Hugh Robertson Sailing · video

What this video covers

A solo sailor navigates from Vanuatu to the remote Ile Huon reef system at the northern tip of New Caledonia, covering 60 miles in 12 hours during a passage across the Coral Sea.0:13 Approaching the atoll, the vessel encounters a hard beat against 10-knot southerly winds, requiring motor-sailing to clear the reef’s northern tip and reach the sandbar.1:36 The anchorage consists of thin sand over coral, necessitating careful placement to ensure holding.5:01 The island serves as a significant bird sanctuary, hosting thousands of blue noddies, masked boobies, and brown boobies.5:17 During a low-tide walk around the sandbar, the sailor observes nesting birds and rock pools containing small moray eels.6:28 The visit occurs without formal customs clearance in New Caledonia, facilitated by the sailor’s decision to keep the AIS transmitter off.8:11 Departing the reef, the vessel begins a 250-mile passage toward Chesterfield Reef, encountering a large pod of dolphins surfing the waves in the Coral Sea.10:01

Boats in this video

More from Hugh Robertson Sailing

26 differences from most other cruisers, part 2 of 2Apr 202626 differences from most other cruisers, part 1of 2.Apr 202630 stories of sailors less fortunate than me during my ocean-sailing years on Sea ChangeJan 202630 mistakes I made and things that broke on my solo circumnavigation on Sea Change, Part 3 of 3Dec 2025

From Hugh Robertson Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.