Discover Formalities
Australia Biosecurity: New Pre-Arrival Reporting Obligations for Non-Commercial Vessels
Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) which manages the country’s biosecurity risks, has advised that from 27 February 2026 all non-commercial vessels (recreational and private) arriving into Australia will have to provide their Pre-Arrival Report (PAR) in writing (including electronically).
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Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa: Devastation and Destruction for Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba
Hurricane Melissa has left a path of destruction across island nations in the northern Caribbean, with many parts of Jamaica destroyed and communities in Haiti and parts of south eastern Cuba devastated by catastrophic flash flooding and hurricane force winds.
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Boat Maintenance: Preparing for the Cold Months Ahead
As the sailing season draws to a close across the Northern Hemisphere, many boat owners are thinking about lift-out and winterising their boats. Whether you keep your boat afloat through winter or haul out onto the hard, this is the time to inspect, clean and protect every part of your vessel. A little attention to detail now will reward you with a quicker, easier launch when the season starts again. Read Jimmy Green Marine’s guide.
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Papua New Guinea, Bougainville: Friendly and Welcoming Vibes Everywhere
Long term South Pacific cruisers Birgit Hackl and Christian Feldbauer are currently cruising in Papua New Guinea and in September/October 2025 they spent three weeks visiting the islands of Bougainville. Despite travel warnings and negative reports, they experienced responsive and helpful officials - as well as friendly and welcoming locals - wherever they went. This is their cruising report.
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Sailing to South Africa? Learn About The Mozambique Channel
When sailing to South Africa and going down the Mozambique channel there are a few important factors to consider. One is the Agulhas current running north to south and the other is the two prevailing wind directions. Combined, with polar fronts peeling off from the lower latitudes, sailors need to be prepared for short weather windows, dangerous seas and very limited safe havens. Read this useful guidance report from Vince Nel, Director of OSASA.
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After the Sails are Furled: A Retired Sailor Reminisces on a Cruising Life
When the realisation dawned that he was getting to old for cruising and that while physically he could still do most things (despite being unfit and arthritic) New Zealand sailor John Manning acknowledged that the mental strength required for offshore sailing had been largely lost. Now retired from the cruising life, John reminisces on his last offshore voyage to Fiji and his return to New Zealand in the first of a two-part essay for Noonsite.
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Atlantic Crossing, Canary Islands: ARC Boats Gather in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Anticipation for the ARC and ARC+ is building as boats from around the world are gathering in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. These iconic sailing rallies, organized by World Cruising Club, will see over 1200 participants complete crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and this year will be particularly special as 2025 marks the 40th edition of the ARC.
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Cruising Musings: An Ode to AIS
Noonsite Sub-Editor Megan continues the monthly series covering cruising topics that are often overlooked, yet a major part of life on board. For the past 8 years, Megan and her family have called their Boreal 47 expedition monohull, SV Zephyros, home. This seventh installment in the series covers some thoughts on technology and how AIS make life safer and reduces stress at sea.
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Comment on Fiji
Note to clarify recent experience regarding 48 hours notice for arrival requirements. Recent incidents of smuggling of band substances and arms aboard cruising yachts has increased the rigour and precise application of official regulations of the advance arrival notification for cruising boats...
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New Zealand: Understanding Biofouling Requirements
Cruisers heading to New Zealand to escape the South Pacific Cyclone season or as part of their round the world adventure are being advised to make sure they are fully conversant with the Ministry of Primary Industry’s strict biofouling inspection requirements, so they do not have any clearance issues on arrival.
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