After being invited on board the futuristic sailboat and experiencing the adrenaline rush of a 30 knots plus ride we get back to dry land once we had thrown the anchor in Anakena Bay, one of only two sandy beaches on the island. According to island oral traditions, Anakena was the landing place of Hotu Matu’a, a Polynesian chief who led a two-canoe settlement party here and founded the first settlement on Rapa Nui. The stunning pink sand contrast with the green covered hills on top of which several majestic Moai stand tall. The scientists of the expedition plan an on-shore sampling of plastic debris in this breathtaking landscape followed by a workshop with local kids. Kids are great for such mission as their low centre of gravity and keen eyes are perfect for spotting micro plastic. Our kids Lou and Shadé share a screen and a bucket of water to filter the sand and have a pair of tweezers each.
