For the past 2 weeks the rally have been carving their own particular wakes around the Society Islands of French Polynesia - to be accurate, they were amongst the "Isle Sous Les Vents" (the Leeward Islands) group.  Having left the razzamatazz of the capital, Papeete, for the calm, beautiful, but touristy island of Moorea, they dragged themselves away to discover an archipelago of great variety.  In all the main towns and villages, the French influence is clear to see, but not so far away, the locals still live a life of tradition and simplicity.  Some yachts have travelled in groups for the fun and friendships, others have escaped to secluded bays for time on their own.

Moorea was great fun with all the gang around and lots of get-togethers on yachts and ashore.  It was an opportunity for some communal diving, for some exercise by cycling around the island, and for doing the tourist bit on motor-scooters up the mountains and round the shoreline.  A number of ralliers went off on a dinghy trip to the next bay (Opunohu) to snorkel in shallow water with sharks and rays - they could even touch the smooth-skinned rays as they circled around; a magical experience. However the time had come to move on.  Each yacht had their own ideas and the fleet started to split up.  Most went, initially, to Huahine the nearest island to Moorea.

Miss Tippy went in search of beaches and found the perfect, isolated spot on the smaller island, Huahine Iti.  Anchored in crystal clear water, 20 feet deep inside the protective reef and with a deserted golden beach a few yards away.  They liked it so much, they stayed a few days and were delighted to be joined by another (non-rally) yacht with 2 girls and a boy on their crew too.  Others, at Fare - the main town on Huahine Nui - enjoyed seeing another aspect of life in French Polynesia.  However, they were soon off to other corners of the island group.

Tahaa was another favourite destination.  Here some chose to go on a tour of the island to see the wonderful scenery and vanilla plantations, others found their way to the turtle sanctuary.  Here, almost by accident, Jackamy, Blue Magic and Miss Tippy found that they had purchased a rescued turtle.  This was tagged, taken back to Blue Magic's cockpit bathtub and conveyed to a spot near the reef, where "Baldrick" was released back into the wild.  Now, whenever the tag is sighted, Baldrick's progress around the world will be reported to a monitoring station in Samoa and plotted by the University of Hawaii.  Bon voyage Baldrick!

Most yachts also visited Raiatea, which boasts a full service boat-yard amongst some fantastic scenery.  Roundabout is tucked up in the marina here, awaiting David Walbank's return, with the family, in July.  David is now recovered from his stroke and they plan to sail the islands for a month.  Then, next season they plan to work their way down the Pacific Island chain and may join the next rally as it passes this part of the world once more.  Mercury Rising, having enjoyed the Tahiti Pearl Regatta, based in Raiatea, found that she returned to the island for a bit longer than intended, so that repairs could be effected to the yacht.  At the same time, Phyllis jumped ship and moved onto Spirit of Nina, leaving the new skipper, Michael Clough, and Dean to man the boat onwards.  Other crew movements have been happening around the fleet.  Various friends have come out to join yachts, Jeremy Gloag has moved to Fai Tira - it is a bit like musical chairs.  David and Valerie, from Angel, went back to Canada, but are now back in Papeete to catch up with the rally in Fiji.

Finally, yachts have been gathering at Bora Bora, which is termed "the most beautiful island in the world".  I am sure a few others would dispute that, especially as this title has attracted quite a tourist industry and many famous names are to be found on the walls of Bloody Mary's, a renowned restaurant on the island.  This did not stop a lot of the ralliers leaving their own marks and quaffing a few beers and meals there.  It seems a good time was had by all.  Today marks the start of the voyage to Tonga, the next scheduled stop on the rally.  En route, yachts will stop in the Cook Islands, at either Rarotonga or Aitutaki, and then most will stop at the very remote independent island of Niue - one of the most hospitable islands on the planet.  So, once again from today, Tuesday June 8th 2010, we start a roll call of yachts and will be recording their positions on YachtPlot.