08:55.01S 140:06.02W

We weighed anchor straight after breakfast and had a very pleasant 25 mile downwind sail under headsail only, arriving early afternoon at Nuku Hiva, the administrative capital of the Marquesas Islands.  Baie Taiohae is very large and we easily found room to anchor in spite of the number of yachts here.  As it was a Friday afternoon, we knew we’d have to wait until Monday morning to check in at the gendarmerie and complete the formalities, so we explored the small town and bought some provisions.

Our first impressions were very positive: extremely friendly people, excellent fresh produce and gorgeous French bread and patisserie – we were in la belle France once again!

In need of some exercise, we asked the lady at the tourist information centre about hiking paths and she recommended the hike to the Sentinelle; so off we went with a picnic lunch in search of our land legs.

On Monday the check-in procedure at the gendarmerie was as straightforward as it’s ever been.  It’s great to be here! 

Sailing to Nuku HIva and to Baie Taiohae:

The Cathedral at Baie Taiohae with wonderful local wood-carvings:

Skipper with his new friend, the town hall and local Marquesian artefacts:

Hiking to the Sentinelle: