Tahiti Cruising Conditions

Alright, sailing enthusiasts, let’s dive into the planning essentials for your epic Tahiti yacht charter. When we say "Tahiti," we’re actually talking about the stunning Society Islands, a gem in the crown of French Polynesia. These islands were christened by Captain Cook on his first voyage, named after the Royal Society that sponsored his trip. Your adventure kicks off in Raiatea, where most of the charter bases are set.

Provisioning

Resources:

• Local Guides: Grab local cruising guides and charts. The "Tahiti Cruising Guide" is your new best friend.
• Weather Apps: Stay ahead of the weather with apps like Windy and PredictWind.
• Local Knowledge: Tap into the wisdom of the charter base staff for the best anchorage spots, snorkeling hideaways, and must-see local attractions.

Cruising Conditions in Tahiti

• When to Charter: Aim for the dry season, running from May to October. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and stable weather. The Maraamu trade winds from the southeast create prime sailing conditions. The wet season (November to April) brings more rain and the risk of cyclones – not ideal for sailing.
• Wind and Weather: Expect prevailing easterly-southeasterly trade winds between 15-20 knots. During the Maraamu season (June to August), winds can ramp up to 25-35 knots, making for spirited sailing. The trade winds’ fetch can make the seas choppy, especially in open passages between islands. Swells can reach up to 2.5-3 meters (8-10 feet), adding an extra layer of adventure.
• Navigating the Reefs and Passes: Navigating these waters requires some savvy and local knowledge. Lagoon entrances are marked with red and green buoys, but narrow passes can be tricky. Always use visual navigation aids and have a lookout on the bow to spot coral heads and bommies. Daylight navigation is your friend – avoid night sailing.
• Anchoring: Anchoring here is a bit different. Lagoon depths can be much deeper than you’re used to – think 25 to 40 meters (82 to 131 feet). Always anchor in sand to protect the coral reefs. Use a scope of at least 5:1, and more if you’re in deeper water. Popular spots like Bora Bora and Huahine can get crowded, so snag your spot early.
• Mooring Balls: Some restaurants, like the Bora Bora Yacht Club, Laprirogue Api, and l’Hibiscus restaurant in Tahaa, offer moorings. The government has also installed moorings in places like Bay Faaroa in Raiatea and off the village of Fare in Huahine. But here’s the catch: the quality of these moorings can be hit or miss. Always inspect them carefully and be prepared for the possibility that they might not hold in strong winds.

Safety Tips:

• Night Navigation: The lagoons and passes are tough to navigate in the dark. Night sailing is off-limits for charter companies.
• Weather Monitoring: Keep an eye on the forecast. RFO radio broadcasts weather reports on VHF Channel 13 and FM band 94 MHz at 0600, 0800, 1200, and 1700. For marine reports, call 4044 27 08 (in French).
• Local Regulations: Respect local rules and marine protected areas to help preserve this paradise.
• Navigating in Lagoons: Lagoons might look easy, but don’t be fooled. Reefs and coral heads can catch you off guard. Stick to the middle of channels to minimize grounding risks. Avoid cutting corners, and when you leave the channel to anchor, go slow and have someone on the bow to spot shallow waters.
• Anchoring Tips: Anchor in 2 to 5 meters (6 to 16 feet) of sand, ideally protected by the coral barrier. In lagoons, finding a good holding spot in sand is more crucial than wind protection. Most leeward bays are too deep and offer poor wind protection due to gusts from the mountains. The windward side, with its steady winds, is usually a safer bet.
• Inter-Island Passages: When planning your sailing itinerary, keep these safety rules in mind:
  • Departure Time: Leave no later than 10 AM to ensure you reach your destination by 3:30 PM. This gives you plenty of time to navigate the pass and anchor before sunset.
  • Sailing Restrictions: Avoid direct passages from Huahine to Bora Bora or vice versa. Instead, use a bay on Tahaa or Raiatea for an overnight stop before continuing the next day.
  • Daylight Sailing: Restrict your sailing to daylight hours and be anchored between sunset and sunrise.
  • Tides and Currents: Tides in the Leeward Islands are minimal, with a range of less than one foot. However, currents can be strong, especially in and near the passes. The combination of wind and swell pushes water into the lagoon, creating a constant stream towards the passes. The stronger the wind and swell, the stronger the currents.

Conclusion