Soon however the wind found us and diesel power was replaced by sails. A beam wind of 12 knots, perfect gentle sailing.
Island hopping is different to deep water, as Fatu Hiva shrank behind us Tahuata was already in site in the distance, shrouded in a bonnet of white fluffy clouds. The sky is a light blue, big white cumulus clouds dot the horizon, passing behind us a dark squall cloud threatens to interrupt our piece but stays away. The sea is a deeper blue, the odd white crest on the waves but mostly sun sparkling from the surface.
Unlike deep water we have several other boats in site, 3 sailing and a couple of inter island ferries. More boats than we saw in 3 weeks and 3000miles during our crossing.
The crew spend the morning dozing, reading or just watching the world, boobies and fairy turns occasional fly past but so far no dolphins. The watermaker whiring away below topping up the tanks whilst we are in such crystal clear waters.
As we approach the end of Tahuata we anticipate loosing the wind again so will probably end the trip motoring again.
We will anchor in time for an afternoon swim, the possibility of more dolphins or manta rays and definitely another sunset.
Tim