Balade

From CruisersWiki

This anchorage is mostly of interest for its historical connections. The suggested anchorage is by Ile Poudioue, a tiny sand cay about half a mile from the shore. In 1774, Captain Cook used this island as an observatory for an eclipse of the sun. In 1793, Bruni d'Entrecasteaux's French exploratory expedition arrived. While that expedition was there, Huon de Kermadec, the commander of the ship Esperence, died and was buried nearby. A monument marks his burial spot near the sand cay. In 1843, missionaries arrived and set up at Balade. After another 10 violent years, France claimed New Caledonia and colonisation commenced at Balade.

Despite this history, there is only a very small settlement ashore and little sign of the locations former importance.

Cruising the region

Cruising the east coast, the next stop north is Baie de Pam, while travelling south, the next anchorage is Pouebo. Both anchorages can be reached by careful sailing inside the barrier reef.

Charts

Source

Chart Number - Chart Name

Chart Number - Chart Name

Source

Chart Number - Chart Name

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

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Islands

This section does not apply for many islands, remove it if this is the case for this particular. You may, however, list ismall islands adjacent to this one or list one or two of its neighbors.

For islands that have their own page list them as shown below.

• [[Island1]]
• [[Island2]]

Communication

Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

Approaching Ile Poudioue from the north is straight forward. Between Baie de Pam and Balade, the fringing reef stays very close to the coast and there are no isolated dangers. The barrier reef remains a mile or more offshore, leaving a wide navigable channel. Approaching from Pouebo, the fringing reef is wider, extending over half a mile from the shore in places. The barrier reef is generally about 2 miles to seaward, again leaving a wide channel. There are some markers indicating the extent of the shore fringing reef. Anlo is an isolated reef to be avoided about 5 miles north of Pouebo. The Plateau de Freycinet reef is marked and it is safe to transit between it and Ile Poudioue.

Approaching Ile Poudioue, be cautious of outlying coral heads to the west of the sand cay.

Entrance

You must go directly to Noumea.

Berthing

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• None

Anchorages

• Anchor as close as you are comfortable with to the south of the sand cay of Ile Poudioue. Despite the open appearance of the anchorage, you are relatively well sheltered by the shallow areas of coral to the north and east. The anchorage is exposed to the west.

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

Not available

Water

Not available

Electricity

None

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

• The monument to Huon de Kermadec

Grocery & Supply Stores

None.

Eateries

None.

Internet/WiFi

No.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

No.

Transportation

• The main east coast highway passes through here. There are probably buses.

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?

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Balade and this page's details validated:

• July 2010 - Pedro

This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.

Contributors to this page
Names: Pedro