81 year old Jeanne - sails solo and swims with whales in glorious, friendly Tonga
17 November 2023 · 32 min · 2K views · Vava'u
What this video covers
Jeanne Socrates arrived in Vava'u, Tonga, and cleared customs at Neiafu after anchoring in Port Morel.Watch The entry process required visiting officials in town, who proved friendly and relaxed.0:48 Her arrival coincided with the week-long Blue Water Festival, which featured local dancing, traditional kava ceremonies, and sailing races.1:04 During the festival, she crewed on the French boat Orion for two races, winning the second.9:33 The local community demonstrated traditional Tongan cooking, specifically the umu, an earth oven used to prepare taro leaves, meat, and coconut cream.11:18 Sunday in Vava'u is a strictly observed day of rest, centered on church services and traditional attire, including the ta'ovala matting.3:48 While in the area, she utilized local mechanic Vanny to repair her dinghy outboard.26:51 She later departed Neiafu, navigating past Swallow's Cave and A'a Island, to explore northern anchorages and limestone reef formations.28:36
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