Tag: #islandlife

Friends come for a week of Sailing!

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Good friends from Atascadero come for a visit on Sea Bella. Penny and Steve Crawford do a write up about their time here in Huahine:

“A huge thank you to Kathy and Scott Erwin aka SeaBella. Experiencing a tad-bit of the sailing lifestyle with you both was beyond what we could have imagined. So many laughs, so much snorkeling, eating, drinking, and did I mention a few boat lumps and bumps lol. We are forever grateful for this once in a lifetime experience. Who knows… maybe another adventure down the “road” in our future.The French Polynesian island of Huahine did not disappoint! Getting to experience 6 days on the Erwins sailboat was nothing less than spectacular. The friendship, laughter, snorkeling, island adventures, local peoples traditions, a few boat boo boos, and the whole lifestyle is hard to express in words. We are forever grateful for this incredible experience!”

That’s a Wrap, 1 Year in French Polynesia, 2023-2024.

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Two highlights of the Tahiti airport anchorage were watching the sealife under the boat and enjoying Moorea sunsets! We stayed a week then moved on to Huahine. A very favorite society island.

Our one year visa in French Polynesia is quickly coming to an end, bittersweet but we are ready. Our time here has been amazing, as most of you have seen and heard. The 3 Archepeligo’s have been unique in their own way, so it’s quite hard to pick a favorite. The Marquesas were all about the people and the rich jungles. The Tuomotus were all about the water clarity, diving, and coconut sandy beaches. The Societies have a French vibe, with many cruisers, beautiful lagoons but high fees in Bora Bora. I did hold a yoga class at a neighborhood park for a few interested cruisers and locals.

There were 8 islands overall that we visited twice, so that kind of says something about how special they are.

In Tahiti, we wrapped up some boat projects, stocked up on essentials, planned ahead, and the best part was partnering up with cruiser friends again! In about 3 weeks, we will clear out of immigration (heading West). Tomorrow we head to Huahine, then pit stops in Tahaa, maybe Bora Bora and Maupiti.

Tahanea, Tuamotu

What a difference 500 miles can make from the towering mountains of the Marquesas (Fatu Hiva) to the cool blue waters of the Tuomotus (Tahanea). The 3.5 day passage brings huge changes and we loved to get snorkeling again.
We are learning more about flying this drone all the time. Take a look at our YouTube sailing, diving and yoga videos.

“What’s Next”

by Scott and Kathy Erwin, Sail the World, posted in Sailing

Friends and family ask us,
”What’s next?”
While we wait out the summer storm season (Nov- Mar) in our safe haven, beautiful home of the Marquesan Islands, we research, plan, discuss, read, yes play and put a plan loosely together.

Weather is the primary factor while we research. Our cruising buddies’ plans are also a factor. It’s important for Scott and I to experience remote islands and the unique flora and fauna of land, sea and air. We also participate and explore the local culture, traditions and cuisine. As you may recall, we are on a slow westward path, enjoying as much LIFE as possible. A Sailing Adventure continues to be our theme, so we head to the Southern islands of Marquesas.

Come April we visit the Society Islands (Huahine, Bora Bora and Maupiti) and leave French Polynesia. We hop to a few Southern Cook Islands, adventure around the islands of Tonga, sail toward Fiji, first stopping at the amazing dive spot called Beveridge, and end up in September in Fiji.
“Then what??”
The Pacific Ocean is too large for Sea Bella to cross in one season (unless we don’t stop much) So she needs to stay in and around Fiji for the next cyclone season Nov-Mar. Fiji has safe harbor marinas, if needed, and 500ish, pristine islands to cruise around. Looking forward to it all! Stay tuned…