We were supposed to be in Vanuatu already, but the lure of Fiji had such a strong hold on us, we kept delaying our departure until we found ourselves staying long enough to be part of the mayhem of the Fiji Regatta Week.

Musket Cove is a resort that caters to cruisers. It is located on Malolo Lailai Island in the western Mamanuca group of Fiji. It is a bit of a cruiser mecca, and for good reason. A lifetime membership of $10 Fijian gives you access to all of the resort amenities, including good dinghy docks, BBQs for BYO potluck nights, an island bar, a couple restaurants, store, medical clinic and a pool! We found it full of cruisers, many of which were families, and it was a safe place for kids to roam as a pack. There’s also great kite surfing and famous surf breaks nearby.

Every September, they host the famous Regatta Week, which draws a mass of boats for the fun activities. Our kids had already had an excellent group of friends taking part, and so we stayed for some of the shenanigans. The event is sponsored by a few New Zealand companies and organizations, and the Kiwis are well represented. The regatta takes place towards the end of the cruising season and if you are heading south for cyclone season, you will surely meet many others who will jump on the annual mass exodus south when the weather window arises.

Rum Race underway in Musket Cove Regatta; Inset: Spectators enjoying the action

The program consisted of Hobie cat racing, pirate day races complete with shots of rum and costumes, multiple meal deals, a ‘round the Island race’, and a final buffet dinner. It saw cruisers try to become competitive racers and the more competitive racers loaded with crews of kids and beginners. The focus has always been about having fun, and friends were made for life. Pool cocktails while the kids ran amok playing endless games of Manhunt, whatever that was, with teens and young ones combined! There was a movie night and dancing to some sweet 90’s cover band tunes. Morgan had participated as a teen back in 1990, and we are happy to report not much had changed! It still was a goofy, messy fun time for all. Prizes ranged from booze to clothing to gift certificates – as well as bragging rights.

The docks and moorings are guaranteed to be full during Regatta Week, but there is tons of anchoring space (contact Musket Cove well ahead for bookings.) Expect it to be busy, lively and entertaining for both the serious and non-serious racers. The bar will undoubtedly be well stocked with cold drinks and expect nightly food deals to try as well. And for the ever budget conscious cruiser, we even had a morning flea market to buy someone else’s bilge treasures.

Top left: Welcome;Top right: Bar; Bottom left: buddies for life; Bottom right: crowded dinghy dock

The 2024 event is from September 11-15, and registration is still open. Even if you don’t plan on racing, it’s a great opportunity to participate in the shore-side activities and dinners (you need to register for some of the dinners). And even though it may delay your departure if you are cruising west (we sailed to Vanuatu and continued west from there), the entertainment and comradery make it unforgettable. We highly recommend giving it a go!