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Published: September 10th 2008
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Marina at Tahiti
Got to love the crocs We had a wonderful time in the Society Islands. The islands are stunning. They are a mix between the Marquesas with tall lush volcanic mountains and the Tuamotus with lovely coral reefs and turquoise water. Add plenty of blue sky, four of our closest friends from Perth, and you have the ingredients for an amazing 11 days.
After another windless passage from the Tuamotus to Papeete (Tahiti), we arrived with barely enough fuel to spare. We were fortunate to get a berth at Marina Taina where we got to work doing boat chores before Bec, Andrew, Jono and Mornay joined us. The French supermarket, Carefour was just down the road so provisioning was made easy with vacuum packed NZ beef, yummy French produce as well as local fruit and veg. Gas on the other hand was not so easy to locate. After carrying our empty gas bottles all around the Papeete industrial area, we finally got to the gas depot to find out that they were on strike. Fortunately we found a service station that provided us with a small camping gas bottle. That with our other spare, saw us through until Bora Bora.
Our guests arrived amongst much
anticipation and excitement. It was wonderful having them on board and the first night was all about catching up and maybe having a few drinks on the side…ok, ok, maybe more than a few. The following morning we got organised to sail to Moorea. Everyone was a bit slow not to mention going through all the goodies that Mornay and Bec bought us from Oz…it was better than Christmas. The trip to Moorea was fairly uneventful with the exception of poor Andrew going a pale shade of green. We had a lure out in the hope of catching fish for supper. Bec was very diligent holding onto the line waiting for a strike. It was not until a couple of hours into the trip as we were bringing out lunch did Bec ask if anyone wanted to take over holding the line. Oops…we forgot to tell her that there was no need to hold it like a conventual line…but she was having fun.
We finally arrived at Moorea, through the pass to Baie d’Opunohu. The scenery was absolutely amazing. We anchored in the bay with only one other boat…gorgeous. The crew went for a walk into town, while we
chilled on the boat and enjoyed the vista. The following day we moved to the bay entrance where we anchored in 5 meters of turquoise water. The snorkling was amazing. Jono, Mornay and Kim took the dingy about 100 meters from the boat and were amazed at just how good the coral and fish variety were. We ended up staying an extra day as the weather was perfect and there was a lot to explore.
The following day we set sail early for Tahaa which is about 25nm from Bora Bora. We had good wind although the seas where about 3m. Bec finally caught a fish, a nice silver jacket tuna. We arrived early morning and anchored for a short time near the pass so to catch up on some sleep before we made out way to Baie Apu. We were fortunate to pick up a mooring line. Onshore we visited the pearl farm and had a very nice lunch at the yacht club. Mornay bought a lovely black pearl while Si bought three broce pearls.
The next day found us motoring to Bora Bora. We all had big expectations as it is known as one of the world’s
most beautiful islands…it did not disappoint. We spent time at different anchorages around the island. The first was close to the southern reef. Jono, Mornay, Si and Kim took the dingy about 200 meters to a popular snorkling spot . When we arrived there was a tourist boat feeding the fish. We jumped in and were immediately surrounded by fish of all different types and colours. The fellow from the tourist boat gave Si some fish in which to feed them. Needless to say, he was swarmed. It was great to watch but was happy to leave the feeding to him.
We spent another night moored outside Bloody Mary’s. It is a famous restaurant that has a very comprehensive list of visiting celebs. It is done in the style of a beach cabana. You leave your shoes at the door and walk through lovely white sand. There was also an abundance of honey moon couples. Felt a bit sorry if they were looking for a romantic night out….with the six of us near by, it was not going to happen.
Our favourite anchorage spot was further south in the lovely Matira Bay. It was a bit tricky getting
in but well worth it. We had our favourite hamburger place on our door step along with lovely white sand…and you guessed it, turquoise water. Andrew and Bec escaped a couple of nights to a lovely resort where they had hot showers and a loo that you could put toilet paper down. We had a sundower with them and consumed a fair number of Margarita’s. It definitely made for an interesting walk back to collect the dingy.
As all good things come to an end, the time flashed by and before we knew it we were waving (crying) goodbye to our dear friends. We stayed on in Bora Bora for three additional nights. Two of those were anchored behind Toopua where we spent time with Geoff, Merel and James from Miss Molly. We also had to say goodbye to them after 6 months of friendship and support. They had been with us since FKG Days (St Martin) and were waiting for the boss to take Miss Molly for a few weeks while they fly home to visit family in the UK and Netherlands.
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frankrasmusen
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bora bora discovery
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