Polynesia

Formalities : Valid passport. Very few sanitary problems, beside the all-too-famous “itch”, the ciguatera, that can easily be avoided by not eating fish caught in the lagoons. 

Weather : November to February is cyclone season, but they are rather rare in this region. Outside this period, which is always critical for navigation, you can go to Polynesia whenever you like. The winds blow between 15 and 25 knots from March to october, which makes it the most pleasant time for sailing. At any rate, most people renting boats in Polynesia never leave the lagoons and only occasionally undertake overly long crossings. Indeed, there is enough to see near the rental areas. 

Sailing conditions : The greatest danger is from coral patates. You must look out for differences in the color of the water, that inevitably announce a change in depth or nature of the seafloor. That’s why it is always to sail when the sun is high in the sky and, if possible, behind you. The setting sun can pose a real threat since it masks everything on the surface of the water.

Marking : Zone “A” (as in Europe). Marking remains unreliable and the lights don’t always work. At any rate, rental companies discourage sailing at night, and sometimes even forbid it.

Currency : Pacific franc