I just wanted to recommend a place to repair your boat or antifoul it. We emailed Chantier Naval des Iles in Raiatea and got an email back with all the information. We wanted to antifoul our Delphia 40 and do it ourselves. We made an appointment 2 weeks in advance, arrived the day before and got a free mooring. The next day at high tide (we draw 2.25 meters) the boat was put on a cradle and pull out of the water. We had bought antifoul in Papeete but there is a chandlery nearby.

After 2 days they put the boat back in the water. The cost was a bargain when you look at what you pay in Sydney, Australia or even the US. The travel lift cost in Cartagena, Colombia was about the same. We stayed a few days in their little marina to fix a few problems and the staff there couldn’t have been more helpful. They helped me fix the problems, import spares, etc at no or very little cost.

The mechanic speaks English very well and he is a sailor! Karin in the office speaks a little English and German. The owner Jacques seems a bit gruff, but he is very good and helpful. It always helps if you speak the local language though.

For us, it was the best place ever to fix our yacht and a bargain to boot! You can leave your boat in storage there as well, the security has improved and the owner lives there. We are back in Australia now but I should tell other fellow sailors of a good place to go.

Chantier Naval des Iles

Raiatea, French Polynesia

Email: cni@mail.pf

www.cnislv.com

Daniel Villinger