Marina· Makemo· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Makemo Town Quay (Pouheva)
16° 37.6′ S · 143° 34.2′ W · approximate
Pouheva's concrete wharf, where the supply ships tie up and where yachts have lain bow-to in a blow with lines to stainless rings. It is a working commercial quay, not a marina, but it has saved boats when the lagoon anchorage turned nasty.
Practical
Approximate: placed at the waterfront between the Sugar Shack 'close to the pier' anchorage waypoint (16°37.595S / 143°34.202W) and the village anchorage; check satellite imagery. The commune lists the quay as 40.55 m of berthing with 5 m draft, in good condition (service-public.pf atoll sheet, updated July 31, 2024). Soggy Paws (July 2010) went bow-in with three bow lines to the rings and two stern lines during strong SE winds; at one point 2 monohulls, 4 charter cats and a supply ship shared the leeward side. Warning: in June 2020 a NNW microburst pushed two yachts onto this quay and holed one; only use it with permission from the Police Municipale, never when a ship is due, and leave if wind is forecast to blow onto it. Ships calling in 2024: Mareva Nui (about 21 calls a year), Nuku Hau (about 12) and SXMS 3 (about 11). There is also a small marina (small-craft basin) by the sports hall, and a commune landing at Tapuhiria (West Pass).
Best for
Emergency shelter alongside, and buying diesel straight off the supply ship