Now anchored inside the reef in the beautiful but shallow coral strewn lagoon.
Our entrance through the pass was made possible by two other sailors already in here. We would have really struggled without their help. We couldn't even see where the break in the reef was, where you enter. Yet again we are in awe of the pre GPS sailors. Our sailor chums took Neil in their dinghy for a recce. which was very valuable information.
We set off gingerly through the pass and hit the bottom a couple of times; Neil had to wiggle the rudder back and forth and carve a trence in the sand at one spot (we should charge a dredging fee!). Finally we sprung free and entered the lagoon. We thought the drama was all over but in fact it had only just begun.
Initially we set a bow and stern anchor quite easilyand were happy. We decided to get our snorkel masks on and take a look at the anchors to make sure they were in OK - big mistake. We saw a rock by the bow anchor and moved it....that broke us free of course, so we scrambled on board and had to re-anchor. Our neighbours were anchored very close (as its a small space) but we got a lot closer at one point and they had to push us off with their dinghy whilst we re-anchored. Next we reset the stern anchor, whilst doing this the join in between the chain and rope came apart and the chain sank. Fortunately the front anchor was OK so in the water again to re-connect them underwater. It was only a few feet down, but there is about a 4 knot current sweeping through the anchorage so you are fighting it every time you dive. In the end we fixed everything and flopped on deck in a wet tired heap. One look at the swaying palm trees, blue lagoon and the sign saying Aitutaki Game Fishing Club - cold beer here - sign - and all was well!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Arrived Aitutaki (10/07/09)
Arrived safely in Aitutaki.
Long story - will update tomorrow with all the thrills and spills.
All well.
Long story - will update tomorrow with all the thrills and spills.
All well.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Nearing Aitutaki (08/08/09)
Position 18 degrees 30S, 158 degrees 04W.
Distance from Bora Bora 387 nm.
Distance to Aitutaki 100 nm.
Wind sough 10 - 15 knots.
Sailing 5 knots upwind.
Bumpy rough night with squalls and big seas all night.
Now need to slow the boat down so that we arrive daylight tomorrow morning to go through he pass into the lagoon.
We need to get the tide just right as its very shallow going in, hopefully some people we know will still be there to advise us and help us. The lagoon is VERY small and shallow - we will need to tie the stern off to a tree, and anchor the bow so we don't hardly mo ve at all. Eek!!
Distance from Bora Bora 387 nm.
Distance to Aitutaki 100 nm.
Wind sough 10 - 15 knots.
Sailing 5 knots upwind.
Bumpy rough night with squalls and big seas all night.
Now need to slow the boat down so that we arrive daylight tomorrow morning to go through he pass into the lagoon.
We need to get the tide just right as its very shallow going in, hopefully some people we know will still be there to advise us and help us. The lagoon is VERY small and shallow - we will need to tie the stern off to a tree, and anchor the bow so we don't hardly mo ve at all. Eek!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Continuing onwards (07/07/09)
Position 17 degrees, 56S, 155 degrees 44W,
Wind 5 knots ese.
Distance from Bora Bora 233 nm.
Distance to Aitutaki 254 nm.
Not much wind, working hard to make the boat go, but have a big moon lighting up the sky every night, its like someone shining a big light, it even casts shadows........wonderful.
Wind 5 knots ese.
Distance from Bora Bora 233 nm.
Distance to Aitutaki 254 nm.
Not much wind, working hard to make the boat go, but have a big moon lighting up the sky every night, its like someone shining a big light, it even casts shadows........wonderful.
On towards the Cook Islands (06/07/09)
Bora Bora to Aitutaki Cook Islands.
Position 17 degrees 36S, 154 degrees 11W,
Distance from Bora Bora 144 nm
Distance to Aitutaki 343 nm.
Wind ese 8 knots.
Sailing 4.0 knots.
A bit slow going today, but its better than a white knuckle ride. Getting lots of reading and sewing done.
Position 17 degrees 36S, 154 degrees 11W,
Distance from Bora Bora 144 nm
Distance to Aitutaki 343 nm.
Wind ese 8 knots.
Sailing 4.0 knots.
A bit slow going today, but its better than a white knuckle ride. Getting lots of reading and sewing done.
Monday, July 6, 2009
En Route to Atutaki (05/07/09)
Position 16 degrees 40 S, 152 degrees 04 W.
Distance to Atutaki Southern Cook Islands 470nm.
Distance from Bora Bora 17nm.
Wind ese at 15 knots.
Course 241 degrees true.
All well on board, nice wind so far, but carefully watching the skies for squalls. The South Pacific convergence zone is very active around here and squalls can pack a punch up to 30-40 knots of wind.
Distance to Atutaki Southern Cook Islands 470nm.
Distance from Bora Bora 17nm.
Wind ese at 15 knots.
Course 241 degrees true.
All well on board, nice wind so far, but carefully watching the skies for squalls. The South Pacific convergence zone is very active around here and squalls can pack a punch up to 30-40 knots of wind.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Fun & frolics in Bora Bora
It shouldn't be allowed.............the Brits & the Aussies together in the Yacht club!
We've been led astray by some very bad Aussies, they are teaching us bad ways and getting us a bad name for being VERY NOISY.
We'll try & upload some of the tamer photos.
Apart from that we've been busy exploring the island. Its been very windy & rainy on some days, but we've braved the weather, and seen the sights.
Off to Atutaki Atoll in the Cook islands on Sunday, weather permitting.
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