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Tahiti stopover

Welcome to the South Seas

The arrival in Tahiti has been a significant event in all our previous round the world rallies, and the Blue Planet Odyssey has been no exception. The participants had successfully completed the longest passage they may ever sail, have cruised in the Marquesas, one of the most spectacular islands in the world, and have finally tasted the true flavour of the South Seas.

Papeete marina

The boats enjoyed the excellent facilities of the brand new marina located in the centre of the attractive capital of French Polynesia. With excellent supermarkets stocked with French goods, chandleries with a wide range of equipment and a full service boatyard, Papeete is a convenient base to carry out repair or maintenance jobs, as well as reprovision for the forthcoming legs to some of the most isolated islands in the world.

Tamure band

A welcome party for the Blue Planet Odyssey participants was laid on in the marina by the Mayor of Papeete and the Port Authority of Papeete.

Tamure dancers

 

Stephanie Betz welcomes participants on behalf of the Mayor of Papeete

 

The Port Captain with Pat Hayes of CHAPTER TWO and Terry Singh of LIBBY

Every boat in both the Blue Planet Odyssey and Pacific Odyssey was presented by the Port Captain of Papeete with a beautiful carved pearl shell

Pearl shell souvenir

 

Luc Callebaut and Jackie Lee welcomed Jimmy Cornell at Papeete airport with a traditional Polynesian lei

Cornell Sailing was represented in French Polynesia by Luc Callebaut and Jackie Lee, who have lived and worked for many years in the islands. They welcomed every boat on arrival in the Marquesas, and were on station to deal with formalities and practical matters throughout the long stopover of the Blue Planet Odyssey in French Polynesia.

In both the Marquesas and Tahiti Luc and Jackie prepared a varied program for the participants, from local activities and parties, to briefing sessions on cruising and diving in the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society islands.

Participants in both the Blue Planet Odyssey and Pacific Odyssey greatly benefited from their local knowledge and wide range of contacts.

Tahiti dawn

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