Belep

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Revision as of 12:42, 6 March 2016

Belep, New Caledonia

(Click links for more information)
	19°40.7′S, 163°38.8′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Wala, the main village in the Belep islands - Click for larger view

The Belep Islands are the northern most inhabited islands in New Caledonia. They lie approximately 40 nm from Poum, the nearest centre on Grande Terre. There are very limited opportunities to anchor between Poum and Wala, so it is best to assume that the trip needs to be done in a single day run. The direct track from Poum is free of dangers and nearby hazards are charted. Be cautious of relying to closely on electronic charts in this area - there appear to be some discrepancies.

It is recommended that on arrival in the Belep Islands you observe the Kanak tradition of approaching the Chief, presenting a gift and requesting permission to visit the islands. The local Maire (council chambers) can arrange this. The Maire is close to the OPT building and this is obvious from the telecommunications tower nearby. The Grande Chef is very welcoming. It would be useful if you could discuss football in French!

There are two main islands:

• Ile Art - with the main town of Wala
• Ile Pott

Note, in visiting Belep, it is almost certain that you will have to beat back to Grande Terre against the SE Trade Winds.

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Chart Source

Chart Number

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

Local weather conditions?

Sources for Weather forecasts

Local forecasts are, of course, in French, but non-French speakers should find them relatively easy to understand. A very useful vocabulary can be found at How to Understand French Weather Forecasts for Sailors.

The main source of weather information for the area around New Caledonia is Meteo France Nouvelle-Calédonie. The marine section provides a 6 day forecast for the whole region, with details for each of the passes through the barrier reef.

Nouméa radio broadcasts the weather report in French on VHF 16, everyday at 6:30, 9:30, 15:15, 18:30.

There is a set of repeater channels allowing receipt of weather info anywhere in the country:

• Nouméa area: VHF 26
  
• Southern portion of the Grande Terre: VHF 28
  
• Isle of Pines and the southern lagoon: VHF 25
  
• Grande Terre North West coast: VHF 25
  
• Northern portion of Grande Terre: VHF 24
  
• Ouvea: VHF 23
  
• Lifou: VHF 26
  
• Maré: VHF 87
  

Approach and Navigation

Caution: Ile Art appears to be a little (~0.3nm) east of its charted position on C-map charts. All dangers appear to be marked, but their position may not be exactly correct.

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

Check-in MUST be done at Noumea.

Berthing Options

Ports

Anchorages on Ile Art, Belep Islands
Click for larger view

• Wala is the main town. There is a small enclosed harbour, but this is not suitable for anything larger than the local fishing boats. It is useful for landing a dinghy. Anchorage can be found in 5 - 6 metres in the middle of the bay. Look for the conspicuous church as a landmark. Baie de Wala may not be very sheltered in strong SEly winds.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• None

Anchorages

• Bonne Aiguade is a bay approximately 2 1/2 miles north of Wala. This is a much more sheltered anchorage in strong SEly winds.

Offshore Islands

List Islands

Yacht Services and Repairs

Also see each Port.

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

Give details on fuel

Water

Water may be available at Wala

Electricity

Give details on electricity

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

List places of interest, tours, etc.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• There is a local bakery, but it is best to assume that you need to rely on your own stores for all food.

Eateries

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

• None

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

• There is an airstrip and regular boats from the mainland

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Belep Islands

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 2010 - Pedro