The Marquesas (part of the French Polynesian group) are stunning, a number of small lightly populated islands, marked by their rugged tropical landscape.

11^th April to 16^th April. First stop - Atuona Bay, Hiva Oa Island, Marquesas, French Polynesia. Oh so nice to be on land. Atuona is a  small town with all the necessary essentials, including fresh baguettes – very tasty! The locals entertained us with Dragon boat races around the yachts whilst enjoying a barbi. We spent one day doing a full island dirt track tour with a couple of other boats (Momo and Cheers), and had our first taste of local polynesian seafood cuisine  - yummy!

Smiling tiki.   Most tikis were removed by the missionary's because they were not compatible with their religion.  Well that and they apparently encouraged cannibalism.   I asked a native Marquesan what native animals they ate before the islands were visited by the Spanish and Europeans which introduced the meats we are used to.    The answer was humans.  

17^th April to 19^th April. We start island hopping. Day sail 45 Nm to the most southern island Fatu Hiva, Bay of Virgins.  Rated as one of the most beautiful anchorages in the world.  Famous for it phallic like stone projections and previously called bay of penises before the missionaries got hold of it. We wandered through the village to have a swim in gorgeous waterfall and up to the top of the hill. We traded some old rope with Phillipe for 10 pampemouse (sweet grapefruit)! After a few jack daniels and on his fishing tinnie, Phillipe took us to Omoa, the next port 3 Nm away. We stopped off on the way to enjoy the scenery and go for a swim. Unfortunately the winds started to pick up, the anchorage became very blowy and after helping rescue another boat with a dragging anchor, we decided it was best to move on.

Trip to the village of Omoa on Fatu Hiva with Phillipe

20^th April to 22^nd April. 47 Nm day sail north to Tahuatu, Bay Hanamonenoa. Windy (se 20-23Kn)  downwind sail. Both seasick (dennis more hungover). Dennis caught impressively large Mahi Mahi on the way! Beautiful sheltered bay with sandy beach and excellent snorkelling. So many varieties of fish.. We also saw two large octopus, one eel and one very big shark.

23^rd April. Early morning 10 Nm sail to Hanamenu Bay, Hiva Oa. No luck with fishing – tangled lines, few bites broke free, the only thing we caught was a bird (we safely managed to release with no harm to the bird!).  Rolly anchorage. After a trip to the beach, we start a 75Nm night sail to Nuka Hiva Island – the most northerly island of the marquesas island group. Strong winds initially, lightening up over the course of the night – easy broad reach sail. As we arrive into Bay Hakakaa, we catch a 15kg yellow fin tuna – whoopee!

Mahi Mahi.  Dolphin Fish.  Dorado.  Whatever you call these they still taste good.

I could only just hold this guy up like this.   Not sure on the weight, but it was heavy.  Fed us and the neighboring boats for a few days.   Got him coming into controller bay.

Oh no!  Nonos!   Small sand fly like insects which do not hurt when they bite, until one or two days later when you will be covered in itchy welts that last another week.