Bora Bora Outbound Day 1

Hi everyone,

We departed Bora Bora at 1030 local on Tuesday.  At noon Wednesday we were at 15 14S 153 18W steering 300M, sailing under double-reefed main and full yankee at 5 knots.  The wind was 13G19 from the ENE.  Our noon  to noon distances were 115nm by the log and 121nm over the ground.  Our distance to go was 1093nm.

Farewell French Polynesia

The pass at Bora Bora is usually quite benign.  When we left there was a 4m swell running which made it quite exciting but not dangerous.  There was a 3-4 knot outgoing current and the swells were breaking spectacularly on the reefs on each side.  In the channel there were 2m swells coming in but they weren't very steep and only a few were breaking a little.  Zen Again rode over all but one which she muscled through with green water over the foredeck.  Then we were through.  We departed with sv Southern Wing.

We motored forr several hours in light winds.  The 4m swell really surged the boat to and fro, messing up the apparent wind.  By early afternoon we had enough wind to sail.  Since then the wind has gradually filled in from the E.  Our plan is to head NW until we reach the latitude of our destination Samoa.  Then we expect to be gybing downwind.

Last night was quite peaceful with a 3/4 moon and scattered low clouds.  A few of the clouds produced drizzle and a little more wind.  This morning the clouds thickened a little but still plenty of blue sky.  

Dawn

Trust all's well where you are!