Cook's Bay, Moorea

As we left the southern pass of Tahiti the surfers, paddleboarders and kayakers were poised at the edge of the reef, waiting for the perfect wave. It's slightly disconcerting to be navigating a yacht within meters of huge surf but we managed fine.

We had a rather rolly motor across towards Moorea until we cleared the substantial wind shadow cast by Tahiti and then we had a brilliant Force 5-6 downwind sail around the north coast of Moorea. This island also has a low coral reef protecting it so we found the well-marked pass and headed in to Cook's Bay, a deep, well-sheltered inlet that is said to have been one of Captain Cook's favourite anchorages. It's certainly beautiful and we had a grandstand view of the canoe racing yesterday.

 

  
The island has a population of 16,000 and no real towns, just small villages. Its proximity to Tahiti and its natural beauty make it a tourist haven and so there are plenty of hotels and resorts along the coast. Today (Bastille Day) we're heading round to one of them to see the celebrations.