Libertaire Sailing

Rapa Iti, Austral Islands, French Polynesia. We fell in love with Rapa and its people, where we’ve been for 3 weeks. The island, one of the most remote in Polynesia (no planes, a supply ship every 2 months, very limited internet), has barely 500 inhabitants spread across 2 villages, Area and Ha'urei, on either side of the bay where Libertaire is anchored. We are the 3rd sailboat of the year! We are truly moved by the welcome from the Rapa people, who have shown us their island, their traditions, and included us in their daily life. While Nina and Diane are at school (60 children from kindergarten to 5th grade), we take part in various celebrations and tasks like gardening, harvesting, fishing... Maintaining the taro fields (taro is consumed like bread here) plays a big role in the island’s life and landscape. The Polynesian and Maori-influenced population maintains a very communal system where many things are shared, and it’s rare for us to return to the boat empty-handed! Here, it’s much cooler than the rest of Polynesia, with no lagoon or white sandy beaches, and everything grows easily except coconuts! In short, a different side of Polynesia where life is good—and COVID-free!