Tonga

[Fritz]

I am considering a bareboat charter in the Kingdom of Tonga. Have done the BVI a few times and am interested in a destination that's less crowded. Having two kids (ages 5 & 6), the short sailing distances(< 30 miles) are appealling. Has anyone done any sailing in Tonga? If so, was it a positive experience? I'd appreciate some insight. We're considering April or May 2002.

 

[Dan Smith]

coral blues

FritzI have spent a few days in the so east pacific... Fiji, tobga , samoa etc.The biggest probem is that of coral...uncharted coral of which there in a ton, ant the tidal eddys and current it produces sone to 8-9 kts !. You need to get aloft and feel your way..somthing for a bluewater crew.. I have seen island freighters with local crew discover a lot of new patch reefs... I have seen their hulls still marking the site.I would suggest at the minimum have a local skipper and a good family safety plan. When you discover coral at 7 kts it more than likely will show you how neatly a sailboat shears off her keel and lower hull ...in 1 min/ flat So Pacific is a post grad course to the Virgins. But that is my opinion