Clearing into Thailand proved more complicated than expected for this cruising family. Despite following guidance from yacht clearance officials when submitting their arrival paperwork, a misunderstanding led to a chain of issues that continued all the way to their next destination, the Maldives. Their experience highlights how complex clearance procedures can be, and why it’s worth double-checking requirements through resources like Noonsite or considering the support of a reputable agent. Here, skipper Brad shares their story.

Noonsite Regional Editor Megan continues her monthly Musings, covering cruising topics that are often overlooked, yet a major part of life on board. For the past 9 years, Megan and her family have called their Boreal 47 expedition monohull, SV Zephyros, home and in this latest installment, she continues her thoughts on why she continues to feel called to the cruising life as she discusses crew, community and the sailing bubble.

In 2025, cruisers in Davao began experiencing issues with the local Bureau of Customs. In response, Holiday Oceanview Marina (HOV) closed (August 2025) and cruisers were advised to avoid the area while the issues were clarified. The situation in Davao has now improved and the HOV Marina is open again (April 2026). Find out more details in this news article.

Following the recent announcement from BIOT Administration regarding the pause in new yacht permit applications, Noonsite was invited to discuss the current situation directly with BIOT officials. This included clarification on the permitting process, anticipated developments, and guidance for yachts considering a visit this season.

The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) 2025 Annual Report on yacht crimes in the Caribbean provides vital insights and safety information for sailors and yacht owners and notes that reported incidents of crimes against yachts in the Caribbean have decreased since an all time high was recorded in 2024.

While seeking shelter from a storm in an unfamiliar anchorage on the north coast of the Papua New Guinea province of New Ireland, a cruising yacht was boarded by three men armed with machetes. The crew members were able to repel the boarders - according to this first-hand report from the British skipper who is on a round-the-world voyage.

The port of Massawa on the coast of Eritrea is once again allowing vessels to visit to the country and as a result a number of yachts have stopped there on their Red Sea Passage. In this report the skippers of two vessels who recently visited the port say they found it a safe and easy stopover.

This route across the Gulf of Guinea remains uncommon for private cruising yachts due to limited infrastructure, variable equatorial weather, security concerns and general lack of support facilities. With preparation and flexibility, both the Liberian coast and offshore passage toward São Tomé are navigable, as Elena Levon of SV Rebels outlines in this report.

Yacht skippers intending to visit Fiji are strongly advised to ensure they are aware of ALL entry requirements and make sure they are fully compliant with ALL immigration, customs and clearance procedures before departing from their last port, whether that is New Zealand, Tonga, Cook Islands or any other Pacific Island nation or country.

Regular Noonsite contributor Luc Callebaut and his partner Jackie Lee have arrived in French Polynesia after making their way eastward from the Philippines. In his latest video diary and report for Noonsite, Luc covers leg six of their voyage from Tonga to the Cook Islands and what has changed in Aitutaki since his first visit more than 20 years ago.