Anchorage at Lata.
There is a small bay to the east of Graciosa Bay just below Shaw Point on Navionics charts. This appears to be the best bay to anchor in when clearing in or out at Lata. It was recommended to us by the customs and immigration officials. When we arrived there we found a beautiful bay with good holding in 15m in the middle and 10m on the sides. The bay is well protected from all but strong SW winds. The protection is so good that an American has left his yacht there for the past 8 months! It still has a surfboard and kayaks strapped to the sides!
We emailed customs and immigration officials a week before we arrived and submitted all the forms electronically. They seemed happy that we had emailed them with our ETA the day we arrived and to my surprise they greeted us as we anchored in the bay. Clearances took a few minutes and cost nothing (as there is no way to get local currency in Lata!). It was probably the most efficient clear in we have had in the world! However, the customs officer did inspect the boat thoroughly and on discovering 26 cans of beer, 6 more than on our declaration, he suggested 2 bottles of wine would help avoid any issues. We suggest making sure that your declaration is exactly correct to avoid giving them an excuse to suggest “gifts”.
There is a local family who live on the east side of the bay. They seem OK and friendly, but if they get drunk they are best avoided. The father used to be the principle of the Vocational collage there but was fired for becoming an alcoholic.
To the SE corner of the bay there is a permanent school of several thousand fish. Dive down and be surrounded by fish soup! We spent a whole afternoon amazed by the beauty of nature.
To the south of the bay there is a small, clear, freshwater pool that the locals use for bathing.
On the NW corner of the way on the peninsular lives Hilda. Hilda greeted us when we first arrived in the Solomon Islands. She came over in a dug out canoe and gave use some flowers as a welcome to her country. It was very touching. Over the next few days we developed a friendship. Hilda can arrange local activities including:
– Local dancing
– Necklass and basket making
– Local cookery (which uses hot stones and it quite fascinating)
– Feather money
– Local traditional clothing making
Hilda can be contacted on:
– Email: hildajoekola@gmail.com
– Facebook: Hilda Joe Kola
– Mobile: 7970141
She is keen to start a Lata Yacht Club and would welcome your help and advice.