Well Sweet Arrival In Honiara Solomon Islands

by Ann Cleghorn on 30 May 1997 Well Sweet Arrival In Honiara Solomon Islands
by Ann Cleghorn

What we got out of it

Sailing from Brisbane to Honiara 1200 nm's the hard tests allow you a good look at yourself, are you lazy or energetic, helpful , a dead weight, are you tough enough or really the home comforts type after all? Can you be harmonious when under pressure responsible , consistent and reliable?

A few questions to ponder as you bash along sometimes on a high as the warm breeze exhilarates you, the sails full after a nice meal and all is perfect. The clear full moon injecting romance and adventure through your salty veins . The carefree feeling has you riding high is so joyful, while it lasts . We get that elation so rarely in the busy city life I find it most often out on the ocean.


The cat Tempo 11 has been tested along with the crew and skipper. The fear of the rig falling over after a last minute report and check in Brisbane revelled a quote ' The first storm and you would have lost this. ' Those words we remembered as we sailed in the 30 knots we saw for most of our 8 day crossing. After a great effort expense and energy Peter Gray had the whole show on the road.

The challenge complete we crossed the line in front of the Point Cruz Yacht Club better friends and let the party begin! As crew we laughed and joked at all the trips 'events ' . We'd shared private thoughts and confidential facts on those late night watches what a way to bond friendships.

The Solomons are truly beautiful and worth it whatever you have to do to get here.
This is my third year and I love it from start to end.