Huahine — Hawaiki Nui Va'a

October 18, 2000 0700 Local Time 16º42'00" S 151º01'00" W Speed 3.8 knots, seas 2-3', Winds 8 knots from the SE, barometer 1005, 50% cloud cover, 75º, Jim Riddle at the helm, engine on, main sail only.

Motored up chanel past Fitii Pass surrounded by outrigger canoes, cruising boats, cargo ships and Mahi Mahi speed boats. Once out of the pass we had to maneouver around stationary tankers in 3' choppy waters caused by the speedboats jockying for position. We watched as 120-6 man teams of outriggers raced by at 8 knots. We could not keep up with our little 32 hp Universal. As the canoes exited the pass they turned toward Raiatea 32 miles away. It was amazing how well the outriggers cut through the agitated waters.