High hopes and high winds for the Tahiti Pearl Regatta

by Morgan Rogers on 17 May 2009
Had the prevailing trade winds crossed French Polynesia last week as they have done every other year, they would have swooped down upon 34 yachts competing in the worlds prettiest yachting regatta, enjoying the good times and sunshine.

Annually in May a regatta aimed squarely at yachtsmen and women intent on enjoying the wonders of this region is organised by Raiatea Sailing Association and Archipelagos Nautical. Weaving in and out of the islands and lagoons of the Archipelagos de la Société is combined with a healthy dose of friendly competition under the auspicious of the French Federation of Sailing. A gazetted event on the Polynesian yachting calendar the Tahiti Pearl Regatta now attracts upwards of 30 yachts, local and international to compete in this tropical paradise. Boats visiting from France, Germany, England, US, Australia and New Zealand were represented in the mix this year as well as enthusiastic local sailors.

The regatta route includes various destinations within the Leeward Islands. Raiatea (sacred island), Taha’a (the vanilla island), Huahine (savage island) and Bora Bora (the pearl of the South Seas) showcasing the birth place of the Mao’hi civilisation. All the islands are spectacular and markedly different in culture, scenery and navigation challenges.

Conducted under international sailing regulations and rules of racing, the regatta provides for spinnaker, cruising (non spinnaker), catamaran and super yacht divisions. Most of the yachts and catamarans carry a spinnaker and yachts compete on equal ground within their division on handicap.

A well organised and informed race committee brief the crews and skippers, sometimes on VHF before race start which is normally relatively early. Documented race instructions are easy to follow which is a bonus if you have had a Te Rui Nui (a big night). Race distances vary and normally do not exceed an easy 20 nautical miles for the day allowing for good times and sunshine. The sailing instructions also vary from year to year encompassing either Huahani or Bora Bora islands on a rotational basis. However the five days include lagoon racing and island transits with guaranteed fun and enjoyable racing.

The program this year was:
Race 1 - Lagoon Course
Race 2 - Raiatea – Huahine (Bora Bore alt years) Passage Race
Race 3 - Huahine (Bora Bora alt years) - Raiatea Passage Race
Race 4 - Lagoon Race – Taha’a West Course
Race 5 - Lagoon Race – Raiatea Course

The depth of water ranges from zero near the reef to over 30 meters in some areas and just out from the islands the depth plunges to depths that your sounder will not see at around 3000 metres. The prevailing and normally consistent trade winds in this tropical region blow from the southeast carrying cooler air streams with good pressure to provide 10 to 15 knots with the possibility of up to 30 knots on some days. It is rare for the islands of the Archipel De La Société to be completely calm. Yachting in the lagoons is superb with smooth waters rippled only by the prevailing pressure that powers the cooling breeze and fills the sails.

The local maritime authority has placed good navigation marks in the lagoons of all of the islands to assist. It’s a simple system of red for volcano and green for reef.

Tidal influence here is about a winch handle length between high and low.

Scuttlebutt about the excellent evening festivities were true and after the yachts are safely moored or at anchor the activity is ignited. A prize giving by the committee followed by traditional entertainment from the local dancers including a spectacular ritual fire dance to ward off evil spirits was a high light. Tahitian hula dancers accompanied by lightning quick rhythmic drumming, singing and guitar had all crews jigging to the infectious rhythm. Mouth-watering pit barbeque (ahimaa), a traditionally slow cooked wild bore, accompanied by fish and chicken with copious amounts of the local vegetables - taro, ‘fie’ or red banana (only eaten when cooked), ‘uru’ (bread fruit), sweet potato and yams, the remedy for recharging the sailors for racing next day. The entertainment often flowed over to the local population as the locally brewed beer ‘Hinano’ took effect, it kicks.

The Polynesian performers were also keen to provide tuition and practice of their spectacular dancing, so if not careful you will find yourself in the dancers circle completely involved in tackling new skills that your body may resist on the soft beach. Other activities organised by Archipelagos included tours of the vanilla plantation on Taha’a and observing the skill of a local fisherman demonstrating the handling of his captive reef sharks, puffer fish, stone fish (better him than me), playful stingrays and sea turtle. Activities can also include inland tours, submarine excursions, diving, deep-sea sport fishing or helicopter exploration.

Life is pretty easy in this part of the world, if needed the land would provide every wish, it is rich and abundant. A live aboard yacht is a great option as the local population of mosquitoes become uninvited guests if you remain on land during the evening. A good repellent is recommended for the beach parties and inland tours.

Retiring to our host catamaran satisfied with a nice meal and good company, I reflected that the peaceful way of life could entice many wishing to sample the South Pacific jewels and as I sat pondering the next day, with a lovely chilled French merlot in hand, the stars pointed in only one direction for me, that was here…..French Polynesia, the Leeward Islands, and in particular, the sacred island of Raiatea and the Tahiti Pearl Regatta.

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For more information on this annual event contact info@marinerboating.com.au or visit the website - http://www.marinerboating.com

*Morgan Rogers of Mariner Boating Holidays attended the event as the guest of Tahiti Tourism, Archipelagos Nautical and the Raiatea Sailing Association.