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out. For this reason, it is prudent to move a bit to the N. out
of the current if you intend to stay over night.
DO NOT try to go E. over the shallows alongside Mala. This
area is full of coral heads and the depth is only four feet at low
tide. Recently, a cruising yacht with a draft of six feet became
stuck in the area and had a difficult job getting free.
The little island of Mala is a favorite picnic spot. It was
once the home of a terrible cannibal, a demi-god, who liked
nothing better than to catch and eat people who dared to paddle by
in their canoes. No one has seen him for a very long time but his
memory is kept fresh in a folk tale.
- PORT MAURELLE is a beautiful and well protected anchorage except
in a strong blow from the N. W. Entering Port Maurelle is not
difficult but remain well away from the beach area as there are
numerous coral heads close to the beach. Drop anchor at least 50
yards out in 20 to 35 feet of water.
Upon leaving our 'fjord', the area to the west is generally
deep water with very bold shores and you may encounter a ground
swell. For those wanting to feel the long Pacific swells under
their keels, just turn to starboard at Mo'ungalafa, the big
plateau, then head north. The view of Vava'u is impressive with
its five hundred foot cliffs. You may also see dolphin and whales
offshore in this area, along with considerable bird life.
Port Maurelle is where the Spaniard Maure1le, the first
European to see Vava'u, anchored while watering his ship. Present
day inhabitants of nearby Felevai, who collect their water by
