Tapana (Vava'u group, Tonga)

[Kyle]Our first remote anchorage in Vava’u was Tapana South. We had been there before and liked it well enough to return. Our plan had been to spend a couple of days snorkeling and loafing, but that didn’t work out quite as intended.

Not such a bad place to be 'stuck' doing chores

Tropical Depression 12 was making for what they call “enhanced trade winds” and the water seemed a bit too rough and churned up for swimming. Instead, we spent two days doing repairs and maintenance to got Begonia back into the condition she was in when we left New Zealand. “Boat maintenance in exotic locations…” I hate that saying, but it is so true.

At least the upwind trip there from Neiafu required a good dose of sailing. We were going plenty fast with two reefs in each sail as we tacked amongst green islands separated by waters ranging from Navy blue to shimmering turquoise. Maryanne and I usually alternate sailing singlehanded, but this time, we got to do the almost constant maneuvering as a team. She’s nice to work with. She knows the boat inside and out and knows just what to do and when. Instead of having to loudly blather a bunch of nautical lingo – (Clear Starboard! Ready About! Hard Alee!), all either of us has to do is say, “Ready?’, wait for the slightest nod in reply and, boom! The rest follows perfectly without having to say another word. That way I can save the lingo for the next time I’m in a waterfront bar and need to sound like a pompous gasbag to the racing crowd.