Position: We have less than a week to go to get to French Polynesia. Our position is:
08 33.27S 128 34.78W
*Note: I am told you can copy and paste these coordinates into google earth and it will show you where we are.
Mileage: 742nm – 610nm =132nm
Number of miles to go: 610nm to go of approx. 3850nm. French Polynesia keeps getting closer.
Fish count: The count remains the same. 4 Mahi Mahi, 2 Cero and 6 tuna. One Marlin that we were happy got away! No fishing rods out still. We are going to wait until we get closer to the island as we have no room in the freezer still.
LIGHT WINDS
The winds became lighter and lighter yesterday. We were initially frustrated that our speed had dropped below 5 knots. But, it has meant that today the sea state has finally settled down. We are rolling around, but can actually get around the boat without injuring yourself. A much more pleasant way to sail. The humans never waste a chance to take advantage of the fair weather. While I lounged in the cockpit my human slaves got to work cleaning the decks a bit. Lots of salt spray encrusted on the solar panels and sprayhood windows, a bit of squid ink streaks across the coach room, and even a bit of algae growth on the lee side of the stern deck. Mother nature added her own touch by finishing the salt water wash off with a fresh water rinse (light rain shower). If the fair weather holds I am sure I can get them to work below decks.
Most people would leave all this cleaning until they get to port, but I know my humans will want to go off exploring and not get stuck cleaning aboard. Lord knows they have enough repairs to do when they get in!
FRENCH POLYNESIAN CULTURE
The Polynesians of the modern era have inherited a rich culture from their Maohi ancestors. Oral history recounts the adventures of gods and warriors in colourful legends where javelin throwing was the sport of gods, surf riding was favored by the kings, and strong men competed in canoe races and stone lifting as a show of pure strength. Visitors can experience some of this culture by visiting:
MARAE
The open-air sanctuaries called marae were the centre of power in ancient Polynesia. These stone religious sites, akin to temples, hosted the important events of the times such as worship of the gods, peace treaties, celebrations of war and the launch of voyages to colonize distant lands.
MUSIC AND DANCE
The beauty of today’s Tahitian dance testifies to its resilience in Polynesian culture. In ancient times, dances were linked with all aspects of life. One would dance to welcome a visitor, to pray, to challenge an enemy, and to seduce a mate. Today’s dance is still powerful, colourful, and sensual while accompanied by the harmonic voices of the Tahitians, thunderous traditional drums, and conch shells. Modern Tahitian music is surprisingly diverse with a blending of Polynesian rhythm and Western melody and is easily found for download on the internet.
TATTOO
The word tatau originated in Tahiti. The legend of Tahu, the god of tattoo, describes painting all the oceans’ fish in colours and patterns. In Polynesian culture, tattoos have long been considered signs of beauty, and in earlier times were an import part of the culture signalling the end of adolescence.
HANDCRAFTS
The skills of the ancestor’s artistry are kept sacred and passed on by both the ‘mamas’ -guardians of tradition and matriarchs of Tahitian society -and by skilled craftsmen. Items including: waving, quilting, wooden, bone and stone sculptures and bowls, drums, tapa, carvings and hand dyed pareu.
FLOWERS
Tropical flowers seem to e everywhere on the islands, particularly in the hair of Polynesian’s. The famous Tiare Tahiti flower is used in leis for greeting arriving visitors and returning family. Tradition holds that, if taken, women and men wear a flower behind the left ear.
CANOES
Come in all shapes and sizes. Aboard massive, double-hulled outrigger canoes called tipairua, Polynesians navigated the vast ocean by stars, winds, and currents and created new civilizations in their wake. Today, the canoe continues to play and important role in everyday Tahitan life and is honored in colourful race and festivals.
HEIVA I TAHITI
The greatest Polynesian cultural event in the world. This celebration of ancient traditions and competition has been the most important event in Tahiti for over 125 years. Visitors are encouraged to join in the celebrations from late June to late July every year and discover daily and nightly events and displays. Tahitians gather in Papeete from many of the island to exhibit crafts, compete in traditional sporing, dance and musical events.
We will miss this event this year, but there is no way we will miss it next year. So family and friends start sorting out your holiday time now and book your visit to Spirit of Argo early to avoid disappointment!
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