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Whales and Sails
“Melinda”
is a beautiful 44 ft (15 meter) traditional sailing ketch,
extremely safe and stable. We can accommodate up to 4 adult guests or 5-6 guests for
a family with small children (5-12 years old). 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. |
