The crossing from Fiji to Vanuatu was one of those passages that makes your heart swell with gratitude. It had everything—powerful winds, big waves, smooth stretches of sailing, and moments of deep connection along the way.
Riding the Ocean’s Rhythm
The journey began with 20 to 28 knots of wind and large, rolling waves. Loveworkx danced over the water—confident and alive. I found my rhythm quickly. There was motion, but it didn’t throw me off. I could feel that this crossing would be good. After the initial intensity, the sea softened. The wind held steady, the sky opened, and I could breathe into the joy of being underway. Toward the end, the big waves returned—reminders of the ocean’s power—but I felt ready. I moored safely at Port Resolution, Tanna, filled with quiet gratitude.
A Soft Landing in Tanna
Clearing into Customs and Immigration went smoothly. While waiting for the officials to arrive, I sat on the grass overlooking the bay, watching the sailboats move gently on their moorings. The breeze was warm. The light soft.
That’s when George arrived with his family. He sat next to me and we began to talk. George is the manager of the Tanna Prison—and he is one of those people who carries calm, grounded energy with him. I asked him how he came to do this work. He shared that he had spent over 30 years in the police force and army in Efate. Then, this job found him.
What struck me most was the way he spoke of training—not just for staff, but also for inmates. Half of a prisoner’s sentence is dedicated to learning a trade like wood carpentry or electrical work. They receive certificates. They re-enter society with skills and dignity. “They return as a different person,” he said. I believed him.
Village Warmth and Volcanic Fire
Later, I walked into the village with a group of fellow sailors. What we encountered was simple and extraordinary: kindness. Smiles. Curiosity. A welcome that felt as natural as the breeze.
We were invited for a meal—home-cooked, lovingly shared. And then, with full bellies and hearts, we started the three-hour walk to Mount Yasur volcano with Donovan, our guide.
Donovan isn’t just a guide. He’s a man with a mission—to create a better future for local children. He runs water projects and depends heavily on support from tourism. “All the clothes we wear,” he told us gently, “we get from you.”
The volcano was breathtaking. And a little frightening.
The deep, guttural sound that rose from the earth was unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It wasn’t just sound—it was vibration. A reminder that the world beneath us is alive. That we are standing on living ground.
Efate and Island Life
After a few rich, grounding days in Tanna, I set sail for Efate and moored in front of Yachting World.
Efate has a different energy—livelier, with more movement and colour. I quickly found my favourite café: Coco & Co. In the mornings, that’s where you’ll find me. A good breakfast, a real coffee, and a moment to simply sit.
I took time to explore the island—visiting a cultural village where locals shared their way of life and the healing wisdom of plant medicine. I floated in the clear waters of Eden on the River. And I spent a few golden hours at Banana Bay Beach Club, overlooking the ocean with a soft breeze and a sense of ease that felt like coming home.
Moving On
Now, Loveworkx is preparing for the next chapter: the sail to Australia. My heart is full from Vanuatu—its strength, its stories, its people.
Each passage teaches something new. And this one?
This one reminded me how good it feels to move with the wind.
To listen deeply—to waves, to stories, to the ground beneath our feet.
And to carry it all forward, one nautical mile at a time.
📸 by Mareike Mehlau
My name is Jacqueline Evers from The Netherlands. Solo sailing around the world in my 27 foot sloop. While my husband and son may have chosen a different path, their unwavering support fuels my solo pursuit of this lifelong dream.
Not confined by age or the constraints of conventional life, in my 50s, I bravely departed from the rat race, trading it for the serenity of the open sea. Through my unscripted videos and blogs, I offer a glimpse into the authentic tapestry of my sailing
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