3 day sailing in Taha'a

[foucault76]

Hi there I'm a newbie!
During my honeymoon in French Polynesia I would like to rent a boat for 3 days in Raiatea with sunsail.
I see there are two safe moorings in Tahaa, one is that of Hibiscus hotel and Yacht club, east coast (www.hibiscustahaa.com) and the second is in Tupuamu, west coast.
I found forums of cruisers reporting of people anchoring just beside the reef, in 4-5 m water. I thought it was forbidden.
Do you know if it's possible to do so?

Thanks
Filippo

[scallywag]

Filippo welcome to the forum. I can not answer your question. The ways laws are passed, what was legal last week is not legal this week. I would try the local charter agency. They should know.
John

[donradcliffe]

See the Moorings website for some suggested itineraries and anchoring spots. Many of the anchorages are deep, but there was a nice one behind and island near the east pass.

[foucault76]

Ok I'm just back from FP. I can report strong trades and Maraamu, but good anchorings, in Tahaa only the western coast is protected.
Anyway great sailing and fun!
Thanks
F.

[imagine2frolic]

We demand PICS!!!! Or else it's just rumor!!!!!

[foucault76]

Here you'll find a couple of pics!

[imagine2frolic]

You got to love the rainbow pic!

YouTube - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole ~ Somewhere over the Rainbow HQ

I just can't help posting this everytime I think it's appropriate. Sorry to those who are bored of it...........i2f

[Amgine]

w00t! Gorgeous!

So, where did you end up anchoring?

[foucault76]

Premise: I had a 15 kg Hall anchor (15 m chain, 25 m rope), so anchoring was quite safe with a 22' boat.

I anchored:
1- west of the motu de la passe (as well as other yachts did);
2- in front of the La Pirogue hotel;
3- east of motu Tao Tao.
4- Haamene bay.

Anyway if you consider the tradewinds direction, to spend the night I would suggest to anchor just west-northwest of the motu de la passe (east of Tahaa) and Tapuamu bay. In Haamene Bay and motu Tao Tao the sea was a bit rough and shoopy.

Last remark: the locals told us "not to leave the boat inoccupied" in Tapuamu bay, since there could be larcenies (stealings). So we decided even not to anchor there.

French Polynesia seemed too good to be true!!!
Regards

[Amgine]

Heh! I didn't know the Hall was available in such a small size!

The water looks beautiful. ::adds note to dream cruise itinerary:: Of course it will take 2-3 lifetimes to visit all the places I have in that notebook.