can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Paw Paw - Log Day 110: "Counting Our Chickens Before They Hatched"



Based on the order in which yachts crossed the finish line in the Marquesas and discounting those yachts that would receive a DNS (Did Not Start) status, since they had started well ahead of the official start time for the Leg, as well as the fact that most of the yachts in our division needed the duty free fuel permit to take on diesel on arrival and would, therefore, be penalised for motoring time, we had estimated that we were definitely in the running for 1st place for Leg 4. The only wildcard was Maeva Maris who had been gaining on us towards the end of the passage.

As our excitement mounted, we got the opportunity to reconnect with many of the yachts we hadn't seen since leaving the Marquesas and enjoyed a cup of tea and cake on Nina, before heading off to the prize-giving ceremony and the last of our Skipper's Briefings for this WARC rally.

When it was announced that Maeva Maris had received 3rd place, we waited with bated b reath. But, alas, Paw Paw received 2nd place, with 1st place awarded to a yacht that we assumed would receive a DNS and would have motoring hours that exceeded ours. Given that Paw Paw, along with a host of other yachts, had received a DNS instead of the 3-hour penalty for starting early on Leg 3 from Las Perlas to the Galapagos, it appeared that the rules had not been applied consistently. That'll teach us us for "counting our chickens before they hatched"!

Regardless, we never let this outcome dampen our spirits or reduce our sense of achievement, as we received a beautifully engraved mother of pearl plaque from the City of Papeete, presented by the major. We were also pleasantly surprised to be presented with a plaque from WARC signifying the end of our participation in the 2016-2017 rally until we reconnect with a new fleet in Fiji next year. In addition to our prizes for 2nd place - locally produced rum, jam and a body exfoliater - we received 2nd place in one of the fun competitions.

While sipping a glass of wine and enjoying a few canapés, the evening was topped off with a Tahitian blessing, Tahitian dancers, dinner with Nina and a chance to see friends.

Congratulations to all the prize winners and we wish the fleet fair winds and following seas as they head West ahead of us.

9e5f11a5-b90d-444d-a4c0-0a0d558d071d1156150128
c42347ec-f7bd-425e-b752-f6eef7cbc5e0-445360745

Previous | Next