After thirty-five days at sea, we dropped anchor in Fatu Hiva. Here, one brushes against the very creation of the world. Cliffs rise from the ocean as if from the first dawn, and the anchorage opens before us, splendid and untouched. We had barely caught our breath when fishermen came alongside. Their faces were grave, their gestures urgent as they crossed themselves three times. A tsunami, they said. The largest in seventy years. A four-meter wave, ready to sweep everything away. “Go offshore,” they urged, wishing us good luck. Without fear, we weighed anchor again. The sea is our home; we returned to it as one returns to their own door. That night, no waves came, but the ocean carried a strange, unfamiliar scent. At dawn, we came back, and for the second time, Fatu Hiva revealed itself to us, untouched, as if nothing could ever wound its wild heart.
9
24.1
NM
23h 52m
Hanavave, French Polynesia
3049.5
NM
100 days 17 hours
South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia to Port-Vila, Vanuatu
2518.9
NM
17 days 21 hours
Outurahia, French Polynesia to North Pacific Ocean, United States
4086.2
NM
29 days 24 hours
North Pacific Ocean, Panama to Hanavave, French Polynesia
Istvan Redl, Adam Baker & 3 others
4 June 2025 at 00:28
2463
NM
19 days 14 hours
Atiue, French Polynesia to Financial District, United States