Traditional Sailing Ketch
“Melinda” is a beautiful 44 ft (15 meter) traditional sailing ketch, extremely safe and stable, she provides a comfortable platform for sailing and photography. Heavy displacement, makes her seaworthy for sailing to some of the more remote islands. We can accommodate up to 4 adult guests or 5-6 guests for a family with small children. We have a 10 foot (3 meter) inflatable dinghy with a 15-horsepower motor which we use to go ashore to explore some of the 40 beautiful islands of Vava'u and to approach the whales. We encourage guests to participate in sailing. On a traditionally rigged boat there are plenty of lines to handle and it is fun to work as a team. There is also plenty of room on deck to spread out if you just want to relax and enjoy the ride

Accommodations are simple but comfortable. "Melinda" is very suitable for 2 couples or for a family. We have set our rates to be attractive for only two guests as we often have one couple or honeymooners who want to charter just for themselves. There is a shower with hot water, but most guests find using “sunshowers” on deck very enjoyable.
There are two private areas: the aft cabin has a double and a single bunk, and the focs’le has a double bunk. There is also a small forward cabin that has two single bunks and is great for kids.

We often dine on deck, although the comfortable dining area below also provides a perfect atmosphere for sharing the days stories. The boat’s extensive library includes references on the reefs and marine life, and Humpback whales, Tongan history, Tongan art, and environmental issues. on “Melinda” often we are the only boat at an uninhabited island. We visit a different anchorage each day and can go ashore to explore or swim off the boat, or take a dinghy ride to a special reef for snorkeling.