Welcome! This morning, after a passage of approximately 1,200 nautical miles across the Pacific, World ARC yachts from group 1 of the fleet began completing formal arrival procedures and checking into the Kingdom of Tonga. The World ARC’s home in Tonga is Port Refuge and the town of Neia’fu, in the Vava’u (va-va-oo) group of islands. The check-in procedure was reasonably quick and soon the skippers were authorised to remove the yellow Q flag which signals an international arrival, and find themselves a mooring in the harbour. Tying up in Port Refuge marked the end of journey from Bora Bora in French Polynesia which for most took over 14 days.

Tonight the World ARC participants who arrived in Niue during the last week attended a community function at the village hall in Alofi South. The excellent evening began with a formal welcome and song and then participants tucked into a traditional Niuean buffet supplied by members of the community. Following the meal, the group was entertained by a lively music and dance ensemble which ended by inviting the audience to take to the floor as well.

A group of 10 people went yesterday on a tour around the island of Niue, lead by Keith, the island Commodore and his wife Sue as a tourist guide. The group left from the Alofi wharf and went straight to the place where the English navigator Captain James Cook sighted Niue in 1774, but was refused landing by the locals. He then named Niue “Savage Island”. After this episode Niue was left in peace for the following 80 years...

By lunchtime today, all 6 World ARC yachts of the smaller group 1 of the fleet, had arrived on the island rock of Niue to begin several days of exploration. The first boats to arrive were Lady Ev VI and Kalliope III. They were followed during the hours of darkness by Destiny and Eowyn and then Lady Lisa and Ariane. The boats had been at sea for 10 days during which they covered about 1200 nautical miles. Their trip was broken up by a short stop in Suwarrow and the crews will rest in Niue for a few days before moving on to Tonga.

There was light to good wind at midday today as Group 2 of the World ARC fleet restarted from Bora Bora on the next leg of their around-the-world passage. The next leg, Leg 7, is a nearly 1400 nautical miles passage to the Kingdom of Tonga, stopping at the deserted atoll of Suwarrow and the big rock of Niue of the way. The group which departed today are following in the wake of group 1, who left from Bora Bora on Sunday.

It was another day of fun and festivities today at the Bora Bora as the participants of Group 2 of the World ARC fleet met to take part in the now famous dinghy race at the Bora Bora Yacht Club (BBYC). There were several international entries into the competitions where the rules were simple. No engines, everything else goes! After all the fun of the afternoon the fleet met together for a splendid BBQ meal. It was a great feast and the participants were well entertained by music from a local band.

The first group of World ARC boats departed today on Leg 7 of their circumnavigation – a nearly 1400 Nm passage to the Kingdom of Tonga with short stops at the deserted atoll of Suwarrow, and the island of Niue. The conditions inside the lagoon at Bora Bora were favourable for the fleet and they are forecasted to have very good winds from astern for the next few days.

It was fun and games this afternoon and evening in Bora Bora when World ARC participants took to the water to compete in the 1st round of the infamous International Dinghy Racing Championships, hosted by the Bora Bora Yacht Club (BBYC). Competitors from several different nations negotiated the rectangular course whilst dodging water bombs, porridge bombs and uninvited acts of piracy from other competitors. After the race all the compeititors, and those spectating, joined together for the prize-giving and a BBQ.

Today the World ARC office opened at the Bora Bora Yacht Club ready to receive the World ARC yachts that will restart with Group 1 on Sunday 16th May. By mid afternoon four boats were secured on moorings at the Club; Ariane, Destiny, Eowyn, and Lady Ev VI. The remaining 4 boats of the group are expected over the next couple of days, whilst the larger group of 18 boats will be competing in the Tahiti Pearl Regatta and will arrive a few days later.

Most of the World ARC fleet are now sailing around the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The Society Islands are the most western archipelago of the country and are divided into the Windward Islands, of Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaroa and Maiao and the 5 islands of the Leewards; Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Maupiti. Most of the boats are taking a 12 day route through the archipelago stopping at Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a before meeting up for the Rally restart in Bora Bora.

Following on from the day of welcome festivities on the Quai D'Honneur in Papeete, Tahiti Tourisme offered World ARC participants a full day excursion of the island of Tahiti today. During the clockwise tour of the principal island of French Polynesia, using its very accessible coastal road, the participants had the opportunity to visit several places of interest.

Today the World ARC fleet gathered on the Quay d’Honneur in Papeete for an afternoon of fun and information in an event organised by the Tahiti Tourisme. The event involved the opportunity to try out sailing on an outrigger boat, paddling in a traditional Polynesian canoe and receiving much information about Polynesian customs, handicraft, culture and ecology.

The World ARC fleet are steadily massing at the Quai de Yachts in the port of Papeete. The boats have arrived in Tahiti in preparation for the World ARC Fleet Rendezvous that takes place over the next few days. All the boats have been in contact with a other boats during their free cruising of the Marquesas and Tuamoto Islands but this is the first time since the crews made landfall in Hiva Oa, that the wider group will meet.

While Bristol Rose and J'Sea are on their way to the French Polynesia, the World ARC fleet continues to explore the South Pacific with fantastic reports from the stunning landscapes of Moorea, the archeological wonders of Huahine, the unspoiled Polynesian life of Raiatea and the drift diving of Rangiroa. All in all the mystery of the Marquesas!

The World ARC fleet has now departed from Hiva Oa. After exploring this island it is time to know a bit more about the rest of the islands of the most remote archipelago in the world. The Marquesas Islands are also known as " The Land of Men " but they are all sparsely inhabited, making them peaceful and interesting places to visit.

With well over half the World ARC fleet now in Hiva Oa the majority of crews were formally welcomed as a fleet by the Comite de Tourisme de Hiva Oa. The welcome began with a fruit tasting session on the dockside, allowing participants to sample some of the fruits and prepared fruits that can be found locally in the Marquesas. The fruit tasting was followed by a display of traditional Polynesian dancing and for some, the chance to join in!

Today was a busy day for arrivals of the World ARC fleet into Atuona Bay on the island of Hiva Oa. Several boats arrived during the hours of darkness and these were followed by a few more this morning. After almost 3,000 nautical miles and three weeks at see, it might be surprising that 4 boats crossed the finish line within one hour of one another. Four more yachts are due to cross the finish line in a close group tomorrow morning. However, as part of the Rally, its perhaps not surprising at all and several boats have reported being in view of at least one other boat almost every day.

At 1621 hrs local time, Sunday 20 March, the Shipman Seaway 63, Grand Filou II crossed the finish line of Leg 4 of the World ARC rally. The boat had completed almost a 3,000 nautical mile passage from Santa Cruz island in the Galapagos to Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. The crossing took the double-handed crew, of Juergan Enning and Cali Sanmarti, 14 days to complete.

Today, the World ARC fleet departed Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz , in the Galapagos Island, to embark on the next leg of their round the world trip. The next passage, Leg 4 of their journey, is a 2980 nautical mile passage to the Marquesas Island group of French Polynesia. There were good conditions on the water, allowing a competitive start to the Leg and a great spectacle for those taking part or just watching.

The World ARC fleet’s stay in the Galapagos Islands is unfortunately coming to an end. To mark the occasion the crews met for drinks at the newly renovated Sol y Mar Hotel. The hotel is a great setting with splendid views across the anchorage at Puerto Ayora. During the function, prizes were awarded for the competitive sailing leg from La Libertad on the Ecuadorian mainland to the island of San Cristobel in the the Galapagos

The crew supper on the 28th of February was a success with 63  people attending it. The dinner took place in the restaurant " Il Giardino " located in the main road from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz island in Galapagos.

All the boats that departed on Leg 3 of the World ARC route, from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, are now anchored in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. Whilst there have been some tense moments, as the fleet learnt that the Galapagos Islands where under a Tsunami Watch Warning, life has begun to calm down now and participants have begun boat tours to explore the Galapagos Islands, on the land and on and in the water.

Following the major eathquake in Chile (27-Feb-2010 06:30UTC) the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued an alert for the coasts of Chile, Peru and Ecuador, later extended to include large parts of the Pacific.

The World ARC event team in Galapagos were informed of the alert at 0830UTC by the UK office and immediately began contacting crews on yachts in the anchorage at Puerto Ayora. Where possible, yachts put to sea and the safety of deeper water. Those crews unable to put to sea were evacuated to higher ground in the centre of the island and the port of Puerto Ayora was closed for several hours.

17:30UTC and the port has now reopened and yachts are returning to the anchorage. There are no reports of damage ashore and all the crews are safe.

Participants have been enjoying the first of their boat tours here on the Galapagos Islands, to a unique and isolated volcanic island known locally as Kicker Rock.

Nearly all the fleet have now arrived in the Galapagos Islands, a much-anticipated stop on their global sailing adventure. After a gentle sail across from mainland Ecuador, the boats are now anchored at their first port of call in Puerto Baquerizo, on the island of San Cristobal

Following an interesting cultural visit to Ecuador, the World ARC fleet today set off from mainland Ecuador towards the Galapagos Islands. The boats have spent the last two weeks at the Puerto Lucia Yacht Club in La Libertad but now move on to San Cristobel Island, on Leg 3 of their round-the-world adventure.

Puerto Lucia Yacht Club, World ARC’s base in Ecuador, last night hosted a farewell party and prizegiving from Leg 1, with drinks and food for all the participants. Mr Palau, the Yacht Club’s President, wished everyone a safe onward journey, and said he hoped they had had an enjoyable stay whilst here in Ecuador.

In the early hours of Sunday morning (14 February), whilst on passage direct from Panama to Galapagos, the 43’ World ARC boat Bristol Rose, sailed by Robert and Patricia Budd and their family, became entangled with some rope.

With 22 boats of the World ARC fleet safely tied up in Puerto Lucía, World Cruising organised a Crew Supper.

With only eight yachts here in Puerto Lucia, today the first crews started their Ecuador adventures with two groups of participants heading to Quito, one overland by bus, the other by plane from Guayaquil.

The 58ft Catamaran 1+1 arrived in Ecuador this afternoon, marking the first arrival of the World ARC fleet in mainland South America. The rest of the boats are expected to arrive here over the following week.

Following successful transits of the Panama Canal, the World ARC fleet have spent an enjoyable time in Panama City exploring the modern capital city and experiencing the culture of the Emberer Indians. Having completed provisioning and carried out a few repairs, most of the fleet have now left Panama on route to Ecuador – the next stop over on the World ARC route.

A party of intrepid WARC participants set off to explore the Upper
Chagres River and visit an Embera Indian Village. After an hour journey
towards the east of Panama, we boarded a piragua, a traditional dug out
canoe carved from one tree trunk, on the Chagres riverbank. Now powered
by modern outboard motors, but coxswained by a traditionally dressed
Embera Indian!

After a smooth and enjoyable transit through the Panama Canal, The World ARC fleet have been making the most of their time on dry land this week, exploring the city and its surroundings

At 1800hrs, Saturday 23 January, the first group of World ARC yachts began their transit of the Panama Canal. The 16 yachts in the group made an impressive sight as they entered the Gatun locks to begin their transit. The boats were rafted in groups of 3 and each accompanied by a Canal transit Advisor. The canal is well used by commercial traffic but it is rare to see one of the huge chambers of the locks entirely filled with sailing boats.

19 World ARC boats are now berthed in Shelter Bay Marina, near the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal, in preparation for their transit across to the Pacific Ocean later this week. The fleet will pass through the Canal in two groups, with the first group of 15 boats setting off on Saturday afternoon.

Yesterday afternoon, many of the World ARC fleet met at Chichime Cay in the San Blas Islands for a rendez-vous on the beach. Each boat came ashore with a dish or two of food to share, often something reflecting the national dish of its crew. In particular, the afternoon was a great opportunity to exchange stories and recommendations about the best places to visit in the San Blas Islands.

At 22.25 UTC yesterday evening the catamaran 1+1 reported that they had crossed the finish line of Leg 1 of World ARC 2010/11. They were the first boat to report completing their sail after a passage of 5 days, 6 hours and 25 minutes. The finish line, which was the line of longitude 78°35’ West, was positioned to the north east of the San Blas Islands, just off the Caribbean coast of Panama.

The World ARC 2010/11 fleet crossed start line at 1200 local time to begin their 15 month circumnavigation of the globe. There was a good competitive start for the first leg from Saint Lucia to the San Blas Islands, Panama. There were near perfect conditions at the start line, marked by the committee vessel Heimkehr VI. The wind was from the west, 10-15 knots with a flat sea.

Rodney Bay Marina is buzzing with excitement and anticipation after the last full day ashore before the World ARC 2010-11 sets off around the globe.

The World ARC boats officially check out of St Lucia tomorrow morning, before heading out of the marina and getting ready for the official start at midday local time (4pm GMT).

World ARC 2010-11 participants enjoyed a fantastic New Year’s Eve party at the St Lucia Yacht Club last night. With a complimentary barbecue and drinks, and free bubbly at midnight, the New Year was welcomed in with style.

To help World ARC participants get to know one another the first event of the Rally programme, was a Welcome Drinks Party at the H20 Restaurant and Bar. Conveniently this was just a short ‘hop’ of the docks at Rodney Bay Marina. Some boats were meeting up again after different past adventures, either taking part in ARC 2009 or the Caribbean 1500, but for many it was the first opportunity to begin to get to know one another.

The World ARC Office opened this morning in Rodney Bay Marina to begin checking in the yachts that will be setting off from St Lucia next week on their 15-month world circumnavigation

With less than a week until the World ARC office opens in Rodney Bay, St Lucia, the marina is slowly filling with more boats taking part in World ARC 2010/11. Crews who took part in ARC 2009 are resting after their transatlantic crossing and are being joined by other yachts that have arrived from the USA or from other Caribbean Islands. Some boats are still completing their transatlantic passages and will join the fleet shortly.

With less than 50 days to the start of World ARC in Saint Lucia, on 06 January, the participating yachts are beginning to make their passages towards the start. Some boats are travelling down the east coast of America to the Caribbean, others are massing in the Canary Islands, to prepare for an Atlantic crossing either independently or with ARC 2009, and others have less distance to travel, having weathered the Caribbean hurricane season in safe ports in Grenada and other countries. Many participants are getting to know one another, even before the event begins.

World ARC, the flagship event in the global portfolio of World Cruising Club (WCC) rallies, is building on the success of the 2008 Rally with the announcement today that the entry list has opened for a second edition, the 2010 World ARC Rally. Billed as an adventure of a lifetime, World ARC 2010 will leave the Caribbean in January 2010, cruising across the World’s great oceans on a circumnavigation of the globe, returning to the Caribbean 14 months later.