We had a surreal experience, sailing into Moorea.

We arrive in Cook’s Bay, 10,000 nautical miles from our start in Maine, and Stuart Werman, a great friend from New Hampshire, swims out to the boat! The Werman and Sisto clans flew to Moorea for my 60th birthday bash and somehow, after more than a year of planning, the stars aligned where Nico, Dennis and I anchor only a swim away from their hotel. I joined Stuart to brave swimming across deep dark waters, home to eight and nine foot lemon sharks, to embrace dear friends Lynn and Joan. I landed on shore out of breath with tears streaming down my face and girlfriends chanting “You made it! You made it!”

It started eleven years ago when four moms and four sons became fast friends. Having most of the boys and moms together again more than a decade later, in the middle of the South Pacific, was unreal. We had nearly two weeks together, climbing mountains, snorkeling, sailing, enjoying lovely dinners, dancing and being grateful for friendships near and far.