Hi
from Clare, 11-2017 Bora Bora to Raiatea Monday
16th October 2017
A
GREAT SPOT
We
spent two weeks on the SE corner of Bora Bora in the company of good
friends Martin and Ellen on Acapella. We had a fun time snorkelling,
walking the beach, sharing Happy Hour, meals and many laughs. The
weather was warm and sunny but very windy. Perfect conditions for
our friends on Pangea and Shindig who are keen Kite Boarders. As the
days went by, the strong wind made the drift snorkel on the corner of
the island even more adventurous. We, along with Martin and Ellen
would walk along the inner reef for a hundred metres then drift all
the way back to the corner. Great fun as we felt like we were
flying. This anchorage is just a perfect spot, with a very pretty
mountain, sandy beaches, lovely shallow warm sparkling water and good
holding. We put out two anchors to stop Eye Candy from sailing
around in the wind. It made all the difference and we sat still for
days. Twice we left and motored a few miles around to the north east
side of the island to get some Wifi. It was much more windy there
which made us appreciate how well protected we were on the S/E
corner.
 |
| Snorkelling |
 |
| Walking |
 |
| Walking |
 |
| Snorkelling |
 |
| Kiting |
 |
| More Snorkelling |
 |
| More walking |
 |
| Sundowners on Eye Candy with Mile, Clare, Andrew, Katie and Martin |
 |
| Raising the second anchor |
ALL
GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END
While
we waited for a weather window to sail back to Raiatea we watched
with sympathy the charter yachts come and go. The usual charter
period is for one week and for most people it would be part of their
annual holiday. The charter skippers have a schedule to follow and
the boats return to base on Friday regardless of the weather. We
would see them leave the calm waters of the Bora Bora pass into a
three metre swell and a 20-25 knot wind on the nose for their 5-6
hour trip back to Raiatea. Certainly not much fun and a situation we
hoped to avoid.
THE
NEXT BEST
We
ended up with a nine hour weather window on 8th October
when the wind changed from SE to ENE as a convergent zone passed
over. Both Acapella and Eye Candy sailed back to Raiatea
comfortably, although experiencing rain and headed for the Motu of
Tipaemau on the east side of Raiatea. We anchored and then backed up
and tied to a coconut tree before the wind went back to the SE and
gathered strength for the next few days. We however sat in flat calm
water. Andrew and I took the opportunity to host the mainsail to dry
and then pack away for the season. It rained a lot but between
showers we also dried the jib and packed that away. The lousy
weather conditions were made a lot cheerier by having Martin and
Ellen’s company for drinks, coffee breaks and many chats.
 |
| Acapella and Eye Candy In the calm Med moored behind Motu Tipaemau |
BOO
HOO AND WHAT DID YOU SAY?
We
parted company two days ago and headed ten miles down to The Carenage
where we will haul out on Thursday. We are suffering separation
anxiety but we can look forward to seeing Martin and Ellen next
season. Since arriving here it has rained every day and night, just
what one needs when trying to pack the boat up. The forecast is for
heavy rain for the next two days. At this stage it looks to be fine
on Thursday for haul out. Yesterday, during a dry patch, we took
the borrowed ship’s radio back to Olivier and Vivian on Mary Anne.
So no more Magellan Net and no more Net Controller responsibilities
for Andrew. It seems very strange not to have the various nets
running. I think Andrew is suffering withdrawals. We still have the
local VHF chattering away for company, even if it is in French.
Andrew listens and tells me that there is a missing kite surfer or
boat in trouble – his understanding of French has improved out of
site:)
 |
| Tied to the old ferry for shelter |
 |
| The bleak anchorage nearby |
SO
WHAT’S NEXT
According
to the forecast, wind, rain, rain, rain, wind, rain and more. We
have tied up to this old Ferry which permanently sits just off the
travel lift at the Carenage. It is quite secure here and much calmer
than bouncing around on a mooring ball in the nearby anchorage.
Last night it was very windy and one of the unoccupied boats broke
free from its mooring and drifted half a mile before running aground
on the sand bank.
We
fly out of Raiatea on Sunday and arrive back in Australia on Tuesday
afternoon. We will return to French Polynesia late March 2018 and
travel west to Fiji. But for now we are looking forward to coming
home to see family and friends and hug our wonderful little
Grandchildren.
Love
Candy xxx
P.S,
Last year when we hauled out here our boat was broken into and our
alcohol stolen.
We
have solved that problem, that won't happen this year – hic!
