Chillin’ in the Tuamotus

Sometimes it’s nice to cast off your worldly woes (and clothes), sit down on a deserted beach and simply contemplate the universe.

That’s precisely what New Zealanders Paul and Gina Rae did after arriving at this serene anchorage at Apataki, in the Tuamotus, aboard their Hylas 44 Solace.

"This is where we have spent the last few days in peaceful tranquility," writes Gina. "There has been no wind to speak of and the water is calm. There are enough small reefs around to show us a parade of aquarium fish and sea life. For my birthday, we drank champagne and ate pineapple upside down cake! We’ll hang here and enjoy it while we have it, and will move on when the wind comes up."

Sounds like a fine way to spend a couple of days. Solace crossed from Mexico weeks ago with the annual migration of Pacific Puddle Jumpers. Others within that fleet are currently exploring the Marquesas and Society Islands. Hopefully, many of them will come together at the Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendezvous planned for June 27 and 28, where they’ll share passage tales and future plans. Look for a complete report on this year’s migration in an upcoming edition of Latitude 38.