Quick stop in Ua-Pou

Good morning from FALKEN, it’s 8.55 onboard and we have been underway less than 12 hours, but it feels like we have been sailing for days. A lot have happened though since we left our secure anchorage in Nuku Hiva on Wednesday...

Lets back up to Tuesday when crew arrived to FALKEN. 8 excited crew waited for us with bags at the dock ready for the next adventure. Most of them had already gotten to know each other before, crew connect over email months before the passage even starts, and some of them discovered they were on the same flights and staying at the same place (Nuku Hiva is not a big place :) ). So when we met them at the dinghy dock, it felt like we met a group of friends rather than eight strangers. Once onboard, they got their bunk assigned and we took everyone on a walkthrough below and on deck, getting to know their new home for the next ten days. As Mary mentioned in the last blog, we had some plans to explore one more island before leaving the Marquesas and the goal was to set out before lunch the next day. After a night sleep on anchor, thankfully the boat cools off enough that it’s not too hot at night, we had a quick breakfast and continued with briefings so everyone would know the boat before setting off.

We had a beautiful sail to Ua-Pou, 25 nm south of us. South meant upwind sailing, but with the wind around 12-15 kts, we had a pleasant 4 hr sail before we dropped anchor in the middle of the bay. We sent a shore party ashore before the sun set and learned a lot about the island thanks to Amy who appears to be the expert in meeting locals and getting the scoop ashore. They met Martin, who works for the local collage and happily shared everything they wanted to know. They picked Pomelos and Pomegranate in his back yard, and came back with the 3 biggest cucumber I have ever seen from a neighbours garden. I stayed back onboard few a few of the crew and went for a much needed swim, and Mary served an amazing tuna dinner after dark.

A quick nap, and anchor up at 21.30 and straight into offshore sailing and watch systems. I had a great sleep after my watch and woke up to sunshine and chatter. Pete and Mike are hanging down below in the saloon, staying away from the sun as long as possible. Jessie at the helm with Kate and Steve on watch together with her. Mary is up and Zoe just went down for a nap. The rest of the crew is also in their bunks, resting. So far, no one have been sea sick yet and yes, the sun is still hot (hoping on clouds and shared later from the sails).

Cheers from Mia & the FALKEN crew