We are making the most of the southerly breeze we have got, due to a low pressure area that passed by and we are on our way to Rangiroa, part of the Tuamotu islands. The past few days we have spend on Moorea, setting sail for Huahine, then on to Raiatea for two nights and on the 31st we left with the first sign of the Southerly’s to set sail for Rangiroa.
The beauty of the nature on the Society islands is incredible. The hight of the mountains, the green of the forest and the white of the beaches is all very paradise like! Our night on Huahine was spend in Bourayne bay. Closed in by land on all sides, we had a perfect quiet night at anchor. With a dinghy tour we explored some or the shoreline and the next bay over.
Sailing to Raiatea was messy with a cross sea, second tryout for some sealegs, that were not found immediately. Luckily the crossing was but short and we could sail into the Passe Te Ava Piti, we nearly anchored under sail, but for that our spot was taking by other boats.. So, we went on to explore the island and headed some miles South, close to Avera we found a nice anchorage for the night and next day. As there was no wind, we had time to spend to explore the island. On the morning of the 31st we set of further South to visit the Marae Taputapuatea and then wend the wind came (so did the rain) we set of out of Passe Iriru and set sail for Rangiroa!
Sailing has been good, we are a little faster then expected as the wind is stronger then our forecast predicted. But we will make the most of it and wait for daylight closer to the Tuamotus.
Although the high, green, lush, holiday looking islands of the Society are hard to say goodbye to, I am also looking forward to showing these complete different islands, only 250 miles further on. Islands with only a ring of sand and Palm trees and incredible snorkeling opportunities. Rangiroa is the biggest Atoll of them all, it will most likely also be the place we clear out of French Polynesia and set of for more open water.
All well on board, Jet. Photo’s taken by Simon Damant
