Yesterday I had some appointments in town and did my runs between different locations by thumb – hitchhiking works really well in French Polynesia, especially when you hold up a sign where you want to go. I got chatting with a very nice Polynesian woman who picked me up, we talked about the Tuamotus, how we cruisers are blamed for pollution, harming nature and then… Continue reading »
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2021
27
Apr
Article on Whisker Pole Handling in All-at-Sea Magazine
Birgit Hackl, Christian Feldbauer: Pole Position! The advantages of having two whisker poles, All At Sea Caribbean, May 2021, p. 54–56. Download the whole magazine for free
2021
20
Apr
Keeping up precautions and social distancing
French Polynesia is doing a good job to prevent Covid-19 from spreading. People generally still wear masks in shops and public places and remain cautious. Vaccinations are going on rapidly, in many places everybody 18+ can get an appointment for a shot. However, we have noticed that some cruisers think that as soon as they have their two shots they can drop all precautions, they… Continue reading »
2021
14
Apr
Squally passage
When trying to sail eastwards we usually wait for some disturbance to unsettle the usual prevailing wind (a little trough, a low), because then the wind shifts from the easterly direction to the north. A good opportunity to make easy miles to the east, but quite often not exactly fine-weather sailing. Yesterday we set out with sunny skies, but shortly after we sailed towards squall… Continue reading »
2021
12
Apr
Magical morning
Raiatea in the morning is quite often simply magical: the lagoon is glassy calm, the island is mirrored on the surface of the sea and soft, white clouds sit on the soaring peaks. The landbreeze that gently blows down from those mountains is incredibly fragrant–a mixture of flowers and pine scent. We usually use this cool morning air to do exercises on deck before it… Continue reading »
2021
08
Apr
2021
04
Apr
Around Raiatea and Tahaa
We’ve been hanging out around Raiatea and Tahaa (the two islands share one, big lagoon) for two weeks now. The infrastructure around these islands is very convenient: 4G internet, little supermarkets everywhere that get stuff from the supply ships several times a week, but sell also local produce. The nicest way to get locally grown fruit and veg is to walk down the coastal roads:… Continue reading »