Islanders Prepare for Cruiser Rendezvous

Out in the sunny isles of Tahiti, dancers are rehearsing, musicians are tuning up their ukuleles, and paddlers are polishing up their outrigger canoes in anticipation of the Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendezvous, June 18-20.

The event’s aim is to welcome cruising sailors to French Polynesia, while introducing them to aspects of traditional Tahitian culture, including music, dance, sport and cuisine. If you’re lucky enough to be out in the islands with your boat this season, we encourage you to register online. Fleet size will be limited to 70 boats due to space and budget constraints. It’s all free except for two optional meals.

On Friday, June 18, fleet members will meet at the yacht quay in downtown Papeete where an ‘event village’ will be set up with all sorts of demonstrations and exhibits. Rides will be offered aboard a lightning-fast traditional Polynesian sailing canoes. Later, at a cocktail party in their honor, fleet members will toast their successful crossings while meeting local dignitaries.

On Saturday, the fleet will cruise in company to Moorea’s majestic Opunohu Bay, where they will be met by local entertainers. Cocktails and an optional BBQ will follow. Sunday will be dedicated to all sorts of traditional Polynesian games, the highlight of which will be a series of races in "V6" outrigger canoes. In each boat, three locals team up with three cruisers to compete.

Sponsored by Tahiti Tourisme, the Papeete Port Authority and other partners — including Latitude 38 — the Rendezvous is now in it’s fourth year, and is considered by many veterans to be the highlight of their stay in the Society Islands. Look for our complete report in the July Latitude.