Join our French Polynesia Flotilla and visit paradise on earth. Those who fly into the islands and stay at hotels experience only a part of the magic of these islands. It is only in sailing between the blue ocean and turquoise lagoons in the shadow of the majestic volcanic peaks as the ancient Polynesians did in their outrigger canoes, that one realizes the full majesty of Tahiti.
The four major islands have ancient volcanic centers which rise from lovely calm lagoons ringed by outlying reefs. Passes in the reefs allow safe access in and out of the smooth sailing lagoons to blue water sailing in the trade winds. Steady trade winds provide fast reaches of about 5 hours between the islands. Good anchorages are abundant among the central islands as well as on the motus, lushly vegetated islets that have evolved on the encircling barrier reefs. These coral atolls have sandy beaches and offer a stunning view back toward those volcanic ranges.
Activities in Tahiti
There’s plenty to do and see in the Society Islands. Snorkeling, swimming, SUP, SCUBA and kayaking, are just a few of the water activities available. The coral reefs are spectacular as they rise from 80 feet or more to just a few feet deep. Van tours, car and scooter rentals are available ashore where ancient Polynesian temples can be seen.
Your French Polynesia Flotilla Leader
Captain Lucy Newman, owner of South Coast Sailing Adventures, holds a Master 100-ton USCG Captain’s License with an additional Auxiliary Sail Endorsement and has been sailing for over 40 years. She holds American Sailing Association instructor qualifications for Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Chartering, Coastal Navigation, Advanced Coastal Cruising, Catamaran/Multihull Cruising, Celestial Navigation, and Docking Endorsement. She has navigated and sailed the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, The Caribbean, The Gulf of Mexico, The Great Lakes, Puget Sound, and numerous inland lakes throughout the United States. Since 2003, she has captained vessels on numerous major races including The Bermuda Race, the Harvest Moon Regatta, and the Race To The Border. Captain Lucy lived aboard her own sloop for over ten years and has owned numerous other sailboats ranging from 14-50 feet. She has led flotillas to the British Virgin Islands every year since 2006 and most recently led a group of sailors on a trip from Key West, Florida, to Havana, Cuba. Captain Lucy’s deep passion for sailing and for teaching others to harness the power of the wind earned her the ASA Outstanding Instructor Award in 2006 and the respect of thousands of sailors and students. Captain Lucy has lead 2 other Flotillas in French Polynesia, and also has her 208 Offshore Passage Making certification.
French Polynesia Flotilla Details
South Coast Sailing Adventures and the American Sailing Association joins in for this once in a lifetime opportunity with package fees averaging $3,000 per person, per week, based on double occupancy. Pricing includes charter fees, flotilla fees, all applicable taxes, provisioning, use of kayaks and SUPs, dock/moorage fees, and fuel. The flotilla price does NOT include airfare, hotel night stays in Tahiti, 2 meals ashore per week, optional excursions, and other miscellaneous personal expenditures such as shopping or souvenirs.
The Boats
We have reserved several boats for this island hopping odyssey. Reservations are available for singles, couples, or if you are a qualified skipper you may put your own group together.
ASA Certifications
ASA certifications are available during the flotilla. The cost is $200 per certification plus the cost of the textbook and shipping. Contact flotilla leader Capt. Lucy Newman for more information.