Once again we are at sea, on our way from the ruggedly,wild beautiful Marquises islands to the Tuamoatos Archipelago!

I could not believe my diary when Ichecked and saw that we have spent a month in the Marquises - the time just flew. We have really enjoyed the islands and the tall, green mountains with it's high majestic spires and deep valleys..and of course the people of the Marquises are imprinted in our memories for ever.

We have had quiet anchorages, wild and windy anchorages but every night we have been lulled to sleep by the rhythmic beating of drums and the sweet smell of flowers.

The Tuamoatos archipelago when translated means the dangerous islands. Dangerous because they are low atolls with palm trees and the coral reefs around them, submerged under the water. Even in daylight the reefs cannot be seen until close-to and the sound of the wind and sea often masks the sound of the breakers. The atolls are entered through passes which also can be hazardous as the entry should be made during slack water since the strong tidal currents affect them, sometimes flowing at as much as 9knots!

We have studied the various atolls and passes and left Marquises so that we can arrive at the Tuamoatos during Neaps when the tidal currents are at their weakest. We are planning to stop at Ahe and from there to Tahiti it is another 300 miles.

Our sailing conditions are very pleasant at the moment. We have light winds and a favourable current with us. We are in company with 2 German yachts and have a radio 'sched' every night.

So, all is well onboard and we are now looking forward to our new destination.

Ronel, Claude and girls