ADIEU TAHITI
Friday, April 10th, 2015 - Marina Taina
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| Marina Taina: an excellent spot to watch sunset over Moorea, some 10 miles away |
It’s always hard to say goodbye, and leaving Caro, William, Mamie Catherine and the kids gave us the blues. Still, we were able to enjoy some good times before taking off.
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| The Poti Marara is the mavelous fisherman's power boat. The helmsman steers the boat with a stick, well enclosed inside his turret. From there, he can chase and spear Mahi Mahi... that's a sport! |
But some good news first. PAPEETE HARBOR MARINA is almost completed, set to be inaugurated on April 23rd, just on time for the arrival of the ARC Rally. There are 60 slots for sailboats and 20 spots dockside for super-yachts. The boardwalk will, in time, include a fish park. When? Soon, if the project doesn’t run out of funds by then. Still, it’s an improvement for all yachts, even if it doesn’t have the charm of the old Quai Bir Haykem (sp?) - For all info and checking in and out of Papeete, contact
Mr. VERNAUDON KEN
Responsable du QUAI DES YACHTS - PAPEETE
PORT AUTONOME DE PAPEETE
Tél. (689) 40.47.48.54
Mail : kvernaudon@portppt.pf
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| At the Salon du Tifaifai, Mamie Catherine is mesmerized by Benjamin's cutting technique |
We were treated to 2 local events that are typically Tahitian. The Salon du Tifaifai and the Polynesie Premiere Va’a Marathon.
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| Tifaifais from the Marquesas... insane 2-tone reverse-applique |
SALON DU TIFAIFAI - Those who know me also know that I’m an avid quilter. It was a very special treat to visit (3 times!) the Salon du Tifaifai and make friends with Mamie Biret, THE legend of Tahitian quilts, and with Benjamin Ragivaru, the most talented Tifaifai designer among the younger generation.
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| This year's theme: Joseph's Dream |
We took the time to exchange techniques and design styles, each of us broadening our appreciation for quilt art. I let the pix speak for themselves.
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| Red-and-white, flowers, reversed applique: modern design on traditional themes |
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| The Top-20 group paddles furiously towards the Tapuna Pass, on to Moorea (in the background) |
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| 60 teams paddle out! Powercat JAMBO in the background |
From DOMINO’s flybridge, we hooted and cheered and encouraged them.
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| The winner of the Top-40 group will go up one division and will compete in the Top-20 next year. Arch-rivals? EDT and Shell, who now counts 2 teams in the top division. |
Winners? EDT in the Top 20 group, and SHELL in the Top 40 group. This was an electrifying race and a stunning display of sheer manpower.
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| We never mind letting paddlers surf DOMINO's wake! |
After a last dinner downtown Papeete at the “Roulottes,” it was time to chug along towards Huanine.
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| Another look at the Poti Marara, a beast of a fishing boat, nimble in the waves and soooo powerful! |
We picked a delightful morning, without a breath of air and unleashed DOMINO on a glassy sea.
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| We don't care if there's no wind... Actually, we LIKE it when there's no wind! |
Adieu, Tahiti… Next stop: Huahiné. Till then…
dominomarie