Victory at Sea
20 June 2010 | Opunohu Bay, Moorea
Opunohu Bay
June 20
Hard to believe that in such miserable weather one can have so much fun. Rained most of day for va'a (canoe) races (team finished third in our heat, nosing out some children and a crew who rolled upside down), banana run (don't ask), tug of war and wonderful singing, dancing and whatever one calls guys who play with fire. Traditional lunch, eaten with fingers, was edible, not counting the taro, breadfruit, two types of poi and, the piece de resistance, raw fish soaked in fermented sea water (a starving dog would probably rather). Ceviche, chicken and pork in spinach were fine.
Awards were given for winners in each event (we were unaccountably absent from podium) and first three boats to arrive yesterday, although it was emphatically stated not to be a race. Despite its short waterline, Anthem beat all the catamarans and speed sleds... almost. Placed 28th out of 34 boats recording times.
"2 is not equal to 3, not even for large values of 2." - Grabel's Law
Jack
PS For anyone who noticed change, moved, late afternoon, deeper into bay after untying Gordian knot of anchor chain/snubber and marker buoy line as lighter wind and swirling current occasioned an entertaining round of bumper boats.