{"id":30318,"date":"2015-08-29T12:48:20","date_gmt":"2015-08-29T12:48:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cornellsailing.com\/2015\/08\/bpo-reunited-vanuatu-southwest-bay-malekula-2\/"},"modified":"2015-08-29T12:48:20","modified_gmt":"2015-08-29T12:48:20","slug":"bpo-reunited-vanuatu-southwest-bay-malekula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cornellsailing.com\/de\/2015\/08\/bpo-reunited-vanuatu-southwest-bay-malekula\/","title":{"rendered":"BPO Reunited in Vanuatu: Southwest Bay, Malekula"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Blue Planet Odyssey<\/em> fleet of yachts, having spread out to cruise at their own pace through the islands of the South Pacific, finally came together again in a small bay on the island of Malekula in the Vanuatu archipelago<\/a> on 15th August.<\/p>\n

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Sailors reunited and sharing a photo opportunity with the Nalawan festival dancers.<\/p><\/div>\n

The islanders of Malekula are renowned for having preserved the traditions of their Melanesian ancestors, and the sailors were able to attend the Nalawan festival for a feast of dancing and demonstration of ancient customs.<\/p>\n

The islanders have taken on modern life as well – you can see solar panels fitted to thatched huts, charging mobile phones – and in all places visited during the two week cruise through Vanuatu, the Blue Planet Odyssey<\/em> sailors received a warm Melanesian welcome.<\/p>\n

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Carol from MAGGIE receives a flower garland and a welcome at Labo village.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Labo village overlooking South West Bay.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A welcome from the Bulbul villagers at South West Bay.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Custom dance at Nalawan festival.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Water music from the Banks Islands performed at the Nalawan festival.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Traditional food preparation .<\/p><\/div>\n

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