Yesterday there was almost no wind (despite the weatherforecast that claimed it would blow 14 knots from the SE) and we used the calm weather to take Pitufa across the small lagoon to the only motu in the west. We had seen from afar that this motu isn’t cultivated (endemic shrubs and trees instead of coconut palm plantations) and there we found the wildlife we… Continue reading »
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2016
25
May
2016
24
May
Maupihaa (aka Mopelia)
We reached the tiny, westernmost inhabited atoll of French Polynesia late this morning, somewhat hesitant as it has a bad reputation. This is what ‘South Pacific Anchorages’ says: A number who have visited the atoll consider that there was not sufficient compensation for the trauma of entry and exit… Approaching we compared Garmin charts and satellite pictures, the chart is about 15 m off which… Continue reading »
2016
23
May
On the way to Maupihaa
This month we have to leave beautiful French Polynesia after 3 wonderful years, firstly because import tax on the boat would be due now and secondly because there are many more interesting islands further out in the Western Pacific. The next island group west of Fr. Polyn. are the Cook Islands that are spread wide from north to south, but they don’t have many anchorages… Continue reading »
2016
14
May
Back in the water
We find people who do extreme sports to see their limits and push their bodies beyond those slightly amusing. Why join costly competitions when you can also spend a few days in a boat yard? 12-hour shifts of doing hard work you’re not used to (sanding and painting overhead), in cool gear (overalls with hoods, Darth Vader respirator mask and constantly fogging goggles), in combination… Continue reading »
2016
10
May
Hard times on the hard
This morning we had an appointment for a haul-out at the Carenage in Raiatea and of course it was squally and gusting up to 30 knots when the office called us to come in. The approach went well despite the nasty weather and now Pitufa’s parked in a cradle waiting for a belly-rub and a few layers of antifouling paint. The weather forecast threatens with… Continue reading »
2016
08
May
On our way to Raiatea
We don’t see much sun today, but have a fast downwind ride.
2016
08
May
Pitufa’s atlas of prevailing ocean winds
New Zealand’s Weather Guru, Bob McDavitt, has stumbled over Pitufa’s blog and mentioned our interactive atlas of monthly-averaged ocean winds in last Sunday’s weathergram. Check out Bob’s blog for a weekly analysis of weather patterns and advice for route planning in the South Pacific.
2016
07
May
Leaving Tahiti
We spent the last month shopping for the coming sailing and cyclone season, using Tahiti’s big stores and good infrastructure to prepare for a year in remoter areas. Today we’ll head out towards Raiatea where we have an appointment to haul-out the boat (at the Carenage) for a new anti-fouling, so we hope for good weather.