With clear skies and the lightest easterly zephyr we set out for Ta’aa, a forested island 5 miles north of Raiatea inside the lagoon, with a huge bunch of rambutan hanging on the solar panel arch, ice cold beers in hand and a new mainsail batten ready to insert. Huahini is clearly seen to the SE and Bora Bora to the northwest. We have been diving at the coral garden on western side of Ta’aa and we will sail across to Bora Bora tomorrow.
Now, at sunset, Melanie and Jochen are still snorkelling over the coral garden. The old fart is perfectly happy aboard. With a gentle breeze, calm water, Anouar Brahem on our splendid Bose speaker and Julian Barnes’ book on Shostakovich in hand, he couldn’t ask for much more.