Pouebo

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Latest revision as of 07:55, 16 August 2018

Pouebo, New Caledonia

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	DD°M.M′N/S, DD°M.M′E/W
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	Local chartlet

Overview

Pouebo is a small settlement (pop 2,400) on the NE side of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It offers good shelter from winds to the north and west, but is open to the east and north east. While Recif Muelebe offers some shelter in SEly winds, if these are strong, the anchorage is quite uncomfortable. There is a shop, fuel station and post office in the town.

Cruising the region

Mont Paine

Cascade de Tao

Traveling south, the next anchorage is Hienghene, about 27 nm away. The section of coast to be traversed is most spectacular, with the highest mountain in New Caledonia, Mont Paine, rising steeply from the water. The stunnning Cascade de Tao plunges over huge rock escarpments, one of several large waterfalls on this section of coast. While the channels inside the reef are relatively narrow, they are well marked and it is worth the navigation challenges to stay close to this scenic coast.

Traveling north, the next anchorage is Balade at a distance of 8 nm. If this rather exposed, but interesting, anchorage is not suitable in the conditions, it is a further 11nm to Baie de Pam which offers a very sheltered anchorage.

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Chart Source

Chart No

Chart No

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
  

Passages

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Islands

List Islands

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

Approaching from the north, Pointe Bailly is low but identifiable. A white church a little to the south of the anchorage is conspicuous. Note that the fringing reef extends some distance from the shore of the point. Red marker beacons are conspicuous on Recif Muelebe, clearly defining the southern edge of the bay. Anchor off the beach at the head of the bay. While there is a channel inshore of Recif Muelebe, it is only suitable for dinghy use.

There are two passes immediately south of Puebo which give access to Port Henry and an inner channel. The northern most is Passe De Tchevit. While this is adequately wide and deep, it is unmarked. Passe De Tiambuen, a short distance further south, has beacons on both sides, making it a more secure approach.

Approaching from the south, care is needed to stay clear of Recif Muelebe as the furthest easterly extent of this reef is not marked and you are already in the bay when you reach the first red marker.

Entrance

You must clear Customs in Noumea before proceeding elsewhere in New Caledonia

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• None

Anchorages

List details of all safe anchorages in the area.

Recif Muelebe

• Pouebo anchorage is suitable when winds are from the west or north. It is somewhat exposed to NEly winds and Ely blow directly in to the bay. Recif Muelebe provides some shelter in the prevailing SEly winds, but if these become strong the anchorage chops up and becomes very uncomfortable. Consider taking a dinghy into the Pouebo River to access the village shops.

Port Henry

• Port Henry lies about 4 miles further south. In strong SEly winds it is just possible to tuck in behind a point and gain some shelter. While not ideal, this is a better spot than the Pouebo anchorage in these conditions.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

• None

Repairs/Yards

• None

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

There is a fuel station in the town.

Water

water notes

Electricity

electricity notes

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

List places of interest, tours, etc.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• There is a small shop in the town.

Eateries

Internet/WiFi

No

Laundry

• No

Motorbike & Car Rentals

• No

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

Friends

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

Forums

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

Links

Links to relevant websites.

References

Publications, Guides, etc.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?

• Anchored in Pouebo in July 2010 in a strong south easterly. The anchorage was quite uncomfortable and after a brief stay we headed further south, entered through the marked Passe De Tiambuen and carried on inside the reef to the area of Port Henry. There is a small point near Ubati and this offered better (only just) shelter for an overnight anchorage. We anchored as close in to the shore as we could get.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

• July 2010 - Pedro

Contributors to this page
Names: Pedro