Tahiti Rendezvous Reaches Max Capacity

Now in its fourth year, the annual Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendezvous begins today, with a fleet of at least 53 boats — several more than organizers had set as their max capacity. With the goal of instilling visiting cruisers with a genuine appreciation of Polynesian cultural traditions, the Rendezvous welcomes so-called Pacific Puddle Jumpers with three days of free festivities that include a blessing of the fleet by a local chief, a cocktail party where they’ll share toasts with the mayor of Papeete, the head of Tahiti Tourisme and the director of the Port Authority, a sailing rally to Moorea’s spectacular Upunohu Bay and a full day of beach games and traditional entertainment.

With boats arriving this year from California, Mexico, Panama, Ecuador and Chile, the Rendezvous also serves as a chance for like-minded cruisers — who may have ‘met’ in recent months via radio waves — to finally meet in the flesh. We can’t think of another government anywhere that welcomes cruisers like this — and we’re sure glad we’re here to cover it!

Stay tuned for a recap and photos next week, then look for our complete report in the July edition of Latitude 38. The magazine is proud to be a partner in the Rendezvous, which will take place the same weekend next year. Cruisers heading south this fall who may eventually sail to the South Pacific should plan to attend our Pacific Puddle Jump seminar, at 6 p.m., Saturday, October 24, at West Marine in San Diego (1250 Rosecrans) — the day before the Baja Ha-Ha rally kickoff party.