Anchorage· Tubuai· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Tubuai Opposite-the-Pass Anchorage
23° 21.0′ S · 149° 30.3′ W
A dent in the fringing reef right opposite the north pass that looks protected on the chart. It is quick to reach on arrival, but swell wraps in through the pass.
Practical
Waypoint 23°21.04'S 149°30.267'W (Pitufa, Nov 2018). Even on a calm day with light easterlies and a small SW swell, the swell wrapped around the island, built up in the pass and they rolled miserably. Useful only as a short stop after entering the pass or to wait for good light before the uncharted route toward the airport. The western lagoon current can run up to about 4 kn near here (Chugach).
Best for
Short stop after entering the pass