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As we move into Spring up here in the northern hemisphere, we are dusting off the cobwebs at Noonsite and celebrating new changes. You may have noticed that Noonsite is back up to normal speed and it’s much faster moving between pages. Our new developers have given the site better stability and over the next few months will be addressing a number of issues and improvements. Thank you for your patience as we undertake this work and please do continue to get in touch if you find any functionality issues.
If you are a paying member of Noonsite - we appreciate your support. Paid memberships help to support our work keeping Noonsite information up to date. Don’t forget a major perk of membership is access to the Noonsite Map (as well as special discount offers and unlimited access to the site). The Map is ideal for getting an overview of ports of entry, marinas and boatyards available and for viewing recommended anchorages posted by other users. You can post your favourite anchorages too! Have a play with the Noonsite Map here.
We have more incredible reports from cruisers around the world this month plus a hefty number of formality changes. Once again, thank you to everyone who made the effort to contribute their feedback last month - without you our job would be so much harder!
Sue, Lynda and Megan – the Noonsite Team
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Top News
Nova Scotia: Possible Cause Identified for Theros Tragedy
In July 2024, an inflatable lifeboat was found washed up on an island of the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada with human remains inside which were thought to be those of a sailing couple from British Columbia who had left Halifax in June 2024. An investigation by the Transportation Board of Canada has now concluded that they likely abandoned their yacht because of a fire. Full news here.
Honduras - Attempted Piracy
A catamaran en-route from Colombia for the Rio Dulce, Guatemala was pursued 125NM off the Honduran coast by 4 fishing boats. Their advance preparation for an incident of this nature meant they successfully deterred the assailants. Read the report here.
EU - New Entry/Exit System for Passport Checks
The European Union’s long-delayed biometric passport check system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), could finally launch in October this year following an agreement reached by member states. Find out more.
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Cruisers Report . . .
Our thanks to all Noonsite users who took time to send in their cruising reports and post valuable feedback on the site this month.
Crossing the Pacific: Discovering What Lies North of the Equator
While there is a well-known cruising path through the South Pacific Ocean below the equator, there is another world of discovery lying in wait to the north. Francis Hawkings, author of the Pacific Crossing Guide reports on the beguiling and intoxicating options in this lesser-travelled region of the Pacific. Read his report here.
South Pacific: Minerva Reefs worth more than just a stopover
The Minerva Reefs are a remote group of two submerged atolls located in the Pacific Ocean between Fiji, Niue and Tonga. Rich and Michelle Marshall have stopped here 13 times having cruised the South Pacific for 8 years on their Leopard 47 “Pogeyan”. In this report they share their experience and insights about this unique and wonderful place in the hope that it provides a safer and more enjoyable experience for future visiting cruisers.
SE Asia to Tahiti: Having already shared Part 1 and Part 2 about his voyage planning from Davao in the Philippines to Tahiti, long-term Belgian cruiser Luc Callebaut has now shared Part 3 about the short leg from Ninigo to Kavieng in northern Papua New Guinea. Next month Luc will share details of the long leg from Kavieng to Graciosa Bay in the Solomon Islands.
Kenya: Experiencing a Warm East Africa Welcome
The Ovens Crew, an Australian live-aboard family, are currently exploring the east coast of Africa after crossing the Indian Ocean. After leaving Tanzania, they headed for the coastal cruising grounds of Kenya where they experienced one of the warmest welcomes of their travels so far. Read their helpful cruising notes here and their Kenya Marine Parks Guide.
Suriname: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Canadian circumnavigators Brent Crack and Mary Bevan are on the homeward stretch of their voyage – heading for the Caribbean where they will both have “crossed their wake.” After leaving the Brazilian offshore island group of Fernando de Noronha, they headed for Suriname and sent this report.
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Jimmy Green for Rigging
A Chain Snubbing Line is fundamental to absorbing shock loads on an all-chain anchor rode while also transferring the load from your windlass to a suitable deck strongpoint.
The Jimmy Green Rigging Team offer a range of snubbing solutions, including stainless steel chain hooks, grippers, and grabs, available with or without a spliced nylon tail or twin tails (V bridle) from premium quality LIROS Ropes.
Our Online Custom Build System provides a logical step-by-step process for specifying a single strop or a V bridle to your individual requirements.
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Formalities Worldwide
What's new for yacht arrivals this month?
Bermuda - Pre-arrival forms
Skippers must complete 2 pre-arrival online forms for Bermuda. One is a questionnaire and the other SailClear, which has a fee. If skippers are unable to complete these forms prior to arrival, they must be done in the Customs office after arrival.
USVI, St. Croix - CBP provide exit zarpe
Great intel from Zazie who left St. Croix for St. Martin this month and report on how easy it was to obtain an exit zarpe.
French Polynesia - New info. for entry and exit
FP Customs has a new website which contains updated information on Formalities for entry and exit of vessels. Find our more on our French Polynesia Customs page.
Australia - Newcastle Biosecurity
French cruiser, Hervé Michel, reports from Newcastle (north of Sydney on Australia’s east coast) where he arrived at the end of January from NZ and was charged very high biosecurity fees to dispose of his rubbish by both the Biosecurity officers and the marina.
Australia - Biosecurity news for non-commercial vessels
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has recently updated its webpage for yachts and private superyachts with a useful visual representation of Australian biosecurity requirements that can be download and saved for when needed. See the Noonsite page for all details about Australia's Biosecurity Requirements.
Indian Ocean - BIOT/Chagos permit delays
The BIOT Administration has suffered from a serious communications outage and some unexpected sick leave within the team during the first few months of 2025, which has seriously impacted their capacity to process permits in a timely manner. They are currently trying to clear the backlog of outstanding cases as soon as possible. BIOT Administration explain the delays.
Namibia - New visa regulations
Starting April 1st Namibia will implement new visa regulations, allowing visa-on-arrival for citizens from selected countries at most entry points. However, the Port of Lüderitz has currently been excluded from this list (Walvis Bay, the other POE is included). OSASA have reached out to the Honorable Mayor of Lüderitz, and are awaiting official feedback.
UK - ETA Scheme
The final phase of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will end on 2 April, after which time all non-visa national visitors who do not otherwise need a visa to visit the UK will require an approved ETA in order to travel to or transit through the UK. Find out more at Noonsite's UK Immigration page.
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Cruising Impact
MantaWatch NZ/Aotearoa project
Bruce Balan of SY Migration, well known for his sharing of satellite charts and support of Manta Ray projects in Mexico, is currently in New Zealand and promoting citizen-science opportunities for cruisers to take researchers out on their own vessels to study Manta Rays. Find out more here.
Discover more great projects supported by cruisers around the world on our Cruising Impact page.
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Marine & Leisure Insurance
Topsail are delighted to be the Official Noonsite Insurance Partner.
Let us help with your Insurance needs for your boat or travel requirements.
Our customers love our service and products scoring us 4.9 out of 5 on Google reviews.
Read our Medical Emergency at Sea article.
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Pacific Ocean
Weather: An uncommon meteorological event unfolded at the end of February when six named tropical cyclones were active simultaneously in the southern hemisphere, several in close proximity to one another. Three developed in the SW Pacific and severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred formed in the Coral Sea to the NE of Australia. At the start of March, for the first time in more than 50 years, a Tropical Cyclone (Alfred) crossed a densely populated part of Australia’s east coast, making landfall between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
French Polynesia: The Polynesia Directorate of Maritime Affairs (DPAM) has recently implemented a new mandatory advanced booking system for anchorages/moorings in certain ports. Islands with restrictions include Nuku Hiva (Marquesas), all the Society Islands and Fakarava (Tuamotos). More details here. Don't miss this great article from the Bluewater Cruising Association about anchoring in FP - "The times they are changing".
The World ARC 2025-26 rally fleet are all in the Pacific on their way to Hiva Oa from the Galapagos.
Papua New Guinea: On passage from Indonesia to Australia, Stephen Wawn reports on an abundance of floating trees and logs in the water along the Northern Coast of PNG.
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Find the right policy for you and your boat
Whether you are looking for insurance for coastal use or offshore, Velos Insurance is the right place to get your cover.
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Call + 44 20 7929 4058
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Atlantic Ocean
Sweden: For non-Schengen cruisers who want to extend their cruising time in Northern Europe, Sweden have a 6-month visitor's residence permit. See our Sweden Immigration section for details. Yachting World's recent article on Cruising in the Baltic covers the variety of cruising opportunities in this part of the world.
Netherlands, Amsterdam: The centre of the city of Amsterdam will be an emission-free zone for pleasure and recreational vessels from April 1st, as the city moves to provide an environment with cleaner air, less CO2 and less noise. Read more.
Orca Damage Limitation: As the risk of having an orca encounter becomes just another part of planning a passage around the Iberian peninsula, it’s comforting to know that an easy-to-deploy deterrent (that is not harmful to orca) is under development. Find out more about GenusWave and planning for a passage through orca territory on our Orcas and Yachts page.
Azores, Flores Island: The most western and the most beautiful of the Azores islands, Flores welcomes visiting yachts, even though there are not many facilities for visitors. Jorge Ventura, the assistant harbour master for Lajes das Flores, provides some useful landfall advice and guidance for yachts planning a stop over on their Atlantic Crossing.
Canary Islands, Gran Canaria: Rolnautic have opened a new boatyard in Las Palmas, the largest facility of its type in the Canaries, with 20,000 m2 of hardstanding, 110/850 tonnes travelifts and the capability to lift yachts up to 25x8m and 50x15m with a draft up to 8m.
Namibia: Lüderitz is a town in southern Namibia, situated on one of the least hospitable coasts in southern Africa. It is one of two ports of entry for Namibia. There is a growing navigational risk 40NM north of Lüderitz due to increased diamond mining activity in the area. Read this warning from OSASA.
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Caribbean Sea
Weather: Caribbean climate outlook March-May 2025 with a brief outlook June to October. May is considered the start of the wet season in much of the Caribbean, with rainfall and humidity levels increasing throughout the month. Take precautions to avoid Dengue Fever. Remember to use an effective mosquito repellent when going ashore anytime. Diligent use of well-fitting screens on your boat may also help.
Panama - San Blas Islands (Guna Yala): When clearing in at Porvenir, be sure to visit both the Guna Yala Congresso office to pay local fees and the separate Immigration office, in order to get an official entry into the country stamp in your passport. The Guna Yala stamp should not be confused for an Immigration stamp. Fines are issued for not getting the correct stamp in your passport. See the Porvenir port page for full details.
Panama - Rio Chagres: Despite crew members securely locking the companionway of their yacht while they were exploring the Rio Chagres River in Panama, thieves entered the vessel through an unsecured hatch and stole a large number of items. Read report.
Panama - Canal: Erick Galvez of agency Centenario & Co. has informed Noonsite that currently canal authorities are accepting 3 bookings per day. Waiting time is currently 10 days for April.
Trinidad & Tobago: Doyle Guides has announced a major update to the Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Guide, with Editor Lexi Fisher planning a visit to the islands during April and May to carry out on-the-ground research as well as seeking input from local businesses and sailors. Find out how you can help.
Rallies: World ARC 2024-25 yachts are starting to arrive in Grenada and will then enjoy independent cruising before meeting in Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia for the end of the Rally in April.
Moving Out: May signals the end of the Caribbean cruising season pre-hurricane season and is when many cruising boats choose to head out for either North America or Europe (via the Azores), or find a boatyard for haulout and safe-keeping during the hurricane season. We have plenty of links to end of season and hurricane season articles in our Caribbean Bound report.
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Indian Ocean
South Africa: An important event in the development of OSASA occurred in February when they were invited by the Department of Transport to make a presentation to the Maritime Security Advisory Committee to demonstrate the many challenges arising amongst the cruising community, especially those related to government departments in South Africa. OSASA highlighted the need to avoid future bureaucratic “red tape” or over-regulation; to standardise port-to-port procedures; to simplify documentary procedures; and importantly, to improve coastal berthing and marina facilities. Well done OSASA - keep up the incredible work!
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Croatia Yacht Agency for all your Cruising Needs
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South China Sea
Thailand: Port Takola, located just across the river from Krabi town, is expanding further to become Thailand’s largest inland marina and boatyard. Find out more.
Cambodia: Don Dickinson reports on prohibitive entry fees causing them to skip a visit to Cambodia.
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Cruising Knowledge
Printed Sailing Magazines Phasing Out
Sad news from American marine magazines that have announced final issues: Points East, Sailing and Ocean Navigator (whose website will only be live until April end).
World Cruising Club Events
WCC have a busy schedule of shore-based activities coming up over the next few months including Bluewater days in the UK and USA and cruiser rendezvous in St. Lucia and Sweden. Rallies on the horizon include the start of ARC Europe and ARC Portugal in May, with World ARC currently crossing the Pacific for French Polynesia. There are still limited places available for the 40th ARC if you are planning on sailing to the Caribbean this winter. Find out all the details here.
CA Free Zoom Webinars
Free webinars for all cruisers by the Cruising Association continue with Motorcruising the Dutch Frisian Islands on 09 April. Dutch CA members Machiel Lambooij and Remko Sinck will take you on a virtual tour of this stunning area often missed by cruisers, featuring UNESCO World Heritage mudflats, diverse wildlife and beautiful trails.
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Life On Board
Medical Emergencies
A medical emergency when crossing oceans or exploring remote locations can be overwhelming, but with the right travel insurance it doesn’t have to be something to be faced alone if your insurance company is there to help. Read Topsail's guide.
How to Stop Your Boat from Rolling at Anchor
Birgit and Christian have been sailing and anchoring their 41 Sparkman & Stephens SY Pitufa around half the globe for 13 years. Find out their effective techniques to reduce anchor roll in this article for All at Sea.
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Book of the Month
No Eggs No Worries
By Sarah Powell
Sarah Powell, full-time live-aboard cruiser with years of experience preparing nourishing meals in her tiny galley, has written this essential guide for plant-based, egg-free recipes. Each recipe swaps eggs for plant-based alternatives with less saturated fat, no "bad" cholesterol, and fewer allergens—perfect for those prioritising health, ethical eating, or sustainable choices. Every recipe uses easy-to-source ingredients for compact kitchens and small provisioning needs.
Available on Amazon worldwide in both Kindle and paperback formats.
Don't miss Sarah's series of articles for Noonsite's INSIGHTS, about on-board cooking.
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Join Noonsite
Noonsite has been helping cruisers by providing free information for over 20 years, but did you know that by becoming a member you can unlock unlimited access to the site for just $2.99 a month?
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PREMIUM subscription: US$6.99 a month.
All of BASIC, plus download your choice of port, country and formalities information as a pdf for use offline, including business listings. Ideal if you are casting off for some extended long-distance cruising and want all that Noonsite has to offer at your fingertips.
Paid memberships help to support keeping Noonsite information up to date. Thank you for helping Noonsite stay on the web.
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