The majority of the World ARC fleet is now on the halfway mark from this journey of the Rally from the Galapagos Islands to Hiva Oa in the Marquesas. Leg 3 is also the longest one from the entire circumnavigation with 2980NM.
After passing through areas of calmer winds the fleet is now enjoying good trade conditions in 15-20 knots. The swells are reasonably comfortable but still give the cooks a challenge. The days have been mostly dry but with squalls to try to avoid or seek out.
With such a long passage, the logs on our website have been regularly updated and yes, they express so very well, the life and moods on board the different boats.
“Meanwhile how does the crew manage to fill in the days? Well first off we try not to think about eating Tuna. After the monster landed on Day 1 we have been eating tuna for lunch, dinner and I am sure, breakfast. Not that there has been any criticism of the excellent culinary skills but - yes you can have too much of a good thing!” Free & BrEasy
“This is a rally, not a race, but two boats on the water is always a race. We have our second 200 nm day, and we log the sixth fastest 24hrs of any of the boats on the fleet, including catamarans and bigger boats. Skyelark is screaming across the South Pacific Ocean, likely halfway by tomorrow, and all debts are forgiven.” Sherri on Skyelark
“we speak to the rest of the fleet, some 35 boats twice a day on the long range radio and we are keeping in more regular contact with the three boats close to us Ghost, Tulasi and Boingo Alive, via VHF. So we have our own little community out here keeping us company. We have a range of skills to share amongst the boats from doctors, nurses, marine, telecoms and mechanical engineers (not much call for Architects or Farmers!) so also good support services if needed. So in comparison with living on land our sailing village is communicating and functioning very well.” Firefly
With such a good progress the yachts are expected to arrive in Hiva Oa between the 17-23 March where they’ll enjoy a typical Marquesan welcome and a chance to explore what their first stop in French Polynesia has to offer.