Not only does the state of Bahia have the longest navigable coast in Brazil, it also is the largest tropical bay in the world. Year round warm weather and good winds, clear waters with a temperature range of 24 – 26 degrees Celsius, means the waters off the Bahian coast offer some excellent cruising options. It is home to several species of whales, and spread throughout the bay are many marina, piers, sailing clubs and anchoranges. Covering an area of 1,052 square kilometres, encompassing 13 municipalities and 56 islands, as well as a selection of beautiful urban and remote beaches.

In preparation for World ARC, World Cruising Club invited Jimmy Cornell to write a series of passage notes which are included in each ‘Skippers Handbook’. So let’s hand over to Jimmy and hear his thoughts on what the crews will find as they make their first landfall of 2009.

It is always a really good feeling to arrive in a place where visiting sailors are not only warmly welcome but their presence makes a visible contribution to the local economy. St Helena is a truly fascinating island, not least because its most famous visitor, Napoleon Bonaparte, arrived there by force, spent nearly six years of exile there and ended his life on this remote speck of land. Her very isolation is probably St Helena’s main attraction and the lack of an airport means that only determined travellers actually set foot on this remote island lost in the vastness of the South Atlantic.

Zululand Yacht Club (ZYC) is located in Richards Bay, longitude 32° 02' E and latitude 28° 48' S,  approximately 80 miles north of Durban, the commercial capital of Kwa-Zulu Natal.  Its location provides a natural gateway to major tourist areas on its doorstep, such as the St Lucia world renowned heritage wetland, home of the leatherback turtle and many other threatened wildlife species.  The club takes great pride in introducing visitors to their superb location on the dolphin coastline.

Niue has an area of just 100 square miles, which is 2/3 the size of the Isle of Wight the home of World Cruising Club. Niue is commonly known as the "Rock of Polynesia" or locally as "the Rock" just as the natives of the Isle of Wight refer to their own island....

During World ARC’s short stay in Hiva Oa, many of the fleet are taking the time to visit the Calvart Cemetery in Atuona. Within this burial ground lies the renown post-impressionist artist Eugene Henri Paul Gauguin (7-June 1848 – 8-May 1903) and the famous singer/songwriter, Jacques Romain Georges Brel (8-April 1929 – 9-Oct 1978).

Darwin has much to offer the visiting yachtsman, with plenty of exciting tours and excursions of the Northern Territory. Nearby Kakadu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre), is well worth a two day trip, and closer at hand is Litchfield National Park. Darwin itself has plenty to offer with several evening markets and an unusual outdoor deckchair cinema! There is also a selection of international cuisine throughout the town, and a great welcome at the Dinah Beach Yacht Club and Darwin Sailing Club.

Sailing into Port Resolution with the backdrop of the volcano Mount Yasur will be just the start to the magical experience of a visit to Tanna, which means “earth” in Tannese. Mt Yasur is the world’s most accessible active volcano, and being so close to such natural raw power is a mind blowing experience, especially at sunset, with glowing lumps of lava being thrown into the air. (It should be noted that this visit is potentially dangerous and at your own risk, as the volcano is live and therefore unpredictable).

Neiafu, capital of Vava’u, is where the World ARC yachts will make landfall, mooring in Port of Refuge on moorings close to this rather quaint small town. Once ashore everything is within easy walking distance of the town centre; whilst there are plenty of small supermarkets, a visit to a few may be required to find all one’s needs, as whilst well stocked, selections can be limited. A surprising number of restaurants abound, with a wide variety of cuisine offered.