10th Tahiti Pearl Regatta - see the images by Morgan Rogers

by Morgan Rogers/Sail-World Cruising on 19 May 2013 The Tahiti Pearl Regatta (TPR), from 8-12 May, offered a festive and fun meeting, within preserved and enchanting islands. This year the TPR sailed from Tahitil to Raiatea, Taha'a and Huahine, from 8 to 12 May 2013. They even pretended sometimes they were racing.

It was just ten years ago that a group of friends living in Raiatea, led by Henri Dejust, created the Raiatea Regatta’s association in order to organize an annual meeting to sail in the most beautiful lagoons in the world & become a sailing show during 4 days in the Leeward islands. The idea took off, and this year there were 54 yachts participating.

These days the Tahiti Pearl Regatta takes place in a friendly and genuine Polynesian atmosphere. Each of the stopping points is idyllic cruising at its best - crossing short legs of South Pacific ocean and in lagoons of the bewitching colours found in these Antipodean waters.

Every year, they offer to the participants a new sailing experience, between Raiatea, the sacred island for each Polynesian islander (from Hawaii to New Zealand & Easter Island), to Bora Bora, the Pearl of the Pacific, Huahine and the lovely tiny black pearl and vanilla island of Taha’a.

Before the event, there is a celebratory event in forecourt of the Uturoa market on Raiatea'a coast. Then, every night, a new party awaits the participants, in an ever changing environment. Scheduled for these nocturnal adventures are: games, local dishes tasting, BBQ, traditional singing and dancing, but also modern music and improvised dance floors, etc.
Every participant is invited to share the Polynesian joy of life and festive mood.

Morgan Rogers was there this year with his camera, so enjoy the images and don't be TOO jealous: