Warning: Cruising or Chartering in Societies French Polynesia

[chouliha]

We have been in FP more than 3+ years and find the people lovely and easy going. For the most part its a very safe place to cruise. But with that said there are some reports of thefts that happen.

Here are the warnings:

Marina Papeete: There continues to be thefts in this marina even though its gated and there is a guard. Over the past few years we have heard of at least a dozen break ins. Recently this past week 3 boats reported being boarded at night while asleep and having items stolen. The word going around is to lock your vessel when ever you leave it unattended and at night when you go to sleep.

Marina Taina, Papeete (mooring field) a vessel recently reported having the boat broke into while it was unattended.

Haamene Bay, Tahaa - This long bay is located on the east coast of Tahaa directly across from the eastern pass (Toahotu). Its a favorite of the charter fleet. Mid bay is the location of the Hibiscus Restaurant (NOT a problem) but if you anchor or pick a mooring up at the head of the bay near the small village of Haamene you maybe robbed. We have heard of 9 vessels in the past few years being robbed when the yachties go ashore for dinner. Just this past week 2 more boats were broken into and one cat was fully locked except for the escape hatch which was used to gain access. The French Restaurant on the beach warns cruisers to lock their boats before coming ashore.

I spoke with the Tahiti Yacht Charter Company located in Raiatea and they were not interested in waning their clients. We chartered with them for 2 weeks this past year and I asked during our intro session.

Best to avoid this anchorage - There are plenty of other beautiful places close by.

Mai Kai Mooring area, Bora Bora: 3 dinghies were stolen on one night from the back of boats while folks were onboard. Thieves were looking to remove the OB's. LIFT YOUR DINK AT NIGHT

Fare, Huahine - A number of dinghies and OB's were stolen this past season.

These warnings are occasionally repeated on the French Polynesian SSB net (one great reason to have a ssb onboard).

If you lock your boat and hoist your dinghy this will go along way to make it difficult for thieves. There are to many other vessels being left unlocked or dinghies trailing behind boats for thieves to hit you.

Chuck
Jacaranda

[JPA Cate]

Thanks for the warnings, Chuck.

Ann