Episode 30 The Banks Islands, Vanuatu

We head for the island of Santa Maria (also called Gaua) in the Banks group of islands, possibly one of the earliest settled islands in Vanuatu. We meet Chief John Star to ask permission to anchor in the bay and visit the villages. We learn about the price of a bride, wife swapping, kava and the menacing presence of the most feared volcano in Vanuatu. Chief John Star organises some of the women to show us a display of Water Music. A tradition that has been handed down through their ancestors when they started splashing around and discovered they could make noises to scare away sharks. The women start learning this art from 6 years of age. leaving the island as we head for Port Patterson to clear out of Vanuatu, Leah gets swamped by breaking waves over the bow when she pops her head out. There are concerns about crocodiles and a swimming chicken before we have our last meat in Vanuatu at Sola Yacht Club.