Poum
From CruisersWiki
Poum, New Caledonia
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| 20°13.62′S, 164°01.74′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Poum is a small town on the NW corner of Grande Terre. It has a population of around 1,600. At one stage it was a mining town, but mining has ceased in the local area and it is now a rural community.
Poum is the northernmost settlement of any size on Grande Terre. FacilitIes are limited, but there is a shop which can provide groceries and fuel. This shop is close to the wharf. There is a Maire (council chambers) and a Gendarme post.
Cruising the region
Poum provides a jumping off point for exploring the huge Northern Lagoon.
Some 6 nm to the south is the rather pleasant Baie du Croissant. As the name suggests, there is a pretty crescent beach in a deserted area. The only issue is that there is an opening in the reef not too far away and this allows swell into the anchorage.
A further 4 nm SE takes you to the sheltered little bay behind Ille Tanle. This is an excellent stopping point with an interesting shore walk on the island.
Local Weather
Local weather conditions?
Sources for Weather forecasts
Local forecasts are, of course, in French, but non-French speakers should find them relatively easy to understand. A very useful vocabulary can be found at How to Understand French Weather Forecasts for Sailors.
The main source of weather information for the area around New Caledonia is Meteo France Nouvelle-Calédonie. The marine section provides a 6 day forecast for the whole region, with details for each of the passes through the barrier reef.
Nouméa radio broadcasts the weather report in French on VHF 16, everyday at 6:30, 9:30, 15:15, 18:30.
There is a set of repeater channels allowing receipt of weather info anywhere in the country:
- Nouméa area: VHF 26
- Southern portion of the Grande Terre: VHF 28
- Isle of Pines and the Southern Lagoon: VHF 25
- Grande Terre North West coast: VHF 25
- Northern portion of Grande Terre: VHF 24
- Ouvea: VHF 23
- Lifou: VHF 26
- Maré: VHF 87
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
- Chart Source
- Chart No
- Chart No
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Approaching Poum from the west, you pass through Canal De Mouac. This relatively narrow channel is fringed by reefs. Green markers denote the southern side of the channel and there should be a red bouy south of Ile Mouac, defining the northern side of the channel.
Approaching from the north, there are a number of reefs and islands to be navigated around. There are lit beacons on Walat Ou Roche Percee, Ile Tuay and Teebwag.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
If this is not a port of entry omit this section, otherwise submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.
Berthing Options
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Pointe Bouemanda provides some shelter depending on wind direction. Neither side of the point is suitable in northerly conditions.
- East of Pointe Bouemanda, out from the wharf. This spot is best in southerly and westerly conditions. You can use the wharf as a dinghy landing, but note that it is used by the locals quite frequently so be considerate in where you tie up. There is water on the wharf.
- West of Pointe Bouemanda in line with the white church. This area would be best in southerly and easterly conditions. Note that there are moorings in this area, used by local boat owners.
- In northerly conditions, it may be possible to shelter behind Ile Mouac. Note that the reef extends a considerable distance from the shore.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
- None
Repairs/Yards
- None
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- May be available from the store
- Water
- Available on the wharf
- Electricity
- no
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
List places of interest, tours, etc.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- A single grocery store, a short distance to the east of the wharf
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
- No
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- No
Garbage Disposal
?
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
See New Caledonia.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2010 - Pedro
This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
Contributors to this page
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Names: Pedro |