‘Ia ora na! (that’s Hello in Tahitian)

We are back in Moorea. We made a last decision to take part in the Tahiti – Moorea regatta this weekend and we left Marina Taina at 7AM yesterday, refuelled and went to the start line at the entrance of Papeete harbour. Jean our French friend from the marina is with us for the weekend. However, there was no wind at all, the start was delayed until 10AM instead of 9AM and considering that there was 37 boats taking part we got a bit concerned about anchorage space in Moorea. We therefore made the decision not to wait for the official start and push on to Moorea, motored all the way, to be there before the fleet. The weather is beautiful this weekend.

There were 12 boats already anchored in Opunohu but we got a nice spot to drop the anchor. There was a welcome drink and Polynesian dances on the beach in the afternoon. The other participants are manly Americans, Canadians and Australians. Today there were a few games on the beach and a pirogue competition in which Mike took part. He always wanted to try those Polynesian pirogue with their “balancier”. There were also other activities like stone lifting, pareo painting, flower necklace making and more. Photos attached.

There was a lunch on the beach with food cooked in a Tahitian oven (holes in the ground covered with lava stones on which they put the food, then cover with palm leaves and sand. It is a slow cooking process. We must admit that we didn’t find it very tasty.

We also enjoy a very Polynesian dance show on the beach again. A fun day.

On our last night in Tahiti we went for a dinner – dance show at the Intercontinental Beachcomber hotel. The show was beautiful (photos below). There was a big buffet and the seafood section was delicious. Good night. We had a last farewell drink at the Quay des Iles bar in the marina and listen to the music.

Now we are back onboard, feeling a bit tired but happy.

More later.

Nana (that’s goodbye!)

Mike and Catherine