Nous passons le wWe spend the July 14th weekend in Tahaa, a small island north of Raiatea, one night in front of Motu Tau Tau to enjoy snorkeling in the beautiful coral garden and one night in the less frequented Hurepiti Bay. We attend the very colorful Sunday mass with Polynesian songs and welcoming smiles. We return to Raiatea on Sunday evening hoping to see the fireworks, which actually did not take place this year. Perrine also has a medical appointment for the follow-up of the new pregnancy, we are expecting a 3rd crew member for January! Departure on Monday evening for Maupiti, 50 miles downwind at night with the full moon to light our way. After an hour, we decide to use the spinnaker pole, but the fitting on the mast rail breaks and Damien ends up with the pole hitting his nose, requiring stitches on his temple... The rest of the journey is pleasant, and we even have to reduce sail to avoid arriving before dawn at the notoriously difficult Maupiti pass. We drop anchor for breakfast in front of the peaceful village of Vaiea in the island's magnificent lagoon. Hiking, bike rides, jogging, snorkeling with manta rays, Heiva evenings, kite surfing initiation for Nina and Diane, and a lovely group of children to play with friends from the sailboats Vanille, Ambrym, and Mektoub, all heading to Nouméa! We fell in love with Maupiti, where we stayed for almost a week. After informing the town hall of our departure for Mopelia, a small atoll 100 miles west with very poor access, we take on board Rio, who is returning for copra cultivation, along with plenty of provisions for the island's twenty inhabitants. A service for which we are greatly thanked upon arrival, what a warm welcome! We are invited to share meals with different families on the island almost every day and always leave with hands full of the day's catch (red mullet, jacks, lobsters, coconut crabs...). We are even invited to a picnic on Motu Tavae, where many shearwaters, tropicbirds, and terns nest. The men go fishing while the women and children gather eggs, prepare the fire, and learn to weave plates with coconut leaves for lunch!
Plus d'une sMore than a week in this little piece of paradise before continuing west, heading to Suwarrow, a national park belonging to the Cook Islands, 560 miles away. We arrive on Sunday, August 4th, late afternoon after a smooth downwind journey! The only small Motu where landing is allowed is inhabited for 6 months a year by 2 rangers, the sole inhabitants otherwise. The fishing ban makes snorkeling much more interesting, with much larger and less shy fish. Two peaceful days and nights before continuing to Wallis and Futuna! We plan to leave tomorrow with steady trade winds to cover the 700 miles scheduled.
Nous espérons pouWe hope to find a sufficient connection upon arrival to post some photos!