Rangiroa is a large atoll, 42 miles, 67 kms across east-west and 17 miles, 27 kms north-south. Coconut palms line the low-lying coral banks and the main town, Avatoru lies on the northern side.
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Our route from the north-east towards Rangiroa and our route to the west and south-west towards Tahiti
There is only 1 approach for the inside waters, through the Tiputa Pass, a narrow gap between the coral reefs through which the current rushes, either in or out from the lagoon. We take a pilot here and he will stay with us until we clear Bora Bora. We embark him 3 miles from the entrance and make for the narrow gap. With the strong north-east wind and current, we decide to keep 12 knots, (about 13 mph, 16 kph) speed until through; once past the sandbar, which has the leading marks on it, we reduce and make a turn to starboard, towards the anchorage.
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Magnified, our track is the dotted line, the solid line is an alternative anchorage route which we used in 2016
Anchoring in 30m of water, we start our tender service to the pier, which is tucked in just to the west of the Pass. The heat is oppressive, however an easterly wind gives some respite.
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K1 and Hazel waiting to go
As is the norm I take a jaunt ashore for some photos, accompanying K1 and Hazel who, I surmise, (correctly), will browse the stalls. We are greeted on the pier with some locals, playing various instruments with gusto.
We leave here soon, for Papeete, Tahiti; arriving tomorrow. All I have to do is complete my departure video, edit and post on here and I’ll be set to send it to you.
Voila!