Misima

Saturday, 6 October to Monday, 8 October 2012
Bwagoia Harbour, Misima

The 24nm trip from Kamataal to Misima was a great spinnaker run until we blew the head out of our spinnaker. 17 knots of wind, tight reach and lumpy seas added up to our lovely red spinnaker floating into the ocean after ripping across the head and down the luff.

Misima is the largest island in the Louisiades and Bwagoia Harbour is the “big smoke” around here.We had pre-purchased fuel to be picked up here.  The anchorage was tight for 15 yachts so we rafted up with fore and aft anchors set on all boats to stop us moving too far.

Saturday afternoon we were entertained at the Misima Guesthouse by dancers, singers and performers from villages on the island. Some had travelled long distances to participate in the event.

The large crowd enjoyed the many acts and especially liked the Misima competition for young girls in traditional costume. I was one of the 2 dimdim ladies asked to judge the event. Not an easy task and subject to much debate that night!

The local ladies were also keen to have a Pem Pewa with us (exchange of gifts). They had gone to a lot of trouble preparing their baskets which looked beautiful. 

On Saturday night, dinner at the Guesthouse was followed by an auction where each yacht donated something useful and something weird. Everyone entered into the spirit and the kina raised were donated to the Nimowa Clinic.

Bwagoia could not be called picturesque so many yachts stayed just one night. We stayed an extra night as Kate and Graham from Thalassa had offered to help fix our spinnaker as they had a sewing machine on board. Print this post