We left Southport at the Gold Coast (Queensland) on August 9, 2003, and sailed 860 nm (1595 km) to Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, where we arrived on August 15. After some time in the city, we cruised the Southern Lagoon, visiting the Ile of Pines and many of the smaller islands and reefs.

On September 9 we departed to Vanuatu, 270 nm (500 km) north-east of New Caledonia, and cleared into Tanna on September 11. We spent the next 2 months cruising the island chain of Vanuatu from south to north and ultimately left from Luganville on Espiritu Santo on November 9. The 1050 nm (1945 km) sail back to Australia was pleasant and fast and we arrived back in Gladstone on November 14.

Total distance travelled: 3000 nm (5556 km)