New Caledonia

After two months in Vanuatu, we decided to push on. We departed Port Vila on September 27th. The passage to Noumea is about 350 miles and takes two days. The most difficult part of the trip came from the fact that the wind direction was almost southerly at times. With this, we had to sail close to the wind. Our sails were very tight and the boat heeled 15-30 degrees. This can be hard on you and the boat. We beat almost the entire way to Havannah Pass on the south end of New Caledonia. Waves and spray would some times be over the cockpit and we’d duck to just stay dry.

It takes a day just to get used to the heeling angle and the forces of the sea on the hull. But, before long, you can sleep through your off-watch and get those sea legs. But, no question, its easier and more fun to be reaching or running with the wind.

We arrived at the Port Moselle Marina in Noumea by noon on September 29th. The marina is in the heart of the city and its a short walk to the fine French restaurants, the market and other amenities of this bustling place.

Just around the corner from the marina was one of the finest markets we had seen anywhere in the islands of the Pacific. The lobster were the biggest we have ever seen. And, the variety of seafood available was exceptional. It was fresh caught daily and was quite busy in the morning hours. We bought excellent swordfish, snapper, mahi mahi and lobster here.

We enjoyed touring around Noumea and the surrounding area. We visited the aquarium, the impressive Cultural Center, the old City Hall turned museum, the beaches, restaurants, marine stores and shopping centers. It was one of the busiest and most cosmopolitan places we had been in any of the tropical Pacific islands.

But, before leaving for Austrlia, we wanted to see some of the outlying areas. So, we took a sail back south to the Bay of Prony and Ile de Pins.

Passage from Port Vila to Noumea