Day 70 Moved to Tahiti

Marina Taina Mediterranean mooring
Mark arrived early in the morning and we "pulled up the hook" (raised the anchor) and headed for the Pearl resort.
Molly and Kendall were waiting on the pier so we loaded them and their luggage for the trip to Tahiti. This time, the swells were much larger than on the previous trip. There was also some wind so we put up the sail, turned off the engine and looked forward to a pleasant sail.
The only thing that marred the experience was that Kendall got seasick in Mark's cabin where she had been watching a movie. This required some cleanup and the quarantine of Mark's sleeping bag until we could get to the laundry.
Our destination was the same Marina Taina where we had docked before. One difference this time was that the side dock location was no longer available so we were offered a "Mediterranean mooring" at the end of pier. A "med moor" is a technique that saves dock space and cost. At each space on the dock, there are two lines that are attached to two moorings that are more than a boat's length from the dock. While backing toward the dock, the crew must pick up both lines and use them to retrieve the moorings before the boat strikes the dock. In addition, the space could be between two other boats that are already "stern to" the dock so a plethora of bumpers are deployed on both sides of the boat. You can imagine how difficult this can be especially if there is any wind or wave.
Our space was at the end of the dock so there was only one boat to our starboard (right) side, however there was also a bit of wind pushing us toward them as we backed down so the last few feet were very tense but the marina staff helped with the dock lines while Mark drove, Andy and Kurt retrieved and tied off the mooring lines and I fended us off from the adjacent boat. Once secure, the stern was tied off so that it was about 3 feet from the dock and the space was bridged with a plank. Boats that are set up for med mooring usually have a small gang plank with railings and wheels on the dock end to absorb the movement of the boat.
We had a nice lunch at the Marina restaurant and a relaxing afternoon together before Mark left to take Molly and Kendall to the airport.