Yachts in Fiji prepare to assist cyclone-ravaged islands
by Andrew & Julia Dallas 23 Dec 2020 06:10 UTC

Yachts in Fiji © Andrew & Julia Dallas
Sea Mercy has organised yachts spared by tropical cyclone Yasa to bring relief to the smaller islands in Yasa's destructive path. Please help by donating to Sea Mercy.
A few years ago my wife and I were persuaded to join the club by Jonathan and Anne Lloyd plus the inimitable Lydia Strickland. A decision we have never regretted as we have cruised the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
We find ourselves in Fiji unable to move on at the moment. The most perfect place to be in this strange world, other than it gets a bit breezy occasionally.
Last week we experienced being the target of the deepest ever SW Pacific Cyclone. For 5 days we panicked whilst we prepared our boat. Fortunately for us, it veered off and passed to the North of Denarau/Vuda Point by 100km.
However, this was not so lucky for others who experienced life-taking destructive winds.
We have decided to get involved with Sea Mercy. Jonathan who runs it introduced himself to us as the local OCC Port Officer on our arrival under the Blue Lane scheme back in July. He has gathered together the first two waves of boats to go out to some of the smaller islands with aid.
There are others to follow behind after the initial assessment is made. What we can achieve in these remote communities completely depends on the material we have to distribute. Is there any way that the club could promote the activities of Sea Mercy?
With many thanks in advance for anything that you can do.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of Ocean Cruising Club.