Editor’s note: French Polynesia’s distance from the United States and Europe is cited as a reason few megayachts venture there. Fewer owners and captains are using that argument, however. Christelle Holler of Tahiti Private Expeditions, which customizes dive services, logistics, and itineraries for megayachts in the region, reports a 20-percent increase in business thus far this year. (For perspective, her company typically assists about 60 yachts per year.) Furthermore, Holler says the average size of yachts is on the rise, to about 197 feet (60 meters). Here, she speaks with Capt. Piot Rachalewski of the explorer motoryacht Dardanella (below), which just completed a yearlong visit in French Polynesia. She also speaks with first mate Toby James Savage of the sailing superyacht Eos (above), which recently explored Tahiti on a repeat cruise.
Christelle Holler: You’ve cruised other South Pacific/Asia destinations, and are familiar with the Caribbean and Med. What is your impression of our islands?
Piot Rachalewski: I always warn the guests to be ready to be blown away by the beauty, serenity, and true “aloha” spirit of the final frontier of paradise that is French Polynesia. It never disappoints!
Toby James Savage: Without question, French Polynesia is the most spectacular (in the Asia-Pacific region). The peaked mountains and rugged interior, which plummets into the blue azure, is like no other. Intimate anchorages and incredible water make French Polynesia unique. The only comparable place that I can think of would be Raja Ampat in West Papua, which is also spectacular under water.
Christelle Holler: What motivated your owner to come to Tahiti?
Piot Rachalewski: The search for unspoiled Pacific paradise, beautiful and welcoming culture of the Polynesian people, adventure and remoteness of the islands and atolls, and the abundant exploration it offers for divers, surfers, scientists, and artists.
Toby James Savage: (For the first trip a few years ago) I think it was the appeal which comes from the allure of the exotic and the sense of escapism that the Pacific Ocean projects. The French connection also exudes a sense of sophistication and indicates the islands’ history, reverting back to a time of simplistic seafaring, hunter-gathering, and discovery. It’s been six or seven years since we were here, and so it was time to revisit these beautiful islands.
Christelle Holler: Is there a place around our islands you and your guests particularly like?
Piot Rachalewski: Too many to list! Every archipelago is unique and special in its own way, offering different experiences and sceneries. Personally, I cannot narrow it down… it is the combination of them all that leaves that lasting impression.
Toby James Savage: We were lucky enough to get a weather window that allowed us to visit the east coasts of Tahiti. It was pristine water and felt like unchartered territory. It definitely gave us a more diverse cruising option in Tahiti, which is generally limited.
Christelle Holler: What kinds of dives or snorkeling do you and your guests like here?
Piot Rachalewski: We like a variety of diving: exploratory, adrenaline currents, relaxing walls and coral gardens, night dives, caves, pinnacles… We like to see life underwater: corals, reef fish, pelagics, and sharks. If you go with people who know, you will find all that. As for snorkeling, well, that’s easy: swimming with whales!
Toby James Savage: They enjoy colorful dives full of fish life—who doesn’t? They’re not really into wreck or deep diving, but clear water and nice corals, as well as abundant marine life, always go down well. The tiger shark dive organized by Rodolphe of Tahiti Private Expeditions was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion and really memorable. What a fish!
Christelle Holler: It can be hard to convince some owners that repositioning their yacht in such a far location is worth it. What advice would you give to fellow captains and crew to convince their bosses?
Piot Rachaelewski: You only live once. The marine world is rapidly changing. Make sure you experience this final frontier before either one is gone.
Toby James Savage: Don’t expect the sophisticated shore-side aspect available in the Med and Caribbean. And, there aren’t many other yachts to socialize with. However, that’s really the beauty of the place. It really is worth the mileage, and with so much ground to cover, it would be easy to spend a season here in the remote anchorages. The scenery is just like no other.
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