 Rarotonga : Profile
Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the Cook Islands and is where government resides. Circular and only 32 km in circumference, it is dominated by high mountain peaks from which lush rain forests provide a dramatic backdrop to a palm-fringed shore.
The island is almost completely encircled by a reef.
One may clear at Avatiu, the commercial harbour. The harbour master can be contacted on VHF Channel 16 between 0800-1600 for berthing instructions. The working channel is 13.
Radio Rarotonga (ZKR) monitors 2182 KHz and 4125 MHz as well as Channel 16.
The harbour has been greatly improved with the addition of a new inner basin for
small local boats but space for yachts is still limited. Advance notice may
facilitate the difficult task of berthing commercial boats as well as private yachts. Harbourmaster John Fallon is very
accommodating but has many boats to take care of so expect some moving around during your stay. Email hbrmstr@oyster.net.ck
In 2006 a separate anchorage was created for fishing boats and yachts away from the mooring for the bigger cargo ships but it has been reported that yachts were denied entry into the new facility, all places taken by local fishing craft and a severe depth restriction. A height restriction is also in place. The harbor master should be contacted for updated information.
Surge in Avatiu harbor may be a problem.
|
Related ReportsFrench Polynesia to NZ - the logical route (11 Dec 2008) Pacific - List of Radio Nets (18 Oct 2008) Cruising the Northern Cooks & Line Islands (03 Sep 2008) Cook Islands Clean-up by World ARC Crews (02 Jun 2008) A different experience at Palmerston (26 Mar 2008) Tide Information In South Pacific (17 Oct 2007) Restrictions On Yachts In Avatiu Harbour (16 Jan 2007) Visiting Penrhyn (Tongareva) (30 Nov 2006) Suwarrow Atoll Report 2005 (19 Jun 2006) Weather Forecast Services for South Pacific (24 Jan 2006) 25th Anniversary of Moon Handbooks South Pacific (24 Jun 2004) Related NewsEl Niņo conditions are likely to continue into early 2007 (14 Nov 2006) Still Hope For Missing Trimaran (03 Aug 2005) Warning to Sailors Visiting Suwarrow Atoll in South Pacific (31 Jul 2003) Shark Attacks Are News Again (29 Jul 2003)
|