We sailed to Rangiroa for our first atoll in the Tuamotus. Entering the atolls requires timing your entrance through the pass with the slack tide. Depending on the wind and wave conditions there can be multiple days of no incoming tide, with the tide always rushing out of the atoll through the narrow passes. There was a storm while we were anchored in Rangiroa and several boats ended up on the reef and were a total loss in a neighboring atoll. Other boats had holes in the hulls from being hit, and still others lost all of their anchor and rode. We were not as hard hit by the storm and our anchor held well. A boat anchored behind us had their instruments on and said it was blowing 40kts at the time. It’s stunningly gorgeous here, the snorkling is amazing, and we look forward to timing our exit through the pass and exploring more of the Tuamotus.

We took an excursion to the Blue Lagoon with 4 other sailors and our guide Marty not only drove the boat 22nm across the lagoon and back, he also prepared us a delicious feast over an open fire-including a chocolate cake, played guitar while we ate, and provided the required beach fire. The red boat Marty brought us out on can be seen anchored here in the distance as well as the sharks we need to walk by in the water to get back to the boat for the return trip. Ken has been very relaxed in his retirement and took a rest while Marty was cooking.