Poum

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Revision as of 07:21, 23 March 2013

Poum, New Caledonia

Poum.
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(Click links for more information)
	DD°M.M′N/S, DD°M.M′E/W
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

Overview

Poum is a small town on the NW corner of Grande Terre. It has a population of around 1,600. At one stage it was a mining town, but mining has ceased in the local area and it is now a rural community.

Poum is the northern most settlement of any size on Grande Terre. Facilites are limited, but there is a shop which can provide groceries and fuel. This shop is close to the wharf. There is a Maire (council chambers) and a Gendarme post.

Cruising the region

Poum provides a jumping off point for exploring the huge Northern Lagoon.

Some 6 nm to the south is the rather pleasant Baie du Croissant. As the name suggests, there is a pretty crescent beach in a deserted area. The only issue is that there is an opening in the reef not too far away and this allows swell into the anchorage.

A further 4 nm SE takes you to the sheltered little bay behind Ille Tanle. This is an excellent stopping point with an interesting shore walk on the island.

Local 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
  

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Chart Source

Chart No

Chart No

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Approach and Navigation

Approaching Poum from the west, you pass through Canal De Mouac. This relatively narrow channel is fringed by reefs. Green markers denote the southern side of the channel and there should be a red bouy south of Ile Mouac, defining the northern side of the channel.

Approaching from the north, there are a number of reefs and islands to be navigated around. There are lit beacons on Walat Ou Roche Percee, Ile Tuay and Teebwag.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Submit details about facilities for checking in - where to dock, location of immigration & customs, etc.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• None

Anchorages

Poum Anchorage.
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Poum Anchorage.
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Pointe Bouemanda provides some shelter depending on wind direction. Neither side of the point is suitable in northerly conditions.

• East of Pointe Bouemanda, out from the wharf. This spot is best in southerly and westerly conditions. You can use the wharf as a dinghy landing, but note that it is used by the locals quite frequently so be considerate in where you tie up. There is water on the wharf.

• West of Pointe Bouemanda in line with the white church. This area would be best in southerly and easterly conditions. Note that there are moorings in this area, used by local boat owners.

• In northerly conditions, it may be possible to shelter behind Ile Mouac. Note that the reef extends a considerable distance from the shore.

Ille Tanle Anchorage.
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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

May be available from the store

Water

Available on the wharf

Electricity

no

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

List places of interest, tours, etc.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Poum Store.
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• A single grocery store, a short distance to the east of the wharf

Eateries

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

• No

Motorbike & Car Rentals

• No

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

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

Links to relevant websites.

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

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