Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Free cruising through the Islands of French Polynesia

by World Cruising Club 21 May 12:08 PDT
World ARC 2025-26 © World Cruising Club

The 30 yachts of the World ARC 2025-26 fleet recently spent six unforgettable weeks "free cruising" among the three main sailing archipelagos of French Polynesia: the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, and the legendary Society Islands.

Names like Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora are synonymous with Pacific sailing, conjuring images of turquoise waters and lush landscapes. Captain Cook and his crew were among the first Europeans to set foot on these islands, and they were captivated by both the breathtaking scenery and the warm hospitality of the local people.

A view of Cooks Bay and Opunohu Bay on Moorea

"Everybody is so friendly and welcoming," is a sentiment echoed by nearly every sailor who visits these islands.

Though the Marquesas and the Tuamotus are separated by just 480 nautical miles, they could hardly be more different. The Marquesas are dramatic volcanic islands-towering, green, and lush. In contrast, the Tuamotus are low-lying coral atolls: rings of palm-fringed white sand enclosing tranquil lagoons, rarely more than a couple of meters above sea level.

Marine life thrives in both regions. In the Marquesas, manta rays gather in the anchorages, feasting on abundant plankton. But for divers and underwater enthusiasts, the Tuamotus are the true highlight: exhilarating drift dives through the passes reveal a vibrant world of colorful coral, swirling fish, curious sharks, and playful dolphins.

The Society Islands, meanwhile, offer the best of both worlds-a harmonious blend of volcanic peaks and coral reefs.

Evenings at the Bora Bora Yacht Club were filled with laughter and camaraderie, as crews swapped stories over happy hour drinks and World ARC buffet dinners, debating which island was the most beautiful of all.

Onward to New Adventures

For the next leg of the journey-from Bora Bora to Niue and Tonga-the fleet has temporarily split into two groups. With only limited space available for visiting yachts on these remote raised coral atolls, this arrangement ensures everyone can enjoy their stopover.

After departing on the 13th and 16th of May, both groups are now sailing the 1,050 nautical miles to their next dream destination, eager for more adventures in the heart of the Pacific.

Related Articles

Thayer Trophy Women's Team Race preview
Regatta has become a catalyst for developing women's sailing teams When the Corinthian YC launched the National Women's Invitational Team Race for the Thayer Trophy in 2021, the goal was to give women sailors the opportunity to compete in a high-intensity format on par with the world's most renowned team racing events. Posted on 17 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik Day 2
Pieter-Jan Postma leads after the second day of racing in The Netherlands Pieter-Jan Postma, from The Netherlands, is leading the fleet of 307 Finns from 27 countries after everyone sailed two more races at the 2025 Finn World Masters in Medemblik. France's Laurent Hay is second with Germany's Fabian Lemmel in third. Posted on 17 Jun
World Sailing launches the World Sailing Academy
A new online learning platform for the global sailing community World Sailing officially launched the World Sailing Academy, an innovative new online learning platform designed to provide comprehensive educational resources and training to sailors, coaches, officials, administrators, and the global sailing community. Posted on 17 Jun
Sailing and the summer solstice
Celebrating sailing and the longest day of the year If you love long evenings and early mornings, this is one of the best times of the whole year, as the summer solstice (Friday, June 20) and the entire rich expanse of summer are about to burst into bloom. Posted on 17 Jun
Erica Lush Completes Bermuda 1-2 Regatta First Leg
While training for the Solitaire Du Figaro Rhode Island sailor Erica Lush completed the first leg of the Bermuda 1-2 regatta as the only woman skipper in the fleet. Lush sailed solo from Newport to Bermuda, handling a boat new to her, and rough sea state. Posted on 17 Jun
Susan Widmann Sinclair Women's Championship
Winning this year's event was a very accomplished skipper, Carmen Cowles and her team The biennial running of Noroton Yacht Club's Susan Widmann Sinclair Women's Championship, presented by Fairfield County Bank, just finished a second wild and wooly event, thanks again to Mother Nature. Posted on 17 Jun
Video Review: The Amazing Cure 55
Composite Construction meets Cruising Convenience It was two years ago at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show that I talked to Dave Biggar about his ideas and plans for the Cure 55. At the 2025 show I got to step on board the yacht and see how his ideas became reality. Posted on 17 Jun
2025 GL52 Big Red Regatta overall
Katana prevails, Wizard finished second The 2025 edition of the GL52 Big Red Regatta is now in the books. John Huhn's KATANA continued its winning ways on Day 3 to wrap-up first place overall with just 12 pts. Posted on 16 Jun
Conrads, Bell win 505 Pacific Coast Championship
A single point victory at Bellingham Yacht Club After three days and 11 races, AJ Conrads and Jon Bell captured the 505 Pacific Coast Championship by one point, narrowly besting former World Champion and Long Beach legend Howie Hamlin and crew Jeff Nelson. Posted on 16 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik Day 1
Eight races over two course areas in four groups with four different winners Racing at the 2025 Finn World Masters began in Medemblik, The Netherlands, on Monday with eight races over two course areas in four groups. Posted on 16 Jun
Exposure MarineMackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMHyde Sails 2024 - One Design