After a first day of non stop squalls with 12 knots or 25 knots of wind and messy seas, day two turned out to be 25 knots all day with some big steep waves rolling through early afternoon. Nothing concerning but no fun for the crew. Fortunately things cooled off this afternoon late and the seas are now a more comfortably shaped 8-10' and the wind is 20 or less. We double reefed the main and jib last night to keep conditions sleepable on board (sort of worked). Have made about 9 knots all day with the double reef setup. Rolled out the full jib in the late afternoon and just took the main up to reef one for the night. Looks like it will be a beautiful night's sail.

We have decided to do a lunch stop at Takaroa atoll instead of Toau. Takaroa is the northern most atoll and often a first landfall for those heading down from the Marquesas. The passes into most of the atoll lagoons have big currents as the tidal flow for the entire lagoon squeezes through the passes. With one prop in play we decided to anchor outside and Takaroa has a nice spot for that near the town supposedly. We should be there by noon just in time for snorkeling and a light lunch. Then we will be off for Tahiti again with the hope of arriving in the afternoon on the 2nd.

I have been leaning on Charlie's Charts of French Polynesia a lot lately. It is a great cruising guide for the area with lots of useful info. I also like the Guide to Cruising and Tourism in French Polynesia. I sold it to some folks in need in Fatu Hiva though so I have to pick up a new copy in Pateete.

150 miles to Takaroa!

Nobu says: "Tomorrow I will see my first atoll and lagoon!"

Hideko says: "zzzzz (catching up on sleep)"