Madison Boatworksvideo
21 | Sailing New Caledonia
28 September 2024 · 16 min · 109K views · Noumea
What this video covers
Jonathan and Whitney arrive in New Caledonia aboard their boat after a squally passage from Fiji, dock at the marina in Noumea to receive customs officials, and use the layover to repair a damaged jib.0:21 Sailing south from Noumea, they navigate a reef passage aligned with a mountain bearing on the main island, anchor at Amadei Island — notable for abundant but docile sea snakes — and visit the first metal lighthouse built by the French, constructed in Paris, lit in 1865, and shipped to New Caledonia in pieces.5:08 An anchorage becomes untenable after a wind shift, forcing an early departure.10:21 Nickel strip mining has left erosion scars across the island, with mine tailings depositing onto coral reefs below.11:51 A water stop outside a harbour entrance substitutes for the boat's absent shower.13:20 Weather shaping up for the passage to Australia cuts the cruise short; the crew clears customs, immigration, and the port captain in Noumea in a single day, tops off water and provisions, and prepares to depart.12:36 The upcoming leg to Australia will be their longest and most challenging Pacific crossing yet.15:54
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