Passe Taihaaru

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sun 6 Oct 2013 22:37
Passe Taihaaru
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IMG_5420
 
The guide books say this is the hairiest of all passes and sorts ‘the men out from the boys’. It’s skinny and has a current between two and nine knots (always outflowing). Once started there is no going back. We asked Beez and she said “bring it on.” Our first look from a distance. Sails down and ready for action, Beez shouts YeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaa and off we go.
 
 
IMG_5426
 
OK this is more interesting, the small white posts each side of the pass come into view. I go and stand at the front, to aid Bear, hand signals at the ready.
 
 
IMG_5422  IMG_5419  IMG_5425
 
What’s incredibly funny is the accurately laid waypoints put your course over dry land. A1 eyeball then.
 
 
IMG_5430
 
The pass opens up.
 
 
IMG_5433  IMG_5434
 
Immediately to our right the last wave breaks over the reef. In we go.
 
 
IMG_5436
 
I feel I could lean out and touch the steep sided reef.
 
 
IMG_5440
 
Marker post coming up.
 
 
IMG_5441
 
View to the left.
 
 
IMG_5443
 
First set of buoys ahead. Keep them to the left, bit of a rinse cycle going on. Bear felt an outward current of about three knots so Beez was in gear and compensating.
 
 
IMG_5432
 
Last little bit.
 
 
IMG_5444
 
We are through. Second set of buoys, keep well to the right. Now the water is crystal clear and the coral heads are easy to see. I ask Bear to hold on the spot so I can take pictures of Windarra coming through (own blog).
 
 
IMG_5446  IMG_5447
 
Windarra safely through, we then follow her across the wide open lagoon.
 
 
IMG_5449
 
Crossing the lagoon.
 
 
IMG_5453
 
View to the left (with our very own coral garden – seen as a dark patch).
 
 
IMG_5454
 
Beez at our anchorage on the chart plotter. The island is known as Mopelia, Maupelia, Mopihaa, Maupihoa and Mapetia.
 
 
IMG_5452
 
Our view to the right.
 
 
IMG_5458
 
How did we celebrate ??? – a full blown egg event and a game of backgammon of course.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL A GREAT SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT
                     EXCITING AND FUN