15:34.18S 147:57.00W

Farr Gone Blog
Stuart Cannon
Tue 3 May 2011 16:47
We weighed anchor in Rangiroa at 3.30 yesterday afternoon and slipped out Passe de Tiputa. Rangiroa is the worlds second largest atoll but there are only two entrances to the giant oval shaped ring. These entrances can run with 6 or more knots of tide and can become very turbulent so timing is important. We left on the last of the flood and the water was crystal clear so fish could be seen all around as we glided past the old church on the side of the pass. Kids were playing in the turbulence at the side of the pass on boogie boards and the wind was blowing ten. At the entrance a six foot curl broke over the reef only about 50 metres either side of us so there is a level of care taken negotiating the area.
A beautiful evening was spent drifting along at 3 to 4 knots under a canopy of stars with a flat sea as we negotiated the channel on the north side of Rangiroa. We then turned to head due south to pass Makatia Island to the east. From what we could gather South East winds will build down closer to Tahiti so we hopefully will be well positioned for the push into the island. At present we are confronted by a large tropical revolving storm so we have altered course to avoid it. Looks like heavy rain and lightening inside it and its so pleasant out here it would be a pity to spoil it.
There is nothing like a clear tropical sky especially as there was no moon last night, only the occasional meteorite to provide distraction. The stars were like a carpet of white, so bright that they reflected off the surface of the water.
The 200 miles to Tahiti should only take a day or a little more but everything is on a go slow out here and progress is half normal so two days is expected. No schedule to keep, no problem.

Blog Entries

2011
Nov 2011 Oct 2011 Sep 2011 Aug 2011 Jul 2011 Jun 2011 May 2011 Apr 2011 Mar 2011