We left the Tuomotos from Rangiroa in the evening planning to arrive at Papeete at first light 2 days later. The wind was light for much of the way with some periods up to 15 knots. Unfortunately the sea was on the beam so at times the passage was lumpy, making sleep difficult. On arrival we were greeted by heavy rain and poor visibility. We entered the Papeete pass at 0600 and made our way to Marina Taina. There were several WARC yachts there already. Nearby, the Carrefour supermarket provided welcome fresh food, at a price! I guess French Polynesia is just about the most expensive country on Earth!

We took the bus to the centre to meet the rally already on the "Quai de Yachts"and to enjoy the produce of the micro brewery "3 Brasseurs" (something repeated over the next few days!)

On the 25th, we moved Eowyn to the Quai and parted company with John who checked into the Hotel Tahiti Nui. Mike & I went to the Manava Suite Resort. We all met at 0530 the next morning at the airport to welcome Carole, Chris & Val who had spent 32 hours flying from London. They had been delayed for 5 days by the Icaland volcano, but 2 days of aircon luxury was very welcome to the weary travellers.

Moorea from the Manava Suite Resort by Night & Day

On the 28th we had a Rendezvous with the other WARC yachts on the Quai in Papeete. This was chance to hear Polynesian music and try paddling an outrigger canoe.

Graham, Chris with Mo & Bev from "Tucannon" celebrate after trying an Outrigger Canoe with Help from the Experts

In the evening there was a reception at the Town Hall including the prizegiving for the longest leg from Galapagos to the Marquesas. We felt we had made it into the top 3 in our class and were a little disappointed when 3rd and 2nd were announced as Ciao and Chessie respectively. This turned to delight when we were called forward not only as the winners of our class, but overall winners too! We had beaten "A Lady" an Oyster 56 by less than 5 minutes in 18 days for the overall trophy. We now have to try to maintain this standard for the next 12 months!!

Leg Winner Eowyn at the Quai des Yachts

The next day we joined an Island Tour of Tahiti and enjoyed the scenery and some of the traditional Polynesian Tiki statues as well as an enjoyable visit to the Gauguin Museum.