Following the end of the World ARC programme in Papeete, the
fleet has spread out once again to explore the Society Islands of French
Polynesia. These seven islands are divided into two groups; the Windward Islands
of Tahiti, Moorea and TTT and the Leeward Islands of Huahine, Raiatea &
Tahaa, Bora Bora and Maupiti.
Almost all the fleet choose to visit Cooks and Oponahue Bay
in Moorea. It is extremely close to Tahiti but a world away from the hustle and
bustle of Tahiti’s capital Papeete. A good ‘chill-out’ place! From Moorea crews
make the 100 mile or so passage to the Leeward islands and most decide to do
this an an overnight passage to ensure an early daytime arrival at the
destination islands of Huahine, Tahaa or Raiatea.
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Raiatea offers good facilities for yachties and was also the
starting point for the Tahiti Pearl Regatta, in which 10 World ARC boats
entered. Those crews of the fleet have been enjoying some interesting racing
and some fun parties around the islands in the company of other international
and local sailors. The four day event ends on Sunday.
Others have chosen a more unhurried pace and are exploring
quiet anchorages on Huahine, Tahaa and Raiatea. There is plenty to see and do.
On Tahaa alone one can visit any of several vanilla plantations and explore the
famous ‘Coral Garden’ pass where the snorkelling is excellent.
The World ARC fleet will begin to assemble again for their
next leg on the ‘Pearl of Polynesia’ - the island of Bora Bora. The MaiKai
Yacht Club are our hosts there and we have a short but fun programme before the
first group departs on 11 May.