Short but Ugly Passage to Papeete, Tahiti

Sailing Joia
Stuart Jackson
Mon 6 May 2024 04:17
It is only a 15 mile crossing from our anchorage in Moorea to Papeete, but it was almost directly into the wind which was gusting to near gale at times. The 8-12 foot waves were lined up right in our path with JOIA ponding forward under engine and double reefed mainsail. At times JOIA was alternately flying off the tops of waves and then submarining into the next one with decks awash.
Thank heavens for a strongly-built boat. JOIA took it all in her stride without a single leak inside. No photos, I’m afraid, because we were all too preoccupied just holding on.