Hugh Robertson Sailingvideo

S3 E12 Maskylene and Malekula Islands in Vanuatu

February 7, 2025 · 19 min · 533 views · Maskelyne Islands, Malakula

What this video covers

Cruising the Maskelyne Islands and Port Sandwich on Malakula, Vanuatu, requires careful navigation of shallow coral reefs and tidal currents. In the Maskelyne Islands, anchorages often feature dense coral heads, necessitating reliance on satellite imagery to supplement standard electronic charts.2:29 Tidal ranges can leave vessels stranded in shallow areas, and local villages may impose anchorage and access fees.5:23 Port Sandwich, located on the eastern side of Malakula, offers a deep, well-protected harbor with minimal tidal stream, making it a reliable alternative to the more exposed Maskelyne anchorages.10:48 The village of Lamap, situated 3 km from the Port Sandwich anchorage, provides access to fresh bread, a public market operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and local agricultural activity, including cacao processing and bamboo construction.17:00 While the region is known for potential dugong sightings in quiet bays like Awei Island, local regulations strictly prohibit the harvesting of dugongs, turtles, and certain shellfish to protect the marine environment.14:31

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Pacific SEACRAFT 34Their boat

More from Hugh Robertson Sailing

26 differences from most other cruisers, part 2 of 2Apr 202626 differences from most other cruisers, part 1of 2.Apr 202630 stories of sailors less fortunate than me during my ocean-sailing years on Sea ChangeJan 202630 mistakes I made and things that broke on my solo circumnavigation on Sea Change, Part 3 of 3Dec 2025

From Hugh Robertson Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue