Arriving in Suva Fiji (10/09/09)

Had an interesting trip - first no wind, then 20-25 knots for the 2nd day, up to 30+ last day. We went so fast under staysail alone (tiny triangle of sail at the front of boat) we had to heave to (stall boat into a holding pattern) amd wait for daylight before entering the port.
Fiji is under military rule at the moment so tensions are a bit high. They have instigated a new rule that all foreign vessels must fax or email their intention to enter Fijian waters at least 48 hours ahead. We obtained all the forms, and we faxed and emailed; both bounced back as undeliverable so we called on the phone - just a blank answer machine so we left a message. So then we were not sure they knew we were coming and its a big $10,000 fine for non-compliance, so we sent an email to the Yacht Club and Marina in Suva asking for help - could they notify the authorities for us, so we are hoping this has been done! I also got on the ham radio and asked one of the controllers to fax our form again to customs which he did. So we'll see what happens when we get there! Anyway its been good practice ready for heavy weather sailing on route to New Zealand.