Greetings from yacht Ensemble.
We had a pleasant sail from Baie Hanamoenoa, Tahuata to Ua Pou. It was an early start (6:30am) - but we got off ok (and Magali went back to bed). We sailed almost the whole way with the genakker up - except the last 2 hours where we ran an engine. We saw a big pod of dolphins who had nothing better to do than follow us for an hour (and scare away my fish).
We arrived at sunset - just before 6pm - and found Anastasia already at anchor - and Southern Cross followed in just behind us. So all three World ARC catamarans at the same harbour!
We ended up all going for dinner at the cafe / pizza bar (once we found it). Food was good.
There was much discussion about the need for a stern anchor. When we'd arrived we hadn't noticed any - so you can imagine our relief when we got back to the boat and found all our neighbours had also decided not to use one.
We had an early start again (6:30am) and got away without incident. A short sail later we were at Taiohae Bay, Nuka Hiva. The main aim was to get diesel - so we were relieved to arrive at 11am (everything shuts at midday for a 2 hour siesta). The fuel station was reluctant to serve us (it was too close to midday) - but a few choice words from Magali and they changed there minds. The fuel dock required you to drop anchor in about 15m and come in stern too. Unfortunately our anchor didn't grab - so we decided to hover using the engines. They fixed the back ropes - but it was a very uncomfortable ride with the 1m swell - and required a couple of precarious leaps to shore to provide documents and payment. There were a couple of 'bumps' at the stern (another scratch to the gel coat). Fortunately the tender acted as a giant bumper!
We are now getting ready for a visit to town...
Cheers
Dave & Magali
4April2012 052