The Tahiti Pearl Regatta featured today one of the most expected and most exciting part of its program, the Raiatea-Bora-Bora leg. A distance of 27 nautical milles under mild and at times tricky conditions that brought no big surprises in the final outcome. Yesterday's winners confirmed all along the spectacular course inside the lagoon and towards Bora the same inspired will to perform. The A 40 L'Agathe, in the Monohull category, despite a slow start, was first out of the lagoon, and probably the only boat to avoid the windless spots dispersed along the course. The fast Joubert-Nivelt Plan gives a lot of time to her opponents, and Jean Pierre Basse and his crew decided to sail as hard as they could to broaden the gap to the finish line. Tapuni, the sleek 45 footers of the French Polynesian Armed Forces came a strong second.
Spirit, the only trimaran amidst a fleet of catamarans felt quite at home today in mild air and flat waters. Jason Gard and his crew from Cook Island literally flew along the 27 milles course. Frenchmen and actor Pierre Cosso seemed in the very beginning in a position to give the fats trimaran some competition. Becalmed right before the lagoon passes, he only could helplessly watch the trimaran sail away.
All 40 boats are tonite anchored in front of the Meridien Bora Bora Hotel where a traditional Polynesian Party will be given in their honor.
Tomorrow morning, the fleet heads back towards Tahaa.

See Ocean & Coastal images :

Program :
Friday May 18th - Race 3
8h30    Bora Bora > Taha’a (21,8 MN)
 
Saturday May 19th- race 4 & 5
8h30    Raiatea Banana (5,7 MN)
12h30  Tour de Taha’a (19 MN)

On land :
Friday May 18th, polynesian night
Motu Céran, Taha’a
Fluo Coconut Challenge, Sunset Cocktail, four tahitien, show de danse, Beach Party
Dresscode : «Fluo» Mouillage : au nord du motu Céran

Saturday May 19th Crew party
Motu Pearl Village, Taha’a
Cocktail, Price giving ceremony, meal, crew parade, concerts by Raiatea Connection & Playful Robots, No Moon Party...
At 5h,  : Soupe à l’oignon ; Dresscode : «Déguisés» ;  Mouillage : au nord du motu Céran

Denis van den Brink

Last Updated ( Friday, 18 May 2012 )