Aloha All,

As you probably are aware, we departed Port Papeete yesterday at around noon. We've been steadily sailing north from Tahiti and at the same time, trying to get some easting while the wind speed and direction still supports doing so. We are currently passing Mataiva to our starboard beam. Mataiva is the western most atoll in the Tuamotu Archipilago.

It was quite a pleasure to hang out in Tahiti while getting ready for this return trip home. The people were very friendly and always helpful. We are particularly grateful to Domi, who acted as our cultural mentor, but more importantly he became great friend to all of us. The Marina de Papeete staff, Franco, Ken, and Matahi were all super obliging no matter what the request. I would highly recommend you visit this new marina. It is one fantastic facility.

Contrary to reports posted on some social media sites and web pages, I found the law enforcement, customs, and immigrations officials to all be professional, knowledgeable, and very accommodating. This became especially evident when I had to request an extension to my French Polynesian visa while awaiting repair parts for the broken autopilot. I would highly suspect the writers of those negative comments as the ones who actually caused or instigated any or all of those unpleasant experiences.

Well that's all behind us now, literally and figuratively. We are northbound, homeward bound, to Hawaii, and happy to be out in the blue water under sail.

Everyone take care and stay well. All our love.

mark zane rob