Flat Stanley and Flat Hal had a good time walking around Uturoa, Raiatea, French Polynesia. It was a very warm day, with an occasional breeze that almost cooled us off.
The Society Islands include the Leeward and Windward Islands… names that are interesting. With a little help from AI to understand better, The names “Windward” and “Leeward” are actually a nautical legacy that’s found in many island chains around the world!It all comes down to the prevailing winds:
- Trade Winds: In the tropics, steady winds tend to blow from east to west. These are called trade winds.
- Windward: Islands positioned to the east are “Windward” because they face the wind directly.
- Leeward: Islands to the west are “Leeward” because they are sheltered from the wind by the Windward islands.
So in the Society Islands, the Windward Islands (like Tahiti) are the first to encounter those easterly trade winds. The Leeward Islands (like Bora Bora and Raiatea) are a bit more protected.
This naming convention was used by sailors for centuries, as it helped them navigate and plan their voyages. It’s why you’ll find Windward and Leeward Islands in the Caribbean too!
