Crews on blue water cruises through the South Seas could have a problem in future when staying in French Polynesia: Since this year, anchoring at many popular spots in the archipelago of the Society Islands has been restricted or even banned altogether. The Polynesian sailing association "Association des Voiliers en Polynesie" (AVP), local long-distance sailors and the blue water portal Noonsite all agree on this.
Fewer and fewer anchoring options
Popular anchorages on Tahiti and other islands in the archipelago such as Moorea, Raiatea and Bora Bora are particularly affected. In Tahiti, yachts have reportedly already been asked to leave the island's most important anchorage.
On Tahiti's direct neighbouring island of Moorea, only a limited number of ships will be allowed to anchor in designated areas for a limited period of time. These are mainly located in the north of the island. And on Bora Bora, it will no longer be possible to drop anchor at all; yachts will only be allowed to stay at designated moorings for a fee.
There are apparently no alternatives planned for anchorages off Tahiti. Spaces in the island's harbours are limited and fill up quickly.
Strategic destination for circumnavigators
Tahiti and the surrounding islands are important destinations for circumnavigators crossing the Pacific. The island is the largest of the Society Islands archipelago and one of the few in the South Pacific that offers the infrastructure for major provisioning and repair work. It is therefore visited by most yachts travelling through.
Sailing rallies such as the World ARC or the Tahiti Pearl Regatta also stop here with their fleets. The volcanic islands are also destinations that many people are reluctant to skip because of their nature and culture.
Closed due to overcrowding?
The AVP points to the increasing number of sailing yachts in the region in recent years as the reason for the stricter rules for anchored yachts. Long-term visas are easy to obtain and yachts can stay for three years before they have to be officially imported. According to the AVP, income from maritime tourism, which also includes cruise ships, is an important strategic source of revenue for French Polynesia.
Now, however, the number of yachts is apparently becoming too much for the locals, and the protection of anchorages and coral reefs is also playing a role.
German long-distance sailors from Tahiti report that it is currently still uncertain how things will continue for local sailors and incoming yachts. The situation at the anchorages of one of the most popular destinations along the barefoot route is still constantly changing.
