Seasonal· Tahanea· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Maramu (Reinforced Trades) Refuges
16° 57.4′ S · 144° 35.0′ W
From about June to September, high pressure passing south of the Tuamotus brings maramu: days of 20-30 kt SE-S winds and big swell. Cruisers in this group run to the SE corners of Tahanea and Kauehi.
Practical
Coordinate is the Tahanea SE Corner Anchorage (Sugar Shack's maramu spot). Proven refuges in this subregion: Tahanea SE corner (ENE to SSW protection, 9 nm from the middle pass) and Kauehi East Corner (Mahuehue; N through SW). Soggy Paws (2010) saw the wind howl 20-25 kt E-ENE for days in July-August, waiting in between for 36-48 hour lulls to move. The lagoon overfills in strong S wind and swell: passes can ebb with no slack for days, up to 8 kt at Tahanea in May 2023 (Migration). Plan to be inside and anchored before the maramu arrives, and don't schedule pass transits during it.
Best for
Planning around winter blows
Season
Mostly June-September
Nearby
- Tahanea SE Corner AnchorageRight here
- Tahanea Copra Shed Anchorage0.3 NM away
- Tuamotu Sandpiper Nesting Season (Tahanea)0.3 NM away
- Tahanea Sandy Beach Anchorage0.4 NM away
- Tahanea SE Corner Beach0.4 NM away
- Tahanea East Rim Anchorage3.7 NM away
- Tahanea East Rim Landing Beach3.7 NM away
- Tahanea Northeast Anchorage4.3 NM away