Sailing from New Zealand to Fiji was supposed to be fairly easy—or so I’d been told by the Kiwis. “It’s usually a gentle run,” they said. “You’ll love it.”
But the ocean had other plans for me.
A Fast Start—and a Rough Ride
The first three days were intense. I was sailing fast, beam reaching with strong winds, making 135 nautical miles per day. It was too fast for my body to catch up. I was so seasick I could barely eat or drink. Everything moved—inside and out.
Behind me, two Spanish 40-footers followed in my wake. During the day, they gradually caught up. But at night, they reefed their headsails. I didn’t, because I don’t have a rollerfurler. When the wind picked up at 4 pm Loveworkx surged ahead at 7 knots, slicing through the night while I lay in my bunk, breathing through the nausea, trusting the sea, the wind, and my little boat.
A Song at the Dock
After many days at sea, I arrived in Vuda Marina—and was met with something unexpected and deeply moving. As I reached the dock, the marina staff stood waiting. And then… they began to sing. A soft, melodic welcome that caught me completely off guard. I felt the tears rising.
I had crossed another stretch of ocean, and now I was here—greeted not with questions or formalities, but with music and warmth. In the days that followed, as I rested and recovered, I noticed something beautiful: every staff member knew me by name. There was care in every encounter. It made me feel held.
Markets, Cava, and Friendship
Together with Tim and Verana from SV Moana, we explored the colorful, bustling Lautoka market—buying fruit, veggies, and a good bundle of cava to share later at anchor.
Soon after, we set sail for the Yasawa Islands with Moana and SV Holy Golightly (Franz and Mareike). The anchorages were stunning—and deep. Tim often came over in his dinghy to help me retrieve the anchor, something I deeply appreciated.
We snorkeled in turquoise waters, joined local cava ceremonies, and visited villages where the warmth of the people shone in every encounter. “Bula!” they would call from the shore, always with a smile. That one word carried so much: welcome, joy, presence. I began to feel it too.
Blue Lagoon and Two Anchors
One of the highlights was our time at Blue Lagoon Island. The anchorage was beautiful—but tricky. The wind was forecast to turn 360 degrees overnight, and I was anchored too close to the reef for comfort.
So, I set two anchors—one forward, one off the beam—to keep Loveworkx steady no matter how the wind shifted. It was one of those moments where I felt both the weight of responsibility and the quiet satisfaction of knowing what to do.
That night, we shared a traditional Lovo dinner with the locals—food cooked in an underground oven, laughter under the stars, and the soft rhythm of island life. It was simple and sacred. The kind of evening that stays with you.
The Spirit of the Islands
Something softened in me during those island days. There was a richness to the rhythm of life. We were sailing, yes—but we were also simply being. Talking, laughing, anchoring, swimming, listening. Sharing meals and letting the islands shape us.
I noticed how quickly a place can feel like home—not because of comfort, but because of connection. And Fiji offered that again and again.
Grateful, Again
Looking back on the passage from New Zealand, I see now that it wasn’t just another crossing. It was a reminder—to slow down, to trust the ocean, and to keep opening myself to the unknown.
From the sickness and speed to the song at the dock. From two anchors holding steady near a reef to a shared meal around a fire. This journey, like all others, left its quiet marks on my heart.
And so I continue—one anchorage, one welcome, one deep breath at a time.
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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