With seven days free before the next charter, we decided to combine fishing with some sight seeing and visit the remote Banks and Torres Islands. Lying about 100nm north of Luganville, the Banks Islands are visited by only intrepid travelers, traveling yachts and the (very) occasional game boat. They are noted for their spectacular light tackle fishing, although of course we hoped to find some stray blue marlin.
Our point of departure across open ocean was Champagne Beach, reputedly the most beautiful white sand beach in Vanuatu. It is a regular stop for cruise ships and has a pier for the lighters and market stalls where the locals sell their wares. Fortunately, when we visited it was deserted, pristine and just as beautiful as in the brochure.
We crossed to Gaua Island, the southernmost of the Banks Group and trolled lures north towards our anchorage at Waterfall Bay more in hope than expectation of a bite. Which just goes to prove that you never can tell…Just off the south west tip of Vanua Lava we hooked up to a nice blue and for a few minutes delighted in the prospect of our second marlin for the trip. But as the saying goes, “Sometimes the marlin wins”. At least we know they’re there.
Waterfall Bay is one of Vanuatu’s most spectacular sights – twin cascades falling into a pool right on the beach. We were invited by the local chief to visit the village, where he has established the Waterfall Bay Yacht Club – possibly the only byo yacht club in the world.
Our point of departure across open ocean was Champagne Beach, reputedly the most beautiful white sand beach in Vanuatu. It is a regular stop for cruise ships and has a pier for the lighters and market stalls where the locals sell their wares. Fortunately, when we visited it was deserted, pristine and just as beautiful as in the brochure.
We crossed to Gaua Island, the southernmost of the Banks Group and trolled lures north towards our anchorage at Waterfall Bay more in hope than expectation of a bite. Which just goes to prove that you never can tell…Just off the south west tip of Vanua Lava we hooked up to a nice blue and for a few minutes delighted in the prospect of our second marlin for the trip. But as the saying goes, “Sometimes the marlin wins”. At least we know they’re there.
Waterfall Bay is one of Vanuatu’s most spectacular sights – twin cascades falling into a pool right on the beach. We were invited by the local chief to visit the village, where he has established the Waterfall Bay Yacht Club – possibly the only byo yacht club in the world.