Kamatal

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Approximate Position: Lat/Long: 10°57'S / 152°42'E

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Anchorage

As Kamatal lies on the northern edge of the island chain, its anchorage is a lagoon on the island's southern side - making for a lee shore against the prevailing trade winds which would normally deter many skippers. Entrance to the lagoon is easily navigable (but only in daylight), and once inside the boundary reef provides excellent protection from the swell. The sandy bottom makes for very secure anchoring, even with constant 20 knot trade winds. The deep passages outside the lagoon provide excellent fishing, and we saw a greater abundance of larger fish in the lagoon than any other anchorage we visited.

Exploring the island

Kamatal Yacht Club

In an effort to attract more yachts to his island, Jimmy has established the first yacht club of the Louisiades. The purpose-built club house is used exclusively for entertaining visiting yachties and houses a very well-stocked yacthies' book exchange.

People

Jimmy Asela and his family are the only permanent inhabitants on the island. Jimmy's wife does not speak English, however most of the men and boys in the family speak good English.
Amy is Jimmy's mother - a sprightly octogenarian who speaks English fluently. She has lived in the islands all her life, was a schoolgirl in Misima during the War, and no doubt has many stories to tell. Amy's father was a carpenter, and an old engine block rusting away behind the huts is a relic of the slipway he built to haul out large boats for repair.

Special Notes

If visiting Kamatal, be prepared to bake a cake! Jimmy and his boys are notorious for their appetite for cake of any variety.

Places nearby