Papeete, 14/09/2017.i

We made it, with problems.
It's 600 miles from Nuku Hiva to Rangiroa and that passed without any new problems, or developments of old ones! Good sailing and pleasant conditions.
Rangiroa was popular with the crew, diving, snorkelling and a boat tour to the Reef Island and the Aquarium.  It really is the brochure island for coral atolls, amazing place but no repair facilities at all. Couldn't even rent a generator. We stayed 5 days and then left for Tahiti, another 200 miles. The reason for the generator is simple, the on board Paguro 6000 just stopped making electricity. No reason given. The main engine had to take over battery charging duties and that's not good for it. I have been in touch with the Aus agents from whom I bought it and now the Tahitian agents by email, hopefully it will be looked at before I fly home for 6 months.
On the way to Papeete the engine stopped several times due to pipe blockage, cause unknown at the moment, but a fuel polisher is coming over tomorrow to clean the fuel so maybe I'll find out then. The engine has had 2 impellers replaced in 12 years and 50,000 miles and has been flawless otherwise. Yanmar really make great engines!
The well recommended local rigger ,Mat Angelin, came over this morning and is putting together a quote to repair the rig, ie all new standing rigging and replacing some of the running rigging.
Hopefully my insurance will cover some of the damage caused by the rough conditions after leaving Panama.
The hull remains remarkably clean looking considering it was last cleaned in Cape Town in December last year. A quick waterline scrub was done in the Marquesesa but otherwise no maintenance. The generator exhaust outlet continues to stain the hull with rust and some of the stantion bases are showing rust, but it's easily removed.
All in all the present crew, who leave the boat here, have had a more interesting trip than was envisaged, but no catastrophes thank goodness.
Unless there's a reason to update this is the last blog until next March/April when I will return to the boat in Papeete.