Fiji Islands Yachting

The Official Guide to Sailing and Cruising in the Fiji Islands

Contents
Gruising Guide
Gruising Guide Overview ...........................3 Northern Region ..........................................5 Western Region ............................................6 Central Region..............................................8 Southern Region ..........................................10 Eastern Region .............................................11

Navigation

Super Yachts

Super yacht information..............................12

Facilities

Tides ..............................................................27 Beacons & Lights .........................................27 Radio .............................................................28 Weather .........................................................28 Books & Publications ..................................30 Fiji Chart Agents..........................................30 Fiji Charts .....................................................31 British Admiralty Charts.............................31 Yacht Clubs & Marinas................................33 Products & Services Directory....................36

Racing - Current Events

Coffs harbour to Suva ..................................14 Auckland to Denarau...................................15 Presidents Cup ............................................15 Musket Cove to Port Vila ............................16

Racing - Previous Events

Auckland to Suva .........................................17 Auckland to Lautoka ...................................18 Sydney to Suva .............................................18 Windsurfer Worlds.......................................18 Hobie 16 Worlds...........................................18 18 Footer Worlds ..........................................18

Charters & Cruises

Yacht & Powerboat Chartering ...................19 Island Cruises ...............................................20

Arrival Information

Formalities....................................................21 Health/Practique ..........................................22 Customs.........................................................22 Immigration..................................................24 Quarantine ....................................................25 Permits ..........................................................25 Regulations ...................................................25 International Travel .....................................26 Domestic Travel ...........................................26 Visas...............................................................26 Travellers Health ..........................................27 Sevusevu........................................................27

Fiji Yachting - The Official Guide to Sailing and Cruising in the Fiji Islands
Overview With its many scenic islands, Fiji is one of the most distinctive and beautiful areas in the world. Fiji is blessed with a mild climate, abundant sea life, tropical waters and excellent sailing conditions. The blue sky and crystal clear waters of Fiji are warmed year-round by a gentle sun. Add to this the numerous fascinating tours, modern facilities and locals known for their humour and hospitality and it is easy to see why Fiji is such a popular cruising destination.

Cruising Guide - Overview

Throughout the ages mariners have been captivated by the lure of Fiji's tranquil isles and warm sea. A sailor could happily spend a lifetime exploring Fiji's 330 islands and 200,000 miles of ocean. Whether you want to be a part of it all, or get away from it all, you can do just that in Fiji. Use this Cruising Guide to help you plan your itinerary through Fiji's paradise. Northern Region - A remote, unspoiled, natural eden, Fijis North is a laid-back place where you can't help but be completely relaxed. Is it any wonder the people here are so incredibly friendly? Western Region - Fiji's playground, the West is the most popular cruising area. The majority of Fiji's resort hotels are situated among these islands, each offering a wide range of watersports and activities. This area is famous for fun and sun -- all day, every day. Central Region - In the heart of the Fiji Islands you can sail in waters surrounding the historic island home of Fiji's most famous ruler, Cakobau. You can wander past the charming wooden shops of Levuka, Fiji's first European capital. Need to reprovision or just want to enjoy great nightlife? You'll find many choices in the modern capital city of Suva. Southern Region - A favourite area of snorkellers and divers, the Southern Region encompasses Beqa Lagoon and the Astrolabe Reef. Here is an undersea paradise with Fiji's famous giant sea fans and delicate soft corals in an array of colours. Keep a look out for sea turtles and dolphins. Eastern Region - Regarded by local and world class sailors as one of Fiji's finest cruising grounds, the Eastern Region is a secluded paradise with private coves and sheltered bays.

The Captains Log

by Captain Carol Dunlop Highly recommended: A Yachtsman's Fiji, by Michael Calder, is the definitive guide to cruising Fiji's waters.

Sailing in Fiji can be absolutely fantastic. You'll enjoy the warm weather, clear waters and the hospitality of the local people - especially in the outlying areas. May through to October, the climate is cooler and the predominating east to south-east trade winds usually prevail. Around the south-west coast of Viti Levu, Beqa channel, the north-east tip of Viti Levu and out in the eastern Lau group you can expect winds of 20-25 knots in the afternoons. If you sail from Suva to Lautoka expect to fly down the coast in a day, but it might take you four days to get back! Just a few handy hints about sailing in Fiji. If you wander off the beaten track keep a good look out for those isolated "bommies" (coral heads) which are often not charted or may be charted incorrectly. Sail in good light, with those trusty Polaroid's on. Beware of GPS positions on all the old charts unless a notation on the charts says that you can plot directly or gives you a correction. In some cases, for instance, the eastern side of Viti Levu can be up to three quarters of a mile out! We get a lot of SNAGs here (Satellite Navigators Assisted Groundings). Don't rely on beacons and lights, some may be missing, due to boisterous cyclones in the past. It's hard to find the following in the outer islands. Here's a checklist on leaving port: Medical supplies- including antibiotics, hydrogen peroxide for those coral cuts, suntan lotion Fresh vegetables Permit or clearance Any alcohol or tobacco supplies Plenty of water! Most essential - yaqona (either in 1/2 kg root form or in 1/2 kg packets already pounded). This is used for a "sevusevu" in all areas where a village is close by. A sevusevu is the presentation of yaqona to the chief of the village - a Fijian custom which is the first thing you do, before you swim, snorkel, go ashore, fish etc. By doing this you are asking permission to use their land, beaches and to enter their village and homes. How would you like some guy knocking on your door and asking if he can look inside your home. If you make your sevusevu in the right way it will open the door to an interesting and enjoyable stay in that village and all sorts of amazing things can happen! Take off your sunglasses and caps, and your shoes when entering a bure or sitting on a mat. Ladies, please - cover your shoulders and thighs (wrap a sulu around your shorts). Ask permission before taking photos. Do not offer alcohol, but keep in mind that kids love lollies,

magazines, books, crayons and volleyballs. A good time to visit is usually 4-5pm in the afternoon. The men are back from the plantations, the children are out of school and most daily chores are done. Sunday is definitely tabu and visiting villages is not recommended on this day.

Northern Region

The Northern Region includes Vanua Levu and Taveuni, Fiji's second and third largest islands, respectively. It also includes Kioa, Rabi, Matagi, Qamea and a few smaller isles -- each with its own unique beauty and intrigue. It is the place to witness nature at her best. The islands of the North are remote, and unspoiled. Full of diversity, Fiji's Northern Region is ecologically rich, with possibilities of natural treasures yet undiscovered. Here, thick rainforest hide colourful parrots and rare flowers and waterfalls cascade straight into the sea. This is also a great destination to go to unwind and slowdown. The people here are incredibly friendly, taking life in a leisurely stride. The Captains Log
by Captain Carol Dunlop

If you have departed Viti Levu by Nananu Pass you have a windward passage to Savusavu. You can break it by anchoring on the Vanua Levu coast at Nabawalu, Solevu Village or even by Vuya Passage behind the reef. Savusavu is a port of entry and has a small marina and a yacht club situated in the Copra Shed. Water is available both on the main shipping wharf at the entrance to the creek or at the Copra Shed. There are a number of flights each day both to Suva and Nadi. Many treks, visits to copra plantations, or waterfalls are available and diving can be arranged at the Copra Shed or from the resorts along the southern coast of Vanua Levu.

Charts F1, 378, 416, 440 Port of Entry Savusavu Yacht Club & Marina Copra Shed Airports Savusavu Matei (Taveuni) Laucala

From Savusavu, you could tack up the southern coast of Vanua Levu to the island of Taveuni. Savusavu to Taveuni is a days run -- but small vessels can stop in Fawn Harbour, with local knowledge. East Vanua Levu has superb anchorages. There are good anchorages in Viani Bay and Nagaigai. Close by is the island of Kioa settled by people from Tuvalu who weave the most beautiful baskets and mats. Ask to see a member of the committee. North of Kioa is Rabi, settled by people from Kiribati. The Rabi dancers are famous and so is the toddy that hangs from the coconut trees! Nuku is the main township to ask permission to cruise. To the east of Rabi are the Ringgold Isles, Cobia being a crater which is almost landlocked except over the reef with a small dinghy. See the Turaga ni Koro on Yanuca Island

before you sightsee. Sailing southwards towards Taveuni you have Matagi, Qamea and Laucala Islands -- lovely anchorages. Matagi has a resort on the south side. Laucala has a resort on the north side. Qamea has a very good hurricane anchorage at Nivivi Bay on the Western side; there is a very traditional thatched roofed village to visit and make sevusevu. Taveuni is a great diving area but do get local guides. It sports the famous White Wall and Rainbow Reef. On the eastern end of Taveuni we have the Bouma Waterfalls and the Lavena National Park which are well worth a visit and locals will guide you to the many treks you can make in the lush tropical bush. You will see why Taveuni is called the Garden Island of Fiji.

Western Region
The western side of Viti Levu and the islands of the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups make up Fiji's Western Region. The West is Fiji's most popular cruising area. There are miles of beaches and countless harbours. The fishing here is unforgettable. The day's catch could include tuna, mahimahi (dolphin fish), marlin, or even sailfish. If diving or snorkelling is more your style, you'll discover a multitude of amazing coral reefs. Parasailing, windsurfing, hobie cat sailing, surfing, and jet skiing are also available for those "young at heart." While basking in the warm, sunny weather you'll also enjoy the easygoing Fijian hospitality. Several marinas and many of Fiji's resort hotels are located in the West, making this a great gathering place to meet friends, old and new. The Captains Log
by Captain Carol Dunlop

This area is the hub of tourism in Fiji and has wonderful daylight cruising in relatively protected waters, with many anchorages available in short hops. A big plus is the weather which is usually fine with hardly any overcast rainy days. Most of the resorts in the Mamanucas welcome yachtsmen, especially Musket Cove which has a well stocked shop for those who forgot the suntan cream, corned beef, lettuce and tomatoes. Michael Calder's book "A Yachtsman's Fiji" is an excellent publication for piloting so I will just point out some anchorages not frequented so often by the resident cruise companies like Blue Lagoon and Captain Cook Cruises. After full tourist saturation in Plantation Resort, Musket Cove Resort, and Castaway Island Resort hop up to Vanua Levu Island in the North

Mamanucas for a spell of peace and quiet. I believe there is a notice now to leave your sevusevu on the beach. Although a little rolly in light airs, there is great snorkelling close by. Both sides of the "neck" between Waya and Wayasewa are good anchorages depending on the wind direction, but a cruise boat might call in at least twice a week. Sailing north to Naviti, in between Narara Island and Nanuya Balavu Island or east about Naviti into Somosomo Bay, are many bays in which to escape all. The anchorages are excellent in Somosomo or Vunayawa or Gunu Bay. Don't anchor close to the ledge on Vomo reef as a large cruise vessel will attempt to squash you as she picks it up! The village at Somosomo is lovely. Another good anchorage is just south of Koro Kulu Point on the western side and Soso Bay on the southern side.

Charts F5 and Pickmere's Charts of Yasawas Port of Entry Lautoka Yacht Clubs & Marinas Musket Cove Port Denarau Vuda Point Marina Airports Nadi Malolo Lailai Yasawa Island

If the winds perk up all vessels usually head for Nanuya Lailai just off Matacawa Levu and Tavewa, but you can get away from them all as there is plenty of space. Blue Lagoon Cruises occupy the southern half of Nanuya Lailai so keep clear as they often arrive at 7:30 pm. There are a couple of backpacker resorts on Tavewa which run dive trips operated by Westside Water Sports. So ask Lance Miller for more info. Lots of lovely snorkelling around the area. Moving north again past Nacula is Sawa-i-Lau, the home of the famous caves. Sailing out Kubo Pass and steaming east about is easy and clear but rough in boisterous southeast trades. Passing east of Tavewa, you will see a beacon. On Mataniwai Reef and once clear of Cokonibau Reef it's safe to proceed to Yasawa Island and then in Egusuikuro Pass to Sawa-i-Lau. A visit to the caves is worthwhile and necessitates a guide. Do make a sevusevu to Nabukeru village first. They may charge you $3 a head but you really need to hire a guide to find the inside caves. Hold your breath and nose, close your eyes and let friendly hands pull you through the tunnel. Piece of cake, honest! Yasawa Island, the most northern island in the group, is renowned for its beautiful white beaches. Choose any one on the western side and nudge yourself in around the coral. The waters are turquoise and you will fry in the sun! If you feel adventurous and the weather is good, round Yawini Island and anchor near Vatuliwa Reef or Namulo Bay. It is only a short spit to the islets north, for a day trip of fishing and diving. Make your sevusevu to the village at Yasawairara first. If you want to keep your gin and tonic on the table, sail west about in southeast trades. This track has more navigation worries, but these are no problem in good light. East about is easier, not so many reefs but of course more boisterous sailing generally and few good anchorages.

Further afield? Away from the tourist track. If you have a good engine, consider motoring inside all the reefs from Lautoka around the north of Viti Levu. Although the head winds funnel around the island, the scenery is beautiful and the seas can only pick up to a short chop. There are lots of places to stop with only fisherman as neighbours. Maybe take a trip out of Yavena Pass to Yadua Island to the home of the famous lizard. See Peter in the village when you make your sevusevu.

Central Region
The Central Region is the heart of the Fiji Islands. It is the centre of Government, of commerce, and of Fiji's recorded history. It encompasses the Northern and Eastern shores of Viti Levu and the Lomaiviti Group. The Lomaiviti Group includes the islands of Ovalau, Koro, Gau, Nairai, Makogai, Wakaya, Batiki and the surrounding smaller islands. Here also, is Bau Waters and the historic island home of Cakobau, the 19th century selfclaimed king of Fiji. As Fiji's most powerful ruler, he owned hundreds of giant double-hulled war canoes capable of sailing at incredible speeds. Levuka, on the island of Ovalau, is full of interest. Fiji's first capital, the town still has some lovely old colonial buildings. The modern capital city of Suva is the perfect place to reprovision and rehydrate. Large shopping complexes and marketplaces provide everything a yachtie desires. There are also plenty of restaurants and night-clubs. The Captain's Log
by Captain Carol Dunlop

To get from Lautoka to Eastern Viti Levu it is best to go via North Viti Levu. Unless you want to beat your brains out tacking up the Beqa Channel against the prevailing East Southeast trade winds (enhanced by the configuration of the coastline to often 30 knots) or you have a powerful engine and a larger vessel, then dawdle around the northern coast of Viti Levu inside the reefs. It is well beaconed and it is the gateway to sailing to Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and Lau or around Viti Levu and to the Lomaiviti Group. From Lautoka around Northern Viti Levu is usually a motor but the channels are deep and well beaconed. Vatia Lailai is a nice spot to stop and usually you can buy crabs on the beach. The scenery around the north side is spectacular and very different from the lush tropical bush on the eastern side. On the northeast tip of Viti Levu we have 3 resorts and usually plenty of wind. However, by Nananu-i-Ra Island or Nananu-i-Cake Island you can find calm

anchorages. At this point you can sail past Ellington Wharf to the eastern side of Viti Levu or out through Nananu Pass to Vanua Levu and the North. The route is well beaconed and follows the coast until just south of Tanavuse Point. You can head northeast out of the reefs and thence to Naigani Island. There is a lovely beach and nice snorkelling and a resort on the east side of the island. Not far away is the island of Makogai, once a leper colony many years ago, but now an agricultural research station. Take your sevusevu ashore and see the giant clams (vasua), the baby turtles and the hairless sheep. Some good anchorages are found if the weather is rough. Wakaya, just to the south, is a beautiful private island with fabulous beaches. If you call Rob or Linda Miller, the managers, they may be able to fit you in for a sumptuous lunch or dinner. They have a private plane which can be chartered to fly you to Suva or Nadi. You'll experience fantastic diving with hammerheads and manta rays. We are now well into the Lomaiviti Group which includes Koro, Makogai, Wakaya, Nairai, Batiki and Gau.

Charts 389, 387, 379, 281 East Viti Levu 488, 379, 744 Ports of Entry Suva and Levuka Yacht Clubs & Marinas Royal Suva Yacht Club Raffles Tradewinds Airports Nausori (Suva) Ovalau Koro Wakaya (private)

Further to the southeast a short sail away is Gau Island another famous dive location. The northwest entrance at Wakaciva takes you over a few bommies (coral heads) but the least depth is 15 at low water. Anchor in Herald Bay and make sevusevu to Ratu Marika (who is the High Chief of Gau) and ask his permission to dive and to visit. There are hot springs at Waikama Village which is situated in a deep protected bay. Just southwest of Wakaya is Ovalau with the old capital of Fiji at Levuka.The township remains how it was many years ago. It is charming. A couple of hotels which look like something out of Somerset Maugham and a number of clubs where you can drink a beer with the locals. Levuka is a Port of Entry, has a wharf and water for vessels. There is a lot of history attached to the island and the local museum is worth a visit. From Ovalau you can run inside the reefs from Motoriki Island past Cagilai Island, Leluvia Island, (two backpacker resorts) down to Toberua Island (listed as on of the top ten resorts in the world by Harpers). Give Mike Dennis a call if you wish to have dinner on the island. Toberua Pass (chart F8) has a shallow patch of 10 as you depart the island but otherwise can accommodate reasonable size vessels. The Suva harbour is protected from the prevailing easterly wind, while the reefs extending nearly right across the southern part of the harbour render it invariably smooth. The Royal Suva Yacht Club is a great social meeting place for visiting and local yachting enthusiasts. Many boats also anchor in the nearby Bay of Islands, commonly called Tradewinds Bay.

There are several day cruises that could be made from Suva. Nukulau Island is easily reached via either the outer channel or outside the main reef. If the tradewinds are blowing, you can motor or sail up the inside route and have a great ride home, outside the reef in the evening. Namuka Harbour, some 5 nm westwards of Suva entrance, is a closer alternative. Surrounded by high hills, this harbour offers good fishing, swimming and snorkelling as well as the bonus of a brisk sail back to Suva.

Southern Region
This areas covers the southern coast of Viti Levu, the islands of Vatulele, Yanuca, and Nanuku. It also includes Beqa, Kadavu, and the Great Astrolabe Reef. The Southern Region is a diver's paradise. There are numerous coral reefs with an endless parade of tropical fish displaying an array of brilliant colours. Whether you are diving into the deep blue along spectacular undersea walls where giant sea fans and soft corals live, or snorkelling above the pristine reef, your eyes will be bedazzled by the colours and diversity of sealife. The Captain's Log
by Captain Carol Dunlop

An area well worth exploring is Kadavu and Beqa, south of Viti Levu. Kadavu and Beqa are renowned for their world class diving locations. Sail from Suva to Kadavu, then Beqa as the prevailing winds are from the east/southeast. It is an on-the-wind sail for just a few hours from Suva to Usborne Passage into the Great Astrolabe Reef.

Charts BA 745, 1682, 746 F9, F10, F11, BA 745 Airports Kadavu Vatulele

Make sevusevu at the most northern island Dravuni first! Then you have a wealth of small deserted islands with white sand beaches. Next go to Yaukuve, Namara, and then to Ono, where once again you should make sevusevu in Varabia village, the chief being a woman!

Just a way south, Kavala Bay is the hurricane anchorage and sports a shop which sells all basics, plus premix. You can travel down inside the reefs westwards along the southern coast as far as Kadavu Village, a very small narrow pass near the light southwest of Naigoro Pass may put you off but I have been through with a 90 ft. sailing vessel with a 6.6 ft. draft -- no problem it is very deep. Galoa Harbour provides another excellent hurricane anchorage further west along the southern coast. There are a few dive resorts on the main Kadavu Island and one on Ono. It is a good idea to hire their guides to show you the good dive spots. Even if it is raining in Suva you are sure to find sunshine in Kadavu! Lots of anchorages, white sand beaches and diving.

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The airport is close to Vunisea where there is a Government station. From Kadavu it is a good day sail across to Beqa Island. Frigate Pass is deep and wide and is close to Yanuca Island. Beqa Lagoon is world renowned for it is wonderful soft corals and great diving spots. A few operations use Yanuca as a lunch stop as most of the prime dive sites are just west of Yanuca. Bird Island, about 2 north of Yanuca, is a deserted sand cay. Rumour has it that someone found a pristine Golden Cowrie there recently! Potter eastwards across the lagoon in good light to Stuart Island, Vaga Bay, (Marlin Bay Dive Resort just to the north of this) and then south about to Malumu Bay for a quiet night. Take the small dinghy at high tide into the channels in the mangroves! A quick swim at Storm Island before a 17 sail back to Suva. Sailing from the Port of Suva to the western side of the main island of Viti Levu is usually an easy run with the prevailing winds east/southeast right behind you. You can elect to run from Suva to say the Fijian Hotel in one day or make a cruise out of stopping enroute at Beqa Island, Yanuca Island, Somosomo Bay, Cuvu Harbour (Fijian Hotel), Likuri Harbour, Momi Bay. Vatulele Island is beautiful, but the passages can be difficult and a local pilot would be necessary for any vessel with a draft of 6 ft. or more.

Eastern Region

At the eastern limits of Fiji is the Lau Group, renowned as one of Fiji's finest cruising grounds. Captain Cook, visiting Vatoa in 1774, was the first European navigator to explore the Lau Group of islands, and only the second European to pass through Fiji waters. The Eastern Region is uncrowded and still largely undiscovered. You can find your own private cove and do your own exploring. Traditionally, it was the master craftsmen from the islands of Lakeba and Fulaga who built Fijis famed double-hulled war canoes, able to beat to windward and capable of carrying hundreds of men. The Captain's Log
by Captain Carol Dunlop

The Lau Group is the most remote scattering of islands in Fiji. There is virtually no tourism here and vessels are required to apply for a permit to visit from the Presidents office. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara is the Tui Nayau (Paramount Chief) of Lau and therefore it is his permission that you should seek. During the winter months it is often boisterous sailing between the islands with the prevailing East/Southeast tradewinds building up some rough seas. There are few large scale charts,

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therefore it is a good idea to take a pilot who is familiar with the area as there are a wealth of idyllic anchorages just not shown on the charts. Also it is beneficial to have someone along who knows the protocol in making the correct approaches to the Turaga ni Koro (Village Headman) in the various villages.

Charts 416, 440, 441, 7510 Airports Vanuabulavu Cicia Lakeba

We have deserted sand keys where the Green Turtles lay their eggs, fabulous white beaches on Wailagilala, amazing rock formations in the Vanuabalavu area, copra plantations to visit, landlocked harbours and caves to explore, and great diving. Bird life is varied and the diving can be breathtaking with large pelagic to view on every dive. Allow a few weeks to soak up the peace and tranquility between both Northern and Southern Lau. Northern Lau is reasonably accessible by sailing from Taveuni to Wailagilala, the most remote island in Northern Lau. The waters are a sparkling turquoise and you can creep right into the beach in the lee by the light house, about 13-15' of water right through. The beaches are stunning and there is great fishing in the pass and along the reef. The diving around the passage is beautiful with a lot of large pelagic to keep the adrenaline boiling. A little to the southeast of Wailagilala, is Duff Reef, Kibobo islets, Malima islets and finally the lovely Vanuabalavu Lagoon, where there are at least 3 weeks cruising with many superb anchorages. If you find yourself east of the lagoon called Reid Haven, it is possible to anchor inside of it. A deep anchorage is off the rocky islets. It has a very good holding. The islets are covered with nests of sea snakes (large ones!) for anyone interested. There are supplies to be found at Lomaloma in Vanuabalavu and Lakeba. Water can be organised at Lakeba for small vessels, with local knowledge. For an away from it all cruise, it really is the most fabulous area.

Super Yachts
Fiji is on the way to the Americas Cup The final challenge of the Americas Cup will take place in New Zealand in the year 2000. Setting out from ports around the world, yachtsmen will be heading to the South Pacific to take part in all the action. Whether you will be flying along on the rails of one of the most innovative crafts or cruising leisurely aboard a luxuriously appointed Super Yacht, as you set your course for Auckland be sure to include a stop in Fiji. You may find that Fiji has so much to offer, you will not want to leave.

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Fiji is a natural waypoint The Fiji Islands lies between 15 and 22 South latitude and 174 East and 177 West longitude, straddling the 180th meridian. Positioned between the islands nations of Polynesia and Melanesia, Australia and New Zealand, Fiji is an ideal base from which to discover the rest of the Southwest Pacific. Long ago, tales of Fiji's beauty were spread by sailors. Racing boats and round the world cruising yachts following the tradewinds spend weeks, months, even years exploring secluded coves tucked away among Fiji's 300 plus islands. Fiji has some of the best sailing anywhere For over 3000 years Fiji has been home to seafaring people using sail to ply their watery trade routes. Centuries ago, European mariners witnessed in awe the skilful ability of Fijian seaman sailing giant doubled-hulled war canoes. For todays modern sailor, Fiji is a yachting centre in the South Pacific. Fiji offers all the facilities and entertainment that owners and crew could possibly want. Activities and Excursions Fiji is an excellent sailing area for Super Yachts Fiji offers a wide variety of islands, activities and entertainment. So whether you want to be a part of it all, or get away from it all, Fiji is a perfect destination. Fiji has many superb golf courses and tennis courts within easy access to visiting yachtsmen and women. Private tours via helicopter, hot-air balloon, day cruiser or luxury van may be arranged. Fine dining may be enjoyed in the cities or at any of the numerous 5-star resorts located throughout the islands. Excellent shopping and entertainment, with almost everything the discerning visitor would wish, is available in Nadi, Lautoka and the capital city of Suva. Yacht Agents and Pilots To discover some of Fijis secret treasure spots, take on one of the knowledgeable and professional local captains to personally guide you through the fascinating group of islands. Companies such as Yacht Help provide full service to visiting luxury yachts, including arranging all custom and immigration clearances, provisioning, and crew placement. Fiji's shipyards offer top-notch maintenance and repair for both motor and sail.
Carl Bay Captain Carol Dunlop Area Suva Suva Phone 361 382 998 821 362 356 361 988 Fax 362 930 361 256 Email

dunlop@is.com.fj

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Latitude South Yacht Help

Suva/Nadi 722 835 Lautoka 688 969

998 825 688 814

latitudesouth @is.com.fj yachthelp@is.com.fj

Marinas Most of the local marinas have clubhouses, restaurants and bars, with shops, hotels, swimming pools and night-clubs nearby. All offer moorings, while Port Denarau and Raffles Tradewinds can facilitate deep hulled vessels.
Copra Shed Marina & Yacht Club Musket Cove Marina & Yacht Club Port Denarau Marina & Yacht Club Raffles Tradewinds Hotel & Marina Royal Suva Yacht Club Vuda Point Marina Area Phone Savusavu 850 457 Malolo Lailai Is. Nadi Suva Suva Lautoka 662 215 750 600 362 450 312 921 668 214 Fax 850 344 662 633 750 700 362 455 304 433 668 215 Email coprashed@is.com.fj musketcovefiji@is.com.fj denarau4fiji @is.com.fj tradewindsresv @is.com.fj rsyc@is.com.fj

Racing
With 97% of Fiji being sea, ocean sailing and racing in Fiji is a natural sport here. Sailors from around the world agree that racing in Fiji is fantastic. Fiji traditionally has spectacular sailing weather. Come experience the beauty of Fiji while enjoying good competition and good camaraderie. The Fiji Yachting Association, established in 1978, is affiliated with the International Sailing Federation, the Fiji Amateur Sport Association and the National Olympic Committee. The Association's members include Fiji's yacht clubs, and it's hobie cat racing, windsurfing and optimist dinghy associations. The FYA has sent teams to the Olympics and the South Pacific Games since 1979, and hosted the 1986 Hobie 16 Worlds and the 1994 Windsurfer One Design Worlds. Coffs Harbour - Suva Yacht Race Organised by the Royal Suva Yacht Club and Coffs Harbour International Marina. For Ocean Racers participation in this race will then allow you to take part in the President's Cup. For Cruising Boats who do not wish to do any further serious racing, a series of Cruising events will be available. Or simply relax and enjoy the hospitality of the Fiji Islands

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Upcoming Race Date - 15th May, 1999 Contact Rob Mundle Promotions 24 Clarke Street Crows Nest, NSW, 2065 Australia Tel +61 2 9901 4311 Fax +61 2 9901 4233 Email rmundle@ozemail.com.au Winners Coffs Harbour - Suva 1999 Results to be posted

Auckland - Denarau Classic Hosted by the Denarau Yacht Club in conjunction with the Royal Akarana Yacht Club and continues the tradition of the Auckland to Fiji yacht races. The Auckland - Denarau Classic was first run in 1997 and is held every two years, timed so that participants can also take part in Fiji's Presidents' Cup Race Series. The Royal Akarana Yacht Club is offering a $10,000 cash prize for the first race yacht to cross the Denarau finish line within 4 days of the start time. Charles St. Clair Brown is also offering $10,000 to the first yacht that can beat previous winner Anteaus' record. The Denarau Marina is located on Nadi's Denarau Island, home of the Sheraton Royal Denarau and Sheraton Fiji resorts.
Upcoming Race Date - 29 May, 1999 Contact Sailing Administrator Royal Akarana Yacht Club PO Box 42 004 Orakei, Auckland, NZ Tel +64 9 524 9945 Fax +64 9 520 1380 Email rayc@rayc.org.nz Winners Auckland - Denarau Classic 1999 Results to be posted 1997 Anteaus, Charles St. Clair Brown

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President's Cup International Race Series The race's international flavour makes it something of an adventure, not to mention a big travelling party. It is hosted by the Port Denarau Yacht Club in co-ordination with the Royal Akarana Yacht Cub, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and the Fiji Yachting Association. 1997 saw the inaugural running of this race, with nearly 50 boats competing for the handcrafted trophy resembling a Fijian "drua", a double-hulled sailing canoe. This is a biennial event. The Denarau Race week is held during the intervening years.
Upcoming Race Date 7 June to 12 June, 1999

Contact Denarau Yacht Club c/o Tabua Investments Limited PO Box 9347, Nadi Airport Tel (679) 750 251 Fax (679) 750 182 Email denarau4fiji@is.com.fj Winners-President's Cup 1999 Results to be posted

Denarau Race Week - June 2000 Events include: Hobie Cat Regatta; Cocktail Party; Ladies-Dine-Round (not to be missed, share the chefs cooking secrets); Car Rally; Regatta Prize giving on a Mystery Island; Search & Destroy to Mana Island - Pirate Dinner. Musket Cove - Port Vila Regatta This is an annual event topping off the Fiji Regatta Week. From an auspicious start, the popularity of the event and its traditions have grown to legendary proportions. Excitement and hoopla set this race apart. Don't miss all the fun. Just a few of the rules:
Fishing is compulsory, with a prize for the largest fish. Line honours yacht will be automatically disqualified unless it can be proven that blatant cheating occurred. Penalties will be incurred on yachts with matching oilskins, sails less than 4 years old, troublefree refrigeration system. Handicap allowance given to yachts with goose barnacles exceeding 2" in length, home-made sextants, logs or outboards, hand-drawn or photostatted charts or charts more than 15 years old. Competitors are bound by the rules to keep overall placing in strictest confidence. The Coconut Cup is awarded on a lottery basis. Upcoming Race Date - 11 September, 1999

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Contact Musket Cove Yacht Club Malolo Lailai Island Private Mail Bag, NAP 0352, Nadi Airport Tel (679) 662 215 Fax (679) 662 633 Email musketcovefiji@is.com.fjFiji

Regatta Week 3 September to 11 September, 1999 The wild and wacky events include: Pirates Day Beachcomber Race; Hobie Cat Challenge; Picnic Race to Castaway Island; Malolo Lailai Olympics; 12-mile Round Malolo Race; Best Dressed Yacht & Live Figurehead Contests; start of the Musket Cove to Port Vila Race.

Previous International Racing Events

Auckland - Suva Yacht Race Run by the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in conjunction with the Royal Suva Yacht Club. This event was first raced in appalling conditions during May of 1956 when 13 boats challenged the 1140 nautical miles of Ocean between New Zealand and Fiji. It became a biennial event complementing the Sydney - Suva race.
Winners Auckland-Suva Yacht Race 1995 Overall Winner, Kiwi; Line Honours, Antaeus (4 days, 19 hours, 31 min) 1993 Overall Winner, Neutrino; Line Honours, Ice Fire (7 days, 22 hours, 21 min) 1991 Overall Winner, Higher Ground, Murray Ross; Line Honours, Longfellow (5 days, 16 hours, 58 min) 1989 Overall Winner, Liberte Express, Y Kawamura; Line Honours, Future Shock, Ian Margan (4 days, 14 hours, 42 min) 1987 Overall Winner, Dictator, B Peterson; Line Honours, Satellite Spy, Murray Ross (5 days, 19 hours, 23 min) 1985 Overall Winner, Urban Cowboy, John Dacey; Line Honours, Urban Cowboy, John Dacey (5 days, 8 hours, 53 minutes) 1983 Overall Winner, Cavell, Doug McKee; Line Honours, Urban Cowboy, Jack Balemi (7 days, 18 hours, 4 min) 1981 Overall Winner, Tinker, B Ussher; Line Honours, Ta'Aroa, Ian Macfarlane (6 days, 17 hours, 50 min); Inaugural 2 man race Overall Winner, Kristen J, KB Dobbs & J Lott 1979 Overall Winner, Kishmul, Richard Tapper & Lester Smith; Line Honours, Anticipation, Don St. Clair-Brown (9 days, 8 hours, 32 min) 1977 Overall Winner, Country Boy, Clyde Colson; Line Honours, Anticipation, Don St. Clair-

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1973 1969 1966 1956

Brown (5 days, 23 hours, 40 min) Overall Winner, Whispers II, Geoff Stagg; Line Honours, Ta'Aroa, Doug Bremner (5 days, 12 hours, 52 min) Overall Winner, Castanet, Lin Carmichael; Line Honours, Kahurangi, Willie Wilson (7 days, 14 hours, 51 min) Overall Winner, Roulette, Fred Andrews; Line Honours, Fidelis, Jim Davern (9 days, 12 hours, 50 min) Overall Winner, Wanderer, Tom Buchanan; Line Honours, Wanderer (11 days, 12 hours, 26 min)

Auckland - Lautoka Yacht Race The popularity of the Auckland - Suva race lead officials in 1977 to inaugurate an Auckland to Lautoka race to accommodate all of the entries.
Winners Auckland-Lautoka Yacht Race IOR Division 1977 Overall Winner,

Sydney - Suva Yacht Race A biennial race conducted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club and hosted by the Royal Suva Yacht Club, it was one of the most challenging long ocean races on the Australian racing calendar. 1730 nautical miles eastward across the Southwest Pacific -- a demanding test of yachts and yachtsmen with seamanship of paramount importance for both racing and cruising competitors.
Winners Sydney-Suva Yacht Race IOR Division 1980 1978 1976 Overall Winner, Sweet Caroline, Marshall Phillips; Line Honours, Mary Muffin Overall Winner, Ragamuffin, Syd Fischer; Line Honours, Anaconda II, Josko Grubic Overall Winner, Vittoria, Lou Abrahams; Line Honours, Boomerang of Belmont, Albie Burgin

1994-95 Windsurfer One Design World Championships

Winners-Windsurfer One Design World Championships 1994-1995 Overall Winner, Tony Philp

1986 Hobie Cat 16 World Championships Still regarded as the best ever venue of the Hobie Worlds, Fiji put on a great week of adrenalinepumping races and crowd-pleasing evening events
Winners-Hobie Cat 16 World Championships 1986 Overall Winner, Gary Metcalf

1952 18-Footer World Championship

Winners-18-Footer World Championships 1952 Overall Winner, Intrigue

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Charters & Cruises

Yacht and Powerboat Chartering
Emotional Rescue The International Telephone Access Code for Fiji is (679)

Join NZ Americas Cup sailor - Graeme Woodroffe for the adventure of a lifetime. Cruise on the high performance 56 ft. sloop, one of the South Pacific's fastest cruiser/racer. Hosts maximum 8 guests, features finest shipboard accommodation, providing everything an island adventurer needs for days of action, and all the comforts of home for nights of relaxation in tropical splendour.
Gallivant

17 m. Warwick 56 is racer designed with comfortable accommodation. Facilities include master cabin, ensuite bathroom, spacious main saloon, well equipped galley, outside dining in centre cockpit, snorkel gear, fishing lines, inflatable zodiac tender, deck BBQ, sleeps 8.
Hobo

36 ft. ketch - maximum 6 adults. Join the hosts Patricia and Peter on their day cruises. On board facilities include bar service and snorkel gear. Sunset cruises also available.
La Violante

Built in 1922 for French royalty. A luxury schooner with a superb touch of European craftsmanship. 106 ft. splendour. 4 Crew included with maximum 6 guests. A personal treat for sailing adventures.
Lea

Italy built - 14 m. steel cutter, constructed to withstand high seas, maximum 6 guests in three double cabins, spacious saloon, a functional galley, bathroom with shower and external shower, delicious local cuisine and best Italian specialities.
Tropical Jazz

Bareboat with a guide, the 43 ft. Beneteau sleeps 6 comfortably with all essential amenities and provisions. Tender service, swim ladder, fishing lines, snorkel gear, spacious main saloon. For more information on the above vessels contact:
Fiji Yacht Charters Musket Cove Resort Private Mail Bag, 0352, Nadi Airport Tel 662 215 Fax 662 633 musketcovefiji@is.com.fj

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Tau

90 Ketch, maximum 6 adults. 3 passenger cabins each having toilet & bathroom facilities. Crew of Certified Master, bosun, and cook. Snorkelling equipment and windsurfing on board. Dive master, scuba equipment and zodiac rigid inflatable dive tender also available.
Tradewinds Marine PO Box 3084, Lami, Fiji Islands Tel 361 453 Fax 362 177 tradewinds@is.com.fj

Island Cruises
The International Telephone Access Code for Fiji is (679)

Bay Cruises Beachcomber Cruises Blue Lagoon Cruises Bountiful Cruises Captain Cook Cruises Daydream Cruises Fiji Aggressor

Address PO Box 9949, Nadi Airport PO Box 364, Lautoka PO Box 130, Lautoka PO Box 6796, Lautoka PO Box 23, Nadi PO Box 9777, Nadi Airport

Phone 722 696 661 500 661 622 650 200 701 823 723 314

Fax 720 288 664 496 664 098 650 200 702 045 790 441

Email baycruises@is.com.fj beachcomber@is.com.fj blc@is.com.fj

captcookcrus@is.com.fj

PO Box 1470 70381-1470 Morgan City, LA (800) 348 2628 USA (800) 344 5662 Musket Cove 722 488 Resort Malolo Lailai Is., Private Mail Bag, Nadi Airport PO Box 332, Pacific Harbour 450 382 790 378

(504) 384 0817 FijiInfo@pac-aggressor.com

Leeward Services,

Nai'a Cruises

450 566

naia@is.com.fj

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Princess II

PO Box 208, Savusavu

850 195 700 026 361 171 750 500 850 674 722 455

850 430 700 010 361 137 750 501 850 674 720 134

hotspringshotel@is.com.fj

Robinson Crusoe Cruises PO Box 2580, Nadi Sere-ni-Wai cruises) Fiji South Seas Cruises Ltd Transtar Charters Whales Tale Oceanic Schooner Company PO Box 3256, Lami PO Box 718, Nadi PO Box 370, Savusavu PO Box 9625, Nadi Airport

sere@is.com.fj (dive southsea@is.com.fj

Arrival Info
Clearance formalities for yachts arriving and departing Fiji On reaching Fijian waters, you must first call at a port of entry where Health/Practique, Customs, Immigration and Quarantine formalities must be completed. Fiji has four Ports of Entry and departure: Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu and Levuka. Working hours of clearance are from Mon to Thurs 0800-1300h, 1400-1630; Fri 0830-1300, 1400-1600h. Overtime charges may be enforced outside of these hours. It is the vessel master's responsibility to ensure that all people on board are in possession of valid travel documents. Documents required prior to arrival are: Certificate of Clearance from your previous port/country (even if it is your home port) Crew lists with details of passport numbers, nationality, age, position on vessel. (12 or more copies of this made prior to travel is helpful). Valid passports for all personnel. Once cleared into Fiji, if you intend to sail to another clearance port (either directly or via the other islands), you must clear out with Customs from the Port of Entry you are presently in. If your vessel is in excess of 100 tons you should contact a yachting agent prior to arrival. There are many differences in clearance formalities for vessels over 100 tons which would be worthwhile knowing. For yachts intending to visit any of the outer islands within the Fiji group, permits are required.

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Entering into/departing Port of Entry Before proceeding to a Port of Entry, all vessels are required to communicate with Port Control on VHF channel 16 to request permission to enter the port, and to obtain information on all vessel movements in the harbour. On entering the port, proceed directly to the designated quarantine area indicated on your chart. Fly the international yellow "Q" flag (requesting Practique) and await instructions or arrival of the correct authorities. Apart from Health/Practique, Customs, Immigration or Quarantine Officers, no one should be allowed to board the vessel, nor any person or article leave the vessel until all clearances is granted. The Ports Authority of Fiji have levied a fee applicable to all vessels entering any of the ports of Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu and Levuka. Vessels up to 100 tonnes pay a maximum of $10.45 FJD. Prior to departing a port of entry, you should notify Port Control of your intended movement. Health/Practique- On Arrival The Health Officer should be the first official to clear the vessel. You will be instructed to await the arrival of the Health Boat or to proceed directly to the wharf and await the Health Officer's arrival. The Department of Health have levied a F$33.00 fee for this clearance which must be paid at the Divisional Medical Officer's office. Customs - On Arrival After clearance by Health/Practique, you are required to moor your vessel until cleared by Customs. You must facilitate the Customs Officer to board your vessel. The Customs Officer will process you through a thorough declaration of the yacht's intentions and stores held aboard whilst in Fijian waters. Please do not take this declaration lightly. The penalty for falsifying declarations is severe. Duty Visiting yachts may enter and be kept temporarily in Fiji without payment of Customs dues provided:
the yacht is the sole property of the bona fide tourist; the yacht is on a bona fide cruise or participating in a yacht race; the yacht shall remain in Fiji for a period not exceeding 12 months of its arrival;

Your yacht will become liable to pay duty if:

it is put to commercial use or for other consideration whilst in Fiji waters (taken for commercial charters, hired or lease, cruises, etc.); the owner is associated in any way with any entity in Fiji as an employer or employee, either upon arrival or subsequently; the owner is a holder of a Fiji Immigration Permit to enter and reside in Fiji either upon arrival or subsequently; the yacht is not exported within 12 months of the day of the yachts arrival in Fiji (unless extensions have been approved - see note).

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Personal Allowances Upon arrival you will be allowed "landing passengers allowances: regarding high duty goods such as liquor, beer or wine and tobacco (cigarettes), per each adult person above 17 years of age. All spirituous beverages in excess of allowance on arrival will have to have duty paid. Sealing of stores on board the yacht will not be permitted. No duty free spirituous beverages or other bonded or drawback goods will be allowed on board for any vessels less than 100 tonnes. Only duty paid goods will be permitted to be exported on vessels less than 100 tonnes. Other than duty applicable on the above, all equipment on board or imported for the boat shall be kept "duty free" provided such goods depart the country with the boat. For all and such equipment you are tourists aboard "yachts in transit". As with most countries world-wide, Fiji is taking a very hard line attitude to persons or yachts found with drugs, dangerous weapons (see below), pornographic material or other prohibited items. If you have any doubts as to the legality of items aboard, you are strongly advised to contact the relevant authorities prior to coming to Fiji. Being caught with prohibited items aboard, once you arrive in Fiji, will most likely lead to a prison sentence. Notices If you wish to visit another Customs Port or cruise within Fiji waters, you must clear outwards at the Customs Port where you have last entered your yacht inwards. After completion of your visit/cruise, you must immediately report your yacht inwards at a Customs Port. If, in an emergency, it is found necessary to anchor or stop in any place within Fiji other than a declared port, the master or owner of the craft will be required to make immediate contact with the authorities mentioned. No cargo, stores or any other goods whatsoever are to be unloaded from the craft. If you are in possession of firearms and ammunitions, you must surrender both arms and ammunition to the Customs officer who clears the vessel. Whilst the vessel is in Fiji, the firearms and ammunition are held in safe keeping at the port of call Police Station. These may be collected before leaving Fiji by timely arrangement with the Police (at least 48 hours notice to be given). Extensions beyond 12 months are available by application. Extension of the initial 12 month stay is not automatic and must be applied for in advance, and is at the discretion of the Minister of Finance. Remember, apply in advance before your initial 12 month permit expires. It is advisable to contact a yachting agent for advice on this application. Customs - On Departure Within 24 hours of your planned departure from Fijian waters, you should proceed to the Customs office on the main wharf and complete Customs Clearance formalities. You will need your inbound clearance papers, crew details, the details of your vessel and next port of call.

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You are required to sail from these waters within 24 hours. If you are delayed beyond this time, contact the same Customs people immediately. Customs must be cleared before Immigration, and Customs will not clear you unless all Port dues and Health fees are paid. Immigration - On Arrival Yachtsmen require permits from an Immigration Officer before they disembark. If an Immigration Officer does not meet the yacht on its arrival, a message should be sent via the Customs Officer requesting their attendance. Immigration will clear all persons at the yacht and no one is to disembark before approval to do so is given. The Immigration Department may expect you to pay for the taxi costs to get the officer to the wharf and back. Notification of vessels arrival and its need to clear Immigration should be relayed through the harbour's Port Control. The owner or captain of the yacht will have to ensure that the Immigration Department sights every person aboard, every such persons passport, and receives from all concerned a correctly completed passenger arrival card. If a crew is signing off the yacht, he should produce a return ticket to his country of nationality or permanent residence. It is the owner or captain's responsibility to ensure that all crew who signs off/on should first obtain the approval of an Immigration Officer. Last port clearance should be presented while clearing with Immigration Authorities at a clearance port. He/she should also produce a list of the arrival crew to ensure that all crew who have arrived on the yacht are leaving. Only exemptions will be the ones who were officially signed off/on by the Immigration Officer. Clearance will be done on board the vessel (not ashore) and if you are not along side a port controlled wharf, you will be required to dispatch your tender to take the Immigration Officer to your boat. The Immigration Officer will require you to pay (on production of a claim form) for the transportation cost to get him to the wharf and back. The clearance will be provided free of charge. Also there is no overtime charge applicabe to Immigration clearance that are needed outside of normal working hours. Immigration - On Departure Immigration is the final authority to clear the yacht out of the Fijian waters. An appointment should be made in advance of your departure advising where within Suva you wish to clear from, (it is not essential to have to clear out from the main wharf as it is on arrival). Immigration will expect you to physically depart the Port immediately on receiving this clearance, therefore, it is advisable to complete all business ashore prior to this clearance. On departure, the Captain of the yacht will be required to complete, in duplicate, the Department Statement. In addition, he will be required to surrender the following documents:
Authority to Disembark Arrival Statement by Master/Owner; and Cruising permit (where necessary)

Note It is an offence to call in at any islands before arrival clearance or after receiving departure clearance.

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The penalty for breaching any requirement can be severe. It is therefore advisable not to rely on hearsay information. Always inquire with the proper department for the correct advice and up-to-date information. Quarantine On arrival in a Port of Entry, you should make it known to all authorities if you have any prohibited items aboard. Otherwise, Quarantine will be notified by Customs if an inspection is deemed to be necessary. Overseas yachts are requested to declare on arrival the following:
Foods (tinned or packaged), including meat, sausages, salami, ham, pork, poultry, eggs, fats, milk, butter, cheese. Plants/parts of plants (live or dead) including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, bulbs, flowers (fresh or dry), mushroom, straw, bamboo or any other articles made of plant materials. Animal products including semen, feathers, fur/skin, shells, hatching eggs and any other. Animals, reptiles, fish, birds (or parts thereof), alive or dead, stuffed or mounted. Soil or equipment used with animals or any kind, or that have come in contact with soil. Biological specimens including vaccine cultures, blood or any other biological specimen. Domesticated pets to be bonded (cats/dogs/birds).

Many of the above items will not be permitted to be kept aboard the yacht for the duration of the visit in Fiji. What is allowed to stay aboard is at the sole discretion of the Quarantine officer at the time of Quarantine inspection. Garbage should not be discharged without the permission of the Quarantine officer and subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose. Permits To visit any ports, island or anchorage outside of Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu or Levuka, you need to file a Customs cruising permit as well as obtain a permit to cruise the islands. This permit acts as a letter of introduction to the 'Turaga ni Koro' (the village head), the 'Buli' (head of the provincial subdivision), or the 'Roko Tui' (provincial head). Along with the permit, you will be briefed on the protocol to be observed when visiting the outer islands. Following such protocol will help ensure that your visit is pleasant and memorable. Cruising permits can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs located at 61 Carnavron Street in Suva, or from the Commissioner Western's office in Lautoka, the Commissioner Eastern's office in Levuka, or the Provincial Office in Savusavu. You must bring with you your Customs papers and details of all crew members and skipper. If you wish to visit the Lau Group, apply for a permit to visit from the Presidents office. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji's president, is also the Tui Nayau, Paramount Chief of Lau, and therefore it is his permission that you should seek. Regulations Yachts visiting Fiji for less than one year are exempt from the Fiji Marine Department Regulations.

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Information courtesy of Yacht Help - Fiji's full service yachting agency.

International Travel Fiji has daily flights from Australia (Air Pacific, Qantas, Ansett) and New Zealand (Air Pacific, Qantas, Air New Zealand). Several flights a week arrive from Japan (Air Pacific, Air New Zealand), United States (Air Pacific, Air New Zealand), and Europe (Air New Zealand, Qantas). Domestic Travel Air Fiji, Sunflower Airlines, Turtle Airlines and Island Hopper Helicopters serve Fiji. There are also several ferries including the Adi Savusavu which connect the islands. The International Telephone Access Code for Fiji is (679)
Air Fiji Island Hoppers Sunflower Airlines Turtle Airlines Phone 313 66 720 410 723 016 721 888 Fax 6300 771 720 172 723 611 720 095 Email airfiji@is.com.fj islandhoppers @is.com.fj sunair@is.com.fj

Visas Nationals of these countries do not require a pre-entry visa to Fiji: Nationals of other countries require prearranged visas, which can be applied for at the nearest Antigua Argentina Australia Austria Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Belize Bermuda Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile Columbia Cyprus Czech Rep. Denmark Dominica Estonia Germany Finland France Gambia Ghana Greece Grenada Guyana Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Kenya Kiribati Latvia Lesotho Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Marshall Islands Mauritius Mexico Moldavia Monaco Micronesia Nauru Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan South Korea PNG Spain Paraguay Swaziland Peru Sweden Poland Switzerland Portugal Taiwan Philippines Tanzania Rep. of Ireland Thailand Romania Tonga Russia Trinidad/Toba St. Lucia go St. Vincent Tunisia Samoa Turkey Seychelles Tuvalu Sierra Leone Uganda Singapore UK and N. Slovenia Ireland Solomon USA Islands Uruguay South Africa Vanuatu Venezuela Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

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Fiji High Commission or Consulate. Travellers Health Fiji is free of major tropical diseases, including malaria. Fresh water reticulated in Suva, Nadi and the other major towns and resort areas has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. Sevusevu If you plan to visit villages or islands away from the main tourist areas, you will inevitably take part in a sevusevu. This traditional Fijian ceremony is used, among other things, to welcome visitors into villages. Once accepted through sevusevu, you become a part of the village. Through the ceremony, you are asking permission to visit or use their area, village, land or sea. You should give the chief of the village a small bundle of dried roots of the kava (yaqona) plant. You can buy the root (waka) by the kilo at the markets. Fijians do it amongst themselves when they want to ask for, or use something. This is not just for tourists. The village spokesman will do the sevusevu on your behalf so don't worry about how to do it.

Navigation
The Fiji Islands lie in the Southwest Pacific, between 15 and 22 South latitude and 174 East and 177 West longitude. The 180th meridian, halfway around the world from Greenwich, England, passes directly through Fiji. Tides and Tidal Streams The range of tide within Fijian waters is between approximately 1.4 and 2.5 metres. It has two highs and two lows per day. The Fiji Group lies within the influence of the predominantly west-going south subtropical current the strength of which is dependent mainly upon the strength and regularity of the southeast Trades. The current is most marked during September and November but its rate seldom exceeds 1 knot. Tidal streams are moderate in strength in open waters but can become very strong in the reef entrances and straits. Beacons and Lights
Beaconing System in Fiji

Fiji has adopted the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) System A for all buoys and beacons but there is an additional local system of pile beacons used throughout the group to indicate passages, channels, and isolated dangers among the coral reefs. The beacons are of steel or concrete, with distinctive topmarks indicating on which side the vessels should pass. These are as follows: White triangular topmark point up. Pass to seaward of the beacon. White diamond topmark. Isolated danger. Pass either side of the beacon. Black triangular topmark point down. Pass to shoreward of the beacon. Pennant topmark painted red or yellow. Points to the clear channel.

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Beacons are subject to cyclonic and other damages and it may take a considerable time before they are replaced or repaired. Mariners are advised not to pass close to the beacons as, in many cases, it is not possible to drive the beacons on the outer extremity of reefs and patches, and therefore the danger may extend several metres beyond the beacons. The mariners should be guided more by the direction indicated by the shape of beacons and pennants rather than the colours which are sometimes difficult to distinguish. It is inevitable that when navigating among islands some confusion will arise as to which is the seaward, and which is the shoreward side, and therefore these beacons should be used in conjunction with the largest scale chart available, and should at all times be used with caution. Beacons may be some metres in from the edge of the danger, colours may be distinct at times and tops may be damaged or missing. Non-standard private beacons may occasionally be encountered. It is an offence to moor to beacons. When navigating among coral reefs polaroid type sunglasses will be found to be of great assistance. The best condition for navigating among coral reefs are with the sun behind the navigator and the surface ruffled by a light breeze. The worst conditions are with the sun ahead and a glassy calm sea. Lights All lights in the Fiji Islands are unwatched. They are, however, reasonably well maintained. Radio The Coast Radio Station, 'SUVA RADIO' 3 Delta Papa, provides 24-hour coverage on calling frequencies 2182 and 6215 kHz and VHF ch 16. Medical Advice Suva (3DP) also provides medical advice by radio, on request. Address: 'RADIOMEDICAL'. Distress, Search and Rescue Suva Radio (3DP) maintains a continuos RT listening watch on 2182 kHz for distress calls. The station is also equipped with 6215 kHz for Search and Rescue operations. All distress calls are relayed to Fiji Police, Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre and Maritime Surveillance Centre.
Emergency telephone calls can be made to the following: Police Information, Suva: 311.222 Maritime Surveillance Centre, Suva: 315.380 Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Nadi Airport: 723.855

Weather Services and Navigational Warnings Marine weather bulletins and forecasts are plentiful, both on entertainment radio and 3DP . All warnings are broadcast on receipt by Coast Radio Suva (3DP) and both Fiji Broadcasting Commission and Communications Fiji Ltd. Suva (3DP) will be open on all frequencies from receipt of any Tropical Cyclone Alert until the All Clear is given.

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Fiji Meteorological Service also has a website with satellite photos of the area and regular weather bulletins: www.met.gov.fj/ Suva Radio (3DP) Weather Messages The broadcasts on 3DP are on 4372 and 8746 kHz., at 0803, 1203, 1603 and 2003; on 521 kHz., at 0830, 1205, 1605 and 2030, Fiji local time.
Storm Warnings

Warnings are broadcast on receipt and every 12 hours until cancelled. It is also repeated in the New Zealand Notices to Mariners. Fiji Broadcasting Commission (Radio Fiji Gold) 990 1089 90.6 MHz 94.6 MHz 105 MHz 100.2 MHz
Weather Messages

Mon to Fri: every hour from 0600 to 1700; 1830, 2000, 2100, and 2200 (after the news). Sat to Sun: every hour from 0600 to 1000; 1230, 1330, 1500, 1700, 2100, and 2200 (after the news).
Storm Warnings

Issued on receipt. Cyclone warnings are repeated every H + 30 Communications Fiji LTD (Radio FM96 and Navatarang) Suva 96 MHz Lautoka95.4 MHz Sigatoka99.6 MHz Ba99.6 MHz Labasa95.4 MHz
Weather Messages

Mon to Fri: Every H + 00 (0600 - 1800), Sat: 0700, 1000, 1300, 1800, Sun: 0800, 1300, 1800 (after the news)
Storm Warnings

Issued on receipt. Cyclone warnings are repeated every H + 30

Information courtesy of the Hydrographic Office-Fiji Marine Department

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Books and Publications

A Yachtsman's Fiji, by Michael Calder; The Cruising Classroom, Sydney; 2nd ed. 1992 Fiji Nautical Almanac, Hydrographic Office, Marine Department, Suva, published annually Yacht Help Marine Information Booklet, Jeff Norton, Yacht Help, Lautoka, published annually

Principal Fiji Chart Agents

Hydrographic Office - Fiji Marine Department Carpenters Shipping

Address Motibhai Building, Freeston Road Walu Bay, Suva Neptune House, Tofua Street Walu Bay, Suva PO BOX 262 Savusavu 31 Albany Street , Crows Nest Sydney, NSW 2065 Australia 121 Beaumont Street Auckland New Zealand 2500 - 15th Avenue West Seattle, Washington 98119 USA

Phone (679) 315 266 (679) 315 457 (679) 312 244

Fax (679) 300 251

(679) 301 472

Tradewinds Marine Chandlery,Copra Shed Boat Books Ltd.

(679) 850 457 (02) 439 1133

(679) 850 344 (02) 439 8517

Trans Pacific Marine Ltd.

(09) 303 1459

(09) 307 8170

Captains Nautical Inc.

(206) 283 7242

(206) 281 4921 Supplies

Pacific Map Center

560 N. Nimitz Highway (808) 545 3600 Suite 206A Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 USA

(808) 545 1700

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List of Fiji Charts

Number F5 F6 F7 F9 F 10 F 11 F 50 F 51 F 52 F 100 F 105 F 602 F 604 F 604 Title Lautoka to Yasawa Islands Fiji Islands - 200 mile EEZ Suva Harbour - Nubulekaleka Bay Kadavu - Western Portion Kadavu Island - Northern Portion Plans in Kadavu Vanua Levu - Natewa Bay - Southern Portion Vanua Levu - Somosomo Strait to Rabi Channel Natewa Bay to Nanuku Passage Plans in the Koro Sea Plans in Yasawa Islands - sheets 1-7 (Pickmere series maps) Tasman and Coral Seas - Australia to Northern New Zealand and Fiji Coral and Solomon Seas and Adjacent Seas New Zealand to Fiji and Samoa Islands

List of British Admiralty Chart Folio 70 Fiji, Tonga, Ellice and Gilbert Islands, etc.
Number 184 377 378 379 381 382 384 385 386 387 389 416 440 441 488 495 700 731 743 744 745 746 751 755 Title Plans of the Phoenix Islands Approaches to Labasa Savusavu Bay Bligh Water - Eastern Portion Bligh Water - Western Portion Vanua Levu (Central Portion) with Makogai and Koro Ravi Ravi Point to Mali Island Yaqaqa Island to Ravi Ravi Passage Yadua Island to Yaqaga Island Vatia Lailai to Viti Levu Bay Lautoka to Vatia Lailai Passages and Anchorages in the Fiji Islands Fiji Islands, Eastern Group - Northern Portion Fiji Islands, Eastern Group - Southern Portion Makogai Channel to Nasilai Reef Sau Sau Passage to Ringgold Channel Maiana to Marakei Gilbert Group Abemama: South Passage Suva Harbour to Koro Island Kadavu to Suva Harbour Navula Passage to Beqa Koro Island to Northern Lau Group Abaiang

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766 767 768 968 979 1244 1247 1248 1252 1451 1660 1670 1673 1674 1682 1729 2691 2983 2992 3269 4007 4605 4617 4624 4625 4629 4630 4631 4632 4637 4638

Ellice Islands Tabiteuea - South Lagoon Arorae: Peacock Anchorage: Nonouti Islands and Reefs between Fiji, Samoa and Tonga Islands between 160 east and 150 west longitude Levuka Harbour Matuku Totoya Moala Canton Island, Lagoon Entrance Suva Harbour Plans in Viti Levu Western Approaches to Suva Harbour Eastern Approaches to Suva Harbour Beqa Passage and Lagoon Islands in American Samoa Fiji Islands Funafuti Atoll Rotuma Island Plans in the Gilbert Islands South Pacific Ocean New Zealand to Fiji and Samoa Tuvalu to Palmyra Island Santa Cruz to Butaritari Tuvalu to Butaritari Samoa Islands to Northern Cook Islands and Tokelau Samoa Islands to Southern Cook Islands Samoa Islands to Tonga including Niue Fiji to Tuvalu Vanuatu to Norfolk Island Fiji to Kermadec Islands

Information courtesy of the Hydrographic Office- Fiji Marine Department

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Facilities - Yacht Clubs & Marinas

Yacht Club & Marina Facilities Guide
Copra Club
Some stern to or alongside berths Majority roadstead moorings/anchoring All alongside berths Laundry facilities Power and water Telephone/fax/mail services Yacht club facilities Showers and WCs Repair and haul out facilities

Point

Musket Shed

Port Cove

Raffles Denarau

Royal Suva Vuda Tradewinds Yacht

Copra Shed Marina and Yacht Club Originally built to service copra boats, the 'shed' was fully renovated and converted into a modern marina in 1991. Located on Fiji's second largest island of Vanua Levu, the marina is handy to the seaside town of Savusavu, which was built in the days of the prosperous copra trade and today still maintains a frontier ambience. Savusavu is an Official Port of Entry into Fiji. The Copra Shed is the agent for the Yacht Shop (chandlery) and the Fibreglass Shop. The marina also contains a Yacht Club, pizza restaurant, cafe and various other stores, including the Bula Bookshop which sells the British Admiralty and Fiji charts, and "A Yachtsmans Fiji" by M. Calder.
PO Box 262 Savusavu Tel (679) 850 457 Fax (679) 850 344 Email coprashed@is.com.fj

Musket Cove Marina and Yacht Club Located on Malolo Lailai Island in the beautiful Mamanucas, Musket Cove provides an ideal gateway to Fiji's spectacular cruising grounds. Marina berths and moorings are available or yachts can drop anchor in the tranquil bay. Famous for sponsoring the annual Musket Cove

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to Port Vila Regatta, Musket Cove is also well-known for its Ratu Nemani Island Bar or '$2.00 bar' and supermarket, 'The Trader'. General mechanics and a limited boat repair facility is available.
Annual host for: Musket Cove to Port Vila Regatta Fiji Regatta Week Musket Cove Resort Private Mail Bag, NAP 0352 Nadi Airport Tel (679) 662 215 Fax (679) 662 633 Email musketcovefiji@is.com.fj

Port Denarau Marina and Yacht Club Port Denarau is the host of the President's Cup. It is located on Nadi's Denarau Island, which is also home to two ITT Sheraton hotels. The first phase of the marina has been a commercial enterprise for major cruise operators that frequent the Mamanuca and Yasawa group of islands. It now has 10 Super Yacht berths (up to 50 meters) and 100 small craft berths as well as swing moorings.
Host for: Auckland to Denarau Yacht Classic President's Cup International Race Series Denarau Race Week Captain Robert Southey, Port Denarau Harbour Master c/o Tabua Investments Limited PO Box 9347, Nadi Airport Tel (679) 750 600 Fax (679) 750 700 Email denarau4fiji@is.com.fj

Raffles Tradewinds Hotel and Marina Located in the Bay of Islands, commonly called Tradewinds Bay, Raffles Tradewinds offers a deep water bay with sheltered anchorage and easy access to Suva. The Raffles Tradewinds Hotel has swimming pool facilities, restaurants and a bar.
PO Box 3377 Lami Tel (679) 362 450 Fax (679) 362 455 Email tradewindsresv@is.com.fj

The Royal Suva Yacht Club Established in 1932, the RSYC is Fiji's oldest yacht club and has organised many races including the traditional Auckland to Suva yacht race together with the Royal Akarana Yacht

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Club. It is located only minutes from the centre of Fiji's capital city, Suva, which is one of four Ports of Entry into Fiji. It has a lively atmosphere, is frequented by the locals and is a marvellous place to enjoy a BBQ dinner while watching the sun sink slowly over the horizon.
Host for: Coffs Harbour to Suva Yacht Race PO Box 335 Suva Tel (679) 312 921 Fax (679) 304 433 Email rsyc@is.com.fj

Vuda Point Marina Situated on the shores of Vuda Point and overlooking the spectacular cruising grounds of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island, is Fiji's newest marina. It is 10 minutes from the sugar city of Lautoka, another Port of Entry and only a short drive from Nadi International Airport. Vuda Point Marina hosted the Yamaha Auckland to Fiji Regatta. Next door to the marina is First Landing, a beach front bar and restaurant which also offers cottage and dormitory accommodation. The marina has a capacity of about 100 boats and has a minimum depth of 3 metres. Repair and haul-out services are available. Facilities include a supermarket, chandlery, dive shop, Yacht Help, and Pacific Marine Yacht Consultants.
PO Box 5717 Lautoka Tel (679) 668 214 Fax (679) 668 215

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Products & Services

Batteries
Carpenters Motors Pacific Batteries Ltd

The International Telephone Access Code for Fiji is (679) Area Suva Suva Phone 312 055 362 255 Fax 301 872 362 737 Email

Boat Repair (Structural, Carpentry, Welding)

Alloy Fabricators Pacific Marina Yacht Consultants Ship Building Fiji Ltd. Area Suva Lautoka Suva Phone 361 988 668 969 314 699 Shipyard 300 374 Slipway 301 257 311 452 668 214 Fax 361 356 668 814 303 500 Email dunlop@is.com.fj yachthelp@is.com.fj sfl@is.com.fj

United Marine (Slipway) Suva Vuda Point Marina Lautoka

304 467 668 215

Books & Charts

Area Hydrographic Office Fiji Marine Department Carpenters Shipping Tradewinds Marine Chandlery, Copra Shed Suva Suva Phone 315 266 315 457 312 244 Fax 300 251 301 472 850 344 coprashed@is.com.fj Email

Savusavu 850 457

Canvas (Products/Repairs)

Area

Phone 384 692 370 171 361 596 998 836

Fax

Email

Asia Pacific Suva Management Ltd (Pacific Sails & Awnings) Custom Covers Ltd (Anton Lee) Suva

361 576

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Chandlery & Rigging

Area Phone Fax 361 035 Emaill tradewinds@is.com.fj

The Yacht Shop Suva 361 522 (Tradewinds Marine Ltd) Savusavu Vuda

Courier Service
Carpenters Shipping (Federal Express/ Air Express) CDP Services Ltd

Area Suva Nadi Lautoka Suva Nadi Lautoka

Phone 302 217

Fax 302 471

Email

313 077

300 391

DHL International (Fiji) Ltd

Suva 313 166 Nadi Lautoka Savusavu 84 677 Nadi

302 707

valentine@is.com.fj

TNT Express World-wide Suva Nadi Lautoka PNT Express Courier Ltd Suva

384 742

tntew@is.com.fj

314 592

314 592

Electronics (Marine)/Radio/Radar
Communications Pacific - Compac AWA Area Suva Phone 312 744 361 582 385 011 Fax 300 379 998 818 370 238 Email compac@suva.is.com.fj 320 876 tecair@is.com.fj

Ocean Technical Services Suva (Ed Saphore) Tecair Ltd Suva

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Engineering
Area Alloy Fabricators Suva Lautoka Engineering Ltd Lautoka Marconsult Ltd Suva (Brian Labudde) Pressure Consultants (Loel Peters) Seamech Ltd Shipbuilding Ltd South Sea Engineering Ltd United Engineers Ltd Suva Suva Suva Suva Suva Phone Fax 361 988 361 256 661 788 664 077 362 495 961 623 993 503 301 882 305 992 314 699 302 045 301 257 300 866 303 500 302 545 304 467 seamech@is.com.fj sfl@is.com.fj Email dunlop@is.com.fj 361 623

Fibreglass (Boats/Repairs)
The Fibreglass Shop Pacific Fibreglass Ltd Area Phone Suva 361 057 Savusavu Suva 361 613 387 710 Fax 362 177 362 767 370 744 Email tradewinds@is.com.fj

Safeway Marine (Fiji) Ltd Suva

Internet Access
Area The Republic of Cappuccino Internet Services Suva Suva Phone 300 333 210 351 Fax 361 035 307 237 Email roc@is.com.fj info@is.com.fj

Life Rafts
Marine Safety Services Ltd.

Area Suva

Phone 312 426 304 764

Fax 306 121

Email

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Marine Surveyors
Billet Wright & Associates Ltd Toplis Cargo & Marine Area Suva Lautoka Area Suva Phone 313 766 663 922 663 504 Phone 361 988 Fax 313 162 665 866 Fax 361 356 Email dunlop@is.com.fj Email

Naval Architects
Colin Dunlop

Outboards (Sales/Service Parts/Repairs)

Area Asco Motors (Yamaha & Mariner) Bor & Levi (Johnson & Evinrude) Suva Suva ext. 250 Phone 384 888 313 644 313 644 Fax 370 309 305 715 301 872 Email asco@is.com.fj

Carpenters Motors - Sales Suva (Johnson & Evinrude) Nadi Lautoka Imported Marine Accessories Nadi

701 720 313 990 361 796 361 522

650 641 312 770 361 055 tradewinds@is.com.fj

Suva Marine Services Ltd Suva (Mercury) Tradewinds Marine Ltd (Seagull) Suva

Paint/Hardware/Epiglass Products
Asian Paints Ltd Burns Philp Area Suva Lautoka Suva Nadi Lautoka Suva Phone 311 982 311 777 Fax 305 131 303 697 Email asianpaintsuva@is.com.fj

Carpenters Builders Merchants

Nadi

Lautoka

313 155 306 694

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ICI Paints (Fiji) Ltd Taubmans Paints (Fiji) Ltd

Suva Suva

361 622 Lautoka

361 094 304 100 303 007

Refrigeration
Kooline United Airco Ltd

Area Suva Suva

Phone 313 277 362 025

Fax 303 343 361 274

Email

Sailmakers
Area Custom Covers Suva - Minor Repairs (Anton Lee) Marshall Sails (Alan Marshall) Lautoka Phone 361 596 669 911 930 246 Fax 361 576 669 911 Email

marshallsails@is.com.fj

Yacht Agent/Pilots/Yacht Delivery

Carl Bay Captain Carol Dunlop Latitude South Yacht Help Area Suva Suva Phone 361 382 998821 362 356 361 988 Fax 362 930 361 256 998 825 668 814 Email

dunlop@is.com.fj latitudesouth@is.com.fj yachthelp@is.com.fj

Suva/Nadi 722 835 Lautoka 688 969

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