As always, we really enjoyed our time in some of our favourite anchorages in Moorea – it is such a special place.
Bill & I have had some wonderful encounters:
- Whilst snorkeling, being surrounded by literally hundreds of yellow & black damsel fish swirling in a yellow cloud around us
- At nighttime, shining a spotlight into the water after hearing some splashes & seeing the reef sharks hunting their prey
- On the way ashore in the dinghy, having to stop suddenly mid-channel to allow a turtle to cross in front of us
- Following eagle rays artistically gliding through the water – they are the ballerinas of the ocean
- Nighttime with the Milky Way brilliantly arching its way across the skies or the reflection of a full moon on the calm water within the lagoon.
How lucky we are!
We had a stonking sail across the strait from Moorea to Tahiti, (see video). We are progressively gaining confidence in the boat’s ability to handle different strength winds at various angles. We have been particularly impressed how well the boat sails to windward – who said catamarans can’t do that? I think we maxed out at 8.4knots with a double reefed main & partially reefed jib when the wind peaked at 28knots.
So, we are now ensconced on a mooring in the Airport anchorage. We elected to take the mooring so that Bill didn’t have to worry about the anchor being alone onboard when I go overseas. We thought picking up the mooring line in a 25 knot wind with restricted manoeuvering, (single engine), amongst multiple vessels in the mooring field was going to present a bit of a challenge. I am pleased to say that I earnt my ‘boat handling badge’ on this occasion & brought the boat perfectly to the mooring for Bill to pick up the line. If I’m honest we got lucky, but I don’t mind taking credit for it.
For a bit of cultural engagement, we took a bus southwards to visit the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands. The museum is fairly new and really well done. It had an excellent presentation showing the geological evolution of the islands as well as the migratory routes across the Pacific demonstrating the order in which the islands were populated & later traded with one another, which in the present day is reflected in how certain islands are more culturally aligned. There were sections on the development of Polynesian culture & way of life, with some incredible artifacts, and how this was impacted by the arrival of Europeans in the last few centuries. The museum also housed a special exhibition on how surfing culture has evolved in the islands – perhaps a prelude to the Olympic surfing event that is being held at Teahupo’o, Tahiti next month.
Catching up with friends for pizza & drinks this evening. Always good to get off the boat & stretch our legs. I have noted, for someone who was a frequent walker at home, that you do lose your ‘land legs’ pretty quickly. I’ll have to make up for it with some hikes in the UK I think – weather permitting of course!