This is a photo gallery associated with a feature in TCP # 22 called Hospital Ship. The story is about the voyage of the Australian Vessel ACROPORA crewed by Sally and Martin Peet. They went for a south Pacific cruise, as you do, and discovered a great need in Vanuatu for health care persons in particular and just willing hands in general. Sally is a nurse and Martin an engineer, both occupations of need. When discussing this story and trying to understand the photos I was knocked down by the compelling stories behind so many of the pics. Tolerance, generousity, rape and incest. Too much to do justice to in this paper. Suffice to say that your own adventure awaits should you be up to this challenge. There is so much more. Below is the epilogue for the story that Sally wrote. For your free copy of TCP # 22 including this story, Click Here.

"It is a strange feeling to be reclining in cushions sipping a macchiato, pondering on the time spent in Vanuatu. Somehow my life has changed forever. Those "things" I used to throw away, now have a value to someone. The question is "HOW".
Millions of dollars are donated by Government and private organizations to the Ni Van people but believe me, one days sail from the capitol of Port Vila, there is no evidence of it filtering through to the desperate areas in immense need of medicine, schooling, and organizational skills of all kinds. A great system, already realized by Project Marc, is fulfilled by the Australian cruising yachts. Here is a huge resource able to gain access to remote areas for delivery of goods and ferrying medical and volunteer teams. We witnessed yachties using their expertise setting up water systems, building masts, teaching locals to sail as well as the relentless fixing of outboards, solar panels and rendering first aid.
In one day 3 Aussie yachts assisted me in the treatment of 147 patients that had came from villages miles away to get medical assistance usually denied to them. None of these sailors had medical training but their care and attention was inspiring.
We were very impressed by Project Marc. They passed no judgment on the locals, their vision is to set up Clinics, train local Health workers and then pass these back to the Vanuatu Government for independent management. It was a great venue to educate in areas of hygiene, preventative medicine, reduce domestic violence and set up independent living skills focussing on their own custom and village practices.
For more information if you think that you and your yacht could give something to these beautiful people, have a look at http://www.project-marc.org/ or email Henk, the Director at meuzelaar@comcast.net
Believe me, this opportunity will open your mind and hearts to the cruising life."