Sailing Vessel Delos Ep. 518: A Difficult Choice in Niue

Arrival and Initial Exploration of Niue

• 🌊 After an arduous eight-day passage battling 15-foot seas and 30-knot winds, the crew of Delos arrived in the calm waters of Niue.
• 🏝️ Niue, a unique raised coral atoll in the Pacific, presented dramatic landscapes and rugged coastlines, making anchoring difficult and requiring the use of mooring balls.
• 🚗 Despite challenging weather, the crew explored the island, obtaining local driver's licenses and visiting the stunning AKI cave, a historical royal bathing pool.
• 🐠 At the LIMU pools, they encountered a local sea snake, the kawa, known for its venom but docile nature, and experienced a unique halocline effect.
• ⛰️ The Togo Chasm offered a dramatic experience, with a hidden beach within a canyon, showcasing the raw power of the ocean just beyond the protective cliffs.

The Difficult Decision: Stay or Go?

• ⚠️ A sudden shift in the weather forecast presented a tough dilemma: risk sailing in worsening conditions or attempt to weather out a storm in Niue's exposed anchorage.
• 📉 The forecast indicated a significant weather system with 30-knot winds from the west, making the western mooring field unsafe, with potential for the boat to be pushed against limestone walls.
• 💔 The crew faced the disappointment of potentially leaving Niue after only a short stay, having paid significant fees and made plans for exploration.
• 🚢 The prudent decision was made to depart immediately, sailing for 36 hours to Tonga to outrun the storm and avoid dangerous conditions.

The Journey and Farewell to Bill

• ⚓ The departure was challenging, with brutal swells and significant boat rolling, making even simple tasks like preparing breakfast difficult.
• 📧 A message from the Niue Yacht Club confirmed the danger, recommending captains move east for shelter, reinforcing the crew's decision to leave.
• 💔 The episode concludes with a heartfelt farewell to Bill, who had been with the crew for seven weeks, assisting with sailing and boat maintenance.
• 🙏 Bill is recognized as a legend, with thanks for his help during challenging passages and his camaraderie, including a farewell party with rum.
• 🗺️ The crew sets sail for the Vavoa Island Group and Tonga, reflecting on the difficult decisions faced in sailing and the importance of safety.