Location 16° 32S, 151° 44.7W
Sunday, 08.19.2007

The Schooner Maggie B sailed through the Pass in Bora Bora at about 0945 this Sunday morning, the 19th of August. We are at about 16° 32.0S, 151° 44.7W I say “about” because, for the first time in a long time, the GPS and chart don’t match up. The difference is only 300 meters, but then the Pass is only 200 meters wide. It certainly is a good reminder to keep one’s eyes open. I did also do hand-bearing-compass sights to nail down our position, but they came out crazy, until I saw the note on the paper chart “Magnetic Anomalies.” And then a little later “Differences in Latitude and Longitude may exist between this chart and others.” So, anyway, we are in a marvelous spot, let here by our friend Richard Postma of Taravana and his son Kahai and his granddaughter.

We had a quiet motor sail from Papeete. Dodged Huahine, Tahaa and Raiatea, which was easy. Also dodged perhaps half a dozen cruise ships rushing back to Papeete for the next change-over, or whatever.

We have had a lovely welcome from Bora Bora already and our “dance card” is filling up fast. We are near the famous Hotel Bora Bora, where my father has been going for 45 years. Dad was made the First Honorary Citizen of Bora Bora when he was here last. We have already had the chance to check in with six pals. Bora Bora will be great fun even before our yachtie friends from Papeete arrive! We hope to work out the opportunity to do a traditional pig roast (underground oven, cook for a day, etc.) with all our new and old friends.

All is well.