Position: 09 degrees, 11 minutes South; 138 degrees, 20 minutes West (148 NM today)’
23 days at sea and counting (24 tomorrow). Wow, we’re just 38 miles out right now as of 2130 local boat time. We have had dinner, done roll call with the other 20 some boats stretched out behind us (for the last time) and watched the sun set. Now we’re settling in for the night watches. Ann’s is first and she should get us to within five or so miles after which we’ll sail around the South side of the island (Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas, French Polynesia) and if needed, heave-to until dawn. The waypoint I set is still 10 miles off the island and then there’s a good 15 mile sail around the South side to the anchorage so we may not have to heave-to depending on the wind.
This is something I’ve dreamed about for oh, about 40 some years. It’s so amazing to be doing this I can’t quite fathom it. Right now with no island in sight yet, it seems like just another sail along the coast, so I won’t get the perspective that this has been a great adventure until we’re anchored and looking at a lush, tropical island. Actually we’ll be entering at a bay called Atuona where we go through French immigration/customs. There’s a small town there. After we go through the immigration stuff, we’ll likely spend a couple days winding down and doing some boat clean up. Then we’re going to spend about a month sailing this island group and seeing the bays, inlets, villages and such. There are supposed to be some cool archeological sites with ancient Tikis and petroglyphs and of course, we’re looking forward to beautiful tropical anchorages in which to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Also, we just want to experience the area and meet the people who live here. Then we’ll move on to the next island group South of here; the Tuamotus for about a month, then on to the Society Islands where we’ll visit Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and other islands of that group.
An exciting next three months on the agenda.
Bob and Ann, congrats and great job. What a feeling to make landfall on a 24-day trip, let alone a 40-year long journey!
Fantastique!! They dont eat people there do they?? keep smiling! xxxOOO Joan
Yippee!! Very freakin cool! I found you and the map and I’m ready to stick the pin in!
Woohoo!
There’s a local family that offers day tours of the island in their 4WD. They’ll take you to the Tiki site, a village on the north shore, and Jacques Brel’s hilltop estate (what’s left of it). Recommended. Also visit the cemetery in Atuona. See the graves of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, among others.
Let me whisper in your ear an important thought – breadfruit! I hear there is a fortune to be made by an enterprising ship’s captain.
All is not a walk in the park, however. Two words of warning: It is reported that cannibals inhabit many of the picturesque islands. If you see large, iron pots in a village make haste in the opposite direction. Also, do not let yourself become beguiled by the local pulchritudinous, feminine inhabitants. Many a sailor has paid dearly for that particular dire mistake.
With eyes wide open go forth and adventure!
Just checked your location on Google Earth. Did you know Hiva Oa has an airport? Dude, you could have flown!!
I am a couple of days behind on your blog…but this is getting so exciting!! Love your comment “Also, we just want to experience the area and meet the people who live here.” You are the Rick Steves of sailing!! That’s what I would want to do too – gotta go now and read on…