Tahiti

So we left Marina Taina on Peter's birthday 2 May to motor to the boat yard where we were due to be hauled out of the water at 10.30am. The lift out was good no hitches at all. We had both gone with Peat Smoke to assist David & Caroline when their boat was lifted on Monday so we knew what to expect!

The skeg was examined and the old firbre glass ground off to look underneath at the rudder - all appeared to be in order so that was a relief. The skeg was reglassed over and painted. Whilst we were in the yard Peter arranged to have the prop anode and the fridge anode replaced as they were both looking worn.

Whilst in the boat yard we stayed at the Hotel Tahiti Nui which was lovely in a junior suite so we had a kitchen and lounge area to relax in. The only meal we ate in the Hotel restaurant was dinner on 2 May for Peter's birthday and we were joined by David & Caroline who were also staying in the hotel and the crew from Brizo Lew & Corinne and their two girls Kathryn & Audrey. Caroline had bought flashing garlands and helium balloons for the table which the girls thoroughly enjoyed.

Anyway as we were due to be dropped back in the water Monday at 7am we decided to check out of the hotel on Sunday and spend the last night on the boat in the yard. David & Caroline also made this decision as Peat Smoke was to be dropped in straight after Trompeta. So we had a very enjoyable BBQ on board Trompeta with food courtesy of Caroline and a very enjoyable time was had by all.

Monday morning and it transpired that the boat yard had not yet sourced a anode for the prop!! Still one did evebtuaklly turn up about 9.30am so we were actually back in the water by 10am. We motored back to Marina Taina so we could fill up with fuel first then docked so we could clean the boat and provision. My fridge and freezer are both back on so last night had a run to Carrefour to get frozen and dairy and we will go back again today to get the fruit and veg and other things we forgot! It is a public holiday today here in Tahiti so the supermarket closes at 12.30pm.

All being well we will leave the Marina Wednesday and head over to Raiatea on our way to Bora Bora for the start of the next leg to Suwarrow then Nuie then Tonga. The fleet is divided into two groups and we are in the second group so will leave Bora Bora on 16 May.