Hi everyone,
We've just completed the Tahiti to Moorea Sailing Rendezvous with 23 other yachts. It was fantastic. It exceeded our expectations and was great value.
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Zen Again in Moorea (Danish sv Enterprise photo) |
On Friday afternoon we attended the event briefing at Papeete Marina. The weather wasn't ideal and we got a ride with US sv Wanderlust in their RIB. We got there in 15 minutes vice 90 minutes in our little rubber ducky and electric outboard. The briefing was thorough, including anchorage and mooring information for the rest of the Society Islands.
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Briefing |
On Saturday morning we weighed anchor (it's heavy) and headed out from the Airport Anchorage to Papeete Port and though the pass into the open sea. At 1030 we started with the other boats in a light W breeze. Within an hour most of the catamarans were motoring although the fleet was led by trimaran Oceans Tribute and catamaran Southern Wing.
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Farewell Tahiti |
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Sailing to Moorea |
We sailed until 1400 in a light W wind under full sail. By then it was clear we needed to motor to get in before sunset. So the motor went on and we motor-sailed with a group of boats towards Moorea. The island has a spectacular profile with impressive mountains.
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A view of Cook's Bay, Moorea |
We passed Cook's Bay and finished at Opunohu Bay a little further west. We proceeded down into the bay and anchored in 12m over mud. We immediately launched the dinghy and went ashore to join the welcome event with free rum punch followed by dinner. After dinner a troupe of Polynesian dancers entertained us all. A very impressive welcome.
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Into Opunohu Bay, Moorea |
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Polynesian dancing |
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With fire |
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And audience participation |
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Zen Again in Opunohu Bay |
On Sunday morning we dinghied ashore after enjoying breakfast of fresh baguettes delivered by the organisers. The day whizzed by with canoe racing in the morning, a wonderful lunch of local produce, and an afternoon of games including tugs of war, banana running and stone lifting. The highlight was an excellent Polynesian band with dancers.
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Fish pedicure |
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Gift stalls |
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Canoe racing |
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Sitting down for lunch |
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Lunch with cruising pals |
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Tug of war |
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Ladies preparing to dance, and the band |
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Lads dancing with fire |
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Impressive performance |
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Dancers with Sailing Rendezvous organisers |
The final event on Sunday was a presentation on Polynesian navigation techniques by the Tahitian Historical Society which hosted the event on the island. Interesting presentation.
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Lecture on Polynesian Navigation |
Monday morning saw the final part of the event following breakfast provided ashore. Teams from Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand and Vanuatu described the attractions of their countries and the regulations applying to visiting yachts. Very interesting and useful.
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Tonga briefing |
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NZ briefing |
We expect to spend a few more days in Moorea. The Sailing Rendezvous is an annual event. Its a great way to experience a little Polynesian culture, learn about future destinations and spend time with like-minded cruisers. Recommended!
The Sailing Rendezvous has a web site
here.
Trust all's well where you are.
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