Tahiti

The moment you touch down at the island of Raiatea, you are greeted to an authentic Tahitian welcome. Take a deep breath, the fragrance of Frangipani permeates the air. You are finally here in the land of the famous French painter Gauguin... its time to start realising your dream charter in these magnificent Polynesian islands.
Spread into three cluster groups it is possible to visit all of the Tahitian islands. In one week we recommend exploring the island of Tahaa, the beautiful reefs and lagoons of the island of Huahine and of course the astrolabe atoll of Bora Bora round trip from our base at Raiatea. Itineraries can also include longer sails to the outer islands of Rangiroa, Manihi, Moorea, Tetiaroa and Tahiti island proper.

Day 1

Fly in to Papeete Tahiti, and shake off your jet lag in a hotel for the day or connect directly to our base at Raiatea island. It is recommended to arrive at Raiatea island on the early flight from Papeete. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the base. After a full briefing, some tropical punch and a thorough boat check out you are free to begin your charter at 12:00 noon. Sail the short distance over to the island of Tahaa and pick up a mooring for the night. A wonderful bay for the first tropical toast and the first night of star gazing.

Day 2

Sail around the coast of Tahaa within the lagoon the first morning and exit the fringing reef through Toahotu Pass for a spirited 4 hour sail to Huahine. Arrive at the lagoon entrance of Avamoa Pass and anchor to the left (port side) of the Bali Hai Hotel. This is a safe and picturesque anchorage for the night and an opportunity to take in some Tahitian nightlife at the hotel. The bar and restaurant are open to charter sailors who want to go ashore and maraud!

Day 3

Explore beautiful Huahine lagoon for the day trolling along the coast for some tuna or mackerel but if you don’t catch one, stop in at Fare for provisioning at the supermarket, bakery and top off the water if need be. Later in the day sail down the west coast for some spectacular snorkelling at Avea Bay, also a good place to grill the fish (?) and watch the sky turn every hue of red and orange.

Day 4

Stay at anchor at Avea Bay and explore the beautiful beach and surrounding lush vegetation. Soak up the sun then cool off with a snorkel over a vibrant, colorful coral reef.

Day 5

Raise anchor early and head out the Avamoa Pass for the 4 hour reciprocal course back to Tahaa. Enter the lagoon through the Toahotu Pass and head for the first island lying to starboard, Mahaea Motu island, where you’ll find a delightful spot in behind the island which has a fine sand beach and fringing palms leaning over the water. For the evening head for a mooring at Haamene Bay opposite Toahotu Pass where you’ll find the inviting Hibiscus restaurant.

Day 6

Sail around the bottom of Tahaa island, within the lagoon, and return to the base to replenish supplies at Uturoa and top off the water tanks. After getting the provisions stowed sail west across the lagoon to the magical islet of Llot Tautau. The perfect spot to watch the sun set over the volcanic peaks of Bora Bora.

Day 7

Make way around the lagoon and exit the reef system at Papai Pass for a nice morning sail to majestic Bora Bora and the famous volcanic Pitons. Enter via the Teavanui Pass and sail to port and the moorings of the Bora Bora Yacht Club. A good place to indulge in a tropical cocktail!

Day 8

Stay at anchor at Bora Bora and explore the islands interior in the morning -be sure to see the aquarium! In the afternoon sail north and around the top of the lagoon and down the eastern shore stopping at several tranquil tropical anchorage places.

Day 9

Sail up the coast and shop for handicrafts and provisions at the township of Vaitape. A good overnight spot is in front of the Bora Bora Hotel. 100 yards off the hotel beach are several coral bommies which offer superb snorkelling. The hotel is an inviting location for an enchanting evening meal.

Day 10

Up anchor and hoist sail for the 4 hour passage out the Teavanui channel to the west side of Raiatea via the Toamaro Pass. Anchor in behind Toamaro island (to port as you enter the Pass). This is a spectacular, tropical anchorage with a great view for the fiery Pacific sunset.

Day 11

Head out the Toamaro Pass and sail south around the bottom of the island outside the barrier reef. Reenter the lagoon through Naonao Pass. Make your way up the eastern side of Raiatea inside the lagoon for an interesting stop at Opoa Bay. This bay features some Polynesian Marea ruins on the headland. After lunch, continue exploring the coastline up to Faaroa Bay. Spend the night in this quaint little cove. There is a great restaurant ashore if you don’t feel like cooking.

Day 12

On your last morning continue up the east coast of Raiatea and make way to the base for arrival at 12:00 noon. After many farewells and bag packing the base personnel will transfer you to the airport and your flight back to Papeete.

*Note: Tahiti offers easy sailing and has some of the most enjoyable conditions possible inside the lagoons. Essentially, the lagoons offer exhilarating sailing on flat calm waters with few reefs to worry about. Outside the lagoons, open ocean conditions are encountered but the distances between islands are not great. These French islands are well marked and charted with navigational aids on every reef. Visual navigation by water color becomes second nature after a couple of days so bring a pair of Polaroid sun glasses. If you charter for a week you can easily spend that amount of time just exploring Raiatea and Tahaa, which share the same lagoon so no open ocean crossings are required. Your charter yacht will be equipped with charts and guides indicating dangers and all the must see spots. This will give you a higher comfort level, but you will see it is an easy destination for a first time visit. A worthwhile dinner stop is at the Hotel Vahine as it is remote, romantic and only accessible by boat! They have moorings to tie up, so you won't have to drop the hook. Moorings are common throughout the more popular charter stops in the Tahiti chain. Enjoy your charter!

FLEET 1 - Tahiti		8 days / 7 nights in Euros
MONOHULL BAREBOAT FLEET
YACHTS	Cabins / Toilets	Jan 1 - Mar 25 & Sep 30 - Dec 31	Mar 25- Jun 30& Aug 26 - Sep 30	Jul 1- Aug 26
Feeling 356 DI (1999)	3 dbl cabs/1 head	2100	2600	2900
Oceanis 473 (2004)	4 dbl cabs	3150	3900	4300

Catamarans Bahia “Grande Croisière”with A/C and water maker - including English speaking skipper/guide
Bahia 46 (2005-2006)	4 dbl -2 sgl/2 head	8000	9000	10000
Enjoy classic and true sailing on one of our monohulls, from Beneteau, or Kirie. Excellent value for a wonderful cruising experince

CATAMARANS
Athena 38 (2005)	4 dbl cabs	3150	3900	4300
Lavezzi 40 (2006)	4 dbl cabs	3650	4500	4975
Belize 43 (2000)	4 dbl cabs +2	4000	5100	5700
Belize 43 (2004)	4 dbl + 2	4500	5600	6200
Belize 46 (1999)	4 dbl -2 sgl/2 head	4800	6000	6800
Belize 46 (2004-2005)	4 dbl -2 sgl/2 head	5500	6500	7400

Additional Fleet 1 Information

Bareboat charter includes:
- airport transfers Raiatea-Base Apooiti and return (only)
- all navigation equipment and charts
- dinghy and outboard
- snorkelling equipment
- linens & towels
- full water tanks
- electric windlass
- barbecue & auto pilot on Maryland 37
- GPS
Fuel not included in price - yacht must be refilled after charter
- ice cubes
- revareva kit (amenities such as toilet paper, sponge, garbage bag etc.)

Bareboat charter does not include:
- skipper at USD$170 per day plus meals
- Hostess/Cook at USD$150 per day plus food
- spinnaker at USD$135 per week
- Sea Kyaks available upon request.
- End cleaning USD$95

One way drop off fees:
Papeete USD$800 ($1100 in July/August)
Huahine USD$360 ($480 in July/August)
Bora Bora USD$360 ($480 in July/August)
Rangiroa by request only

Payment Policy
- 50% deposit at the time of signing the yacht charter contract agreement
- 50% balance due 90 days prior to boarding

Damage Waiver Insurance
A USD$500 deductible is taken at the base to cover the loss or damage to the yacht inventory, dinghy and outboard. This will be returned to you upon the satisfactory completion of your yacht debriefing. Yacht Damage Waiver (Insurance) is compulsory and costs USD$30-35/day depending on yacht size. The deductible security deposit covers damages to the boat, dinghy, outboard and other items such as barbecue etc.

Provisioning
A large supermarket is nearby the base at Raiatea for self provisioning. A provisioning transfer can be arranged by the base manager after shopping. This supermarket and most larger stores are closed Sundays and supermarkets and restaurants do take major credit cards. Service at the base in the island if Raiateea is limited to its minimum during Sundays and bank holidays. Supermarkets are closed and deliver the good the previous day (possible problem of freshness of the food). For thesis reasons, we recommend, if possible an arrival on weekdays to ensure good service. Provisioning list is also available upon request: delivery on he boat (except Sunday and bank holidays, delivery the previous day at the base).

Papeete Base
Our main base of operations is in Raiatea, there is also a base in Papeete from which any charter can commence. There is an additional yacht transfer fee to start a charter in Papeete, of USD$740.

FLEET 2 - Tahiti	PREMIER (Period price per yacht per day in US $)
Yacht Type Size in feet	Jun 24- Aug 25	Dec 18 - Jan 8 Mar 18 - Jun 23 Aug 26 - Sep 23	Sep 24 - Dec 17 Jan 9 - Mar 17
Lagoon 380	1010	930	790
Oceanis 343	490	440	390
Oceanis 423	790	640	540

FLEET 2 - Tahiti	BAREBOAT (Period price per yacht per day in US $)
Yacht Type Size in feet	Jun 24 - Aug 25	Dec 18 - Jan 8 Mar 18 - Jun 23 Aug 26 - Sep 23	Sep 24 - Dec 17 Jan 9 - Mar 17
Sun Odyssey 37	530	470	410
Oceanis 411	660	570	460
Sun Odyssey 43DS	720	590	500
Oceanis 423	720	590	500
Beneteau 50	1100	950	760
Oceanis 473	790	650	530

PREMIER CATAMARANS
Athena 38	890	790	650
Belize 43	1090	920	730
Bahia 46	1180	990	790
Lagoon 380	890	790	650