2-5 August

2/8/2012

Position 14:UTC -10  16°16.6030S  149°20.5380W

The Starboard engine faded and died at 04:30. It had been playing up before and I had changed the fuel filter the day before – nicely clogged up with what looked like rust – but apparently did not bleed the fuel lines properly and 14hrs later it died. Changed the filter and made sure it was bled properly. Now running just fine.

3/8/2012

At Pateete, Tahiti

At 06:00 the islands of Moorea and Tahiti were clearly visible. The ferries running between the two island s started about 07:00 and we followed one in to the port. Port Control was most helpful, directing us to the Quai Yachts where we tied up Mediterranean style next to another SA yacht – Spirit of Africa, a couple from Johannesburg swaning around the Pacific. The Yachtmaster for the Quai was an extremely pleasant young lady who sorted us in no time and organized the necessary paper work to get duty free diesel.

Rob and I then went looking for fuel filters. So we walked the back streets of Papeete and eventually found what we were looking for. Just time left for a beer and a hamburger before we met back on the boat to move to Marina Taina for diesel. We followed a marked channel around the airport, crossing both ends of the main runway. Marina Taina is vast with lots of mega yachts moored. Got diesel and a quick shower. Thank goodness we didn't have to go back around the airport to get to the open sea, but instead exited through a cut in the reef with surf either side. I was very happy to follow a yacht out.

Once out we found the wind. It appeared to be funneling round Tahiti and produced winds of 20 – 30knots. The heaviest we have experienced. However, it didn't last that long and settled down to 15 – 17, but sea has remained some what bumpy.

The island of Moorea – where I believe the film 'South Pacific' was shot – was a fabulous sight in the setting sun with all the steep pinnacles pointing into the sky.

Now just miss the little island of Maiao, which is right on our path!!.

4/8/2012

Position 14:00 UTC -10  17°41.9825S  151°40.3432W

Passed Maiao at 02:00 3nm to port. Approaching from the east it is a large lump of rock – or that is what it looks like at night. At first I thought it was a large wave, but then it didn't move so looked again. As we got abeam first a red then a red and green light became visible, but they were quite some distance out to sea on the NW end. Either the rock flattens or there is reef connecting the two – just a well to be a respectable distance away.

Tried the asym at 14:30 and had a good ride for a few hours, but with the swell the boat was yawing too much. So back to genny. Tried a bit of main, but it blankets the jib and does not improve speed.

5/4/2012

Position 14:00 UTC -10  17°40.8044S  153°51.1428W

The wind died as forecast by gribs around 20:00. Gribs forecast two days of motoring before we get the wind back – still the sea is calm so it is comfortable if slow.

Cheers

Chris