La ho! Vanuatu is in sight. As we approached the outer islands, the winds dropped and it was time for our engines to take over, guiding us deeper into Vanuatu. 

The air was thick of excitement, what wonders would Vanuatu reveal to us? Our journey began at Luganville, Espiritu Santo, where we swiftly cleared customs in record time for our Pacific crossing. With everything set, we were ready to go northward to the shores of Espiritu Santo. 

We also welcomed our newest crewmember on board, Sandy, our local guide from Vanuatu who will unveal the secrets of these beautiful islands in the coming days. Eager to learn more, we asked him to teach us the first words of Bislama -  how to great others, offer thanks and introduce ourselves.

Our musicians on board decided to turn that excitement of arrival into music. Shanties gently enchoed across deck, and went on as more voyage crew members joined in. Special requests were made and the lovely but shy voices in the back were gently pushed forward to take the stage. And so it happened that by the falling of the evening, everyone joined on poopdeck, singing together, enjoying our surroundings. Happy faces, happy crew.