Tahanea -Tuamotu 20 July 2024

The wind howled in the night and we rolled up and down and swayed a bit in the wind. I got up to check on things and the wind was about 22-24 kts. I woke early and the anchor alarm went off twice in about 15 minutes. I think it was as a result of the change in wind direction as we did not seem to be moving.

We considered our options and whilst we were fine where we were it was not the conditions to get out the dinghy and explore. We decided to stay today and go tomorrow to Faaite, another atoll nearby which would be more sheltered from the wind. We therefore rested and read and Andy made a loaf early so this meant we could do a bacon and egg brunch about 10.00am which was most enjoyable.

The day wore on and the wind continued to howl but at least there was some sun. We saw two catamarans go through the passe early as they were doing about 9 kts through the passe on the chart plotter. We also saw the largest yacht Aquijo go out of the passe but they hung around and it seemed as if their guests were diving on the passe as they were outside for quite a few hours and then early evening came in again and anchored. We seem quite small in comparison.

It is quite difficult for me to do nothing although I had a good book to read so I looked at the route to Tahiti and options at anchoring. As I was making coffee the gas went. Our cylinder had done well and it had lasted since the Galapagos. This meant changing the big gas cylinder and changing the gas pipe and regulator. This involves emptying lockers and getting things out and it takes a bit of time bit it all worked.

We rested and read and chatted. The wind continued its usual tune and force and we had a pasta pesto supper after dark. It had been a chilled bit windy day. It is quite nice to just be sometimes. The picture of the day is the wind in the palm trees and the lovely blue of the water.   

Crewing Opportunity Year Two

In addition, in year two I will be going from New Zealand in early January 2025 across to Sydney and up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and probably across the Indian Ocean to Cape Town and I will need some more crew.  

If there is any interest do email me at  hine.nick9@gmail.com  

The blog will continue as we move through French Polynesia and beyond.

If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com  I can only upload one picture a day and visit our website www.stormbirdgoesglobal.co.uk