled vegetables also were served and Belinda created a grilled "fried" rice that was excellent. And all of the while, Belina explained various aspects of Teppinyaki Grill and Japanese food preparation for a starlit cooking lesson, which we all enjoyed as our Teppinyaki Grill Japanese Dinner.


Teppinyaki Bar and Grill on M/Y VvS1

Only one other yacht in charter today, (Seafaris, 134' motor yacht) has a Teppinyaki Grill, which is an excellent addition to any yacht top deck as both a culinary experience and a great way to prepare fresh and healthy cuisine. And for those interested, the Teppinyaki Grill can always be used to perform double duty as a true American style breakfast diner grill for a large American Breakfast any morning on the top deck for the start of a new day on charter on board VvS1.

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Fiji Sugar Cane- View from the Hot Air Balloon

The Indo-Fijian community now makes up about 40% of the population of the Republic of Fiji. Much of this community lives on the two main islands, as Indo-Fijians are rarely seen in the outlying island villages. The Indo-Fijians today are a dominant part of the economy and business of Fiji, with the traditional Fijian village life left to the native Fijians on the many islands. When the indentured laborers were brought to Fiji, they were often housed in long communal sheds with a 10 x 10 foot space sectioned off for one family or three men as their living space. Many who came found their circumstances little, if any, improved to the poverty and subsistence life left behind in India. Costs on the sugar cane plantation were quite high, and therefore, in the five years of indentured labor, the laborer rarely was able to establish any funds of their own, and generally lived as an indentured laborer for years. The indenture system ended in Fiji in 1916, which had a profound effect on the nation. The attractive lifestyle that the indentured laborer system had developed for the plantation owner was unable to be sustained and many plantation owners left Fiji.


View of the Sugar Cane in Fiji From the Hot Air Balloon

The abandoned plantations were then taken over by Indian laborers as family units and the planting and harvesting of sugar cane continued. When Fiji became independent of Britain in 1970, the Colonial Sugar Refining Company of Australia was sold to the new Fijian government. The new company, Fiji Sugar Corporation is still in existence today and supplies a large amount of sugar to the European Union, which is the largest customer. Sugar cane is grown predominantly on the large island of Viti Levu. Before or after your charter, if leaving from the Port of Denarau, a drive into the countryside will be a drive through the sugar cane area with busy field laborers still harvesting the cane to be made into sugar. And on this island and the island of Vanua Levu, many locals clearly of Indian descent can be seen. Once you leave for the islands, generally the population is of Fijian descent stretching over the last 3000 years. The sugar cane industry has left a permanent mark on the culture and history of Fiji.

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SevuSevu Kava Bowl

Kava grows in the wild in Fiji, but is actually quite difficult to grow, requiring lots of rainfall, and careful tending. Kava is considered mature for use when the plant is at least 3 years old. Once harvested, it is the root and lower stems are washed and dried. Once dry, the results are pounded in a container called a "tambili". This powder is then placed in a cheesecloth sack to strain the bits and pieces and water is poured over the cheesecloth holding the Kava powder into the Kava bowl. The resulting brownish liquid, a mixture of Kava root powder and water, is collected in the tanoa, which can be wooden and highly ornate, or a plastic bowl. Often a half coconut shell is used as the drinking container. To signal your interest in a Kava round clap your hands together , say "Bula" and on receipt of your portion, down the drink in one long swallow. After swallowing the contents, signal the end of your drink by clapping three times, a clap often joined in by others enjoying the Kava bowl for a great sense of camaraderie.


SevuSevu Kava Cup

Originally, the fresh roots were separated from the rest of the plant and washed. Bits of the root and lower stem were chewed to a pulp and the resulting mash of Kava and saliva was spit into the bowl. Only particular villagers could chew and prepare the Kava pulp, and it was an honor to be a chosen Kava chewer. Drying the root, pulverizing and mixing with water, is the manner all Kava is prepared in Fiji today. The best Kava is felt to come from the roots only, called "waka". The lesser quality Kava is from the stems of the plant or the "lawena". However whichever part of the Kava plant supplies the dried powder, Kava is consumed constantly in Fiji, and creates a relaxation of the limbs and often a tingling sensation and numbness in the lips and mouth. Taken in excess, Kava can create a lassitude sometimes referred to as "Kava Head", and the drinker can develop "kanikani" where the skin develops a reptilian look. However this does require a large excess drinking of Kava over a long period of time. As Kava, just like anything else if taken in excess, can cause an issue.


Village Kava Bowl

However, having a welcoming bowl or indulging in Kava, while in Fiji, will not turn any visiting charterer into a kanikani, and everyone should have at least one or two bowls of Kava to mark their visit to and explore the culture of this lovely area.

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56' Riviera, Opulence

Besides a big fly bridge and tuna tower, Opulence also has a full interior with two nice sized guest staterooms, with baths, a galley and main salon area. This yacht could be used for overnight sport fishing for the real enthusiast or for comfortable gunk holing or exploring as a comfortable tender to the main charter yacht. Of course, fishing in Fiji can also be done by just trolling a line behind the yacht while sailing or cruising through the islands. And other than the Yasawa Islands and the Mamanuca Islands, the north coast of Taveuni is also a great sport fishing location. Walu, Marlin and Yellow Fin Tuna can generally be found throughout the year, although some months are better than others. Spanish Mackerel is found May through September and Dolphin, also known as Mahi Mahi is found June through August and December and January. If a particular fishing is your goal for sport fishing in Fiji, ample information is available on when to fish and sport fishing can easily be arranged in most charter locations in Fiji.

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Fiji Malakati Village Nacula Island Meke

"Mo", our steward on the charter yacht Bel Mare, one day to be chief of his village as inherited from his father, is very well versed in ceremonial village rites. We visited the village of Malakiti on Nacula Island in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. The Sevusevu ceremony was organized in the village communal hall, with the traditional mixing of the Kava powder with water in the Kava bowl and presentation to our group for a drink one by one from half of a coconut shell. The dried Kava root which pounded into powder to be mixed with water had been brought as our gift for being allowed to visit their village. After the traditional drink of Kava and all ceremonial niceties were made between Mo and the Headman, we were treated to a Meke of traditional dancing by the villagers. A Meke is an honor to have performed as a special guest and might be performed by one village for a visiting Chief or village relatives from another village. And of course, for visiting charter guests, a Meke can always be arranged.


Fiji Malakati Village Nacula Island Meke Ladies

The Meke is a series of traditional dances and songs with drums, guitars and ukuleles that have been performed for centuries. Each song and dance has a meaning and tells a story and is performed in traditional Sulas, leis and palm frond skirts. The dance may be danced and sang by the ladies of the village, or young warriors, or the village men. All is a part of the Fijian culture and is a must see to really understand this unique and lovely charter location while cruising in Fiji.


Fiji Malakati Village Nacula Island Sevusevu


Fiji Malakati Village Nacula island Sevusevu

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Fijian Soft Coral

The name Soft Coral is a bit of a misnomer as this coral is not actually soft. A flexible skeleton allows this coral to bend and move, and the polyp tentacles called "pinnules" give this coral a soft feathery look with added movement. When underwater currents swirl by, the Soft Coral skeleton and pinnules move and undulate in the water for a multi colored coral garden in full motion. Soft Coral grows in a variety of vivid colors including yellow, hot pink, blue, orange, red, and purple. And, just like all coral, Soft coral attracts a wide variety of marine life and multicolored tropical fish feeding, hiding and swimming through the waving coral.


Underwater Fijian Coral Scene

While Soft Coral is found throughout Fiji, the scuba diver and snorkeler dream location for this coral type is the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni in Northern Fiji along the Somosomo Strait which is home to the Great White Wall and Rainbow Reef. Visibility in Fiji is superb, which makes all of Fiji even better for scuba diving and snorkeling. And as the area is somewhat remote, many coral gardens are pristine in their natural untouched beauty for a view of nature untouched by man’s damaging hand. Snorkeling and diving in Fiji is a whole other underwater world waiting to be discovered.

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Black Pearl Farm

The Society Islands are separated by distance into two areas, one area is Moorea and Tahiti and then the other area is Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and Tahaa. If you only have one week, it is best to fly into Papeete, Tahiti and then fly on to Bora Bora, Huahine or Raiatea to start a charter (Tahaa does not have an airport). If you have ten days or longer, then of course you should do all of the islands, with one long sail between the areas of Moorea and Tahiti and the other islands. You will not be disappointed no matter how much time you have as each island is well worth visiting and has a unique feel. However, throughout all of the islands, you will be welcomed as a visitor and when you leave; you will feel as if you are leaving great friends behind. The Society Islands are certainly a great place to visit and visiting through yacht charter is the best way to see and really enjoy these islands.


Huahine Lagoon

Try to make time for a tour of a Vanilla Plantation, to see how this rich spice grows and is harvested. Vanilla is derived from the bean pod grown from the vanilla orchid. To grow the bean pod, each orchid must be pollinated by hand; a laborious but very interesting process to create what is often called the "Black Gold" of the islands. Many local products are made with the vanilla pod, so you can bring home your own bit of Black Gold.
Open since 2002, Le Tahaa Resort and Spa strives to be the best resort in French Polynesia. Stop by for a cocktail, meal or even a spa treatment. Or begin or end or charter there with your private yacht charter.
A sea turtle reserve is located in the Tahaa Lagoon, where many species of sea turtles can be seen in their natural habitat. And as always, look for the Black Pearl Farms that always welcome visitors.


Tahaa


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Many believe Raiatea to have been the cultural and religious center of the ancient Polynesian civilization. Known then as Havai'i, this island is thought to be the island that Polynesians left from to settle Hawaii, given the same name as ancient Raiatea. There are many archaeological remains on Raiatea supporting this island as the most important in ancient times, including one of largest and most well preserved ruins, the Taputapuetea Marea, an ancient religious center. Wander the area yourself, or have a guided tour for full explanation of the history of this area, and the island.

Tahaa has the only navigable river in French Polynesia, which is the Faaroa River, which cuts up through a gorge in the island. River tours are available via motorized canoes to see the natural wildlife, flora and fauna, alongside this river and in the interior of the island.

Every October Raiatea is part of a 3 day canoeing event called the Hawaiki Nui Va, with over 100 outrigger canoe teams racing between Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. As you travel through the islands, you may see locals out practicing for the new found sport of outrigger canoe racing that has been resurrected from ancient times.


Hawaiki Nui Va Outrigger Canoe Race

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Essentially, Huahine is an old volcano whose sunken center was filled by the sea. Like Tahiti, the island consists of two mountainous masses: the large Huahine Nui and the small Huahini Iti. The bays of Maroe and Bourayne separate the two lands. The geographically diverse terrain has long white sand beaches, fruit and vegetable groves, indented bays and lush tropical foliage creating a jungle-like ambiance. It also boasts the Maeva marae, a well preserved archaeological site at the foot of Mount Mouatapu and along the shores of Lake Fauna Nui. In the narrow areas of the Lake you can see "V" shaped stone fishing traps believed to have been made centuries ago, however still in use by the locals today for fresh fish for dinner.

Huahine does have one main town, named Fare, with a grocery store, main quay, several shops and restaurants. In the evening, outdoor mobile restaurants magically appear on the quay with little cooking kitchens and folding tables and chairs, each serving local foods. If you happen to be near Fare on days when the local supply vessel arrives, the harbor area will be filled with bustling colorful activity.
A road circumnavigates both Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, sometimes paved, sometimes dirt, it is worth a drive around to see the island. Huahine is a very fertile island, perhaps because the name Huahine means "pregnant woman", which refers to the shape of the island as seen from afar. However most likely the fertility of the soil is due to the volcanic origins of the island. Huahine is home to plantations of taro, coffee, vanilla and melons. In fact many of the cays along the surrounding barrier reef have fields of watermelon and cantaloupe.
While passing alongside the river, stop to see the Sacred Blue Eels, part of Polynesian mythology. The eels are found only on Tahiti and Huahine, are from 3-6 feet long and have eyes of a cold blue translucent color. Swimming in a shallow area of the river, these eels are accustomed to visitors and swim near for any tasty food tidbits.
And as always, Huahine is home to a Black Pearl Farm, where visitors and shoppers are welcomed with tours and information on the Black Pearl Farming process, along with cases of Black Pearls and Black Pearl jewelry for sale.



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Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora

Other activities include a visit to Tiki Village, where tourists can see traditional Polynesia in an authentically recreated village. Visitors will see the making of the crowns of flowers called hei as well as tattooing, carving and paraeo painting. The village also showcases a spectacular Polynesian dance and an island feast in the celebration of the tamaiaraia. For a once in a lifetime thrill, view shark feeding close up on the outer reef. Using a snorkel and flippers visitors enter the water while Tahitian divers hand feed black-tip sharks. Helicopter sightseeing tours are available to view the mult-hued lagoon and lushly forested interior. It's a wonderful opportunity to closely look at Mount Otemanu.
Visit the Bora Bora Lagoonarium where you will be given a mask and fins to swim in shallow waters alongside a wide variety of tropical fish, rays and sand sharks. Trained guides are there to help with any questions and bread is available to feed the hungry underwater life that will certainly come to your side for a meal.
On shore are various resorts offering cocktails or meals and numerous spas for a relaxing Polynesian treatment. In fact Bora Bora probably has more resorts in all price ranges to choose from than any other Polynesian island. Many have an area of shops, which are also found along the roadside, a large number of which feature Black Pearls.
The famous restaurant Bloody Mary's is located along the shore road, to dine sitting on coconut stumps set on a sand floor. Bloody Mary's always features the local fresh caught "fish of the day", and of course, their signature drink, The Bloody Mary.



Tranquility on Bora Bora





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Papeete is the cosmopolitan port and capital city of Tahiti. This modern, bustling city of 70,000 has a variety of chic boutiques that offers French fashions as well as native handicrafts, shell leis and woven hats, and of course a large open market place for more shopping fun. There are plenty of fine restaurants as well, featuring native, French, and Asian cuisine.
However, the allure and romance of French Polynesia is really found along the coast and the island's interior. Tahiti-Nui, the larger area, features towering peaks with Mt. Orohena reaching 7339 feet, while Tahiti Iti is a rural area dotted with small coastal villages. A must for visitors is to take a round-the-island tour, along the 73-mile (117km) road encircling the island, passing historic monuments, museums, beaches, ruined temples, waterfalls, gardens and dramatic scenery.
The island's best white sand beaches are between Punaauia and Papara, but most visitors get more of a thrill out of visiting the famed volcanic black sand beaches on the east coast, particularly renowned Pointe Venus.
Tahiti offers something for everyone including hiking, golf, snorkeling and diving, and of course, relaxing. Many island tour operators offer guided 4x4 excursions. They usually take visitors to Mount Marau for panoramic views, Arahoho Blow Hole, which is a sea water geyser, and the Fa'aurumai Valley with beautiful waterfalls and hutu and mape trees.
The Botanical Gardens and Gauguin Museum houses an exhibit highlighting the famous artist's last 12 years of his life, which were spent in French Polynesia and includes sculptures, wood carvings and engravings. The Maraa Fern Grotto off the Paea shore line is, according to local legend, the home to evil spirits lurking in its depths.
The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands in Punaauia features exhibits on Polynesian history, culture, environment and ethnology ranging from tattoos to thatched roofs and fishing. Hikers will enjoy the easy trek through the west coast area of Vaipohe Valley to see the beautiful flowers, birds and lush vegetation that has inspired artists and soothed souls.
Le Marche, the vibrant heart of Papeete, is a fascinating public market. For more than 150 years traders have sold a vast array of exotic goods including locally made arts and crafts, fragrant oils, flowers, fruit, straw hats, seashell jewelry and pareus (sarongs). Cultured pearls, particularly the famed Tahitian Black Pearl, are French Polynesia's main export and the best buy for visitors to the islands. If planning on purchasing pearls, it is wise to first stop by the Pearl Museum in Papeete where visitors can learn to judge quality.


Tahiti Beach



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The well paved road that runs along the 40 mile shore can be traversed by a hired car, scooter or bike for a circumnavigation of the entire island. The Belvedere Lookout offers truly spectacular vistas and is located in the island's interior between Cook's and Oponohu Bay. The village of Afareaitu offers access to a dramatic waterfall. And in Paopao is an open air market and church with beautiful painted murals.
For those that can't leave home without their golf clubs, there is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course located on Moorea. Swimming and snorkeling are always available, and many of the local resorts look forward to a visit for a meal or cocktail and even day use of their pool facilities, and of course a look through the shops.

Other activities specific to Moorea are a visit to the Pineapple Factory and Fruit Juice Distillery. The juices are marketed throughout French Polynesia under the name of Rotui and you are sure to be served some of the company's fruit juice at some point during your travels in this area. There is no specific tour of the factory, however you are welcome to show up during working hours and simply wander through the factory watching the various jobs being done and then visit the factory shop to taste the various juices being made, including fruit liquors and local rum, all available for purchasing as well.

There are several ancient Maraes sites located on Moorea, worth visiting, which were cultural and religious centers for earlier civilizations living in the area.

And you may want to visit The Tiki Village Cultural Center. Here you can see the traditions and life-style of an old Tahitian village, and see local demonstrations of weaving, stone carving, tattooing and painting. The Tiki Village Cultural Center also offers a frequent show highlighting Polynesian dance with a buffet of traditional foods cooked in the in ground fire pit on the premises.
Both Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay offer protected anchorages for an island visit.




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