Cruising Guide to Tahiti and the French Society Islands

by Marcia Davock, Julius M. Wilensky

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Edition: Paperback

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a classic South Seas cruising guide

There obviously isn't a large market for books of this kind, which explains why this 1st edition has never been revised and nothing comparable has appeared from other publishers. And Marcia Davock really did create a classic with lots of excellent maps, lively photos, and delightful texts, plus amazingly detailed and useful information on how to stear a sailboat right around Tahiti and Moorea. Back in 1985 when Marcia's book came out, the Leeward Islands (Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti, etc) still hadn't developed into the popular charter cruising zones they are today. Thus the Leewards get only 86 pages in the book while the Windwards (Tahiti and Moorea) get 115. If Marcia were writing now, that ratio would certainly be reversed and then some. The Marquesas and Tuamotu islands receive no coverage at all. Nevertheless, as the author of the South Pacific Handbook I strongly recommend this guide to everyone planning a passage under sail through French Polynesia. It will provide stimulating and informative reading matter on the long journey south from Hawaii and lead you into some amazing places later on.

Great if your sailing

If you are chartering a sailboat around French Polynesia you should get this book or the Charlies charts book to plan your itinerary. Bring it along and use it too. It helps you navigate, saves you time by pointing out good anchorages, and gives you perspective as to where you are when you are sailing around. If your not sailing, get one of the travel books. Find out which ones by reading my trip report at DiveAtlas.com.