As we left Rangiroa, there were 10' standing waves in the pass.... we powered through them, but not without sustaining some damage to the dinghy davit system.

It was incredible to see the standing waves.... they were straight up and down - nothing gentle or rolling about them.

One of the extra heavy duty gauge of stainless steel pipes had cracked and needed to be welded.

Apataki Carenage agreed to do the welding and directed Laird to bring the boat up to the dock.



Did I mention that the boat had to be brought up to the dock dodging huge coral heads and that it had to be backed in!!

John in the dinghy giving directions on where the coral heads were.



All hands were on the dock to help tie up Winterlude.



We were stern to the dock with an approximate gap to 2-3 feet!



We were anchored at the bow and stern tied to the dock. Only 8.2 feet of water under the boat and the keel is 7 feet!





The clarity of the water in the lagoon still amazes us! Here's the Rocna anchor dug right in.



The welding begins!





That was one long extension cord!!



Are we there yet?!



The weld is deemed sufficient to get Winterlude to Tahiti. Yippee!!



After the nerve wracking davit welding, we untied the lines, hoisted the anchor and did what every galley wench does when they are unwinding.... we are in the galley.... we are making bread!!



and it is good!