Hikianalia Report: October 24, 6:00 PM: Sighted Tahiti, Arriving in Matavai Bay Tomorrow Morning (Oct. 25)
Matavai Bay, Tahiti © Terra_Tripper at flickriver
Iaorana! After yet another fast day of amazing sailing, we spied Tahiti off our starboard bow just before 6 pm. We will cruise up the western coast of the island and anchor in Matavai Bay by early morning, Oct. 25. See Tracking Map.
A gala welcome celebration for Faafaite and Hikianalia is planned for the morning and we should relocate to Papeete in the afternoon. This has been an amazing voyage on many levels. The crew that has been privileged to learn Hikianalia on her maiden voyage are most grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and thank the Polynesian Voyaging Society, our supporters and, especially, our families for making this voyage possible.
Great last day on ka moana. First thing in the morning, Oct. 24, around 7am, we received another gift from the ocean and hooked two ono at the same time! However, the lure that we used to catch our mahimahi yesterday had to be given back, as one ono bit through the line, and we ended up with only one ono. Plenty fish to feed us all day in any case. The wind backed off a little in our favor last night, and we were able to hold speed all day to be within sight of Mount Orohena before 6pm. Everyone is in good spirits and excited for the upcoming days ahead, especially a warm freshwater shower, steak frites, and cold Tahitian beverages.
Hōkūle‘a’s Arrival in Pape‘ete, June 4, 1976. PVS Archives
See 1976 Hawai‘i to Tahiti and Back, by Ben Finney.
Sail Data
- time: 2012-10-25 04:00 UTC/GMT (18:00 HST Oct 24)
- position: 17 degrees 56.3 minutes S 149 degrees 49.2 minutes W
- course: 025 degrees True
- speed: 8 to 9 knots
- weather: clear, only a few clouds
- wind: E 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts
- sea state: ESE 10 to 15 feet, SSE swells 8 to 10 feet, wind chop, less confused and moderate seas
- vessel and crew condition: all ok (Faafaite also)
Education Data
- Celestial Observations, Navigation Stars, Planets and Moon Phases: sun only. Today, we again steered principally by the wind and swells.
- Animal Life: Caught a 15 to 20 pound ono, had a double hook-up but the other bit through the line and got away
- Sea Birds and Sea Life: A few more birds observed today including manu o ku.
- Marine Debris: No manmade debris, but signs of land ahead like limu, tree branches, etc.
