Day 189 Motoring to Musket Cove

At 0600 we pull up the anchor and head out of the pass. Just before the reef, we almost run over a black and white sea snake that is about two feet long and a fat two inches in diameter. These are supposed to be very poisonous but they have a very small mouth and are unable to bite anything except one’s little finger. Nonetheless, people give them a wide berth if they see them in the water.
We turn west and at the end of Viti Levu Island; we go northward through Wilkes pass toward the Mamanuca Island group that contains the island Malolo Lailai and the Musket Cove Marina. Folklore says that the original European owner purchased Malolo Lailai for 50 muskets. Later it was sold for a lot more to a man named Dick Smith who then spent over 40 years and millions of dollars to create a destination resort. There are timeshare houses, a nice restaurant, many water activities and a wonderful beach. Also on the island is a second resort named Plantation. There is an airstrip with daily flights and a 9-hole golf course.
Over 30 years ago, Smith came up with the idea of a week long regatta for the boats that were heading west and it has now blossomed into over 80 boats and more than 200 people who will anchor and moor their boats for a week to enjoy races and various fun events.
We decide to med moor on the marina quay and are given a spot near Liahona who arrived the day before. At the end of the quay there is a small island where many of the week’s activities will take place. Also there is a barbecue area and a bar that stays open until midnight. Our spot on the quay is across from the bridge that leads to this island – very convenient.
Since the regatta does not start until tomorrow, we have a chance to wander around a bit and use the facilities including the pool and restaurant. There is a lot of space so the resort has a relaxed feel even though there are a lot of people here. The guests seem to be all Kiwis and Aussies although this would compete very favorably with Hawaii if the airfare were the same price. The weather is warm and there is little rain in this part of Fiji at this time of year so it makes a very pleasant vacation spot.