October, 2000... The Isle of Pines, "The Jewel of the Pacific", is one of Magic Dragon's favorite cruising grounds. Now that Adagio has followed in just a few of the DeRidder's tracks around New Caledonia, Isle of Pines is definitely on our list of "visit again soon". Visit the Isle of Pines website for more details.
Relatively few cruisers visit this area southeast of New Caledonia's main island - in the prevailing southeasterly tradewinds, it is a two-day upwind slog. We were more fortunate our first trip down, fast-reaching in a brief spell of easterlies. In November we made two more round trips from Noumea to Ile des Pins - not so lucky on the winds, but Adagio goes upwind very well, and can be a good powerboat as well when the winds go light.
Relatively few cruisers visit this area southeast of New Caledonia's main island - in the prevailing southeasterly tradewinds, it is a two-day upwind slog. We were more fortunate our first trip down, fast-reaching in a brief spell of easterlies. In November we made two more round trips from Noumea to Ile des Pins - not so lucky on the winds, but Adagio goes upwind very well, and can be a good powerboat as well when the winds go light.
