Tahiti -July 1, 1999

Position: Tahiti -July 1, 1999

SeaQuell has arrived at the enchanting islands of the French Polonaise. This has been a long awaited day as part of our adventure. After spending 10 days in the Galapagos with the family, we set out for the Marquises Islands, the northern most Polynesian group of Islands. This is where most cruising ships make their first resting stop. This was over a 3000 mile trip which is the longest leg that we will encounter on our around the world cruise. Two additional sailors, Mike from Spain and Rob from San Diego, were added to our crew of four for standing watch and for sail handling. The extra help proved valuable when setting and flying the spinnaker. Generally only sailboats can make such a lengthy trip as it is beyond the range of most powerboats.

This is an ideal time of the year for making this running with the trade winds out of the East and with favorable currents. The 12 day trip was uneventful but not good sailing for comfort. The first 4 days we had following quartering winds of 15 to 20 knots giving some comfort in the rolling seas. The next 6 to 8 days we had full following winds of 10 to 20 knots that gave us some spinnaker time, however, when the wind dropped below 15 knots the spinnaker would not stay filled. With the low winds we had to pole out the foresail and assist with some motoring. Running downwind was uncomfortable for sleeping while rolling with the swells and not resting on either sideboard. Activity was an occasional Tuna or Wahoo being caught on the trolling line. Fish were cleaned and prepared for the evening meal.

With our average boat speed of 11 knots, we regularly passed smaller boats, which were averaging 5 to 6 knots and taking 28-30 days to reach the Marquises. During our 3-day stay in the Marquises at least 30 smaller boats arrived after being at sea for at least a month and all glad to see land. There were many sailboats with couples only making this stop on their way to New Zealand. Only 2 people sailing for the 30-day crossing would be challenging!

The French Polynesian Islands cover a very large area and contain 3 groups of islands. The Marquises are the Northern group, very mountainous and a key stop for most boats. The Tuamotu group, 500 miles to the South has more than 300 islands that are atolls with only 50' appearing out of the water. Our stop in the Tuamotu group was Rangiroa, an atoll that was 100 miles around giving it a very large tidal flow. A pleasant stop with good snorkeling and large sharks that never bothered the divers. While anchored one evening with lights on, squid about 18", started swimming around the boat under the lights. About 20 of the squid were netted, tentacles removed, well hammered and served, deep fried for lunch the next day. After this 3-day stop we sailed on to Tahiti. We intended to stop at Marlon Brando's island but the seas were not favorable for landing so we continued on to Tahiti.

Tahiti is the Southern most group of the islands. This group is also mountainous, up to 7000 feet high. The main island has 150,000 people and is very commercial. The best island paradise for vacation is Moorea which is 5 miles and Bora Born 30 miles from Tahiti. They have beautiful hotels built over the water, better reefs and very few commercial areas.

I returned to Mpls on June11 and expect to stay a month or so. June is still recovering from her shoulder surgery and a nasty fall the last day at the Galapagos. We will both return to Tahiti and spend around a month on the French Polynesian Islands. The Tahiti area is at 20 degrees South and 140 Degrees West and is considered the most enjoyable group of islands in the Pacific. Its climate is very similar to our home, St. Croix in the Virgin Islands.

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