Entrecasteaux reefs of New Caledonia

[gezza]

I intend sailing from Vanuatu to Australia and have come across the d’Entrecasteaux atol or reefs North of New Caledonia. I have done a little research and have gained approval to visit. I would like to hear any real life experiences of people who have been there. General comments, what to do, positives and negatives. Is the area sufficiently well charted? Where to anchor?
Thanks for your help.

[JPA Cate]

We have been to Belep, there in the north, but not to those reefs. I would suggest you splurge and get French charts for the area . Wild reef anchorages have their splendors. Good on you for getting permission in advance. We have anchored at Huon Reef, once, to make an emergency repair, but did not stay the night. We anchored at the recommended spot on the chart.

Also, have anchored at Chesterfield, in two places, once on the west side, where again we left before nightfall (because of not trusting the holding, the winds were building, and the thought of dragging was scary due to the bommies), and once on the east side, when we stayed a few days.

Ann