After 23 days and 3000 nautical miles we have arrived in the Marquesas, French Polynesia! A good crossing all told with consistant trade winds and excellent fishing.  It took us a bit to find our rhythm with watches and sleep routines etc, but just as we did ……  we arrived.   Regardless we were all very happy to see dry land ;)           

Our original plan was to head to the island of Hiva-oa to officially check in with the authorities etc, however en route we were advised by friends that it was ‘ok’ to visit the island of Fatu-Hiva first.  (We didn’t want to upset the authorities as soon as we arrived by doing the wrong thing..) .  As Fatu-Hiva is the most windward island of the Marquesas (good for us downwind cruisers..  about bloody time ;) ), and some say has the most beautiful anchorage in the world, we soon re-planned and arrived in Baie Hanavave (aka Bay of Virgins), Fatu Hiva, on 12th June.

An absolutely beautiful and dramatic place for our first anchorage in the Pacific.  Rugged mountains and lush green valleys with palm trees everywhere…

picture postcard stuff that has set a high standard for the rest of the Pacific.   Three days later we are completing the must-do jobs after a long passage, catching up with and meeting fellow cruisers and locals (who are such incredibly friendly and hospitable people), and starting to explore the island.  The village here is quite small, population around 400, with no banks and way of modern city living including public internet (fantastic!!!!) and whilst the surroundings really are quite idyllic, it is hard to imagine living here for more than a few days!

Our plan now is to spend a few more days on this island and then head north west to Hiva-oa to resupply in preparation for some more exploring of the Marquesas Islands.

Photos to follow once we find some decent internet..

Best regards from the Pacific,

Rohan, Matt, Carolina and Nigel