16:29 S  151:45.649 W

18/7/08  12:00

We left around 9:30 and decided to go straight to Bora Bora so we could have a few days without having to move on.  It’s becoming increasingly clear that we will have to come back to this part of the world again next year after spending the winter in New Zealand, in order to see explore everything at a proper pace. I have to get
Russell to Pago Pago to fly on August 3 and I have to get to Fiji to fly on August 25^th.  Airplane tickets can not be part of a sensible schedule.  Between losing nearly two months for the boat repairs and EQUUS being as month earlier that originally scheduled I have lost  most of the leisure time  for this trip and the only way to make it up is to do it again properly next year.  I am lucky enough to have that option.

This wind is much livlier today that anticipated.  We have a South Easterly Force 7 gusting Force 8, so we are making good speed towards Bora Bora and will be in late afternoon.

16:45

Arrived Bora Bora and anchored outside the Yacht Club almost exactly where we were 9 years ago.

Russell broke with tradition and unlike almost everyother crew member experiencing real wind and sea for the first  time on SPINDRIFT did not get ill or even appear  to be remotely uncomfortable during our very lively sail in which we averaged nearly  nine knots. He spent much of it sitting on the aft quarter seats enjoying the ride. Demetri’s  happy as the WiFi we had in Papeete connection also works here in Bora Bora.  There’s been no time to take any pictures yet.  The day has been very overcast.  I hope it improves tomorrow.