Sashimi just seems to taste better when you catch it yourself, and these fine Yellowfin caught by brothers Bob and Michael Waldie on a double hookup proved no exception.



Carefully prepared on the deck by Captain Jared, the simplicity of the ingredients belies the exquisite taste and texture.



And when you add fine wine and a loving wife, it’s bliss…

Our second deckie in Vanuatu is Charlie Tui otherwise known in these parts as Marlin Charlie. Charlie is a Captain here in Vanuatu and achieved fame with his capture of the 1st grander Blue Marlin taken in these waters. Charlie was driving Shogun in Pango Bird in October 2000 when he hooked up to a 1,097lb fish. A 2hr fight saw the fish to the boat, but a fish this size was beyond the capabilities of Charlie’s deckie. Charlie took over as wireman and completed the capture. This fish is the current All-Tackle Record for Vanuatu and the biggest Blue Marlin ever taken in the South-West Pacific.

Charlie comes from Tahal Nesa village on Paama Island (Central Vanuatu). We pulled in to Charlie’s village and donated a soccer ball to the locals – receiving some beautiful sweet grapefruit and coconuts in return.

Shaka arrived in Port Vila on 24th May after a 5 day trip via Noumea. The crew were in fine shape but tired after a reasonable run.

Marina facilities at Vila are pretty basic – access poses a problem at low tide after a big night out!

Departure has been delayed by bad weather until Friday 19th. Anticipated arrival in Port Vila is Wednesday 24th.