Cruising Report On New Caledonia

Created by doina. Last modified on 2005-05-23 10:53:53
Countries: New Caledonia

Alain and Madeleine de Poerck-de Bilderling, s/v Tico Tico

Noonsite Regional Editors, New Caledonia.

PETITE RADE: Port Moselle

Space in the anchorage (11-14 meters) in the East of the PETITE RADE, near the Port Moselle Marina and also, the nearest place to Nouméa town, are becoming rare, because now, a lot of resident liveaboards are installing new moorings. Previously they took a 6 month place on the "ponton des visiteurs" for the cyclones season. But now, these places are reserved for visiting sailors arriving from anywhere.

We wrote to: -The COMMANDANT du Port Autonome de Port Moselle, Mr MARTIN Edmond -The Directeur Général du Port Autonome de Port Moselle, Mr. LAFLEUR Philippe -The Directeur Général du Tourisme de Nouméa et de la Province Sud, Mr. CAMERLYNCK David -The Directeur Général de SODEMO, Mr. LEBRUN François and to: -Madame La Présidente du Territoire de la Nouvelle Calédonie, Marie-Noëlle THEMEREAU -Monsieur CORTOT Gérald, Présidence du Territoire, Responsable des transports routiers et maritimes et de la Sécurité du Territoire de Nouvelle Calédonie. -Monsieur le Maire de Nouméa, Monsieur LEQUES Jean, -Monsieur ANGLEVIEL Frédéric, délégué au tourisme et membre du conseil municipal de Nouméa.

We wished to draw their attention to the following: the suggestion to find a special anchorage place reserved for visiting sailors; security there; a free dinghy dock with the possibility to take free drinking water and garbage disposal; a special reception to help English speaking sailors; more customs facilities to import spare parts duty-free. We hope to have, one day, some positive answers. WHO KNOWS? If we don't move, nothing will "arrive by itself", of course!

The Port Moselle anchorage is practical, near the town, fuel station and you can take an “abonnement” for 9.000 CFP giving you access to dinghy dock, drinking water and garbage place of the Marina de Port Moselle. Only, the week-end is uncomfortable, because the intense trafic in the bay, rolling and destabilizing the boats.

PETITE RADE: Baie de l'Orphelinat

The anchorage (6 to 12 meters), is further away from Nouméa town. Whenever, it has the advantages of being quiet, well ventilated and secure. The anchorage is near one supermarket, fuel station and CNC Marina (where for a fee you access hot showers, dinghy dock and drinking water: 2 or 3 times cheaper than Port Moselle Marina). If you have a bicycle, that is all right! The only danger comes from a westerly-wind. If that happens, you have to move as soon as possible to the west side of the bay, along NOUVILLE-PLAISANCE, or to the Port Moselle anchorage. The wind blows not longer then half a day, normally. But, things can get quite dangerous and certainly very uncomfortable for a few hours (when the wind comes from the south-west).

ATTRACTIONS OF NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia is really beautiful! Take time to visit the North, East and West sides. PRONY in the south is superb and wild... (nice, secure walk and one or more days trip). People pass too quickly! To stay during the cyclone season is really possible, thanks to the two cyclone holes and also, good places now in marinas or on the hard. Sailing around "the cailloux" (main island) is wonderful, protected into the lagoon. Fish and calm places, everywhere! Fine season, not really hot, good breezes... nearly every day all the year! Also fascinating to visit the indigenous Kanack tribes. The natural "swimming pool" in PINE island is UNIQUE!... Renting a car for one or two weeks is not expensive and the official campsites are recommended.