Changing Seasons
Two hemispheres, two changing seasons. In the north, summer’s warmth and carefree cruising are giving way to shorter days, cooler breezes, and a return to focus. In the south, September ushers in spring with longer days, rising temperatures, and the promise of renewed adventures after winter’s pause. For sailors everywhere, this month marks a shift in rhythm: commissioning or decommissioning, choosing a winter port, stocking up on gear, or preparing for the first passages of a new season. After months of lazy cruising or quiet hibernation, September calls us back to life - a reminder that it’s time to get moving, planning, and long distance cruising once again.
Safe passage,
Sue, Lynda and Megan (the Noonsite Team)
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Cruising Musings
Creepy Crawlers and Nature’s Pest Control
Noonsite Sub-Editor Megan continues the monthly series covering cruising topics that are often overlooked, yet a major part of life on board. For the past 8 years, Megan and her family have called their Boreal 47 expedition monohull, SV Zephyros, home. In this fifth instalment in the series Megan muses about an under appreciated fact: northern high latitude summers feature a LOT of bugs!!! Read Megan's August Musings.
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Cruisers Report . . .
Our thanks to all Noonsite users who have taken time to send in their cruising reports and post valuable feedback and comments on the site.
French Polynesia: The Unfiltered Reality
For many, French Polynesia is the ultimate cruising destination - a scattered paradise of volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons and lush green islands. But beneath the picture-perfect surface lies a complex and challenging cruising ground. Eileen Councill delves into the realities of sailing in French Polynesia and offers a balanced perspective on the pros, cons and the unforgettable experiences in this report.
Cook Islands, Aitutaki: A Great Place to Break the South Pacific Crossing
As they left French Polynesia to cross the South Pacific to Fiji, Jim and Pam Yares of SV Roam intended to only stay a few days on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands before continuing to Tonga. However, the weather had other plans and while they waited for a clear window they were welcomed with open arms by the yachtie-friendly islanders. Read their report.
Western Australia, Ningaloo Reef: The World’s Best Kept Secret?
Almost all sailors know about the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia. However, on the other side of the country there is a similar pristine coral reef that lies only a few miles offshore. Ningaloo Reef is the largest coral fringing reef in the world and a UNESCO Heritage Listed site. In this report, Kim Klaka, author of the Fremantle Sailing Club’s Western Australia Cruising Guide, says the abundance of marine life is a major drawcard for the reef.
Around Iceland: A Summer of Sailing in the Cold North
Cruisers Ingrid and Robert Schnabl share their Iceland sailing adventure, from rugged fjords to puffins and whales with Cruising World Magazine. Read more.
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Formalities Worldwide
What's new for yacht arrivals around the world?
Curacao: Know Where You Can Anchor
Curacao Ports Authority are keen that visiting yachts understand the designated anchoring areas around the island as mis-information has been circulating on social media. For the confirmed list of approved anchoring areas see Curacao Restrictions on Noonsite. Customs, Immigration, and the Coast Guard are preparing to open a new office at Santa Barbara (Spanish Water entrance). This will greatly ease the clearance process as cruisers currently have to travel to Willemstad for Clearance and anchoring permits. While the office is not yet operational, Customs has informed Noonsite that it will be up and running soon.
French Polynesia: Strict Marine Wildlife Protection Rules
Cruisers currently in French Polynesia and those planning to head that way should ensure they are well aware of the rules and regulations concerning interacting with marine species and protected wildlife, as the government has recently banned attracting or feeding marine wildlife, with heavy fines and jail terms for violations. Find out more at this report.
FIJI - AIS Update
Viki Moore from Island Cruising NZ reports from on the ground in Fiji that the requirement for all vessels operating in Fijian waters to have a functioning AIS has not yet been ratified by the country’s parliament - so there is currently no start date. Questions also remain as to how authorities are going to enforce and police the requirement, especially as very few of the commercial Fijian boats are showing AIS. The intention is for yachts to be monitored coming into the country and to have AIS on "At all Times" while in Fijian waters [read news here]. Viki says feedback from cruisers in Fiji has been positive about the move; "everyone is happy to have it on and they wish that all the other boats out there had it too".
Northern Marianas: Visa Rules
All nationalities, other than US citizens, are handled nearly identically as mainland USA or nearby Guam. This means that an ESTA does not apply if arriving by yacht and a visa must be secured in advance. Read Australian Sailor Bruce Reidy's comment, posted when he stopped in the Northern Marianas when returning to Australia after the Melbourne-Osaka Race. More details at Northern Marianas Immigration.
Australia: Updated Biosecurity Checklist
Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry [DAFF] have recently updated their “Starting on the Right Tack” Biosecurity checklist for non-commercial vessels arriving into Australian waters. This checklist is designed to ensure vessels comply with Australian biosecurity regulations before and during arrival. It focuses on reporting requirements, vessel inspection readiness, and management of potential biosecurity risks. Read other updates from DAFF in their latest newsletter.
Indonesia: Ports of Entry update
Marina Del Ray in the Gili Gede Islands off Lombok have advised Noonsite that they currently are unable to offer clearance services due to their ongoing permit extension process. It is expected clearance services at this port will be back operating normally soon.
Philippines: Cruisers Advised to Avoid Davao Due to Customs Issues
Due to recent issues with the Bureau of Customs in Davao (and only Davao), cruisers are strongly advised against visiting this port currently. Holiday Oceanview Marina, Samal Island, is not accepting new arrivals until this issue is resolved. More info. at this news item.
Indian Ocean Countries: Planning to Cross Soon?
We are currently updating our Indian Ocean Country formalities in time for crossing season. If you are already researching your stopovers and have any questions for the Noonsite team re. entry and exit procedures, contact us at noonsite@noonsite.com.
Egypt: Formalities Updated
If Red Sea passage planning is on the agenda, make use of our comprehensive formalities for Egypt, updated this month.
Cape Verdes: Formalities Updated
Transatlantic season is looming and a stop in Cape Verdes is a popular choice with many yachts. Read all about the entry and exit procedures plus paperwork required at Cape Verdes formalities, updated this month.
While Noonsite remains a "free to use" resource for cruisers worldwide, viewing formalities is restricted to just 3 free countries a month. For cruisers undertaking extensive voyaging who may require access to more than 3 country formalities each month, we offer a very reasonable subscription of just $2.99 a month, which gives unlimited access to the whole site. Find out more.
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Marine & Leisure Insurance
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Cruising Knowledge
GPS Hacking and Spoofing: Launch of Working Group
So far GPS hacking and spoofing has mainly affected commercial aviation around conflict zones in the Baltic, Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean areas, but is now prevalent in the Red Sea and Straits of Hormuz. This is mainly affecting commercial shipping, however all mariners need to be aware of the problem - it is thought to have been the cause of ship groundings in the Red Sea. The Royal Institute of Navigation (London) has launched a working group to investigate and report on the effects, mitigations and solutions and are keen to reach as many mariners as they can who have direct experience of the issues caused by GNSS interference. Any mariners with personal experience of GNSS/GPS spoofing are encouraged to report such incidents to the RIN Working Group by contacting Ramsay Faragher at: director@rin.org.uk. Our thanks to John Franklin of OSASA for this information.
World Cruising Club Rally Update
The 2026 rallies are all open for entry and brochure requests: ARC 2026, ARC+ 2026, ARC Europe 2026, ARC Baltic 2026 and World ARC 2027-28.
Caribbean Weather: Understanding Tropical Waves
With Hurricane Season ongoing in the Caribbean, it’s a good time to learn more about Tropical waves - low pressure systems that move from Western Africa across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean and the tropics. Read and learn about tropical waves in this article from Caribbean Compass.
Crossing the Atlantic with Electric Propulsion
Another informative article from Caribbean Compass. Read Keith Dickey & Rebecca Frontz’s final instalment on what was more than just a technical challenge (and catch up on previous instalments) where they discuss their key takeaways.
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Join the Ocean Cruising Club
The Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) inspires long-distance sailing in small boats. Members know what it means to be at sea - reliant on their own skills, subject to nature’s whims, humbled and empowered at once. We foster a fellowship of seafarers, always ready to assist sailors afloat or ashore.
Membership connects you to cruising resources via our website, app (with offline use), interactive maps, forums, events, mentors, port officers worldwide, and our Young Cruisers community. Whoever you are, wherever and whenever you sail, we welcome you to join us, share knowledge, seek advice, and explore the oceans together.
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Pacific Ocean
French Polynesia, Mopelia: Cargo Ship Rescues Stricken Sailors
Two Swedish sailors have been rescued by a passing cargo ship after they were forced to abandon their vessel after hitting an unidentified object in the water about 55NM west of Mopelia in the Society Islands. Read the news here.
Vanuatu: Drug Law Enforcement Affects Yachts
Following the recent seizure of illicit drugs on board a yacht in Luganville, Vanuatu Police are urging locals to support drug law enforcement by reporting any suspicious yachts or maritime activity in their area to the nearest police station. More details at Vanuatu security.
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Welcoming Global Sailors to Portugal
Located in Aveiro, Portugal, Neptune Yacht Refit Services provides a full range of professional services tailored to the needs of private and commercial yachts. The shipyard offers high-quality refits, dry storage, and a reliable fuel supply up to 20,000L, all delivered with a strong commitment to quality and excellence.
Strategically positioned between Oporto and Lisbon international airports, Neptune ensures convenient access and efficient turnaround times. Owners and captains can rely on a dedicated team with extensive expertise in vessel maintenance, repair, and seasonal preparation.
Whether you’re seeking a major renovation, specific upgrades or short/long-term dry storage, Neptune stands out as a trusted partner for yachts cruising or preparing for Atlantic and Mediterranean crossings.
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Atlantic Ocean
Cape Verdes: Donations Needed
After the devastating floods caused by Tropical Storm Erin on Monday 11th August, many families in São Vicente have lost homes, belongings, and access to basic necessities. Yachts en-route to Cape Verdes are being asked to bring donations to help those affected. Find out what is needed.
Atlantic Orca: In Galicia
For the third successive year, Orca have been sighted in the Ria de Arousa, on Spain's NW coast, feeding on octopus. While a wonderful sight to behold, (along with blue, pilot and fin whales), the Orca are also continuing to interact with yachts and damaging rudders. Sailors are being advised to stay in port. Read the news.
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Noonsite Members Area
Our fifth guide, posted exclusively for Noonsite members is Navigating Schengen, which covers the nuts and bolts of planning extended cruising in Europe for non-EU nationals.
Remember, it’s not too late to enter the Japan photo contest if you have been cruising Japan this season, held by Konpira Consulting. Entries close at the end of September. There are cash prizes and the winning images will be published in the Konpira calendar and Christmas card. Log-in and head to the green special offers bar on all country pages to find out more.
Every month we add more content to the Special Offers area exclusively for our members, which also includes great deals from our advertisers. Find out how to become a member for as little as $2.99 a month and get access to the members-only area.
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Caribbean Sea
Antigua: Sailing Week 2026
Antigua is making changes to its sailing week next year, quite different from past years. Taking place in April, there is now a liveaboard rally-style event, which includes optional easy reaching courses for cruising boats. Find out more at Antigua Events on Noonsite. Our thanks to the OCC for sharing this intel.
Guatemala: Hope Fleet Expand into Rio Dulce Hope Fleet International has just launched Operation Rio Dulce, marking their first expansion outside of the Caribbean. With confirmed partners on the ground, their volunteer vessels will now be transporting school supplies, hygiene kits, and food into the Rio Dulce region of Guatemala. Find out how you can get involved with Hope Fleet.
Panama Canal: Line Handler Procedure
Transiting yachts finding backpackers/foreigners in Panama and paying them as line-handlers for the canal transit have led to reports to Immigration Services and the Panama Port Authority, resulting in raids and fines affecting other sailors. If your Canal advisor detects a non-licensed person on board handling lines and being paid for it, your transit will be stopped and you will have to hire local handlers, resulting in additional transit delay charges. Using foreign handlers undermines local Panamanian labor and limits the work of authorized agents. Find out more details at Noonsite's Panama Canal Transit Guide.
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Sail to the Caribbean this year with Sevenstar
Sevenstar Yacht Transport offers October, November, and December sailings from Europe to the Caribbean and the USA East Coast. Escape the cold and bring your yacht to the ultimate winter destination. With regular transatlantic sailings, Sevenstar makes it simple to reach the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean.
Please reserve your spot now and let our expert team handle every detail of your journey, ensuring your yacht arrives safely and on time. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sail with confidence this winter!
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Mediterranean Sea
Hazardous Sea Creatures: Blue Dragon alert in Murcia, Spain. Tiny, beautiful, but with a painful sting. Find out more here.
Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas: A Croatian public institution is appealing to sailors and the public for their help in efforts to save the Noble Pen Shell (Pinna nobilis), an endangered mussel species native to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Find out how you can help.
Greece, Monemvasia: Greece’s version of Gibraltar is a popular place for yachts to visit, located on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. The Monemvasia Residents and Owners Association - many of whom are active sailors and boat owners - have been in touch with Noonsite to advise on entrance notes and cautions plus anchoring guidance for visiting yachts. See the Monemvasia port page for more details and this useful report.
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Baltic Sea
Waterspouts: A rare outbreak of waterspouts was reported over the Baltic Sea on August 21, with multiple independent observers documenting at least 20 funnels. Reports confirmed 12 waterspouts off Poland and 8 off Denmark, including a Danish observer who recorded eight aligned simultaneously. Photo by the International Centre for Waterspout Research.
Caution when Cruising the Baltic: Yachts cruising the Baltic are advised to use caution, consider avoiding the Russian Economic Exclusion Zone due to ongoing tensions, and reminded to report any incidents of concern. In the Baltic Sea, AKE has observed growing offensive behaviours of Russian maritime and air forces, as a show of force, testing NATO’s and national coast guard reactions and increased suspicion of all Russian waters, ships, and approaching watercraft. Read more.
ARC Baltic: This new rally in 2026 by World Cruising Club visits five countries in one month and covers 1000NM of sailing the Baltic Sea. The rally starts in Kiel on 3 July and concludes near Stockholm on 31 July, visiting Stralsund (Germany), Bornholm (Denmark), Gotland and Gotska Sandon (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland), Aaland and the Stockholm archipelago (Sweden). Find out more.
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Indian Ocean
South Africa - Durban: In November Durban plays host to a Pit Stop on the Mini Globe Race. At last prediction the first boats are expected around the beginning of the month and the rest will be coming in over the period of a week. The fleet are expected to remain in Durban for approximately 10 days. It should be noted that the arrival date(s) and length of stop in Durban will be revised and confirmed once the fleet arrive in Mauritius.
World ARC: Departs Darwin on 9 September bound for Lombok, Indonesia. From there, the fleet are sailing across the Indian Ocean via Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling, then to Mauritius and Reunion before making landfall in South Africa in Richards Bay. Berth spaces in South Africa are going to be tight! See the World ARC Itinerary.
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South China Sea
Indonesia, Bali: Construction is well under way on the new full-service marina in Benoa Harbour, with the first dock installed in July 2025. The developers are hoping to welcome the first boats in October. When completed, the new marina will offer docking, mooring, repair and other services including a haul-out facility and hard standing. More details at Benoa Docking.
Malaysia - Fuel Restrictions: Cruisers are advised to be careful with their route planning when sailing in Malaysia waters due to recently introduced restrictions on diesel supply in Malaysia. According to Noonsite member Frank Weiand, government officials are allowing foreigners and locals only ONE Jerry Can (26ltr) of diesel per day. Frank said this has been confirmed by Customs Officers in Tioman and Terrenganu and affects Borneo and all of Malaysia’s mainland east coast. See Frank's full feedback for more details.
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Featured Title
Atlantic Spain and Portugal
Cruising from Cabo Ortegal (Galicia) to Gibraltar
By Henry Buchanan
Published by RCCPF and Imray
Covering 600 miles of Spain and Portugal’s Atlantic coastline, this meticulously updated 9th edition is the trusted companion for cruising sailors. Packed with detailed chartlets, annotated photographs, and essential local knowledge, it combines precise pilotage with practical tips to keep every passage safe and rewarding.
From Galicia’s rugged rías to the Algarve’s golden lagoons, via Portugal’s dramatic cliffs and Andalucía’s maritime heritage, each region is explored with clarity, depth, and insight. Whether it’s the latest safety protocols, harbour access status, or invaluable on-the-ground advice - this guide has it covered.
Authoritative yet easy to read, it’s like having an experienced local sailor in your crew: a book that not only ensures safe navigation but also inspires you to experience the history, beauty, and hidden treasures of this extraordinary coast.
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