We anchored out on the reef so we could swim in the turquoise with the surf rushing over the coral heads which is exhilarating. Surprisingly there were fewer reef fish here than we have seen in the other islands.

Unfortunately out arrival in Bora Bora seems to have marked a change in the weather and the winds have been howling and whistling through the rigging for some hours now. We moved to a mooring at the Bora Bora Yacht Club which is very comforting when the wind speed reaches 39 then 42.5 knots as it did when we were side ways on to it out on the reef and were pushed over at a nasty angle sending trays and hats flying.

Traditional buildings skirting the lagoon and the clever dinghy lifts seen everywhere in the Tuamotus and Society Islands along the shoreline.

From the yacht club it was quite a long walk into the small main town of Porai but we relished the opportunity to walk and trogged in. The town is long and thin following the road, the coral dust was blowing high in the strong wind and colourful pareos (Polynesian sarongs) whirled outside the few shops. It was like a film set for a spaghetti western. We went to post our cards and peruse the goods as well as diving into the Chinese supermarket, which wasn't bad, before returning to the boat then showers and beers at the yacht club which also did out laundry – can't be bad!

 The wind wasn't letting up, it spoilt snorkelling as it was so strong we thought it might overturn the dinghy and flood the outboard engine. Walking was dusty and no fun so its off to Maupiti a very small island further on said to be like a miniature Bora Bora.

 From Bora Bora Maupiti seen in the distance under the clouds.