Log of S/V High Drama

No.10-Bora Bora, French Polynesia and Rarotonga, Cook Islands

August 2001

This episode of the Log of High Drama begins in the pearl of French Polynesia, Bora Bora. Pudge Ingebritson, an old friend from Albert Lea, Minnesota, joined us there. We spent some time in picturesque anchorages, we rode out some bad weather, and we then had a windy 4-day passage to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. We toured the island, and both drank and worshipped with the Maori local people. This place, above all others, gave us the warmest welcome. Our next three stops will be Beveridge Reef, then the tiny island nation of Niue, then the Vava’u Group of islands in northern Tonga. Welcome aboard again!

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Bora Bora

            Bora Bora, about 150 miles from Tahiti, is an island surrounded by a reef with only one pass for boats to enter. During WW ll Americans built an airstrip on the motu (reef) on the north side. The airstrip and base served as a refueling point for shipping from the Panama Canal or US West Coast and Australia and New Zealand. At one time 6,000 Americans were in the area. Now the airstrip houses a modern airport that pours tourists in and out of the island. We had been told that Bora Bora had been built up so much for tourism that it was no longer a good cruising destination. Not true! The old haunts have changed however. The Bora Bora Yacht Club, once a favorite gathering point for cruising vessels, has been sold. The current owner seems disinclined to do much beyond wait for his money. But the flags of cruisers from years past still hang inside in silent honor.

            The beauty of Bora Bora resides in the water. Her lagoons are deep, full of huge manta rays that hover lazily by swimmers. White coral sand reflect a blue green tint on birds and clouds above. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving in these waters is a treat. Below are a few photos of Bora Bora. Sorry, but I find that I did not come close to capturing the beauty of the beaches.

Pudge Ingebritson with Bora Bora peaks and in the lagoon.

Ann & Pudge at Bloody Mary’s

            One tourist icon remains the same: Bloody Mary’s. They still offer excellent food and good drinks, and a good time for tourists. Seafood, the specialty, is displayed on ice in a flowered arrangement.