Birgit Hackl, Christian Feldbauer: Cruising–Living in Touch with Nature, All At Sea Caribbean, July 2020, p. 42–48. Download the whole magazine for free or read the online version of this article.
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2020
06
Jul
Arrival in Tahiti
After a fast sail we were running out of wind on the last miles. Tahiti was ahead all day long–still 10 nm to go at sunset. Fortunately anchoring in the dark is no problem in the bay off Pt Venus, so we’ll sleep in our bed tonight again.
2020
05
Jul
Sailing under a full moon
Despite the so-so forecast this passage has been fabulous. 6 knots average on the first day, 5 from then on and all that under sunny skies without a single squall. The nights are magic as well with a full moon lighting the way. 65 nm to go!
2020
04
Jul
Water in the bilge
Yesterday the water alarm in the bilge went off and we discovered about 40 l of water sloshing around… We quickly got a manual pump out and dried the bilge–not much fun on a rolling boat. Then came the frantic search for the lead–fortunately it was quickly found. The seal on the rudder stock needs redoing. Another little project for Tahiti… 185 nm to go!
2020
03
Jul
Fast trip
Yesterday’s start was a bit bumpy: we sailed through squalls with 30 knots across the lagoon, doubting our decision to head out. The outgoing current rushed us out with 12 knots (4 knots boatspeed, 8 knots current), but then the ocean conditions were not so bad. Now we are rushing along downwind under headsail only, doing 6 to 7 knots. 320 nm to go!
2020
02
Jul
Change of Plans
On July 15 international flights are supposed to resume to French Polynesia and we are a little bit worried that this will lead to another covid alarm and subsequent inter-island travel ban. We therefore have changed plans, will head to Tahiti today and try to get a haul-out, some repairs, some doctor’s appointments, shopping (the yearly routine) done before that may happen. The weather’s not… Continue reading »
2020
29
Jun
Austrian fleet
There’s more Austrian boats than you’d think in the South Pacific, but as it’s such a wide area we don’t run into them very often. At the moment there are two others here in Raroia though and we’ve met up in the Southeastern ‘Austrian corner’. We met Alrisha (www.alrisha.at) in the Gambier last year already, but it’s the first time that we manage to catch… Continue reading »
2020
26
Jun
A perfect day for our 25th
For our 25th anniversary yesterday we had planned to spend a lazy day with Tuamotu entertainment (motu walk and snorkeling). Unfortunately it was grey with pouring rain, so we spent the day in front of our laptops, working as usually. At least we opened a bottle of red and cooked up a gourmet feast. Still a bit disappointing. Today we were rewarded with that perfect… Continue reading »
2020
20
Jun
Dawn on the wrong side
We’re in the trade wind belt, so the wind usually blows from somewhere between Southeast and Northeast. When a Northwesterly comes it’s normally during or at the onset of a depression or trough, but this time it slowly clocked from the Northeast to the Northwest with sunny skies because the trough is rather weak. We’ve used this unusual weather to explore the western side of… Continue reading »
2020
15
Jun
Approaching Raroia
Last night the wind turned into a light breeze–ideal timing or we would have arrived too early. Now we’re sailing down the western side of Raroia towards the pass, it’s a beautiful sunny morning, just a few tiny rainclouds around and we hope to catch one of them as Pitufa’s in dire need of a boatwash. In the shade of the island it’s calm, so… Continue reading »
2020
14
Jun
Fast passage
The fast ride goes on, fortunately it’s the tack heeling towards the galley, so cooking’s still okay… We’ve had the lure out since we left, just the right conditions for an oh-no-not-now fishy, but still no luck. Apart from that the fourlegged and twolegged crew are doing well. 100 nm to go!
2020
13
Jun
Fast sailing
The squally weather continues, not much fun, but at least we’re fast, averaging 6 knots. 235 nm to go!
2020
12
Jun
Unpleasant night
Last night one squall followed the other, keeping the watch busy. We had mostly 20 knots from the NE, gusting 30. Now conditions have settled a bit. 370 nm to go!
2020
11
Jun
Sunny day
It’s a sunny day, lighter winds, so we’re going a bit slower, but it’s very comfy sailing. 510 nm (out of 600) to go to Raroia!
2020
11
Jun
Sunny day
It’s a sunny day, lighter winds, so we’re going a bit slower, but it’s very comfy sailing. 510 nm (out of 600) to go to Raroia!