French Polynesia : Profile

Facts

French Polynesia covers an area of the South Pacific Ocean about the size of Europe. It is made up of over 100 islands in five archipelagos: the Society Islands, the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Gambiers and Australs, as well as Clipperton atoll, a small French possession off Mexico.
From the rugged beauty of the Marquesas to the crystal clear waters of the Tuamotu atolls and the lofty peaks of the Society Islands, the variety in scenery and sailing conditions is unsurpassed anywhere in the South Pacific.
Most yachts make their landfall in the Marquesas, which is a perfect introduction to this vast cruising ground. There are few man-made ports here and the swell can tuck into the anchorages, but this is more than made up for by the beauty of these high islands.
In complete contrast are the Tuamotus, once called the Dangerous Archipelago on account of its treacherous currents and lurking reefs. Yachts used to avoid this area, but now often stop and visit the low atolls, as the hazards have diminished considerably with the advent of radar and satellite navigation. Negotiating the passes into some of the lagoons can be a difficult operation, mainly because of the strong currents. Generally, the weakest current occurs one hour after low water and one hour after high water. Passes are for the most part well-marked, some even lit at night. However one should still be sure to use careful eyeball navigation, ideally when the sun is overhead and the colour of the water gives a good indication of its depth.
Entirely off the usual cruising routes are French Polynesia's other two groups, the Austral and Gambier islands. The latter is best visited if coming from Easter Island or Pitcairn, while the former are only a few days' sail away from Tahiti or make a convenient landfall for yachts heading towards Tahiti from New Zealand.
The best facilities are to be found in Papeete; the only other centre with extensive repair facilities is on Raiatea, where two charter companies have their base. Facilities are on a par with Tahiti, or even better, and have the great convenience of being grouped together. Yet even in the more remote places it is often possible to find someone who can do welding or repair an outboard engine. Be warned though, prices are high in French Polynesia.
Provisioning is best in Tahiti and adequate in the other Society Islands. Provisions in the Marquesas and Tuamotus are adequate, though expensive.
Fuel is available in the main settlements, although it is more difficult to find in the Tuamotus.
There are excellent postal services throughout the islands. At its 54 island branches the post office (OPT) provides a wide range of services besides stamps: phone cards, parcel post, placing collect calls, international calling cards (ATT, France Telecom), sending & receiving money orders.

The islands have a tropical climate. November to April is warm and rainy, while May to October is cooler and drier, when the islands are under the influence of the SE trade winds. The cyclone season is November to March. Full cyclones rarely hit anywhere in French Polynesia.

Weather forecasts in French are available from Meteo France, BP 6005 - Faaa Tahiti Airport, 98702 Tahiti, Tel:(689) 36 65 08, Fax:(689) 80 33 09, www.meteo.pf

Weather forecasts for the next 24 hours are broadcast every day on VHF channels 27 (Windward Islands) and 26 (Leeward Islands) at 1100, 1200, 2040, 2100 local Tahiti time.