Arrival in Tahiti

There was a weather front coming through so we decided to sail the 193 nautical miles to Tahiti rather than stay on an unknown mooring. The wind built to 35 knots but with 2 reefs in the main and a very small amount of jib unfurled "Salacia" was flying. 

Photo 1: View of Tahiti from the Rail

Photo 2: Arrival in Tahiti

It was quite a unique experience to enter Tahiti harbour.

We followed the Director of Port Operations instruction and entered the harbour in our allocated "spot" between ships and ferries exiting. We then waited for our next instruction at the end of the runway at Tahiti airport. When there was a break in planes taking off the Port Controller told us that we could proceed to the other end of the runway where we waited for our next instructions. 


When we were told to go we certainly "went" and hoped that the plane that was landing on top of us missed the mast!!! 

We "topped up" with diesel before we proceeded to our allocated berth at Marina Taina. The marina uses the Mediterranean system of berthing which is dropping our bow anchor and then reversing in to the jetty to tie off our stern lines. Friendly marina staff were there to help and we are certainly in good company with five "super yachts" on our finger. We are the smallest of these wonderful boats and it is quite a shock to be the bridesmaid rather than the bride.

We have now done 7000 nautical miles on Salacia since we left San Diego on the race
to Puerto Vallarta on 19th February, 2012. It is amazing to look back that all of the wonderful experiences that we have shared and it will be sad to leave to come home for 3 weeks knowing that while new adventures await us on "Salacia" it is the end of the "South Pacific Puddle Jump" together. We are happy and proud that our 3000 n mile passage in 15 days from the Galapagos to the Marquises is reputedly the fastest this season.

Fantastic hospitality and friendship stand out as the best of the best of our experiences over 7000 n miles. We have been welcomed into so many homes on our voyage from San Diego to Tahiti. 

We will never forget sitting down to lunch at a private home in Wreck Bay in the Galapagos and watching an elderly lady washing the clothes using the scrubbing board and trough used over 100 years ago while 3 "modern" washing machine sat unused under their dust covers or jamming with the locals at Alex's home in Atuona, Hiva Oa in the Marquises. French was their language but warmth and friendship bridge all barriers.


At Rotoava on Fakarava atoll in the Tuamotu's a local family invited us to join them for drinks as we were looking for somewhere for dinner, and then later in the evening they drove us to a local resort for dinner.  The Mother's Day service at the church in Fatu Hiva and joining hands with the villagers in prayer, song and friendship was incredible. Having dinner with the chief and being invited to watch the villagers dancing and singing the night before was also fabulous.  All of these experiences and many more are the pearls that have joined to make a wonderful necklace of memories that is more valuable than the most perfect jewellery.

Ross calls Salacia a "lucky boat" and she has certainly proved that again and again!!!