Hi
from Clare, 10-2017 Beautiful Bora Bora Sunday 24th September 2017
Since
our last newsletter we have sailed from Huahine to Raiatea and then
on to Bora Bora.
We
are anchored in the S/E corner of Bora Bora where there is no
Internet. My apologies for this newsletter being a bit late.
FOND
MEMORIES
We
always enjoy Huahine as it has much to offer with peaceful
anchorages, clear water, good snorkelling, nice restaurants and in
the main town of Fare, a comprehensive Supermarket supported by a
daily street market selling local fruits, vegetables and fresh sea
food. The Huahine people are very welcoming, helpful and proud of
their island. Everywhere we have been on the island the gardens and
roadsides are trimmed and manicured. The locals are out raking up
leaves and picking up any litter. It is not unusual to be asked by a
resident if we like their island. Well who wouldn’t?
This
could well be our last visit to Huahine but if so we take with us
many happy memories.
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| Anchored in Avea Bay, Huahine |
A
PEACEFUL TIME
We
sailed to Raiatea some twenty miles away and checked with the
boatyard that everything is in order for hauling out on 19th
October. Thankfully there were no surprises and so we can now relax
and enjoy our few remaining weeks. We anchored behind the small and
deserted Motu of Tipaemau. It is just a little moon shaped spit
covered by coconut trees, great protection from the prevailing S/E
wind and totally peaceful in flat calm and glassy water. We spent a
few days soaking up the sun, swimming in warm water and enjoying the
solitude. Andrew completed his project of covering the dinghy with
sticky back sun cloth. A very tricky job as one mistake and the
material will stick to itself. Definitely a job for Andrew, he is
the only one on Eye Candy with sufficient patience:).
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| Calm behind the palm trees in Motu Tapaemau |
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| The dinghy cover completed |
COMMUNICATION
AT LAST
Whilst
in Raiatea we caught up with Olivier and Vivian on Maryanne. They
have been doing major projects and living on their yacht in Apooiti
Marina for nearly twelve months. Olivier offered Andrew the use of
his radio for the remainder of the season. At first we thought we
wouldn’t bother, don’t ask me why we thought that, twenty four
hours later Olivier’s radio was installed on Eye Candy. Once again
Andrew has spent time on his knees under the nav station fiddling
with the radio to improve performance. It is working well now and
Andrew has re-established himself as a Net Controller on his much
loved Polynesian Magellan Net. So with an HF Radio we once again
have daily weather forecasts and contact with our friends which
provides a great deal of pleasure and enhances the cruising
experience.
FUN
WITH FRIENDS
On
Sunday 17th and with no wind, we motored the thirty miles
from Raiatea to Bora Bora to meet up with our good friends Martin and
Ellen on Acapella. As we spent time in Bora Bora last season, the
loose plan is that we travel together and guide Acapella through the
shallow waters of the island. We firstly went to Bloody Mary’s as
this is a very well known restaurant frequented by many celebrities
since it’s establishment in 1989. There are honour boards outside
the restaurant listing the celebrities names. Quite a novel idea and
interesting reading. We participated in Happy Hour twice but didn’t
stay for a meal. On both nights there were large parties from the
Resorts and the place was packed.
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| Ellen, Martin and Andrew waiting for Happy Hour |
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| Other celebrities who have visited Bloody Mary's |
We
climbed the hillside behind Bloody Mary’s and enjoyed the view of
the bay and surrounding waterway. We then walked along the
waterfront to Matira Point arriving back at the boat some three hours
later. The following day we motored inside the lagoon in shallow
water half way down the east side of the island. This is where the
various Resorts have built hundreds of bungalows out over the water.
The water is vivid aqua and the sea floor thick sand. We saw 2.9
metres which is quite shallow enough as we draw 2.1 metres. We
anchored near the St Regis Resort and did some snorkelling before
continuing on to the south east corner of Bora Bora. This is a very
beautiful area with a stunning view of the mountain, surrounded by
aqua water and sandy beaches. There is very little motor boat
traffic which helps greatly to the tranquillity of the anchorage.
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| Andrew, Ellen, Clare and Martin at the lookout |
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| View from Bloody Marys lookout |
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| Along the walk to Pt Matira |
WE
GOT WET SNORKELLING
Yesterday
morning we all went snorkelling to a favourite spot where the day
boats come our from the Resorts. The coral is good and the fish
prolific as they are hand fed. It would be nice if we could time it
right to avoid the Resort boats and have the area to ourselves, but
not much chance. However it is still fantastic and the visibility is
very good. In the afternoon Andrew and I went to the very corner of
the motu and did a drift snorkel. The weather looked a little
inclement when we left Eye Candy and not long into the snorkel it
poured rain. At first I couldn’t work out what the noise was but
soon realised it was the rain pelting on my wet suit. It reminded me
of my childhood when swimming in the rain was considered heaps of
fun.
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| Clare amongst the fish |
THE
CROWD GATHERS
We
have also enjoyed walks on the beach and morning coffee or Sundowners
with our friends Martin and Ellen. Rob on “Shindig” and Mike and
Katie on “Pangea” have arrived in the bay and so the seven of us
are having Sundowners on Shindig this afternoon. We are looking
forward to catching up with everyone, it will be fun.
SO
WHAT’S NEXT
This
afternoon we will try for another snorkel. The weather is very
changeable but at present it is sunny and calm. We best get out and
make the most of it.
Love
Candy xx
