Fiji, Samoa or Tonga : Biologist looking for catamaran for a month around August 2021

[BBOU]

Hi everybody !



I am organizing a 1-month biodiversity survey in Wallis-and-Futuna around August 2021. As there is no catamaran here, I am looking for a catamaran for rent, with or without skipper.



Anyone interested to participate, or has any contact that could help on this issue ? Maybe boat owners in Fiji, Samoa or Tonga, or travellers from further away ?


Attached : our flyer on this biodiversity project (in French, sorry for that, but with nice pictures



Thanks a lot for spreading the news !!!


Bert, from Wallis-and-Futuna


contact for more details on the project : bertrand.bouchard@gmail.com

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bert.

[JPA Cate]

If New Caledonia has re-opened, then you might be able to charter a catamaran out of Noumea. It will be an upwind trip from there to Wallis.

If French Polynesia gets their Covid 19 under adequate control, there might be folks coming from Tahiti towards you, but I don't really think you are going to get a free ride for this, mostly because most cruisers are either couples or families, not exactly able to support a scientific expedition. For these people, the tenuousness of the anchorages will be a deterrent.

Ann

[BBOU]

Thanks JPA Cate for you insights,


Yes, we thought of renting a catamaran in Noumea.We were looking for boat located a bit closer to reduce the travel time, but we can't find that will be our best option I guess.
How long do you reckon it would take to reach Wallis from Noumea, approximately in usual conditions ? I never sailed it that way, only westward.



I also agree that a boat with a family would not be ideal because there would not be enough room onboard for our team (5-6 persons).

But maybe some sailors willing to make a bit of money while being involved in a marine conservation project, and visit our island ? There are safe anchorages in Wallis and several boats stop here every year during their pacific crossing.


Cheers,


Bertrand