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Sailing Destination:
New Caledonia
"The Jewel
of the South Pacific"
About half way between Fiji and the Australian
coast in the Southern Pacific Ocean lies the tropical island
group called New Caledonia.
With one main island about 200 miles long by
40 miles wide and the largest lagoon in the world along its
western shores along with one of the most magnificent islands
in the Pacific at the base of the main island called "The
Isle of Pines", it is the newest fabulous tropical island
yachting destination. On the eastern side of the main island
are the Loyalty Islands, more tropical islands to feast your
eyes upon.
The gateway is through the capitol city, Noumea,
a modern city with excellent facilities and airports. New Caledonia
is a French territory which could be said to be like a bit of
France in the South Pacific Ocean. The modern marinas, hotels
and the latest transport systems, will make you feel right at
home safe and comfortable.
One of the main highlights is a sailing voyage
to the Isle of Pines where a curious mixture of towering pine
and palm trees mix together with some of the best beaches you
have ever seen. Diving and snorkeling are a must in this area
along with sampling the local culture of tribal dances and Bugna
feasts.
As most of your sailing is in the island dotted
lagoon you will find a myriad of safe and comfortable anchorages,
suited to you catamaran sailors.
The Best Cruising months
are May through to December.
 Sample Itinerary:
8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1:
After a chart briefing and boat check-out, a short sail from Port
Moselle Marina, in the heart of Noumea is suggested to Ilot Maitre,
also known as Escapade Island, where there is a beautiful Parkroyal
hotel with a great restaurant that welcomes sailors.
Day 2:
Sail (about 5 hours) today SE inside the lagoon and down the coast
past many islands and through the Woodin Canal to the Bay of Prony
and to the Ilot Casy, an island in this spectacular bay. There
is also a nice small restaurant and bar here that welcomes sailors.
Day 3:
Set sail early this morning for a full day sail through the reefs
to the Isle of Pines and to a great anchorage in Kuto Bay next
to the small township of Kuto where the beach and scenery is superb.
Check out Kanumera Bay right next door for more spectacular pines
and palm trees. A good restaurant is also available in this area
plus water and a small store.
Day 4: Day free
to either rent a car and explore the island or relax on the magnificent
beach.
Day 5: Set sail
this morning around the southern tip of Isle of Pines, with a
stop at Ilot Kutomere in the Nekanmue Atoll for lunch and a great
snorkeling break. Then a further short sail this afternoon up
the eastern side of Isle of Pines and to the Bay of Ugo and anchor
almost in front of the amazing hotel Le Meridien in an exceptionally
beautiful bay. It is possible to dine at their restaurant also.
Day 6: This day
a full days sail NW through the La Sarcell Pass and on through
to Prony Bay for the night anchorage.
Day 7: About a
5 hour sail today back up the western shore of the mainland to
either Ile Eure for a quiet anchorage or back to Escapade Island
for a last night farewell party and a good anchorage.
Day 8: A short
sail this morning back to the base in Noumea for the end of the
charter at 12:00 noon.
Provisioning
Open fruit and vegetable markets are close to the base every morning
and a major supermarket is close by for meats, grocery, bakery
and drink requirements. It is suggested that all main provisions
be purchased in Noumea as supplies are very limited on Isle of
Pines.
Restaurants and Bars
Noumea has many good quality restaurants, night clubs and casinos.
Excellent restaurants are on Escapade Island, Ilot Casy, Kuto
Bay and Ugo Bay (Isle of Pines).
Travel Access
There is a new nonstop direct air service from Los Angeles to
Noumea but there is also good access by air from Sydney and Brisbane
Australia. A stop over in New Caledonia on the way to Australia
is a great idea.
Weather
New Caledonia has a wonderful climate. Mostly hot but, cooled
by both the trade winds which blow all year round and by the surrounding
ocean water. The weather is always good for sailing. January to
March is the rainy season but Noumea and the western coast line
is generally drier year round. The air temperatures vary from
an average of 70°F in their winter months (July/Aug), to 80°F
in their Summer months (Dec/Jan). The trade winds from the NE
too SE blow most of the year at an average of 16-18 knots.
Currency
The local currency is CPF (Central Pacific Francs) and this is
the only currency used. Exchange your US$ at the Noumea Airport
on arrival. Credit cards are widely used.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required for US citizens to visit New Caledonia.
Language
French is the main language, but English is spoken almost everywhere.
Charter Times
Charter Times start at 12:00 noon. Start and finish times can
be adjusted to suit flight arrivals and departures.
One Way Charters
If you plan to sail to the Loyalty Islands you can do a one way
drop-off there for an extra $600 or the Isle of Pines for $420.
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