The are a number of yacht charter companies operating in Fiji and several marinas have private sailing schools. If you are looking for a Fiji sailing holiday, there are several areas to visit with good facilities. Destinations include the Mamanuca / Yasawa chain of islands (depart Musket Cove, Nadi and Lautoka), the Lomaiviti Group (depart Suva) and the Northern Islands (depart Savusavu). Barebacking is not advisable due to the dangerous reefs. Yacht charters usually come with a local skipper with lifetime knowledge of the reefs and weather conditions and an understanding of the delicate protocol required when visiting islands.
Remote beaches, secluded bays and visiting traditional fishing villages are the highlights of all areas. When visiting an island, even if it’s just a matter of spending a day on the beach, permission should first be granted from the local village chief or spokesman with a presentation of Yaqona roots being made as the sevusevu or gift.
Permission should also be granted at the main port of entry if visiting any of the outer islands of the Yasawa, Lomaiviti or Lau Groups.
The Fiji Islands lie between 15° and 22° South latitude and 174° East and 177° West longitude. The Fiji sailing season begins in April and ends around December when unpredictable weather and tropical cyclones threaten the South Pacific. The 300+ islands that make up the Fiji Islands offer an excellent sailing environment – secluded bays, sweeping remote beaches and traditional Fijian villages. Many areas are inaccessible to tourism because of their remoteness and this gives yachties real scope for adventure. Excellent sailing conditions and a fantastic climate attracts racing boats and cruising yachts from around the world. Several agents provide full service to visiting luxury yachts, including arranging all custom and immigration clearances and crew placement. Fiji’s shipyards offer maintenance and repairs for both motor and sail boats.
Marinas in Fiji include
- Denarau Marina, Nadi, Viti Levu
- Vuda Marina, Nadi Area, Viti Levu
- Suva Yacht Club, Suva, Viti Levu
- Musket Cove Marina, Malolo Lailai, Mamanuca
- Savusavu Marina, Vanua Levu, Northern Islands
- Levuka, Lomaiviti
Regattas in Fiji
- Yachting Easter Regatta, Savusavu – April
- Presidents Cup, Denarau Marina – June
- Savusavu Regatta Week, Savusavu – July
- Fiji Regatta Week, Musket Cove – September