June 25, 2012
We made the 30 mile trip to the south anchorage of Fakarava today – traveling the entire way inside the atoll. It was like sailing in a great big lake. The wind switched around early this morning to come from the north as predicted and it made for a very pleasant trip. We motor-sailed all day as the wind was pretty light and we needed to run the engine to charge the batteries anyway. With all the turns in the channel, pearl farm bouys, and occasional high spot, I think it was the most vigilant we’ve ever had to be.
When we got to the south end of the atoll, it was a real challenge as it’s not charted well. You have to look into the water to try to see the spots that are too shallow to sail over. Right now, we’re anchored in about 12 feet of water. Our boat draws seven feet (sticks down seven feet underwater). There are rocks and coral heads all around us (called bombies). Being new at this, we had to jump in the water on arrival to see if the bombies were going to hit our keel. We have at least a good two feet to spare over the highest ones.
Such was our cruising adventure today. Another day, another steep learning curve! -Rich
