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Noonsite June Sailing News & Updates

Celebrating Our Oceans


World Ocean Day was the 8th of June, so we dedicate this newsletter to the celebration of our oceans; their beauty, plight, conservation; protection and enjoyment, with great cruising stories from oceans around the world.


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This edition includes more great cruising impact initiatives, information and tips shared by our readers, an ocean round up of cruising news, changing worldwide formalities and much more. We hope you enjoy the read.


Smell the sea,

Sue and the Noonsite Team

Vitamin Sea


Through citizen science projects it is easy for sailors to team up with scientists to contribute valuable data to a variety of marine studies. There are many projects to choose from, on a wide range of topics offering a variety of levels of involvement. Research expeditions, especially offshore, can be very expensive, so scientists often welcome data from volunteers. On your next passage, or just when you next go sailing, check out the links on our Citizen Science page and see if there’s an initiative you and your crew can get involved with to help the health of our oceans.


If you haven’t yet discovered the thought-provoking films and series on WaterBear, go take a look. Conveniently short, by amateur and professional film makers worldwide, this month they are focusing on stories that reconnect with the ocean. Discover what role you can play in making a difference. Find out more at waterbear.com.


Marinas have a major role in coastal communities and can help educate both locals, boaters and foreign boaters about ocean health - leading by example. Read about the great work TransEurope Marinas are getting involved with to acquire a basic understanding of the complexities of coastal ocean dynamics.

New to Cruising


Digging deeper into easy methods to cook on board, the Pali family have posted some useful feedback on Small Vegan Kitchen’s pressure cooker article. The Palis use an instant pot and have a fully electric galley (3kw solar, 21kwh lithium). “It has a lot of the same benefits as the pressure cooker (plus, it adds almost no heat to the boat interior; important here in the Caribbean!), but also can be used for so many other purposes. We just used it recently to make popcorn and the total power consumed to make a meal is very low since so much of the heat is contained.” Read more from the Pali family here.

 

There is so much confusion about lithium batteries and their uses on a boat, however, this explanatory PBO article by Duncan Kent will help, looking at the latest developments, regulations and myths that have arisen since lithium batteries were introduced.


Are you committed divers as well as sailors and keen to know more about the logistics of having a dive compressor on board? Aleksandra and Tomek of SY Tranquility are currently in the Mediterranean and after much research have installed a compressor on board their Malo ’39, to give them more diving independence. Read their step-by-step guide.


If you have ever wondered what factors contribute to making a voyage successful, read what cruising guru Jimmy Cornell considers are the 5 most important things.


Many cruisers decide to join a Rally for their first long offshore passage, for the extra support they gain from both the rally organisers and the other cruising boats in the fleet. May and June are busy times for rally organisers World Cruising Club, with cruisers at all stages of their adventures around the world. The World ARC fleet is deep in the Pacific, 32 boats in the ARC Europe fleet have crossed from the Caribbean to the Azores and ARC Portugal is underway heading south down the western Iberian Peninsula. Find out the latest WCC news in their June newsletter.

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Yachties Helping Out


More initiatives taking place around the world as cruisers give back to the communities they are sailing to.

World ARC & Global Vision 2020


One of the World ARC traditions is to help sailors get involved in community and charitable initiatives along the route of the rally. In Vava'u, Tonga, the rally delivered two eye screening kits plus 240 pairs of in-field prescription distance and reading glasses, for adults and children, on behalf of Global Vision 2020. 


Circumnavigating with World ARC 2024-25 on her boat Bahati (GBR) is specialist optometrist Sian Joesbury, who was delighted to help with the project.

Hands Across the Sea


Hands Across the Sea operate in the Eastern Caribbean where they have recognised that the enthusiasm for reading in the region is very high, but the budget for literacy-building resources is very low. Many children are growing up without access to new, relevant books and a lending library. They welcome volunteers as well as donations. John & Janice Barba told Noonsite, “We have supported Hands Across the Sea with financial donations for several years now. The work they do to supply new, colorful, age -appropriate books to Caribbean schools is wonderful. Getting kids reading at an early age is so important to their success in life!”.

Tell us about how you have helped the communities you have visited and we’ll add you to our Cruising Impact page.

Ocean Outlook

Pacific Ocean


Panama: After a year of restrictions due to severe drought, the Panama Canal Authority report that normal canal operations are slowly returning. There has been an increase in the number of daily transits and yachts can expect to wait just a few days for a transit after arrival. Find out more here


French Polynesia: We are loving these scenic YouTube videos of French Polynesia. If you are wondering what it’s really like to visit this Pacific archipelago, then this video gives you a bird’s eye view of the wonderfully sheltered lagoons, dramatic mountain scenery and incredibly diverse culture. You’ll be planning that Pacific Crossing in no time!


New Caledonia: While the situation has improved slightly and the previously declared State of Emergency has been lifted, recreational vessels are still being advised against visiting the country due to the continued instability of the situation. More news here.


Vanuatu: After spending the South Pacific Cyclone Season in New Zealand, regular Noonsite contributors Maria and Allen Wadsworth headed north to Vanuatu. Read their report on the wonders of Vanuatu.


Palau authorities, in Micronesia, have reported a dramatic increase in yacht arrivals this season. Unfortunately, the majority arrived completely unaware of the very high entry fees and the pre-arrival paperwork that is mandatory prior to entry. It appears most were US yachts going for the great diving that Palau has to offer, but not, however, doing their homework with regards to formalities. While no boats were actually turned away, some left due to the high fees. Be aware that every country has its own particular clearance procedure. By doing your homework and following the rules, you ease the way for the yachts following in your wake. Find out all you need to know about cruising to Palau on Noonsite.

Vuda Marina


Nestled along Fiji's stunning Viti Levu coastline, Vuda Marina embodies the essence of tropical paradise. With its array of world-class facilities and lush surroundings, it serves as a premier destination for sailors and adventurers alike. Boasting a vibrant maritime community, Vuda Marina offers an unforgettable experience, whether exploring the neighboring islands or simply basking in the serenity of its scenic harbor. Come discover the magic of Fiji's maritime gem at Vuda Marina.

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South China Sea


Malaysia: Following confusion surrounding cruising yachts being fined for infringing on National Park Anchoring regulations on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, Noonsite has received clarification of the rules and exactly where you can and can't anchor, from Sazli Kamal Basha from Sail Malaysia. Get the intel here.

 

Thailand: It has been confirmed that it is possible to undertake international clearance at Koh Lipe (close to the Malaysian border) during the high season, when ferries are running to/from Langkawi (roughly mid-October until mid-May). Find out more on the Koh Lipe port page.

 

Indonesia: After nearly 10 years cruising South East Asia, with five forays into Indonesia, well known cruisers Sherry and Dave McCampbell say the only thing that stays the same with Indonesian formalities is that they constantly change. One particular area is the A211 e-visa. Sherry outlines the process they followed to secure the visa in May 2024. Read her report.

 

Returning to their yacht, which had been on the hardstand in Lombok, Indonesia for nearly 12 months, French cruisers Dominique and Arne found that most of their storage preparations had worked, even though the cleanup took a while. In this report for Noonsite, Dominique provides some helpful contacts from their time on Lombok, as well as on Flores and Tanimbar Islands, as they prepared their boat to head towards Australia.

Indian Ocean


BIOT: Some changes are coming on 1 July to the permit process for yachts wanting to visit BIOT (Chagos). In particular rates are going to increase to £250 per week from the previous £100 per week. Read the news for more details.

Red Sea


Suez Canal: For once, good news for yachts from Egypt. Fees to transit the Suez Canal are actually reducing for a limited time only. From 1 July to 1 October, 2024, yachts under 300 tons will receive a 50% transit rebate. Learn all about transiting the Suez Canal.

Atlantic Ocean


France: Following the announcement last month of a new entry/exit system, meaning yachts arriving in France from outside the EU/Schengen now have a multitude of ports to choose for entry, clarification of certain points have now become available. See this article for all the details.

 

There are restricted areas on the French Atlantic coast, designated by French maritime authorities, due to offshore windfarm works. The Dieppe/Le Tréport area restriction is in place from the 16th June, 2024. The other area in question is located north of the Ile d'Yeu, with effect from the 12th May, 2024. Restrictions are expected to remain in place until at least the end of 2025.


Spain: An unmanned yacht with a German flag was found drifting off the island of Sagres, at the mouth of the Ria de Arousa in north-western Spain, this month. Authorities suspect it might have been involved in a drug delivery. More details here.


South Africa: It has been confirmed that Mossel Bay, on the southern Cape, is now a fully-fledged Port of Entry and can accept cruising yachts. There are berths available or yachts can anchor in the bay just outside the harbour mouth. See the Mossel Bay port page on Noonsite for more information.


USA: Dutch cruisers Flores van Hees and Ivar Smits are nearing the end of their circumnavigation and report on the process they had to go through as Dutch citizens to enter and leave the USA by yacht.

 

Canada: 20+ boats are planning to attempt the NW passage this year, of which 5 are OCC boats. Find out more here. OCC Port Officer Victor Wejer has been providing guidance to yachts in transit for the last 20 years and estimates that approx. 180 yachts have transited the NW passage since the first sailing yacht.

 

Falkland Islands: If planning to visit by yacht don’t miss the latest copy of the Harbours and Port Information Booklet found on the Maritime Authority website. This is updated regularly and will include changes to the permitted anchorages, currently underway and expected to be complete by September.

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Bundaberg Port Marina, Queensland


Port clearance facility for international arrivals (96 hours mandatory notice required), 180 floating berths up to 45 meters in length (with power, water and Wi-Fi), 24/7 diesel refuelling dock, unleaded available by prior arrangement, laundry, toilets and showers and recycling facilities available onsite, Wi-Fi, LPG refills, Café/Restaurant, gift shop, Chandlery and courtesy bus to the city centre. We are also a pet friendly marina.


75 tonne ship lift with 6.6m beam, 100 boatyard/dry storage sites, high pressure cleaning and enclosed spray and blast bays. Our onsite trades services include diesel mechanics, shipwrights, surveyor, sail repairs, engineers and sandblasting services. Antifoul and spray-painting services. Liveaboard and DIY boat maintenance facilities available.


Our dry storage is a fully fenced compound with CCTV which is locked nightly. There is no power or water and working or living on vessels is not permitted. This ensures Customers have the peace of mind they are leaving their vessel in a safe and managed environment. Secure (tie down & pinning) of all vessels through the summer months, will comply with your Insurance Company requirements.

Caribbean Sea


Antigua: If still in the Caribbean, get involved in the Carlisle Bay Beach and Community Clean-up on 21 July.


St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Yacht burglaries continue off Princess Margaret Beach in Bequia. See report here. Make it harder for thieves and secure your boat and valuables. Read all security reports on Noonsite here.

 

Tobago: New satellite data on 13 June shows the oil spillage from Gulfstream, the overturned barge near Cove, Tobago, is nearing Grenada's territorial waters for the second time since the spill began in February. Find out more here.


Mexico: Clearing into the Caribbean side of Mexico is notoriously more complicated than on the Pacific side. SV Kopeng report on their frustrating experience when clearing into Isla Mujeres from Key West.

 

Bruce Balan’s Chart Locker, the free chart resource for cruising sailors, now has chart files to download (in MBTile format for use with OpenCPN and other charting programs) for most of the Caribbean including the Bahamas.

Mediterranean Sea


Red Rain: The transport of Saharan dust across the Mediterranean to Europe is not unusual. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service report that observations are showing an increase in the intensity and frequency of these events for some parts of Europe in recent years. SE Europe and parts of the Mediterranean suffered a severe Saharan dust episode mid-June which followed two other recent episodes at the start of the month. For yacht owners cruising the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, northern Italy and the eastern Med it must feel like an endless round of deck washing, not to mention poor air quality. It does make for spectacular sunsets however! A daily dust forecast can be found at https://dust.aemet.es/


Turkey: Richard Hurd recommends the bay of Karaca in the Gulf of Gokova. “This is an amazing small bay that is open to yachts when the Turkish President is not in residence at his nearby palace.” Read his review here.


The Setur Marina (and boatyard) in Yalova in NW Turkey on the Sea of Marmara, is offering short-term berthing discounts to visiting yachts until mid-September. Conviently located close to Istanbul with excellent transport links, this is a much more reasonable option than the city marinas. Find out more here.

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Anchoring Systems


An Anchor System is only as strong as the weakest link, so all the constituent parts should have comparable load capacity. The increased holding power of modern anchors means that all the joining elements, including any splicing, are subjected to higher loads than ever before.

Jimmy Green Marine can assist with all aspects of your anchoring system, including professionally spliced combination rodes.

Genuine provenance, trust in the brand, and, where applicable, a manufacturer-published load rating, are prudent for peace of mind.

Book of the Month


South East Asia Pilot


The South East Asia Pilot celebrates its 20th Anniversary and the publication of its 7th edition this month. Encompassing approximately 600,000 square miles of some of the best cruising grounds in the world, the latest edition sees the addition of the Cape York Peninsula (Australia), the expansion and complete update of Cambodia as well as thorough updates to the Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia chapters – the latter seeing the addition of The Anambas Islands Regency. The guide is available printed or as an eBook and there are plans to release the Mergui Archipelago and the Andaman Islands chapters as free downloadable pdf booklets.

Find out more at the SE Asia Pilot website.

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