Greetings from yacht Ensemble.
We're off to Suwarrow. Yesterday we got away to a good start - leading group 2 through the pass. It's good to be at sea again!
The winds were light and the seas calm - but at least we got to try all our sails including the new Parasailor until sunset when we decided with the falling winds it was best to drop back to whites and start the engine.
It was a busy morning. We were up early to refuel. Mike from Wind Dancer came round to help fitting some anti chafe (leather) on the mast - and we had a farewell visit from Seaquest - who also dropped off Magali's new cushions.
The day before had been busy - with me making amends for the previous night of drinking with the crews from Pilgrim and Royal Leopard, falling in the water and drowning our second camera for the week - and (worst of all) keeping Magali awake - by doing the last of the provisioning shopping. To make matters worse - I felt fine but Magali seemed to have accidentally picked up my hangover by mistake...
We also finished the final boat preparation - including replacing another impeller on the generator and preparing the sheets and blocks for the new Parasailor.
We had a lovely dinner at the MaiKai yacht club with At Last, Seaquest and Luna Verde.
We've had a good time in French Polynesia. The people have been friendly and the food good - and the diving in particular has been great. The place is suffering from the economic downturn with tourist numbers having nearly halved since the start of the GFC - (4 resorts on Bora Bora had closed) - and it is pricey compared to other Pacific tourist destinations (they claim most tourists are now going to Fiji).
From a sailing perspective - the moorings and anchorages have been great - logistics (fuel and water) ok and channels well marked, but getting work done has been problematic, being both expensive (labour cheap but parts expensive and limited availability) and (most frustrating of all) unpredictable in duration (particular problems with rigger and sail repairs) - although most found the boat yard in Papeete good. All of this put a lot of pressure on the Captains - who scrambled to get repairs done because of the delays - and many felt rushed and that they had missed out on what was the nicest part of the Pacific (so far). This has been a factor in Seaquest, Luna Verde, Mr Blues, At Last and Brizo leaving a bit later and spending more time to enjoy French Polynesia.
With Galapagos and Panama also being 'iffy' when it comes to repairs - the conclusion is get the work done in St Lucia (or before) - and carry your own spares and tools for the work.
Here's wishing for more wind - and a breakages free leg to Fiji!
Cheers
David & Magali
17May2012 013