Kookaburra

From One Ocean to Another: Bound for French Polynesia!

Having left France’s Arcachon Bay in July 2025, Pierre and Sylvie have now reached a major milestone in their circumnavigation. After Bonaire, they transited the Panama Canal, crossed into the Southern Hemisphere and reached the Marquesas after a remarkable 29-day non-stop passage. Since then, they have been exploring the lagoons of French Polynesia. Here are a few highlights from their logbook, covering Days 215 to 342 of their voyage.

Kookaburra

Published 31/07/2026

By Mary Nicholas

Issue: 209

Published: oct. / oct. 2026

Discover this issue

Who: Pierre and Sylvie
Where: Bay of Biscay
Multihull: Venezia 42
Blog: www.polarsteps.com/PierreGry/11465680-kookaburra-met-les-voiles

February 18
We reached Panama’s San Blas archipelago, made up of 360 islands, around fifty of which are inhabited by the Guna people. For ten days we enjoyed postcard-perfect scenery: coconut palms, crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches and reefs teeming with corals, tropical fish and rays. There is no mass tourism here, only a handful of dugout canoes linking the islands with the mainland.

March 13-14
Panama Canal transit: In just 24 hours we crossed from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It was a fascinating experience through one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements, with more than 14,000 ships passing through every year.

March 18
At last, a favorable weather window opens up: next stop, the Marquesas!
Nearly 3,800 nm (7,000 km) of non-stop sailing lie ahead.

April 15-16
We reached the Marquesas after 29 days at sea, earlier than expected and without any major problems. Entering Hanavave Bay on Fatu Hiva was simply breathtaking. The scenery is spectacular, and the welcome from the islanders unforgettable - we returned to the boat carrying mangoes, bananas and grapefruit, all generously offered to welcome us.

April 20
Pierre’s daughter Alice and her partner join us for several weeks of cruising. Sharing this adventure as a family is pure happiness!

May 18
We set course for the Tuamotus, a chain of
76 atolls spread over almost 231,000 sq mi (600,000 km²). Vast lagoons, palm-fringed motus and endless coral reefs now define our everyday surroundings.

May 21
Reaching our next anchorage means weaving through coral heads. Two crew members keep watch from the bow while the helmsman follows their directions, with a little help from Google Maps. The reward is extraordinary snorkeling among manta rays and blacktip reef sharks.

May 30
At Fakarava we are reunited with Perrine and Quentin, who have come to spend a few days with us. An emotional reunion in one of French Polynesia’s most beautiful atolls.

June 2
The dives at Fakarava will undoubtedly remain among the greatest memories of our voyage, thanks both to the extraordinary underwater life and the joy of sharing the experience together.

June 14
After two nights at sea, we reach Moorea. At sunrise we sail past Tahiti before dropping anchor in magnificent Cook’s Bay. After spending two months aboard with us, Alice and Qui leave for Australia, while Perrine and Quentin stay on for a few more days of this wonderful family adventure.

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