Early on Monday 21 April I had a VHF call from the first group of 10 arrivals at Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. Twelve years ago I remember our Rally arriving on the new yacht quay and a grand opening by the President of French Polynesia. This time our yachts arrived to find newly-installed pontoons, with water and electricity. The authorities made a major effort to welcome us to Tahiti once more - on this our seventh visit. Over the 21st and 22nd the Rally fleet assembled on the quayside and have been busy ever since with make and mend, placing some heavy demands on local resources. However, there has been time for social and tourist activities.

Welcome activities - a fun afternoon

Over the years we have great support from our friends of Tahiti Tourisme and for several months they have been planning a programme for us. Opening the proceedings was an afternoon of water-borne activities and shoreside displays close to the yacht quay. Most popular amongst our crews was the opportunity to experience the centuries old tradition of canoe racing. A small fleet of outrigger canoes, complete with local vahines (local girls) in traditional dress, stood by to take Ralliers out into the bay. I cannot divulge whose was the fastest time of the day, but great fun was had by all. What was particularly impressive was the appearance of a traditional sailing pirogue, which enabled some to experience a form of transport introduced by the early Polynesian explorers.

As a tribute to the friendship Blue Water Rallies have established with Tahiti and French Polynesia we were greatly honoured at a cocktail party hosted by several VIPs. In particular there were speeches of welcome from the French Vice President of French Polynesia, the Mayor of Papeete and the Director of Tourism and several government ministers were in attendance.

I was delighted to reply on behalf of the Blue Water Rally and to present to the Vice President a memento of this, our seventh visit.

The highlight of the evening was dancing by a young dance group led by Gabilou, a celebrated international singer from French Polynesia.

A day out - around the island

The formal programme continued on Wednesday with a coach tour for over 70 participants around the island of Tahiti. The day included visits to various tourist spots, including the Gauguin Museum and Venus Point made famous by Captain Cook, who took his sights there. There was a magnificent lunch at the Gauguin Restaurant and even a demonstration of the local sport of spear throwing.

Today (Friday) we are going to lunch at the Tahiti Yacht Club, which will make a fitting end to our visit to Tahiti. Over the weekend Rally yachts will start to leave Papeete and head for Cook's Bay in Moorea.

More news and pictures later...........