Gambier Islands

One of the high peaks of the Gambiers

Tarawai.  Valerie and Herve live on this island and welcome cruisers each Sunday for a b'que there..  

A basket of fruit from the islands.

We checked in to the islands and then we were free to explore the town of Rikitea.  A small village where all the locals are pearl farmers and have done rather well.  They are very friendly and helpful, but do not grow much on the island and rely on the supply ship for all their fruit and vegetables.

A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, maybe just quite a lot of yellow canvas!

Another good evening on 'No Rehearsal'!  We met some great cruisers in Rikitea.

Lush Gambier Islands.

Panama to the Gambier Islands

Daryl and I decided to take on an extra hand to help with the watches for the long passage across the Pacific.

The crew of 'No Rehearsal' enjoying a sundowner at a rooftop bar in Panama City.  The last night out before the crossing.  Janis is 24 and from Germany, sadly he had slipped by the pool in the marina, that's the reason for the bandage!

Going through the canal was quite a stressful experience, but we managed it all in the one day and were glad to be out at last into the Pacific.

Most of the passage was what we call 'Champagne Sailing' with a glass of wine and nimbles each evening at sundown.  We decided to sail only on one of the headsails and that worked really well.  Having the choice of five to choose from, there was always one that fitted the conditions, and we used them all at some stage.

Showing Janis the ropes, and he showed me a new knot too, never too old to learn new tricks!!                                  

Land Ahoy, after 24 days we approach the Gambier Islands and anchor outside the main town of Rikitea.