Sailing Doodlesvideo
We’re Leaving French Polynesia… What’s Next?
January 12, 2026 · 21 min · 270K views · Uturoa, Raiatea
Early morning light over open sea as boat departs French Polynesia
What this video covers
The crew of an Island SPIRIT 525 charter boat concludes a 10-day trip in French Polynesia by navigating from a town dock in Uturoa to a mooring field in Raiatea.Watch During the final days, the generator fails due to a faulty electric boost pump, which technicians replace while the crew hikes to waterfalls on private property.11:23 The hike requires a local guide and involves steep, technical terrain.6:39 The boat utilizes a free daytime town dock in Uturoa, which prohibits overnight stays, before moving to a public mooring field that costs approximately $20 to $30 per week.16:06 The crew experiences calm conditions, allowing for a slow sail back to the charter base using only the genoa.18:30 Upon arrival, charter staff perform the final med-moor docking.19:15 The trip concludes with a flight from Raiatea to Papeete, Tahiti, before the crew departs for future sailing destinations in St. Martin and Thailand.21:09
More from Sailing Doodles
From Sailing Doodles — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.