Today was the first race in the Tahiti Pearl Rally. It was a frustrating day but we managed to finish the race even though there was not much wind down to the wire. There were drums playing as we crossed the finish line and I think they were as happy as we were to see us finally finish. They even called off the race later because of the lateness and no wind. Of course after the race we had a huge rainstorm with high winds. By that time we were thankfully anchored. There was a big party on a motu with tons of food and dancers and fire dancing. We just took the water taxi back to the boat and are exhausted after a full day of sailing, sun, sunburn, and frustration.
Lots of our friends from the World ARC are doing this rally. It was good to see such a large showing of them and lots of other people from these islands, Europe and some from the U.S. There was actually someone from South Dakota and they thought for sure the boat was named after their Indian - Crazy Horse.
Well, it is time for bed and we have a start tomorrow at 8 am again. Tomorrow we will sail back to Tahaa which is close to Raiatea. We are hoping to have some more wind but sometimes we get more than we ask for.
More tomorrow on the Tahiti Pearl Rally.
Rosemary, Bill and Matt