1 September 2024 – Tahiti

We woke to a lovely morning for a new month- sunny, little cloud, little wind and a calm blue sea. We had woken early as we were to visit the Papeete market which apparently is great on a Sunday. Corinne decided to stay so Mark, Keith and I headed to Papeete.

The car park we usually use was closed so we parked in the street and wondered down to the Market. The majority of Papeete was closed but the market was in full swing. During the week there are no stalls outside. However, on Sunday there were loads of stalls not only inside the market but also outside of the streets around the market with a fug of smoke of cooking barbecues etc. The array of fruit and vegetables was amazing and with such variety. There were also many Chinese and Vietnamize stalls as well- selling spring rolls etc.  We came across a crepe stall which was more like breakfast to me and the three of us had a Nutella crepe which was delicious. We wondered around eating this and then bought some courgettes, cucumber and cabbage.

We went into the market area itself and wondered at the array of fish and fruit and veg stalls. We bought some coconut buns and some pain chocolat. We then went to have a coffee in a nearby cafe. It was great to see the market so busy and some many stalls selling so many different things. It was great for the soul.

We returned to Stormbird and had some more coffee and chilled for a while. I then got out the hatch spares I had and the gel coat repair stuff which I may need for John coming in the morning to help. We had originally met him in Panama and he is here now and I have suggested a few jobs for him which he is willing to do.  

I also decided to try and sell the Red Baron as I now have the Blue Baron and do not need both. I also had a second battery which I do not need having been sent an extra one in the Marquesas. I therefore prepared an advert and put them on the noticeboard outside the chandlery and in the marina office. We will see what comes from that.

When I went to check the details of the battery to sell I noticed water in the battery compartment which is in the rear cabin. I wondered how did that get there? I dried up the moisture and checked the water level in the batteries and topped up where necessary with distilled water. I then went to check the other battery compartment and found water there as well. We thought about this and each battery department has a pipe to the hull so gases can escape. We think that with all the water and spray the other day coming back from Moorea that water had got into the battery vent pipes and hence got into the compartment. I dried these out as best I could.

I checked the oil in the generator and topped it up and also fixed its casing better. I also checked the watermaker inlet fitting to check it was ok. I also checked under the engine to clear up any liquids etc. I also checked the main outboard for any parts missing.  Pottering about on a boat is therapy.  

Once the jobs were done Mark and I took the dinghy out toward the reef in front of where we are moored. It is only about 100 yards and the water is so clear. We saw lots of coral and masses of different fish of all sorts and of different colours and it was a great snorkel and on our own doorstep.

We returned for a shower and put on our Harrington Dash (flash) shirts and headed to the restaurant for Happy Hour. Each Sunday they have a Tahitian Band and tonight’s picture is of that band. They were great and the music fits so well out here.

We spent the evening being serenaded by a lilting calypso or Tahitian band of four. One guitar, two different ukes and a base. Three amazing hours of close harmony Polynesian singing. So atmospheric that we each ordered a CD.

Whilst tapping our feet we had a great dinner and reflected on what a great day it had been. It was nice to chill and enjoy just being as well as getting a few jobs done. How lucky we are to be here and experiencing the Tahitian way of life.

Urgent Crewing Opportunity

Mark will take Corinne home so if anyone would like to join Keith and I to see some more of The Society Islands now and until 29 September 2024 please get in touch. This could be a unique opportunity to see these islands. This is your chance.

Crewing Opportunity Year Two

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 then through Bali, Singapore and on to Thailand to end year two about the end of November 2025. 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