Pago Pago, American Samoa

Scott-Free’s blog
Steve & Chris
Tue 8 Oct 2013 03:20
14:16.624S 170:41.28W

Tuesday 8th October 2013

Distance run so far: 376
Distance run Day 4: 83
Total distance run: 459 nmiles

The forecast showed another squally night, but as the day progressed yesterday the skies remained clear and blue and it became obvious that they were wrong. It turned out to be a most beautiful, clear, starry night, the first of the new moon which appeared in the dusk as a tiny sliver of a crescent, orientated in such a way as to be smiling down upon us. The winds settled into a steady 12-15 knots over the starboard quarter and the seas were gentle, giving us a very comfortable night.

Shortly before dawn the wind died away and we motored the final 20nmiles or so into Pago Pago harbour on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa. I rooted around in the bag of 'no longer needed' courtesy flags and unearthed our stars and stripes which we hoisted to the starboard spreader along with the 'Q' flag, and also hoisted a new red ensign (the old and very tatty one having been left with Harry in Suwarrow to join the many others adorning the Suwarrow 'Yacht Club'.

We tied alongside a supply ship on the Customs dock and went ashore to visit the various offices to complete check-in formalities. That done, we treated ourselves to a Big Mac lunch. Everyone we have spoken to here is so very friendly and helpful, and if you don't look at the tuna fish cannery, the harbour is quite picturesque. The harbourmaster said that we could spend the first night where we are, and move to the anchorage in the morning. We think we might like it here.