Our final few days in Savu Savu were spent provisioning, re-fueling using 20 liter jerry cans, and tracking former Tropical Depression 17-F, now Tropical Cyclone Amos, as it moves east towards Samoa.  Following behind the low pressure system could bring us some favorable southerlies to get us to Samoa faster.  Of course we will watch it closely and be prepared to turn around if it does a 180.  We will keep at least a 3-4 day separation from it.  We’re planning on a 4-6 day passage.  Found out today that Fiji Customs Regulation #WTF requires us to depart within 1 hour of clearing customs and immigration, so a daybreak departure isn’t possible.  Good thing both offices are a 5 minute walk from Copra Shed marina, and they will open at 7am if we call ahead.

We found crew for the Samoa to Kiribiti passage, so we are back on schedule! Departing Savu Savu in 3 hours.  Our planned route is to head south and go around Koro Island, then tack NE and point to Samoa.  The Koro sea is still rough today but is expected to calm down some by tomorrow, so we will be moving slowly for the first 24 hours. Nanuku passage is wide so ok to go through at night.