The Pacific Ocean, the largest and most ancient of the oceans, is home to a scattering of islands and atolls occupied by micro-states and dependent territories. Time seems to have stopped here, with the movement of the celestial bodies in the sky being perceived as an element of the surrounding landscape. The Pacific Ocean can freely accommodate all the continents and islands combined and is the deepest and warmest ocean in the surface layer. It is also home to the highest wind waves and the most destructive tropical hurricanes.
We have prepared a brief guide to all the regions for yachting in the Pacific Ocean, which offer bases for renting yachts and catamarans.
Yachting in Australia
Location: The region for yachting is Queensland, on the east coast of Australia, which is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the center of the Great Barrier Reef.
Yacht Bases: The bases for a yacht charter in Australia are located in Airlie Beach on the east coast of Queensland.
Features of Yachting in Australia: Yachting in Australia is recommended only for experienced yachtsmen due to the high level of difficulty. The area of tidal waters and strong ocean currents, strong winds, rocky shores, gently sloping ocean waves, and difficult seabed topography pose challenges. However, safe and secure moorings and marinas are located along the east and southeast coasts, and every island, reef, and passage is well-marked on the region’s nautical charts.
Season: On the southeast coast of Australia, the Mediterranean climate type prevails, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The air temperature from November to April is around +25-27 °C, and the water temperature is around +20-25 °C. The most favorable time for yachting in Australia is from August to October and from February to May (local spring and autumn).
Winds: The prevailing winds are south and southeast trade winds, which blow at 20-25 knots, and showers are likely.
Yachting in New Caledonia
Location: The region for yachting is located on dozens of islands in Melanesia, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and in New Caledonia.
Yacht Bases: The base for a yacht charter in New Caledonia is the capital city of Noumea, which is located on the southeast coast of the peninsula.
Features of Yachting in New Caledonia: Yachting in New Caledonia is of medium difficulty level. The ocean waters are calm thanks to the Great Barrier Reef, and there are plenty of quiet marinas along the coast. The journey from Noumea to the island of Ile des Pins is characterized by simple navigation, and there are good anchorages in Kuto Bay. Each island, reef, and passage is well-marked on the nautical charts of the region. The marina in Noumea is quite comfortable, but it can be crowded, and during the cyclone season, all places are occupied.
Season: The region has a tropical climate with little temperature fluctuation. The average air temperature is around +20-26 °C, and the water temperature is around +27-30 °C. The rainy season, which includes hurricanes, lasts from December to March. The most favorable time for yachting in New Caledonia is from September to December, during the trade wind season.
Winds: The prevailing winds are southeasterly trade winds, which blow at 15-18 knots most of the year, with occasional showers.
Yachting in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a region in the South Pacific Ocean comprising over 100 islands, both volcanic and coral. The Raiatea Island serves as the yacht base for chartering yachts in the area.
However, it is important to note that yachting in French Polynesia is quite challenging and is recommended only for experienced sailors. The water area is characterized by a coral reef, requiring constant monitoring of changes in the seabed. Daytime moorings are recommended due to this. Although there are many marinas and sheltered anchorages on the islands, signing a special waiver of claims is required to navigate the Tuamotu Archipelago and obtain a permit for night navigation.
Catamarans are the most popular type of rental in the area. The climate is tropical, with alternating dry and wet seasons and high humidity. The average annual air temperature ranges from +20 to +25 degrees Celsius, while the water temperature is around +26 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between seasons is minimal, with only a 3-4 degrees Celsius variation. The best time for yachting in French Polynesia is between May and November when the climate is cooler. December to April is hot and sees variable rainfall, with February being the hottest month. Cooling showers are not uncommon in December and January.
The winds in French Polynesia are fairly moderate and predictable, with SE trade winds prevailing at 15-20 knots.
Yachting in Tonga
Tonga is an archipelago of 160 islands situated in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean. Vavau Island serves as the base for yacht charters in the area.
Yachting in Tonga has a medium difficulty level due to the coral reefs in the water, which require constant monitoring of changes in the seabed. Yachting is prevalent on the islands of Vavau, thanks to good weather conditions, short crossings, and many sheltered anchorages on sandbanks. Catamarans are the most popular type of rental in the area.
The climate in Tonga is tropical, with little temperature variation. The average air temperature ranges from +23 to +25 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is around +25 degrees Celsius. From February to the end of March, the area experiences rains and tropical cyclones. The best time for yachting in Tonga is between May and November.
The winds in Tonga are fairly moderate and predictable, with a light southeast trade wind prevailing. The wind intensifies somewhat in July and August. However, from February to the end of March, the wind becomes less stable, and there is a possibility of a hurricane.
Yachting in Mexico
The Pacific coast of Mexico in North America is home to two popular yachting regions: Banderas Bay and the Sea of Cortez. The yacht bases for charters in Mexico are located in Puerto Vallarta in Banderas Bay on the Pacific coast, and La Paz in the Gulf of California on the Pacific coast.
Yachting in Mexico has a medium difficulty level. Navigation is easy, and the waters of the Gulf of Banderas and the Gulf of California are generally calm, with good sandy anchorages. The area experiences tidal waters, and the amplitude of the tides is 3 meters. Daytime moorings are recommended, and lateral system B is applied, with red lights and signs on the right and green on the left. Before setting out to sea, it’s necessary to visit the head of the port and personally provide a detailed route with all stops and information about all crew members.
The climate in Mexico is tropical, with alternating dry and wet seasons and high humidity. The air temperature during summer does not fall below +30 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is around +25-27 degrees Celsius. Temperatures can drop significantly at night. From June to October, the area experiences a rainy season with powerful tropical cyclones. The most favorable time for yachting in Mexico is from November to May.
Winds in Mexico are northeasterly, with 20-25 knots prevailing in winter. In summer, the winds weaken and change direction to the southeast. During the daytime, the wind usually blows on schedule from 10 am to 6 pm.
Yachting in Canada
Location of the region for yachting:
The southwest Pacific coast of Canada in North America is the province of British Columbia.
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Canada:
Province of British Columbia – Vancouver, Nanaimo.
Features of yachting in Canada:
High level of difficulty. Yachting in British Columbia is recommended for experienced yachtsmen. Tidal waters, long passages, strong winds, and remote anchorages make navigation challenging, and constantly changing wind directions only add to the difficulty. However, the yachting infrastructure is well-developed with many comfortable marinas and equipped berths available. The lateral system B is applied – with red lights and signs on the right and green on the left.
Season – The climate in Vancouver is mild and rainy thanks to the warm Kuroshio current, and is in places similar to the Mediterranean. In winter, it constantly rains on the coast, and the summer is warm and dry. The air temperature in summer is between +20 and +25 degrees Celsius. The most favorable time for yachting in British Columbia is from June to September.
Winds – In summer, a moderate southeasterly wind prevails, often changing direction to the opposite. There is a chance of tornadoes from May to September.
