Saturday 19th July
We arrive at the pass late morning after motoring all night. There’s still not a breath of wind but the sun is shining for a change and we enjoy the mountainous views of New Caledonia. It’s a stunning landscape and once we’ve entered the lagoon there’s several islets and varying features such as black or white sandy coves,iron red rugged cliffs and green hillsides. The closer we get to Noumea the busier the lagoon becomes with a variety of yachts and pleasure boats and dinghies racing in the distance. As we approach the harbour we radio in to request a berth - the marina sounds very busy so we’re relieved when we are told we have priority as we have still to clear customs. Luckily we get a berth right by the marina office and within the hour customs, immigration and quarantine formalities are complete. The marina seems super efficient; the manager has given us information on all the available services and facilities and it’s clear this is going to be a good place to be until the crossing to Oz. At night we head into town and find a lively pub having a birthday party. Phil heads home first, then Kevin, who needs to eat, leaving the hard core who go on to explore a few more local bars. Everywhere is , understandably, very French! Very few people speak English but we manage to muddle through.