Cruisers planning a circumnavigation or South Pacific cruise to include the islands of French Polynesia should be aware that a Customs Decree from the Ministry of the Economy, Budget and Finance issued on August 21, 2026 reduces the tax-free temporary admission stay for cruising yachts under 24 metres to a period of 12 months, down from 24 months. This will apply to all vessels under 24 metres arriving on or after September 1, 2026. For yachts already in French Polynesia waters, the allowance period remains at 24 months.

Slow circumnavigators Maria and Allen Wadsworth of SV Jamala are making their way across the Indian Ocean and the remote islands of the BIOT Chagos Archipelago were their next destination after leaving Addu Atoll, the southernmost point of the Maldives. They spent four weeks in a protected anchorage surrounding by birdlife, sealife and a slow pace of life, as they outline in the first of three reports for Noonsite.

With the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season approaching in early September, the USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is maintaining a prediction of below-normal activity in the Atlantic basin.

Every year, thousands of long distance sailors cross the world's oceans, exploring places few people ever visit. At the same time, marine scientists are looking for practical ways to carry out research in exactly these regions. Science Afloat is a new non-profit platform that connects ocean researchers with long-distance sailors willing to support scientific projects at sea.

Exploring the Bijagós Archipelago, part of the west African country of Guinea Bissau requires some careful preparation and planning. But those adventurous enough to venture off the beaten path will find an unspoiled destination with empty anchorages, plentiful wildlife and a friendly welcome as Anja Bollinger recounts in this report.

Sailing the Atlantic coast of Morocco towards the Strait of Gibraltar avoids the Gulf of Cadiz and the ever-present threat of Orca interactions according to experienced cruiser Fabian Eder. It also gives you the opportunity to visit the vibrant city of Tangier and take in the sights and scents of the breathtaking Kasbah and Medina areas. In this report, Fabian recounts his experiences of Moroccan ports and marinas along the Atlantic coast as well as why he took this route to avoid possible Orca encounters.

The Noonsite Ports of Entry Map is back, giving Noonsite members an easier way to plan international cruising routes. The interactive map provides a global overview of official Ports of Entry, allowing users to search by port or country, view key clearance information, and quickly access detailed port pages with arrival procedures and guidance.

The islands of French Polynesia are not only the first stop for many cruisers crossing the South Pacific ocean, but are also a popular destination for many cruisers who return year after year. This popularity has resulted in anchoring restrictions and rising tensions between visiting yachts in some of the busier and more popular anchorages. One of these locations is Moorea, where representatives from the Association des voiliers de Polynésie (AVP) recently met with with local authorities to discuss the situation. The following statement was released by the AVP secretary following the meeting, with discussions continuing in the coming weeks.

Planning your next port of call? Make it smoother from the start. For a limited time, when you sign up for Noonsite Premium Annual Membership, you’ll receive a FREE limited-edition Formalities Wallet (US$30 value). Designed by experienced cruisers, it keeps all your essential documents organised and ready. Coupled with Premium membership it means you can focus on the journey, not the paperwork.