Olal/Nopul - Docking
Olal
This small anchorage on the North tip of the island is a good anchorage in most conditions and has much better protection from the West than Nopul. Deep draft boats, however, will have a problem anchoring here.
The reef offers good shelter from all sides except the north. Holding is good but avoids the rubble near the reef which could snag an anchor.
Nopul
Neighbouring Nopul is a bigger anchorage, but it means a very long walk to Olal including crossing a ford which can be impassable after heavy rain.
This anchorage is sheltered from E & SE tradewinds (open to infrequent westerlies). Anchor in black sand in 30 to 60 feet. You can land your dinghy on the black sand beach. Walk up the hill to the house of Chief Masing to say hello. Chief Johnson also welcomes contact with yachties. They can direct you to Olal.
Last updated: September 2014
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Related to following destinations: Ambrym, Olal/Nopul, Vanuatu
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Posted on behalf of Chris – August 28th 2014
Olal is actually a good anchorage in most conditions and has much better protection from the West than Nopul. (Nebul is more correctly pronounced/spelt Nopul or Nobul).
Unless you have a deep draft or many boats, it is no problem to anchor at Olal itself. The main problem was lack of a pilotage chart so we have produced one this year. The villagers are very friendly and have built a brand new yacht club and bar so we strongly recommend you to go visit, whether you go straight there or anchor at Nopul! Our pilotage chart and lots more info about Olal is available at http://www.yit.co.nz/blogs/ohana/2014/pilotage-chart-olal-ambrym-vanuatu
PS. I don’t think they had a working VHF any more but chief sekur has a phone now and the number is on our pilotage chart.