The crossing from Fiji to Vanuatu held many surprises. We left Lautoka heading for the island of Tanna, which is in the southern part of the Vanuatu island chain. Will was keeping us up-to-date with his almost daily cruising guide readings, piquing our interest in the island more and more with stories of an active volcano we could hike up, island coffee production, and horseback riding. The crossing guide said this stretch was fast and easy. Five days and we'd be there, no sweat. We couldn't wait.
Two days in, we encountered a storm. What started as a light drizzle quickly turned into a howling mess, and it was a good thing that there were only small swells to contend with. I'm learning my way around the boat pretty well and feel competent in many things, but I wasn't ready for this. A big storm isn't the right time to double check, ask questions, or be hesitant about anything.
The boys all donned their foul weather gear, harnesses and tethers, and prepared to tackle it. I put on my gear just in case they needed me but stayed out of the way down below, ready to do anything they asked. The wind howled, the boat made strange loud noises I'd never heard before, and the boys yelled to each other over the noise. I waited, standing between the companionway stairs and the head. The hatch opened a few times with instructions from above:
"Take this sail and pile it up right there." "Ok I got it."
"Can you turn on the steaming light?" "Yep, done."
"Here, take this," as I was handed the GPS. "…What??"
It was frustrating and a bit scary to be down below, not being able to see what was happening on deck and knowing I would be little help in this situation. But this just gives me a very tangible goal- take everything I can do in good weather, throw a storm full of wind and waves at it, and be just as sure of myself. It will take more practice and repetition, but I'm up for it.
