South Sea Sailing, a brand under South Sea Cruises welcomed its first vessel into Fiji last Friday.

The brand new 78-foot catamaran, Sabre received a traditional Fijian welcome.

The purpose built day trip sailing catamaran was built by Oceania Voyager in Sri Lanka.

It took her 49 days and a few non-contact stops for fuel along the way to reach Fiji.

South Sea Cruises chief executive officer Brad Rutherford said Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s border reopening announcement was monumental with Sabre’s arrival into the country.

“We identified a few years ago that there might be a gap in the market to increase day sailing trips and South Sea Cruises has always been an innovator in the past,” said Mr Rutherford.

“This is just another step in our progression towards being the leading marine tour operator, not only in Fiji, but around the South Pacific.”

The final fit out work and certification will be done in order to have Sabre ready for the official launching and first day trip guests at the end of November.

South Sea Sailing will initially run full day experiences one day a week, ramping up to two days a week in the New Year and then daily from April 1, 2022.

Mr Rutherford said Sabre was South Sea Cruises first true sailing vessel.

Sabre is also the first catamaran in the Southern Hemisphere.

He said Sabre was available for sailing tours inclusive of lunch.

“People would get a chance to snorkel and there’s even a water slide in Sabre.

“Everything is on the road, you don’t need to get off at any islands for lunch.

“However, we will be parking at the sea in case people want to get off and paddle board,” Mr Rutherford said.

Locals rates will start from $125 per person, and include morning tea, lunch, selected beverages onboard and day out in the Mamanucas.

The vessel is also available for private charters with local Fijian residents.

For more information, visit www.southseasailingfiji.com

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