Cruisers Head for Tahiti Rendezvous

Dozens of westbound cruisers will be gathering at Papeete, Tahiti, later this month to take part in the 4th annual Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendezvous, a free three-day event (June 19-21) intended to celebrate the fleet’s safe arrival in French Polynesia, while exposing them to local traditions, sports, entertainment and cuisine. 

Having set sail from many different starting points along the west coast of the Americas, this year’s Pacific Puddle Jump fleet is as varied as ever. Some arrived aboard million-dollar yachts, while others made the 3,000-mile crossing aboard recently refurbished bargain boats. As in years past, many are retirees, yet others are young folks — like Chris Thompson and Lori Serocki — who are simply taking a sabbatical from the rat race to seek out a bit of South Pacific adventure.

Chris and Lori set out directly from San Diego on April 19 and arrived at Nuku Hiva aboard their Panda 40 Mandolin 30 days later. Look for a complete report on the Rendezvous in the July edition of Latitude 38, and a recap of this year’s Puddle Jump — complete with a detailed table of crossing data — in August.