Sailing New Caledonia

Whether a nautical fanatic, competitive racer, slow paced drifter or professional front deck sunbather, jump on board, hoist the sails (or watch someone else do it) and cruise into the sunset, whilst indulging in champagne, exotic cheeses and mouth-watering seafood.

Sound appealing? In just two hours from Brisbane, less than three hours from Sydney and under four hours from Melbourne, guests can be kicking back, enjoying this French infused destination, encircled by crystal clear waters and soul warming sunshine.

From serious luxury yachting to the traditional wooden boat, here guests will find everything their inner sailor desires.  Choose from an exotic menu of boating options from yacht charters, with or without a skipper or host; cruises à la carte lasting several days; trips on the Great Southern Seas following the whale route; cruising via catamaran; or even just a water taxi to the islands closest to Noumea. New Caledonia is elegant French sophistication on Australia’s doorstep and with much better weather than its European motherland.

Here are some tips on why sailing in New Caledonia should be top of everyone’s holiday bucket list this summer:

Skipper a yacht in New Caledonia

Sail one of the world’s largest lagoons

New Caledonia is already regarded as an ecological hotspot, home to one of the world’s largest coastal lagoons and UNESCO World Heritage site in their backyard, but now this natural wonder has added another to the list.

Covering more than 1.3 million square kilometres, New Caledonia is home to Le Parc Naturel de la Mer de Corail, or ‘the Natural Park of the Coral Sea’. The marine park is larger than Alaska, twice the size of Texas, three times the size of Germany and is one of the largest protected areas on the planet. The area covers around 450,000 hectares of coral reefs, 25 species of marine mammals, 48 shark species, 19 species of nesting birds and five species of sea turtles.

Another jewel in the New Caledonia crown is the Isle of Pines, located at the southern tip and only 80km from Noumea, Isle of Pines is a fabulous yachting destination full of adventure and unlimited anchorages with crystal clear water and sandy beaches.  Upon arrival, sailors will be drawn in by the most magnificent bays in the world – a perfect place to start exploring this exclusive paradise.

Skipper a yacht in New Caledonia

Be the captain of the ship

Guests can charter an individual yacht and become their own captain, as they navigate New Caledonia and its surrounding islands. Enjoy the freedom of waking in the morning to decide where the day will lead.

From day sailing to one or two week cruises exploring the east coast, New Caledonia is the ultimate sailing destination where the tradewinds blow regularly and the array of small islands offer sheltered hideaways. Sailors can expect breezes of about 15-25 knots during the coming warm season, so with virtually no currents and tides that rarely exceed one metre, sailing the world’s largest lagoon is a breeze.

When it comes to mooring to head off and explore, there are several modern marinas equip to house all types of boat. Hulls less than 15 feet are welcomed everywhere, both in the marina of the Southern Port in Noumea and elsewhere on the Grande Terre (mainland) and islands. Port Moselle Marina, in the capital, accepts boats up to a length of 25 meters and the godfather’s of all boats, the Super Yachts can moor at the Quai des Scientifiques (Scientists Wharf), at the Quai des Paquebots (Cruise liners Wharf) or at the Quai du Musée Maritime (Maritime Museum Wharf).

For a competitive edge

Held yearly in June, the Great Lagoon Regatta attracts sailors from around the world to sail from Noumea through the world’s largest coral reef lagoon to IIot Kouare in the southern lagoon. The regatta circuit has been developed to convey the lagoon’s natural beauty and exquisite marine life. Participants don’t have to be avid sailors to get in amongst the action; this adventure is the perfect combination of nightlife and daytime exploration of the immaculate water views.

For those keen sailors who can’t wait until next year, there is still time to register for the New Caledonia Groupama Race, which kicks off on 19 October, 2014. In its fourth year, the event will once again unite sailors from all corners, in their quest to navigate and maneuver through the blue waters of New Caledonia for three to five days, covering over  1,500km. This is a test of physical and mental endurance as participants fight the urge to kick-back and bask in the sunshine, sipping on French champagne to cross the line first.  This year’s event will also include a new virtual regatta element with live skipper, so for those couch sailors this is an opportunity get a taste before signing up next year.

Cruising via catamaran

A catamaran charter is one of the best ways to explore the picturesque sights New Caledonia has to offer. By hiring a catamaran, rookie sailors can embark and travel to as little or as many islands they desire and at their own pace. New Caledonia offers year round sailing conditions, but for catamaraning April to November offer the best sailing conditions with approximately half metre tidal range and negligible currents. For the novice sailor, the Catamaran (the modern cruising cat, built of light weight FRP/foam construction) is said to be virtually unsinkable, so perhaps the best option if the novice caption in the group is questionable.

With its incredible diversity and beauty, deserted islands, reefs, and abundant marine life this South Pacific paradise is a must on any sailors list, whether they are a member of the Australian Sailing Team or have a thirst for a holiday with a difference….cast off this summer in New Caledonia.

For more information on New Caledonia visit www.visitnewcaledonia.com and www.haveitall.com.au or follow us:

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