gallery - Barbarella

November 2024: Vava'u

We finally made it to Vava’u, where Barbarella will stay for the cyclone season. To our surprise, we met many of our friends. We thought they all would be in the south of Tonga on standby in order to start sailing south to New Zealand, or on their way to New Zealand already, to hide for the cyclone season. However, strong winds in the south forced them to sail back north to Vava’u where, to our pleasant surprise, we could meet each other.

October 2024: Niuatoputapu, Tonga

Sailing south from Samoa, our first stop in Tonga was on the tiny island of Niuatoputapu. We were the only boat there during our 10-day stay. It gave us ample opportunities to get to know many of the 700 people who live on that beautiful island.

Samoa Wedding

The reason why we went to Samoa was to attend a Samoan/Maori-Hungarian wedding. We spent one week in the local “Return to Paradise” resort, together with about 70 wedding guests from Samoa and all over the south west Pacific. If you are not into music or weddings, I recommend that you, at least, jump to minute 12:47 to enjoy the most graceful dance I have ever seen.

Nora on stage

The cultural (and fun) highlight every year in Samoa is the week-long Teuila festival. It gives communities, villages, and church congregations the chance to compete through traditional dance and music. At the end of the week Miss Samoa is elected. During a fun event on day two the TV host was looking for a tourist volunteer. There were not too many tourists around and 20 seconds later Nora was on stage and live on national TV.

September 2024: Samoa

Samoa is not a good cruising ground for sailors. That is why we explored this amazing country mostly by foot and by car. Samoans are extremely friendly and have a great sense of humor. So, it was easy to meet interesting people and enjoy the month we stayed in Samoa.

Penryhn

We left the highlight, French Polynesia, just to arrive at this atoll called Penryhn, and to find out that French Polynesia is not THE highlight. It is ONE of the highlights. Around 170 extremely friendly and hospitable people live on this atoll. Customs told us that we had been the 6th boat vising Penryhn this year, but in good years they are visited by up to twenty boats. Each boat brings excitement to the island, because the supply boat comes only 3-5 times a year. Luckily, a big airstrip was built in the second world word war to fight the Japanese. So, if there is an emergency, a charter plane is sent to Penryhn from the capital Rarotonga.

August 2024: Goodbye French Polynesia

After almost two years in French Polynesia we had to leave this wonderful country, taking with us many great memories, “WOWs”, experiences and friendships. And the feeling that French Polynesia is THE highlight of our cruising so far.

Dyneema Rigging

Even though we had a rigging inspection only 12 months ago, we thought it should be checked again. And “of course” – like last year – the rigger found some serious issues with the “well proven gold standard 1×19 stainless steel cable” shrouds. Tired of the “gold standard” failing again and again, we now decided to go with the latest technology. Non-braided, “just” coiled, pre stretched SK99 Dyneema. 10 times stronger than steel (or 10 times lighter than steel). This has been engineered by crazy French racing sailors (Vendee-Globe, Route du Rhum, Transat 650, etc.) and ingenious sailing inventors in Tahiti. Now we are several thousand Euros and 40 thousand grams lighter – at 150% breaking load compared to “gold standard” steel, plus no more metal fatigue.

Moorea petting zoo

What to do in Moorea on a Sunday morning? Well, they have a petting zoo here. Not exactly a petting zoo with sheep, goats, rabbits or ponies and the likes, but sting rays. Wait, sting rays? Why are these rays called STING rays? I guess you better pet them well, otherwise you might find out the hard way. Luckily I am a master petter, so I was not afraid.

Fantastic 60

I do not mean fantastic 60 thousand nautical miles sailed. I mean 60 years lived on this beautiful planet. I had the privilege of celebrating my birthday in Papeete, together with Nora and our friends Paulina and Mathias and their lovely baby son Teo, who has exactly a 1/100th of my age. One of their presents was this poem:

In Tahiti’s glow, we toast to thee,

Our friend from Tuttlingen, wild and free.

4 years ago, in Cartagena our paths entwined,

With many challenges solved and hearts aligned.

He dives through blue, both free- and deep,

In Montafon’s snow, he makes a leap.

On wing foils swift, he rides the wave,

A spirit bold, forever brave.

With Nora by his side, so sweet,

Their joy and love make their life complete.

She hosts the best of festive nights,

With conversations that delight.