In an effort to keep the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle out of Efate the Vanuatu government has issued a state of emergency and banned all vessels from entering Havannah harbour. They also request that no lights are used by boats transiting and working around the area- with the exception of lights needed for navigation. We will update when further information comes available.

Gulf Harbour Radio uses the commonly used tracking site pages to see where boats are, and to check that the actual conditions you are reporting match up with the models David is looking at. Many of you have your own blogs but we only have time in the mornings to look at the  web sites that most use.
Please make sure your boat and crew data is accurate and in the case of emergency have a contact number. Early in the  2019 season two boats  made use of emergency services so it speeds things up to have this information available. ( If you do not use one of these sites just send us an email before you go with your boat and crew details so that we know who we are talking to).

https://followingsea.net  is run by Kostya on SV Ponyo. Make sure you join the Gulf Harbour Radio SW Pacific group .
(Note the domain name change - it used to be cruisersat.net)
There are good clear instructions to follow but if you have any problems contact him at  kostya@followingsea.com.

 www.yit.nz is run by Mike on SV Mirabilis. Contact mike@yit.nz if you have any problems. Please use the instruction [weather] for your weather report as it makes it easier for GHRadio to find. Do not bury it in your, sometimes lengthy, report as we will not see it in time. Note that YIT is closing down in December 2020 so download your sailing notes when you can.

www.noforeignland.com/ is used by many mostly in the Caribbean and I do not know much about it  but if you use it let me know. 
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The detailed personal information on these sites is only used when emergencies occur and we need to communicate with NZ Maritime Radio or the RCC - Rescue Coordination Centre. And David needs boat information to better answer weather requests - a 60' catamaran will travel faster than a 30' monohull!

In the past couple of years boats have had problems trying to extend their stay in Tonga. Immigration has a clear process for crew and a stay of up to six months is possible. However a boat only gets 4 months on entry so a process needs to be followed with Customs. This is detailed in Flotsam and the key person in Tonga for all yacht related correspondence is Mr Felefonum Mapakaitolo.
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May 15, 2018 sees the new requirements for boats entering NZ come into force. Hulls need to be clean and an approved bottom paint used.
See www.yit.nz/Forum for details and read the MPI publications.
 

​Cascade Bay, Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island has finally opened their new dock at Cascade Bay. Previously cruisers had to use the dock at the main port of entry in  Historic Kingston. Situated in the south of the island Kingston is rather turbulent in some weather conditions! The new dock at Cascade on the east of the island gives cruisers an option when there is a sou' wester blowing. And it enables you to get ashore more easily from this anchorage. It is a ways from town but normally passing vehicles will usually offer a lift. 
​Thanks Ashley for the photograph - taken March 2018.

​Please note that you need to have a NZ or Australian passport to arrive at Norfolk without a visa. See Flotsam for details