17 | Exploring the Islands of Fiji, Vanua Levu and Taveuni

After the two week ocean passage to Fiji, we settle in to the little town of Savusavu. The boat needed some repairs after the long crossing, and then we explore the many wonders of Fiji, from waterfalls and sugar cane to chocolate and kava root. Setting sail for Viani Bay, we had a rough upwind bash, but eventually made it on the second try. We found a dive resort with free moorings on Taveuni, and enjoyed the easy life for a few days. After restocking with fresh produce, we set out on the overnight sail to the beautiful Lau group.
Julia is an Atkin designed Ingrid ketch, built in 1960 in British Columbia. She is a traditionally built wooden boat, fir planking on oak frames.
All music courtesy of Epidemic Sound
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Featured artists:
End of the Ocean by Tellsonic
Magical Garden by Jon Algar
Prepare for Liftoff by Tellsonic

[@cjyoung7372]

I've been waiting months for this your channel is seriously underrated thank you for taking the time to document and share your experiences with us

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Ditto

[@michaelmcgillsnowmx]

Same here from Whidbey Island

[@MichaelMechsner]

I totally agree with the other commentators - I admit I watch a number of KZbin sailing channels (probably too much) - yours is one of the best - Bravo Zulu - keep them coming.

[@MichaelMechsner]

Bravo Zulu - the naval phonetic for the letters B Z - it was a naval flag order that indicates “Job well done.”

[@blknblugrip]

Love the flow of your videos. Colors, waves, sunsets...all beautiful. Also enjoy the respect you have for the places and people while sailing.

[@humblestever24]

Absolutely. The colours and shapes of the ocean and clouds are unbelievably beautiful and even our fellow humans don't look too bad. :)

[@ericlundgren5208]

Thank you - again - from Finland also. Agree other that your channel is that what I like to watch.

[@annieheater]

Thankyou for posting such excellent videos. it is wonderful watching you live your dreams on such a beautiful boat .

[@belisarioalbarracin8478]

Beautiful places, and you are so gentle and peaceful people, its a pleasure!!!! Thanks!!!

[@leonardogaytan3219]

Happy to see your new video. Enjoy and blessings !

[@alfredpinkham4321]

I very much enjoy your videos for their authenticity, as it is a welcome change from glitz and battery discussions. Keep her so and enjoy your time on a fine old boat. Fair winds.

[@johnshaw8327]

This has to be the best sailing/cruising KZbin channel. I think by not posting heaps of videos you keep us wanting more. And of course there's the boat too. Years ago there was a UK couple cruising the world with an engineless Falmouth Quay Punt built in the late 1800's called Curlew. They always referred to the 3 of them, the third being 'Curlew'. They spent their last few cruising years in Antarctic waters. Tim and Pauline Carr. I think you 2 are the next Tim and Pauline...... when your engine dies!! Beware of having kids. We had only 1 and he never went to school, he hated boat life but now in his 30's he appreciates his sailing years and he turned out to be a very worldly young man. Thanks again. I turn 80 this year and still sail solo offshore.

[@MadisonBoatworks]

Curlew and crew have definitely been a big influence on us!

[@davelawrence6777]

Thank you for posting always look forward to them that has to be one of the most beautiful boats I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Fair winds and following seas

[@humblestever24]

Don't want following seas. Not with my new club med aft.

[@robertnixon3816]

Just love this channel! Cannot seem to get enough of Julia under sail. Every aspect of this video is so well done. I can just feel the enjoyment of you both and the excitement if every new discovery! Sail on! I for one will be waiting!

[@JimJocrusin]

Hey guys. Your traditional wooden boat looks so amazing and at home in Fijian waters, You clearly spend some time up the spars recoating them, not many wooden spars still have varnish on them as long as you have been sailing. What an amazing story and so nice that you are doing this while you are still young. Keep having fun. J&J

[@stratchoker8765]

Julia is such a fine vessel! I would love to hear something of her origins. Can’t wait for the next episode. When you do the work of voyaging the rewards are great. Thanks.

[@Wanderglobe]

Thanks again for the efforts made to share your adventure. Great cinematography and narration as always and a gorgeous boat.

[@humblestever24]

Do you only "Heart" praise rather than interesting comments or is it just the "Algorithm" A Fan.

[@jeroenvanrixel7980]

The best channel out there . A hard working couple ful filling their dreams . Beautiful People.

[@Rudolf.Aigner]

I'm always waiting patiently for the next episode, and it's always a pleasure to watch. Thanks for taking me to all the wonderful places. Wish you a safe and pleasant journey. ❤

[@m2pozad]

I've figured out what is so unique about this sailing channel. Everything feels boat age and era correct. Captain and First Mate have magically become a couple in a home movie being shot in the 1950s or early 60's. Very moving, and a little mysterious how you two get into the character of the boat.

[@EFChapin]

I feel as if I am in a dream watching your amazing videos. Can’t wait for the next, and like everyone else, wish we were sailing with you!

[@honey8784]

My first time to see these guys. Very well done.⛵️. Most videos have not so good music, whoever chose the soundtrack hit a home run. Great,

[@PeterRawlingson]

Always love watching your quality sailing episodes

[@geoffreyhanan1837]

I think its more enjoyable the way you post... no hurries no worries. I had an Atkin Eric and truly loved her. Now on a 50ft cat as we charter. Thank you for posting when and as you do... All the best and looking forward..😊😊

[@user-px4qo2of1r]

You have made my day perfect! Greetings from Bulgaria!

[@GuntherRauschenberger]

So happy to watch a new video. I confess I watch the earlier ones over and over. So refreshing

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

X❤of all the things I have reliably enjoyed about your work is the Under water times

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

The videos are the best you tube can find

[@robertmvieiravieira-uc2kx]

Been awhile! So nice to see you two are doing well. So jealous

[@user-retsailor]

As I catch up with your videos, I'm always amazed at the quality. Thank you for your supreme effort in making these and for sharing. Stay safe and happy sailing to you.....

[@robertlaird6746]

Woo hoo, another video. I first found your channel when you were in San Francisco and ended up binge watching all of them. Love the way you put your videos together. I'm in Snohomish County, WA and plan on building a Cyber 48 to sail around the world. I think that my favorite spot will end up being where your at now in the South Pacific but who knows, I haven't seen it before with my own eye's yet. You should get some spear fishing equipment. It's amazing how you made all of your brass fittings yourself.

[@davethemmp]

TV quality editing of phenomenal views ❤

[@jamessandman3708]

Your videos of your travels are amazing! All the sailing books I read as a child and even now as an adult come to life in your videos. Thank You for sharing and Whitney's smile is infectious.

[@JagLite]

Magnificent! I love to see cruising as I lived it. A classic boat with beautiful lines and a rowing dinghy. Thanks for the memories.

[@juan6168]

Congratulation for yours REAL navigation chanel. Greeting from Spain.

[@amo757]

Best sailing channel by far (I appreciate the family friendly content).

[@mickramsay5002]

Once again, thank you so much. It‘s great to be on the trip with you. Wondering, what‘s coming next. Happy journey!

[@earthman3000]

A true sailing channel. Thanks

[@charlestull4884]

I really enjoy watching your episodes and look forward to the next one. Continued safe travels and will wait patiently for your next chapter of you travels.

[@ttaylor1808]

Fantastic! Can't wait for the next video. You both make an incredible adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[@C_C_SEA]

Another gem ...gorgeous and finely crafted ❤⚓🖖

[@ricorichmond8214]

Always you both show such class in the true meaning sailing and exploring the oceans thank you for keeping true!

[@donland-zu9ul]

You’ve done it again. Great video. I’m in awe of your abilities and the incredible beauty of the islands. Thanks!

[@eusouojotabr]

Hello, I'm from Bahia-Brazil, and I've been following your vlog since they you were sailing off the coast of the United States, each episode has been very enjoyable. Here in Bahia we also plant cocoa and produce artisanal chocolate on our farm. If one day the good winds of this trip take the S/V Julia close to the coast of Abrolhos and Caravelas in Bahia, it will be an honor to show the place. Many blessings!

[@humblestever24]

The Abrolhos are also off the west coast of Western Australia, the state being part of the nation of Australia. (i.e. unlike the US which has no nation). Believe it is Portuguese for "watch out" We also had great respect for the Dutch who discovered the country long before our English ancestors.

[@eusouojotabr]

@@humblestever24 Exactly my friend, Abrolhos means in Portuguese, "open your eyes", because the archipelago was hidden by waves and fog during the navigation to discover the coast of Brazil. However, currently, boaters passing through the area, thanks to new navigation technologies, only need to open their eyes to the beauty of the region. The SV DELOS channel has an episode showing Abrolhos in Brazil!

[@eusouojotabr]

@@humblestever24 It doesn't get any better than this... SV Delos Ep.186 (...) kzbin.info/www/bejne/boiXd4Nuj6ljbKssi=clayeKcsQDaNaql_

[@eusouojotabr]

@@humblestever24 Another vlog about Abrolhos (this time in Portuguese + Subtitles) about Abrolhos, made by a Brazilian sailing channel, excellent content. (...) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaqsmXZmns6nkK8si=F7GTpGdjF4_0KeS-

[@humblestever24]

@@eusouojotabr are you a patriot or a tourism minister ?

[@thill6771]

Your videos and narration are superb. Thank you. About 1980 my wife and I sailed to NE Fiji via all the places you shared in this video. We were on the way north via Kiribati and Tuvalu, as you might be. If you go that way, Nukufetau and Nanumea are beautiful, very friendly, and rarely visited. Be careful in the pass at Nanumea!

[@Khanate1923]

Love your chanel ❤

[@eleutheros]

We always look forward to seeing your videos. Glad to see other wooden boats out there.😊

[@markroth9827]

Wow. The colors are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your trip.

[@klausfroehlich741]

so nice to be on a classic wooden sv

[@AbdulKarim-sm7pm]

Your YT channel's video is very beautiful. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@robbecker1855]

Been waiting for the latest update! Really miss Savu Savu (boat work not so much 😢) Great videos thanks so much!

[@KenBerger-ey2pg]

Another wonderful video! Thank you, we’ve missed you

[@lanerothsailing2293]

WOW beautiful place, thanks for taking us with you!

[@stratchoker8765]

Ahoy! We have been eagerly awaiting your next salty travelogue. Saving it for a bit later in the day cuz its cold and snowy her in PNW, and I have to get in some extra firewood. Thank you.

[@Dusty10]

Can’t wait for the next one 😎

[@richardryan5393]

A joy to watch.Great photography.

[@brettwarburton1428]

Beautifully produced.

[@alexpeattie2042]

An absolutely amazing adventure! Wonderfully told! Love your channel

[@skipcurtin8546]

Thanks for taking us along! Great video! 💙

[@outdoortherapy6596]

New viewer and now new subscriber, thanks for the great content. I still wish I did this stuff before I got old.

[@StemtoSternSailing]

Thats cruiseing as it should be. 👍

[@mattdouglas5570]

Always enjoyable thanks for posting

[@jerryschwimmer8559]

Very nice Ketch,...lots of options. Great sailing.

[@patrickjames1080]

Brilllllliant as always- Thanks for sharing ⛵️ 👍

[@billlippincott3937]

Just found your channel. Very excited to find another Atkins wooden boat. I have helped, as a volunteer, build Arabella in MA with Steve and crew (Acorn to Arabella) Look forward to your future adventures on a very cool boat! Cheers, Bill from Boston.

[@johnmartlew5897]

🙏 for the brief ride. ✌️❤️

[@rudyo8409]

I love the boat" Classic is awesome.

[@alanabroad3471]

Your editing skills are amazing.

[@enseglare]

Many sailing channels have tanked the more money they make on KZbin. SO thank you for your continued authenticity!

[@rogerjohnson2031]

So good to see you guys. I really look forward to your updates.

[@fransdriesen1311]

As always, nice footage with fitting narration..Beautiful sailing ....

[@ingmarzz]

Such beautiful videos you are making of your fabulous voyage! Very inspiring, -and thanks so much for conspicuously not flying the American flag...

[@user-hk2vp7il4o]

the most wholesome ppl

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Thank you.

[@OurLadyDefiant]

Another awesome video, and some truly beautiful places! Thanks for sharing! 🤙

[@AfricanFlightStar]

So beautiful. As I think I've mentioned before, when I come from watching other sailing channel videos and watch one of yours, it's as if I've stepped out of the frantic activity of a house party, and into the quiet beauty of nature in all it's glory. You three, and now you two, do that for us. We appreciate it a lot, so thanks for sharing your journey in your own special way. 🙏🏼

[@zigman7140]

Welcome to Fiji. Glad you enjoyed your visit.

[@glenhatchell5635]

Yay! Loved this video and all of the previous Fiji videos. And Julia!

[@blankrobber]

Great camera work Jonathan's Dad!

[@caractacus22]

Just wonderful

[@user-mv3vu7bu6p]

Tyvm nice to see another video

[@molassescricket6663]

Thank you for another cinematic tropical adventure! I watch several other sailing channels on KZbin and your channel is arguably the best. You’re so underrated. May I ask why no patron page or ways to give? Wouldn’t that help out and enable you guys to get out more videos? I could watch your videos on a nightly basis. You guys really showcase the land and the people, not adding in any drama or hype, that I really appreciate and think is one of the things that sets your channel apart from the others out there. Keep living the dream!

[@humblestever24]

Patron page ? Ways to give? More videos? Are you kidding? These guys are free. Try and remember America.

[@molassescricket6663]

@@humblestever24 unless you pay for ad free KZbin it’s still free. The money is like a donation to the content provider. It’s not that you are mandated to pay KZbin to watch their videos.

[@humblestever24]

@@molassescricket6663 Very true. Except Americans once longed to be free of money and donations. And I would question how free Y'tube is. How about you? No answer required.

[@molassescricket6663]

@@humblestever24 well we do have to pay for the internet connection. We have to buy the device. But at least we’re not paying for the content. Otherwise I agree, not much in life is free these days. My point is though that these guys make great videos, and if donations would help them to get more out, we would all get more enjoyment. And I for one am all for that!

[@humblestever24]

@@molassescricket6663 You are right . Its just when I see Americans and money something goes bananas.

[@annafraley5388]

EXCELLENT Video as Always, in ALL areas.✅ Probably our favorite one of all the sailing channels we watch. We imagine you would have 200-400,000 subscribers if you posted more often…!!!

[@michaelwilliams5132]

Best sailing channel!!! So organic and relaxing Humble & natural individuals. Thanks heaps and keep it up.

[@ezibierx9179]

Thanks again for sharing

[@davidzaharik5408]

Another fabulous video, thank you. Love the tone of your videos.

[@lizflorom6021]

Well done and very beautiful!

[@user-iq7rc8nm1q]

Simply the best sailing channel according to my opinion

[@A808K]

Yowzaa I must be old. I traveled from Suva on the local ferry to Taveuni via Savusavu in 1986! That boat was awful but my visit with the Fijians is full of wonderful memories, arriving in Nandi airport to yet another coup with the scariest looking but nicest military guys with AK47's you'll ever see, of drinking kava in a circle well into the night with the island of Baga just offshore, even dancing in a Disco (yep!) in Suva with a Fijian woman maybe a foot taller than myself. Priceless. I enjoy your adventures immensely. Thank you for taking us along and sharing the memories you too are now making. 🙏 Namaste

[@omarkn4371]

Beautiful!

[@johnnya9001]

Beautiful production and boat. Great adventure. Cheers.

[@gabrielbernard9905]

Thank you so much for sharing your voyage.

[@user-co7tp3oi4i]

WOW Sailors, 👍

[@kkots]

Made my day to see your latest posting of your continuing adventures! Brilliant work framing your journey. I was hoping that the next installment was coming soon and here it is!

[@humblestever24]

The bravest and most poetic of all sailing channels. Just for a change of pace, try wavy boats.

[@RameyFamily]

I think I just realized a lot of my videography style on my channel is a bit inspired by this one. Imitation is flattery. Love you guys.

[@buck_bacon]

Another splendid video from a fantastic voyage!

[@MadisonBoatworks]

Many thanks!

[@thill6771]

PS: We especially enjoyred re-visiting the markets we once visited in person!

[@petemcsorley]

I MISSED YOU GUYS! You make me happy sharing your adventure ❤️

[@rollinrock6696]

Stunning

[@clintonvargas5050]

I admire your fortitude. Those old wooden yacht designs are a horrific cruising experience. A dark airless sauna downstairs and nuclear exposure on deck with no cover. Says something that you are wearing wet weather gear cruising in Fiji. Enjoy!

[@adwest68]

Top video, again

[@jwrappuhn71]

Excellent.

[@hansslob6749]

What a fantastic footage. It is so nice to follow you both and see these places! Thx