Page 2 of 28

Aldebaran, reefed down off Vanuatu, sailed by Fred & Renee Botta

Noumea, New Caledonia

The capital city of Noumea, New Caledonia, boasts a new and modern marina. French customs, immigration, and quarantine officers stopped by the boat within a few minutes of our arrival. The French made entire operation a pleasant and efficient experience.

            New Caledonia produces and exports large amounts of nickel, cobalt, and other minerals.  The city of Noumea exhibits all of the trappings of a large modern French city: shopping, restaurants, tall commercial buildings, resorts, and bakeries that produce delectable pastries. Noumea and its richness presented a sharp contrast to the subsistence economy of Vanuatu.

Chuck Dayton, a long time friend from Minneapolis and his wife Sara Evans met us at the dock. After a quick re provisioning grocery run, we took off cruising for Isle des Pins, stopping en route at Baie de Prony.

Chuck and Sara

<Previous Page    Next Page>