7 May 2010
I was up before the alarm had even gone off. An hour later we had the binoculars trained on the marina premises for any sign of life. Ten minutes later David was on the phone and we were given the go ahead for our entry into the slip. With only half a metre to spare under the keel I could see rocks visible adjacent to the boat. David negotiated the very narrow channel with consummate ease. Thank goodness for the bowthruster. What a relief after all that waiting, and we need not have worried one iota. Simon was as careful with our precious cargo as if it had been his own. "Ioranna", Polynesian for 'good morning' they all greeted us. Instantly we were made to feel welcome. In charge of the travel lift, he donned swimming trunks and mask and even went as far as to dive around Voyageur's hull to check that the strops were in the correct position. So far so good. They padded the sides with wooden boards and foam to protect our girl's hull. The hoist raised her aloft and placed her with great care on a cradle. What was all that fuss about? All that pent up stress for nothing. They had her hull pressure hosed by the time we returned from our first visit into the main town of Uturoa to place an order for a new tender. The ill fated Aquapro has been condemmed. Below the waterline we were shocked at the extent of the growth. With hindsight we should not have left it so long and had her hauled out in Panama. It came not a moment too soon. Long trailing tendrils of green slimy weed encased the waterline and rudder, and armies of crustacians clung tenaciously to everywhere else. It was a wonder the prop was still able to revolve. We have had only three previous experiences of boatyards. Silvers Marine in Scotland, Vunda Point Marina in Fiji and Yatlift in Turkey. Now here. Each and every time we had been more than satisfied with the way our precious boat has been cared and catered for. Raiatea Carrenage is no exception. With a team of four lively Polynesians in no time at all Voyageur's hull was scraped clean although there was precious little left of the two generous coats of antifoul that David and I had so diligently applied one year ago. What a treat, what luxury to have others to carry out the work. We have always done it ourselves to save on costs but it this tropical heat we would surely struggle. Also time is not on our side. We have entered for the "Pearl Regatta" in 4 days time and will only just make it back into the water.
Susan Mackay