Rowan was more disturbed by the lightening than I was during the night, he worked it out to be about 15 miles away. We were pleased to wake up and find everything a bit calmer and certainly when we looked out at the first pass, the big breaking waves had gone. After an 8am booked call that Rowan had to make, we got going just before 9am. The anchor came up like a dream, all Cain's efforts paid off yesterday. We entered the middle pass and it appeared calmer than when we arrived. Rowan had timed it perfectly, it was perfect slack tide. What a relief to be safely out.
We soon got the sails up, bearing in mind it is all ripped at the base so we are using the first reefing line to hold it down. Sporty Spice the Gennaker is also torn and we cant use her which is disappointing as she would have been perfect. Posh Spice the jib was put up, with winds in the mid teens we had a good sail. The sea was pretty rough still with big swells, current and wind all going in different directions, making it quite choppy. Luckily not a problem for either of our stomachs!
We also have discovered our main auto pilot is broken, thank goodness Rowan had a back up installed which is working well. We will have to get it fixed in Taihiti. Hand steering is not something that appeals to either of us, and is out of the question on any long passage, especially as our helm stations are out in the open.
Entering the middle pass to leave Tahanea, what a relief to see it beautifully calm, you can see the spit of land on either side
In the pass, looking back to the Catamarans anchored near us and Spirit of Argo in the far distance
We have decided to head back to South Fakarava pass, as we can make it in daylight, stay overnight there, then tomorrow return to Harifa an hour north, where Rowan has managed to book some Wing Foiling lessons. Rowan contacted a young German couple who were anchored next to us last time we were in South Fakarava, Rowan had gone to give them a hand with their anchor, and we got to know them with Han and Meghan. In fact Mathias was going to do a yoga class on the beach with the girls on the morning we were leaving, but the weather turned and it was not possible. Anyhow Mathais responded that they were still in their same spot and that there was a mooring ball available for us, which was great news, no messing about with coral heads.
The wind began to die around lunch so we landed up putting the motors on as we had a deadline to get through the pass. I spent all day finishing repairing all the fender covers, and Rowan was sorting out endless bits and pieces. We finally got in around 4:30pm which was perfect timing again, plenty of light and it was slack tide through the pass. In fact much calmer than our last entry. The current was still churning past the little village but very easy. We got to the anchorage and found Mathias and Paulina waiting for us in the dinghy at the mooring ball to help us on. It was just wonderful to have the help as the leash on the ball was under water and had no buoy on top and we would never have found it. Also so much easier having someone in a dinghy threading the ropes through. Mathias was actually in the water as he had to dive under to thread our lines. It wasn't long before we were firmly attached and Rowan had dived in to check on the mooring attachment, they have a reputation for not being maintained and boats drifting off in the middle of the night. Luckily it had a huge chain and rope that all looked safe and secure.
After returning to their boat to get into dry clothes Mathias and Paulina came over for sunset drinks. We had great long chats, both of them work from the boat religiously, Monday to Friday 9-5 and have not budged since we last saw them. He helps start up companies grow their business and she helps Fitness companies. They are both in the process of re-evaluating their lifestyle after 3 years on the boat, having sailed from France. Their next plan is to buy property in Portugal and build with their own hands a home! I think this means doing up a container to live in initially! Good for them, buzzing with 'life flow' good intentions! All going over my head a bit!
It is always a little anxious getting going again after a break, we had set off this morning slightly in trepidation. But everything worked out perfectly and the passes were easily manageable. We went to bed feeling very relieved and secure.
Entering the pass at South Fakarava, looking nice and calm
A little more water turbulence as we get further in
The water is rushing past the village out to the pass
Calm waters inside the atoll with a lot of coral bommies to avoid
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