During the last week, the World ARC fleet have enjoyed a free cruising period in the Society Islands including the famous ‘must see’ destinations of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea.
From Alcedo’s Log
“What a wonderful place to walk, with well marked trails from the Valley d'Ananas to the Belvédère in the Valley d'Opunohu. We saw pineapple fields, forests, mareas and crossed the rivers several times. There were some lovely birds, friendly locals and an atmosphere of peace and quiet, enjoyed by all.”
…“where you find the rays (and the reef sharks, loads of them!). The rays are well worth a visit, particularly when the tour guides arrive as they love the guides and come to the surface when the guides arrive on their jet skies. Each guide seems to have a relationship with two or three particular rays, the rays identifying them, partially by smell and they come up and almost caress the guides. They will allow you to touch them as they swim round the guides”..
Other boats have been busy fixing various boat related issues before starting Leg 5 to Suwarrow, Niue and Tonga, few others,Spirit V, Giampi and Toujours Belle raced in the Tahiti Pearl Regatta; the event took the fleet on a tour of the Society Islands finishing on a small motu (island) in the lagoon of Raiatea and Tahaa. The final evening was a chance for all sailors to get together and enjoy live music, fire displays, food and the prize giving for the regatta.
Spirit V triumphed in the cruising division taking first place for the three days of racing, with Toujours Belle 4th and Giampi 5th.
Now is time for the World ARC fleet to reassemble for the rendezvous in Raiatea after their time apart in the Society Islands in preparation for the start of Leg 5
The next few days will include farewell drinks, a skippers’ briefing and complete final provisions before sailing west on Saturday for the first group and Monday for the second.
