Got to Raiata, capital of the Society
Islands (or Iles-sous-le-vent) last Wednesday. There was not a
breath of air when we left Huahine and the wind never picked up all the way to Raiatea so we had to motor again. The swell was still
quite big, it was not the most comfortable passage but luckily it was a short
one, only 4 hours. Of course once we were settled then the wind came up and we
cold have had a good sail and saved on diesel but at least we got here in good
time to sort ourselves out. Plenty more sailing to come
We found a free mooring buoy at Marina Uturoa, Uturoa being
the main town of Raiatea.
It is a nice feeling not to have to be worried about how our anchor is holding.
It belongs to a charter company. The manager didn’t want any rent money
but a case of beer instead for 4 days on the bouy …wish they all were
like that
We do not find Raiatea the most exciting of the Society Islands. Uturoa is not a particular pretty town
(more a village in size actually). However, there is the Pacific Windsurfing
Championship this weekend off the beach next to us so we have first class view
on the windsurfers. We have to be quick because they are pretty fast on the
water!
We watch the procession and the 6 person canoe racing
on July 14th and the dancers and music groups in the village hall
last night. There were pretty good. The ambiance was great with people shouting
encouragements. Photo’s not that good as the dancers and groups were
moving so fast –the girls bottoms especially ((that’s mike’s
comment as you would expect)
The wind has picked up quite a bit today. We also had heavy
rain showers. It looks that it will be unsettled until next Wednesday. When we
expect to move up to Tahaa for a week the island a few miles north of Raiatea
Mike spoke to his sister this morning who is very ill in
hospital. The mood onboard is very sad.
More news later.
Mike and Catherine
