I sailed to an island no one else goes to! the ONLY raised atoll in French Polynesia! [ep 177]
September 25, 2025 · 13 min · 141K views · Makatea
What this video covers
Lauren Landers sails her boat, Mako, to Makatea, a raised limestone atoll in French Polynesia. The eight-hour passage involves 15 to 20 knots of wind, resulting in an upwind sail at 7 to 8 knots.4:23 Upon arrival, Landers secures the vessel to a mooring ball.8:04 The anchorage experiences significant swell, causing the boat to rock heavily throughout the night.9:11 Underwater conditions at the site feature clear water, live coral, and sightings of silver tip, white tip, and reef sharks.8:21 Makatea, one of only three raised atolls in French Polynesia, features 100-meter limestone cliffs and a history of phosphate mining that ceased in the 1960s.10:14 Due to the uncomfortable swell and a lack of sleep, Landers departs the mooring after one day to sail 120 miles toward Moorea.12:40 She plans to spend time in Moorea for whale watching and boat project preparations before traveling to the Annapolis Sailboat Show.13:08
Boats in this video
More from Lauren Landers Sailing
From Lauren Landers Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed 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.