A Memorable Trip to Fiji: Meeting Blue Water Sailors and Exploring Marinas

Our trip to Fiji in August was a fantastic opportunity to connect with many of our blue water sailors and explore two top marinas: Nawi Marina and Vuda Marina. This visit helped strengthen our relationships with the sailing community and gave us confidence in the future of these world-class facilities.

Nawi Marina: A New Safe Haven

One of the highlights of our trip was Nawi Marina, a newly built facility that has just been completed in the past few months. Located at the end of Fiji’s largest natural harbour, Nawi Marina sits in a natural cyclone-safe zone. It’s well-protected by surrounding islands, an 8-meter-high barrier on the exposed side, and a hillside 3 kilometers to the north.

Built to withstand Category 5 storms, Nawi offers peace of mind to sailors who seek a secure mooring in cyclone-prone regions. It was reassuring to see one of our insured vessels, "Janice of Wyoming," safely docked there. The marina was built by GC Marine, a company we trust for their quality and expertise, adding to our confidence in the strength of the structure.

Apart from its ideal location, Nawi Marina boasts a new hardstand boatyard, located 2 kilometers away, with a 75-ton travel lift, making it a top spot for boat repairs and servicing in Fiji.

Vuda Marina: A Well-Established Facility

Vuda Marina, which has been developing over the last 12 years, was another impressive stop on our trip. What began as a small channel in reclaimed mangrove land has grown into Fiji’s largest marine facility, catering to cruising yachts and vessels up to 70 meters long.

The “inner” harbor at Vuda has proven to be a safe anchorage, having withstood two significant cyclones over the past decade without any damage to vessels. Given the risk of cyclones in the region, we are considering only approving storage for yachts on the hard, where vessels can be securely tied down in special Cyclone Holes.

Vuda is also equipped with a 75-ton travel lift and a 40-ton hydraulic multihull trailer, allowing it to handle a wide range of vessels for maintenance. The marina’s continued growth shows its dedication to supporting the increasing needs of the sailing community in Fiji.

Building Connections with Sailors

A standout aspect of the trip was meeting many of our blue water sailors in person. These mariners trust us to protect their vessels as they navigate the world’s oceans, and it was fulfilling to connect in such a beautiful setting.

Both Nawi and Vuda Marinas are more than just docking points—they are safe havens for sailors exploring the South Pacific. We’re proud to play a role in their journey and to support these incredible sailors.

Conclusion

Fiji’s marine infrastructure is rapidly evolving, and both Nawi Marina and Vuda Marina offer secure, cyclone-proof harbors for the sailing community. Nawi, with its modern design and natural protection, provides a top mooring location, while Vuda’s ongoing development and proven track record make it a central hub for cruisers in the region.

Adding to these is the news Superior Jettys has won the contract to extend Denarau Marina's Super Yacht Marina by an additional 7 berths. This project is apparently well advanced with the project expected to be completed by early November this year. Denarau Marina is the hub for Fiji's commercial vessels and is the ideal place to provision and service the growing fleet of luxury charter vessels.

This trip was a great reminder of the strength and vibrancy of the sailing community in Fiji, and we look forward to continuing to support our blue water sailors in their future voyages.

Thinking of taking your vessel into the South Pacific? Call the team at Pantaenius for advice or visit https://www.pantaenius.com/au-en/insurance/blue-water/