New Caledonia - by cabin or berth

by .. on 20 Apr 2007 Pacific Sailing School Takes To The Pacific’s Loyalty Islands

Pacific Sailing School Principal Terry Wise is leading a catamaran flotilla to the remote and stunning Loyalty Island group in June 2007.

Terry has been taking groups away for over 25 years on a book by the berth or cabin arrangement in all of the worlds major cruising grounds, but rates New Caledonia his favourite sailing destination.

The cruising grounds are often compared to the Marquesas in French Polynesia as the best in the Pacific. This may seem a big claim given the size of the Pacific, yet cruising yachtsmen continue to rave about the stunning natural beauty.

The mainland of New Caledonia is approximately 400 kilometres long and a coral reef (second only in size to our own reef) encircles the whole mainland. Said to be the largest lagoon in the world, it includes some of the best tropical anchorages in the world.

The mountainous wooded coastline of the mainland contrasts with the idyllic Isle of Pines, an enormous outcrop of coral almost completely made of limestone.

For over a decade Charter World’s Brook Felsenthal has been promoting the region with a substantial increase in Australian charterers coming over the last two years. Mr Felsenthal says ‘I do not understand why charterers return to the Whitsundays 3, 4 or 5 times when New Caledonia offers an International experience in better equipped vessels at a comparable cost’.

Another of the advantages of New Caledonia is the relative ease of getting there. At only 2½ hours out of Sydney it is the same effort as flying to Hamilton Island.

Terry says'This trip will be our sixth to New Caledonia, but the first time to the Loyalty Islands. The main theme is to have fun and we cater for those who want to learn about boat handling or navigation and those who want to lie on the trampolines with a glass of chilled wine.

There is usually a spread of couples and singles across the fleet of yachts and we find that crews tend to bond over the trip and often form long friendships.

'A highlight of this trip will be the overnight sail from the mainland to Lifou. At approximately 70 miles, this downwind run is expected to be done on a balmy clear night, which is typical of the weather at this time of year. '

The fleet of catamarans range from 40-46’ and the equipment level onboard is the best in the world for bareboats. Desalinaters, spinnakers, radars and inside/outside colour GPS mapping displays are useful inclusions, as is the 220-volt power running from massive solar panels. Toasters and bread makers are available as onboard additions and the girls love to be able to use hairdryers around the clock.

The Loyalty Islands are characterised by tropical lagoons with powdery, white sandy beaches and swinging coconut palms. Pre-authorisation by the local chiefs is required to visit this unique islands group, which offer some of the best fishing and snorkelling in the world.

Prices from $3250 including return air travel from Sydney and 10 nights aboard.

For further information contact: Charter World