Thirty Five crews of the World ARC fleet came ashore at Taioha’e Bay on the island of Nuku Hiva today, for an afternoon and evening of local entertainment. It was a splendid welcome for the fleet who have been exploring these easterly islands of French Polynesia for the last few weeks, since they arrived from the Galapagos Islands during the middle of March.
The festivities began with interactive displays of local customs and handicraft. World ARC crews could learn how to husk a coconut or make jewellery or palm baskets and whatever they managed to make with the help of their guides, they got to keep as a souvenir of their skill and effort. On the black sand beach of the large bay, there was also the opportunity to try out crewing a local canoe or riding on a horse, both of which are typical Marquesan pastimes.
The fleet were formally welcomed to the island in a ceremony of music, dance and speeches, by members of the town and the Comite de Tourisme de Nuku Hiva. Is was a fantastic event and great for the two communities to interact in this way.
In the evening the crews enjoyed a Marquesan buffet meal, some plates of which had been cooked in an underground oven. Accompanying the meal was live entertainment of local music and dance and a DJ as well. It was a spectacular end to a very memorable day.