Exploring the World’s Largest Lagoon!
We last saw Magalie and Cyril in Nouméa back in July last year, where they were completing their second circumnavigation. The adventure continues for the French couple who began their sailing dream 15 years ago. This time, they take us along on a journey through the idyllic islets of the world’s largest lagoon, in New Caledonia.
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Publié le
30/01/2026
Par
Mary Nicholas
Where: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Multihull: Catathai 40
YouTube: @catamaranblacklion
increasing number of boaters in this part of the world. But after 24 days of maintenance (and other work ashore) on their catamaran, it’s time to relax and discover the beauty of the surrounding wildlife! Magalie and Cyril share a veritable wildlife documentary with us, in which we marvel at the coral reefs and seagrass beds that provide shelter for marine species, as well as the different types of turtles that have inhabited these waters for millions of years, such as the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle. These magnificent underwater images are accompanied by advice for navigating in this pristine area. For example, near Goéland Islet, Black Lion’s next stop, located about an hour away, we discover a turquoise sea and numerous free mooring balls. However, you’re not allowed ashore here. There are red markers indicating that landing is prohibited, as is fishing, and this is closely monitored by vessels tasked with protecting the lagoon. The catamaran then continues its crossing to Amédée Island, carried by the southeast trades, but having to make way upwind. Ashore this time, Magalie and Cyril curiously observe numerous sea snakes, yellow and black creatures that make themselves at home on the sand. A microclimate seems to reign on this island where the sky remains blue despite the surrounding storms. A little further on, a lighthouse dating from 1862, designed and assembled ``as a trial run’’ in Paris and transported here using some 1,265 crates, serves as a landmark and emblem for Amédée Island. After a stroll and some photos of this tranquil island, it’s time to climb back into the dinghy. But first, Magalie and Cyril make sure to check that no striped sea snake has taken up residence, including in the outboard, where these creatures sometimes like to hide.
As they approach Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia, a stopover is a must at Îlot Maître, a small, peaceful, picture-postcard spot with its bungalows on stilts. The final crossing to Îlot Kouaré, in the South Province, offers breathtaking views where the clear, turquoise sea rivals golden sand beaches teeming with countless seabirds. The preservation of the flora and fauna in this lagoon allows these bird colonies to nest peacefully.
At the end of 2026, Magalie and Cyril will have the joy of joining their son in South Africa – our colleague Jonathan is putting the finishing touches on the launch of his Reflex catamaran there, which we featured recently in Multihulls World. It will be a wonderful opportunity for a reunion that they will certainly share with us, and we can’t wait!
