Rapa
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Revision as of 04:29, 26 February 2014 by Delatbabel (Talk | contribs)
Rapa
Background
Cruising the region
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Radio Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Routes to/from
Popular routes, timing, etc.
Check-in facilities/Ports of Entry
Submit details about facilities for checking in.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
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Anchorages
List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
Tourism & things to do ashore
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Marine stores
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Offshore Islands
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References & Publications
Publications, 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.
Personal Notes
Notes supplied to Delatbabel by a cruiser who had visited there:
- Before I went to Rapa, I searched and found that the clearance conditions are still pretty much the same as when I passed through French Polynesia in 1999 (see noonsite.com or google: FrPoly's ports of clearance): clear with the Gendarmerie everywhere you go. It's not a problem to arrive at Rapa first. They only get a boat or two a year (usually none) and no airport, so they're pretty isolated down there.
- The wind there is crazy! Do you have the French chart of the harbour? Anchor in the deep areas (~45m, instead of on top of reef flats that are ~15m deep). I've anchored before in shallow areas with crazy wind (in Mexico), but this is much more extreme. One to two meter wind waves in the harbour was common. In five weeks there, only a few days of <20 knot wind. Anchor relatively close to the "downtown" wharf if you can, since that's the best place to tie your dinghy. "Le Marie" (the mayor's office) is the place to check in, as the Gendarmerie's office is inside. How's your French?
- As for checking in, it's a formal process that's handled rather informally. You'll need your ships papers, previous exit papers, and all passports, like everywhere. Fill in the forms and take them to the post office for mailing to Tahiti. Keep your copy, of course.
- Living on the boat while there was like living in the middle of a constant storm and it's not easy to remain dry while coming ashore. They offered my use of the main wharf and to make it easier on my crew, I said yes. Another mistake: I was worried about rats, debris and storm damage -- and suffered all three. I still find "Rapan rocks" tucked into bizarre nooks on the boat. I borrowed a cat and eventually got rid of all the rats.
- It was an amazing experience, but a bit too crazy for a crippled boat (I lost use of my engine 10 days out of NZ); Raivavae was much easier and more like tropical cruising, even though it's too cold to call the Australs "tropical".
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