Tahiti to Moorea Sailing Rendezvous

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.

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.

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.

Farewell Tahiti

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.

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.

Into Opunohu Bay, Moorea

Polynesian dancing

With fire

And audience participation

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.

Fish pedicure

Gift stalls

Canoe racing

Sitting down for lunch

Lunch with cruising pals

Tug of war

Ladies preparing to dance, and the band

Lads dancing with fire

Impressive performance

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.

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.

Tonga briefing

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.